
(ilass. EUA 



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■ ■ w\ : 



^^^STO^i 



-OF- 







GENESEE COUNTY, 



l^XC:E3:XC3rJ^l<T. 



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illl^ 



i(IIii*jlrations mnl ||iogra^hic»il Slietdie^ 



!-.€== OF ==5_> 



ITS I=I?.01^IlTE3SrT Is^ElSr J^nSriD X=I02srEER.S. 



|j -ij \}(y(^/vJ^AA^j 







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1880 



PHILADELPHIA: 

EVERTS & ABBOTT. 



1879. 



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VT 



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:'i:^'±I^V.: 



..^•^-o-f^.o; I) :• — :i i.> '^^ 






PRESS OF J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., PHILADtLPHIA. 



\5M p<r 



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PREFACE. 



It is chiefly for the sake of confoniiing to a custom wiiich is as old as tlie trade of book-making 
that these few prefatory lines are addressed to readers of the following pages. 

Prefaces, although seldom read, contain, generally, some remarks which are pertinent and of value, 
as well as many wliicli arc unimportant and nuTiecessary ; among the latter of wliich may be classed 
those insincere apologies which authors so frequently offer in advance, — much the same as the skillful 
housewife of a quarter of a century ago used always to make pretended apologies to her guests when 
setting before them a repast which was really excellent, and wliich she herself knew to be so. It has 
been told how, on one such occasion, when the good lady of the house had despairingly assured her favorite 
pastor that he would find the meats very badly cooked, and the bread really not fit to be eaten, the 
reverend gentleman disappointed and mortified her by the inquiry, "Then why, my dear madam, do you 
place them before me?" The reply was most appropriate; and a similar one miglit well be addressed to 
those writers who, while acknowledging their works to be fiiulty and inferior, yet do not hesitate to offer 
them to readers who have the right to expect and demand that they shall be of an oj^posite character. 

In the preparation of this work, tiie object steadily kept in v.ew has been to furnish a reliable and 
exhaustive history of Genesee County, in all its departments,— pioneer, agricultural, manufacturing, civil, 
military, educational, and religious. To accomplish this object many months (equivalent to more than two 
years' time of a single person) have been spent, and neither labor nor expense have been spared in any 
particular. Something has been gathered from published works; more from the State archives, the county 
and township records, and the files of old newspapers; and still more (as it is designed to be especially a 
history of pioneers and pioneer enterprise) from information furnished by the oldest residents and best 
informed people in the county. In Flint City, and in the eighteen townships, many such persons have been 
called on, and all — with a single exception — have most obligingly imparted such information as they were 
able to give. To all and each of these sincere thanks are returned for the assistance they have so kindly 
and willingly contributed. The name of each would he given separately in acknowledgment, but on 
account of the great number (exceeding three hundred) who have rendered valuable aid, such separate 
mention is impracticable. 

Especial acknowledgments are due to the editors and proprietors of the Several newspaiiers, the pastors 
of the churches, and the ofiicers of the county, the townships, and the public institutions; all of whom 
have responded promptly and courteously to requests for assistance. 

The History of Genesee County is now presente<l, without apology, to its patrons, and their verdict 
is awaited, in full confidence that it will be a favorable one. 

F. E. 

Philadelphia, Oct. 1, 187'.». 

3 



CONTENTS. 



mSTOK/IO^L. 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 

CHAPTER p^OE 

I. — Location anil Natural Features of Genesee County . H 

II. — The White Man's Preilccessors in the Saginaw Valley II 

III. — The Saginaw-Chippewas after the AVar of 1812 . . U 
IV. — Indian Treaties and Cessions of Land — Indian Krai- 

gratinn ]y 

V. — Indian Reservations on Flint River .... 24 

VI. — Settlement of the County 31 

VII. — Changes of Civil Jurisdiction— Erection and Organi- 
zation of Genesee County — Courts and County 

Buildings ......... 35 

VIII. — Internal Improvements 39 

IX. — The Press — The Professions — Genesee Civil List — The 

Pioneer .Association ...... 51 

X. — Military Record of Genesee 02 

XI.— Eighth Infantry 68 

XII.— Tenth Infantry 78 

XIII. — Si.xteenth Infantry 85 

XIV.— Twenty-Third Infantry 92 

XV.— Twenty-Ninth and Thirtieth Infantry, and First En- 
gineers and Mechanics 100 

XVI.— First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Si.\lli Cavalry, and 

Thirteenth Battery 104 



CHAPTER p^oE 

XVII. — Other Genesee County Soldiers HQ 

XVIII. — .Agriculture — Manufactures — Population . . . 113 

FLINT CITY 119 

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS. 

Township of Flint 133 

" Fcnton ......... 193 

** Granil Blanc ........ 237 

Atlas 251 

'* Flushing ........ 264 

" Mundy 280 

" Argentine 303 

" Mount Morris 312 

" Genesee 321 

" Gaines 33.4 

" Burton ......... 342 

Clayton ^ 355 

'• Vienna 357 

" Thetford 379 

" Davison ........ 398 

" Richfield 4og 

" Forest 423 

" Montrose 44j 



Bioa-i?.-A.:PH:io.A.Xj. 



Hon. Edward II. Thomson 
Chauncey S. Payne . 
Grant Decker 
E. H. McQuigg . 
James Van Vleet 
Elias J. Bump . 
George Crocker . 
Jeremy R. Chambers . 
George E. Taylor 
Wm. M. Fcnton . 
Gen. M. D. McAlester 
Got. H. H. Crapo 
Hon. Alexander McFarlan 
Hon. Josiah W. Begole 
George M. Dewey 
Ira D. Wright . 
Stewart H. Webster 
Anson Gilbert . 
Robert P. Aitken 
Frederick A. Begole 
G. J. W. Hill . 
Jerome Z. Fairbank 
Seth C. Sadler . 
George W. Berryman 
Charles DeWitt Gibso 
Silaa D. llalsey . 
Simeon M. Perry 
Gurdon G. Cook . 
Michael Ferguson 
Caleb 8. Thompson 



facing 



facin<> 



facing 



FAQE 

1.30 
140 
144 
152 
156 
160 
168 
172 
176 
178 
179 
17a 
\A0 
181 
182 
181 
186 
18S 
190 
191 
192 
235 
2;i6 
236 
238 
240 
247 
248 
249 
219 



Lewis 0. Medbury 
Edgar E. Stimson 
Stephen Jordan . 
The McNeil Family . 
Jonathan Frost . 
The Carpenter Family 
Jeremiah Narrin 
Henry French 
Ebenezcr French 
Daniel Cotcher . 
John Paton 
Thomas H. Kelland . 
.Andrew F. Sullon 
Alexander Barber 
Josiah Alger and family 
jMorgan Raldwin 
Peter Hempsted . 
Ebcnezer Bishop 
John L. Jennings 
John Slaght 
William I. Williams . 
Volney Stiles 
Henry II. Ilowland 
Samuel W. Alger 
.lohn Reid . 
Nathan W. Soldcn 
Chauncey L. Badgley 
John B. Cochran 
Lorenzo C. Fletcher . 
John Boyd . 



PAOE 

. 259 

. 260 

. 260 

. 261 

. 262 

. 263 

. 263 

. 276 

. 277 

. 277 

. 278 

. 278 

. 279 

. 279 
etween 282, 283 

. 295 

. 296 

. 296 

. 297 

. 298 

. 298 

. 299 

. 300 

. .101 

. 301 

. 301 

. 302 

. 309 

. 310 " 

. 311 



CONTENTS. 



BIOGE^-A^IPHIIO^L. 



Lewis Lahring . 
William T. Jennings . 
David Brooks 
Richard Johnson 
William S. Pieison 
Henry D. Hunt . 
Henry B. Diller . 
George W. Hovey 
Simon King 
John Woollitt 
AValter Knickerbocker 
Henry Knickerbocker 
Whitman F. Clapp . 
Hiram H. Bardwell, M.D. 
The Atherton Family 
Pliny A. Skinner 
Daniel W. Richards . 
Ira Chase . 
John C. Wolverton 
Paul E. Traynor 
Peter Lennon 
Caleb Calkins 
Michael McEnrue 
James Penoyer . 



PAGE 

. 3U 

. 311 

. 311 

. 320 

between 322, 323 

32S, 329 

332 

332 

332 

333 

333 

333 

333 

333 

:il8 

351 
351 
352 
353 
363 
363 
363 
364 
364 



facing 



Isaac Lyons 
Michael Donahoo 
James L. Curry . 
David S. Halsted 
Milton B. Stage . 
Crawford Barkley 
Frederick S. Taylor . 
Nahum N. Wilson 
Charles M. Bouttell . 
Jacob W. Sharick 
William Green . 
Franklin E. Dodge 
George Geiger, Jr. 
William H. Long 
Daniel F. Bennett 
Jacob Kurtz 
Henry Drudge . 
Amasa Carrier . 
Jacob AV. AVhite . 
Simeon R. Billings 
Frederick Olds . 
Cbauncey AV. Seeley . 
Sevmour W, Ensign, Sr 



PACE 

365 

366 

377 

377 

378 

390 

391 

.391 

392 

392 

393 

393 

394 

394 

395 

395 

395 

, 396 

396 

. 421 

. 422 

. 439 

. 446 



IXjIjTJSTI?/-A.TIOniTS. 



Outline Map of Genesee County (colored) 

Copy of the Surveyed Plat of Indian Reservations 

FLINT CITY. 

View of High -School Building . 

Portrait of John Todd 

Residence of J. W. Begole (doublc-])agc view) 

" J. B. Atwood 

Portrait of Hon. E. H. Thomson 
Stone's Woolen Mills (double-page view) 
Portrait of Cbauncey S. Payne . 

'* Grant Decker . 

Portraits of E. H. McQuigg and Wife 

" James Van Vleet '' 

" Elias J. Bump " 

Portrait of George Crocker 
Portraits of J. R. Chambers and Wife 
Portrait of George E. Taylor 

" Henry H. Crapo (steel) . 

" Alexander McFarlan (steel) 

" J. W. Begole " 

" G. M. Dewey " 

FLINT TOWNSHIP 

Portraits of Ira D. Wright and Wife 
" S. H. Webster and Wife 

*' Anson Gilbert " 

" Robert P. -A^itken '' 

" G. J. W. Hill 

FENTON TOWNSHIP. 

Portrait of Jerome Z. Fairbank .... 

■' Seth C. Sadler .... 

Residence of G. W. Berryman (with portraits) . 



PACK 

facing S>> 

24'- 



facing 119 — 
. 121 
twccn 122, 123 ^ 
facing 126 — 
" / 130 
between 136, 137 — 
facing »/i 40 
" /144 
" 1^152 
" ^'156 
" 1./ 160 
" vl68 

" \An 

" 1^176 

" '' 179 

" f 180 

" ^181 

" V 182 



facing i/184 

" V 186 

" ' 188 

. 191 

. 192 



between 234.J!35 
234, 235 



Residence of David McNeil (with portraits) 

" Joseph P. Cook 

** the late Michael Ferguson 

Portraits of Simeon M. Perry and Wife 
" C. S. Thompson " 

ATtAS TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of the late Jonathan Frost (with purtr 
" John L. McNeil (with portraits) 

•' Stephen Jordan " " 

*' J. Karrin .... 

" Lewis 0. Medbury (double-page view) between 258, 259 ' 

" E. E. Stimson, with portraits (double-page view) 

between 260, 261 - 
" W. M. Cari>enter (double-page view) . " 262, 263 - 





PAGE 




facing 242 




244 




246 




. 248 




. 250 


tniilf 


) facing 251 




252 




254 




" 256 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Hon. A. P. Davis 

Portraits of Chas. D. Gibson and Wife 

" Silas D. Halsey '• ... 



234, 235— 



facing 237 
" ► 238 
" /240 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 

Exchange Hotel ...... 

Residence of W. D. Penoyer 

" John Paton (with portrait.s) . 

** William Schram . 

" T. H. Kelland 

" A. F. Sutton .... 

" James W. Graham (with portraits) 

Portrait of Henry French .... 
Residence of Daniel Cotcher (with portraits) 
Portraits of Ebenezer French and Wife 
Residence of the late Alex. Barber (with portraits) 

MIJNDY TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of A. W. Alger .... 

" Wm. R. Alger (with portraits) 

Portraits of Josiah and Josiah H. Alger . 
Residence of Wm. I. Williams (with portraits) 

" .John L. Jennings *' 

" Peter Hcmpsted '■ 

" C. L. Badgley (with portraits) 

Portrait of Morgan Baldwin 

" Ebenezer Bishop 



facing 



facing 



facing 



264 j 

264/^ 

266^ 

268.^ 

270^ 

272^, 

274^ 

276 

277.^. 

277 

278 - 



facing 280, 
between 282, 283^ 
282^283 
facing 284- 



286_ 



facing 



288U-VjV\J 
290- 



295 
297 



CONTENTS. 



ZIjLTJSTI?.JLTI02<rS. 



PAGE 

Portraits of John Slaght ami Wife 298 

Portrait of Volney Stiles 299 

Res. of H. IF. Howlaml. with port's (double-page view) bet. ;iOO, ^^01 — 

Portrait of John Reiil .3ul 

Portraits of N. W. Scldon an.l Wife 302 

ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of the late John Boyd, Sr. . . . facing .30:1'- 
" W. T. Jennings, with portraits (double-page view) 

between .304, 305-' 
'* Lewis Lahrinsj *' " (double-page view) 

between 306, 307-" 

" I.. C. Fletcher '• "... facing .308-- 

Portraits nf John B. Cochran and Wife 

" David Brooks and Wife .... 



ysio 

310 



MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Charles Johnson facing 312 



GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of J. W. Wilkcrsun .... 

" the late W. S. Pierson (with portraits 

" Walter Knickerbocker . 

" John Woolfitt .... 

" Wm. F. Chipji (with portraits) 

" Dr. H. H. Bardwell (with ]iortrait) 

Portraits of H. D. Hunt and Wife 
Residence of Henry B. Diller (with portraits) . 

" of W. H. Hovcy .... 

Portraits of G. W. Uovey and Wife . 

" Simon King ** ... 

" Henry Knickerbocker and Wife 

Residence of William Johnson .... 

GAINES TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Putnam Burton .... 

BURTON TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of P. A. Skinner (with portraits) 

" Henry Schram .... 

" John 0. Wolverton 

" Robert Chambers .... 



facing 321 — 
) between 322/323— 
. '■ 324, 325- 
. " 324, 325— 
facing 326 — 
between 328, 329_ j 
. " 328,>''329 

facing 330 -j 

between 332, 333 — 

" 332^33 I 

" 332, 333 i 

facing >/333 j 

334— 



PAGE 

Portraits of P. Atherton, .1. C. Atherton, itinl S. R. Atherton , 
and Wife ........ facing 1/54S 

Residence of D. W. Richanls (with |iortniils) . . " 350 — 

Portraits of Ira Chase and \Vife ...... 353 



facing 334 



facing 342— 
" 344— 
3461 
•' 346,1 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Miihael .McEnroe . 

" Michael Donaboo . 

" Peter Lennon (with portraits) 

" PaulE.Traynoi 

'* James Penoyer 

Portraits of Caleb Calkins and ^Vifi- . 
Portrait of Isaac Lyons .... 

VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of D. S. Halstcd .... 

" .Tames L. Curry (with portraits) . 

Portraits of Milton B. Stage and Wife 

THETFORD TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of N. N. Wilson (with portraits) 
" C. M. Bouttcll 

J. W. White 

■' D. F. Bennett (with i)ortraits 

" Jacob W. .Sharick " 

" .J. G. Geiger *' 

" Crawford Barkley 

" F. S. Taylor . 

Portraits of Wm. Green and Wife 
Residence of Wm. H. Long 

" F. E. Dodge . 

" Henry Drudge 

Portraits of Amasa Carrier and Wife 
Residence of .Jacob Kurtz (with portraits) 



facii 



35*' 
356 — 
358 — 
3G0- 
/363 
. 365 



facing 367 — 
377-- 

. 378 



facing 379*. 



(double-page view) 

between 380, 381 - 
facing 382- 



" 


384- 


" 


386 - 


« 


388- 


4( 


390 — 


facing 


.392 — 




393 


facing 
it 


394,- 
394- 


It 


395— 




396 


facing 


396 ^ 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

Residence of Hon. S. R. Billings . . . . 
Portraits of Frederick Olds and Wife 

FOREST TOWNSHIP. 

Portraits of Chauncey W. Seeley and Wife 



facing 



421 
422 



439 



CO U N T Y 

HANOE VIII CAST 




M AP OF 




RANGE V. EAST R^NSE VI. tAST 

LIVINGSTON COUNXr 



Michigan.- 

ENGRAVED EXPRESSLY" TOR THIS WORK- 



HISTORY 

OP 



GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



BY FRANKLIN ELLIS. 



CHAPTER L 

LOCATION AND NATURAL PEATXTRES OF 
GENESEE COUNTY. 

Genksee is an interior county of Michigan, situated in 
the southeastern part of the lower peninsula of the State ; 
its capital city, Flint, which is also nearly its territorial 
centre, being in latitude 4.3° 1' north, and longitude 83° 
4' west ; distant sixty-four miles in a northwesterly direc- 
tion from Detroit, fifty miles east-northeast from the State 
capital, and sixty-six miles west from the outlet of Lake 
Huron, by the customary routes of travel. The counties 
which join this and form its several boundaries are, Saginaw 
and Tuscola on the north, Lapeer and Oakland on the east, 
Oakland and Livingston on the south, and Shiawassee and 
Saginaw on the west. 

The limits of Genesee include eighteen townships of the 
United States survey, sixteen of which (being Nos. 6, 7, 
8, and 9 north, in ranges 5, 6, 7, and 8 east) lie together 
in form of a square ; and the two remaining townships (5 
north, of ranges 5 and G east) join the square, upon the 
west half of its south line. Thus the aggi-egate area is 
nearly 415,000 acres. More than three-fourths of this 
area, embracing all the central and western parts of the 
county, is underlaid by the vast coal measures, which occupy 
a space of nearly seven thousand square miles in the centre 
of the lower peninsula ; comprehending, besides Genesee, 
the counties of Saginaw, Shiawassee, Clinton, Ionia, Mont- 
calm, Gratiot, Isabella, and Midland, and the greater part of 
Tuscola, Ingham, Eaton, and Day, with considerable por- 
tions of Livingston and Jaek.son. " Over nearly the whole of 
this extent of country, the [coal] measures will be found 
productive." This is the prediction made by Dr. Alexander 
Winchell, State Geologist, in his " Report of the Progress 
of the Geological Survey of Michigan," made to Governor 
Wisuer, in December, 1860 ; from which document is also 
extracted the following, having reference to Genesee County : 

" Between Ingham and Genesee Counties the boundary of 
the coal formation has not been traced. In the southwest- 
ern part of the town.sliip of Mount Morris, and contiguous 
portions of Flushing, in the latter county, according to the 
observations of Dr. Miles, the shales and sandstones of the 
coal measure.'^ make numerous outcrops. On the south- 
east quarter of section 2(J, Flushing, the following section 
is observed iu the bank of the Flint River: 
2 



".Superficial materials 4 feet. 

Black shale, containing Linguia, Chroiietefi 
S'liithiij Proditclits Afiperu«f and Spirifer 

Camerntns Z feer. 

Sandstone, tinged with iron 7 inches. 

Shale* 1 foot. 

Sandstone 'A inches. 

Shale to surface of water 10 inches. 

" A short distance west of here the section is seen to be 
extended upwards by the superposition of seven inches of 
sandstone and five feet of an overlying shale. The bed of 
the river here is covered by a somewhat undulating and 
shattered gray sandstone, which is considerably quarried for 
building. At a point on the northeast (|uarter of section 
35, Flushing, a sandstone was seen to attain a thickness of 
about twelve feet, in an excavation made by Mr. Miles. 

" On the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section 22, Flushing, a shaft was sunk on the farm of A. J. 
Brown, of which the following account was obtaiued : 

"Superficial materials 14 feet. 

Sandstone, below, bluish, gritty 8 " 

Coal 2i inches. 

'Horseback Claystone' (lilackband) 2 feet. 

Same with kidney iron-ore 2 " 

Shale 5 " 

Sandstone and «'«// i(!((fer 3 " 

Shale i " 

' Black hard stone,' combustible 4 " 

While' fire-clay 2 " 

Hard white sandstone 2 " 

Darker sandstone unknown. 

Striped sandstone 3 feet. ^ 

Shale unknown. 

' Coalblaze,' with bands of iron-ore 11 feet. 

" A small hole was bored from this point to a depth of 
twelve feet in the last-named material, making the whole 
depth attained eighty-three feet. The work seems to have 
been directed by ' Prof Challis.' The shaft is now filled 
with salt water. 

" Coal crops out at numerous places in the vicinity. It 
is said sometimes to show a thickness of two or three feet 
at the outcrop, but soon thins out. 

" Mr. Patton. on the cast side of the river, near the south 
line of section 22, made an excavation for coal, and found 
a seam eighteen inches thick, which is tolerably hard. The 
sandstone taken from the quarry above Flushing is a pale 
bluish rock, abounding in scales of white mica, ferruginous 
streaks, pyrites, carbonaceous streaks and curls, and much 
oblique lamination. What is quite remarkable, I .saw in a 
block of this stone, in the vault of the bank, in Flint, a long 
club of fibrous talcosc slate, a mineral said to occur in con- 
siderable abundance. This rock does not answer to the 

9 



10 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



characters of the Woodville sandstone at any point where its 
identity is undoubted, and I am induced to regard it as a 
sandstone included in the coal measures. If it is so, this is 
the only instance within my knowledge where any of the 
included sandstones have attained sufficient development to 
be worked. It is likely, liowevcr, that the gray, homo- 
geneous, fine, gritty, faintly-banded sandstone, found within 
a mile or two of the city of Lansing, will be found to hold 
the same position. Sandstone— not unlikely the Woodville 
sandstone— is found outcropping in the township of Mont- 
rose, on the borders of Saginaw County." 

The centre of the great coal measures of the lower penin- 
sula falls nearly on the boundary between Gratiot and 
Sai;inaw Counties, and it is only their southeastern edge 
which falls within the county of Genesee. Next east of 
these appears the belt of the Parma sandstone, which 
traverses the entire eastern side of the county from south 
to north ; and nest is found the belt of carboniferous lime- 
stone, which extends only a short distance into tw-o or three 
of the townships in the southeastern corner. Very few geo- 
logical developments have been made in the county, and the 
student of the science finds little here of sufficient interest 
to reward research or exploration. 

Genesee County lies entirely within the Saginaw Valley, 
upon a slope which has a general inclination towards the 
northwest. The greatest altitude is at the southeast corner 
of the county, it being there about four hundred feet above 
Lake Huron, and about nine hundred and eighty feet above 
the sea. From that point the descent is gradual and regu- 
lar (leaving out of account the surfoce undulations) to 
the extreme northwest corner, where the altitude is but 
about fifty feet above the lake. At the northeastern and 
southwestern corners of the county the elevation is nearly 
the same, being about two hundred and fifty feet above 

Huron. 

All the waters of the county find their outlet to the lake 
through the channel of the Saginaw Kiver. The principal 
stream of Genesee is the Flint River,* which, taking its 
rise in the east and northeast, in the counties of Tuscola, 
Oakland, and Lapeer, comes from the last-named county 
into Genesee across its eastern boundary, north of the cen- 
tre, and, flowing thence in a grand irregular sweep or 
curve for a distance of nearly fifty miles within the county, 
passes out across its northern border, and then on through 
Saginaw County to its junction with the Shiawassee. lu 
its^course through Genesee the Flint River flows first in a 
general southwesterly course to a point near the geograph- 
ical centre of the county, where it turns abruptly towards 
the northwest, and continues in that general direction until 
it has approached to within about three miles of the west 
boundary ; then turns, and flows in a general course nearly 
due north to the place of its exit, which is about two and 
a half miles east of the northwest corner of the county. 
Of the tributary streams which Genesee gives to the Flint, 



» The Indian name of this stream was Pcicomymhik, or, as it 
has sometimes been written, I',:mmn„l-c„in,/. which, being translateil, 
means "River of the Flint" (literally, "River of the Fire St.me"), 
from which came its name in English. Among the early French 
traders and courenr, (/c» huU it was Ivnown as " Riviere dala Pierre," 
this having nearly the same signification. 



the most important are Kearsley Creek and Thread River, 
both of which come from a number of small lakes in Oak- 
land County ; both enter Genesee near its southeast corner, 
and flow northwestwardly in very tortuous courses to near 
its centre, where they unite with the main river; the 
Thread being augmented a short distance above its conflu- 
ence with the Flint by the waters of Swartz Creek, which 
also takes its rise in numerous lakes in Oakland and in the 
southwest part of Genesee County, and flows north and 
northeast to its junction with the larger stream. The 
tributaries above mentioned all enter the Flint through 
its left bank. The principal of those entering from the 
opposite side are Butternut Creek, which comes in from 
the northeast corner, and Armstrong Creek and Brent's 
Run, which are wholly in Genesee, and enter the river in 
the northwesternmost township. Pine Run has its sources 
in the northern part of this county, but enters the Flint 
several miles below, in Saginaw. 

A large number of lakes are found within the county, 
chiefly in its southern and eastern parts. Among those 
which lie in the two southernmost townships are Long, 
Silver, Crooked, Pine, iMud, Lobdcll, Sciuaw, McKane, 
Bass, McCaslin, Hibbard's, Loon, White's, Byram, Murray, 
Day's, Thompson's, Myers, Ball, and Openconic Lakes, with 
a large number of smaller ones, all beautiful sheets of pure, 
limprd water. Most of these contribute to swell the waters 
of the main stream and several branches of the Shiawassee 
River, which flows westwardly for several miles through 
this part of Genesee, then passes into and across Shiawassee 
County on its way to join its current with those of the 
Flint, the Cass, and the Tittabawassee. 

In the extreme northeast corner of Genesee (and extend- 
ing across the line into Lapeer County) is Otter Lake, which 
is aie source of Butternut Creek. At more southerly points 
on the east line of the county are Potter and Hasler Lakes, 
both of which are also partly in Lapeer. The latter dis- 
charges its waters through Hasler Creek into the Flint, 
and the former is the source of Black Crock, a tributary to 
the Kearsley, which is also partially supplied by Neshina- 
guac Lake, near the southeast corner of the county. Buell's 
Lake, near the northern border, is the head of Perry's 
Creek, which flows north and joins the Cass River in Tus- 
cola County. 

The surface of Genesee can nowhere be termed hilly, 
but is generally undulating, though flattening- considerably 
towards the northwest. The parts which are most rolling 
were originally covered with open forests, principally of oak, 
which w^ere (and still are, where they remain) called " oak 
openings." The more level portions were generally covered 
with a" denser and heavier forest, composed of oak, elm, 
hickory, beech, maple, ash, and a variety of other woods, 
interspersed in many places with pine of large growth and 
excellent quality, which, by its manufacture into lumber, 
has added largely to the wealth of the county. The soil 
of the rolling country is a sandy or gravelly loam ; that of 
the flatter lands is intermixed with clay and less friable, 
but in nearly every part very productive and well adapted 
for the requirements of the farmer. In agriculture Genesee 
stands in the foremost rank among the counties of the 
State. 



THE WHITE MAN'S PEEDECESSORS IN THE SAGINAW VALLEY. 



11 



CHAPTER IL 

THE WHITE MAN'S PREDECESSORS IN THE 
SAGINAW^ VALLEY. 

Ancient Mounds ami Relics — The S.iuks. and their Expulsiou by the 
Chippcwas — Early Indian Traders — Jaeub Smith. 

ANCIENT MOUNDS AND RELICS. 

In luindrods of different localities in Micliigan, and, in- 
deed, through all or nearly all the States l3'iiig between the 
AUeghanies and the Mississippi, there have been found in- 
disputable evidonce.s that, centuries before the advent of 
the white man into this western land, its vallej's and hills 
and forests had been inhabited by tribes, or nations of 
people, who were either the remote ancestors of the later 
Indians who were found in occupation, or, perhaps, of a 
race which is now extinct and unknown. Many such 
evidences were found by the early settlers in Genesee 
County (as in every other part of the Saginaw Valley), 
chiefly in the form of ancient mounds of earth, which ap- 
peared to have been constructed for purposes of sepulture, 
as in nearly or quite every instance the}' were found to eon- 
tain human bones, — sometimes sound and well preserved, 
but oftener in a condition of such friability that the lightest 
touch, or even exposure to the air, reduced them to fine 
powder ; the latter circuiu.stance seeming to indicate a very 
ancient period of inhumation. And with these were some- 
times found rude implements and parts of warlike weapons, 
which may or may not have been significant of the rank or 
consequence of the person with whom they were buried. 

Instances are mentioned as having been noticed in the 
county, where the bones found were of unusually large 
size ; one of these ca.ses being that of a colossal skeleton, 
which was discovered some two or three feet below the sur- 
face, and was disinterred by workmen engaged in construct- 
ing a road across Crane's Cove, on the west side of Long 
Lake, in the fall of 1877, and another instance in the east 
part of the county, where a number of skeletons (also of 
very large size) were found buried in a circle directly be- 
neath the stuiup of a gigantic pine-tree of the oldest 
growth ; but in both these cases the finding of the bones 
was wholly accidental, as there was no mound or other sur- 
face-mark to indicate the places of burial. 

Many of the ancient mounds discovered in Ohio, Illi- 
nois, and other States seem to have been intended as de- 
fensive works; and in their construction, as well as in the 
material and finish of the iniplemenls, pottery, and weapons 
iuund within them, there appears the work of a people 
who, in enlightenment, engineering, and mechanical skill, 
must have been very far in advance of the later Indians to 
whom we are accustomed to apply the name of aborigines. 
IJut the pre-historic works found in Genesee County were 
not of this class; they were in every case (it is believed) 
simjily sepulchral mounds, inclosing the bones and relics of 
a race that may have been identical with that which the 
first white settlers found in possession of the soil. There 
appears to have been nothing in the construction of the 
mounds, or in the mechanism or material of the implements 
discovered here, to compel a belief that either were the 
work of a superior people. That any race of men different 
from the Indian ever had a home in the valley of the 



Saginaw is only rendered probable from the disclosure of 
skeletons, represented to have been of unusual size ; and it 
is not impo.ssible that even this peculiarity (in the absence 
of actual measurement) may have been unintentionally ex- 
aggerated on account of the atmosphere of myster)' and 
romance which surrounded their discovery. They may 
have been the remains of ToUec or Aztec mound-builders, 
or they may have been those of the ancestors of Pontiac 
or Tecuniseh. It is a question which can never be satis- 
factorily settled, and which, beyond the facts of the dis- 
covery of the tumuli AixA^ their mysterious contents, is not 
properly within the scope of this history. 

THE SAUKS AND TUEIR EXPULSION BY THE CIIIPPEWAS. 

When the first white explorers penetrated this wilderness 
region, they found it peopled by bands of both the Chip- 
peica and Ottawa nations of Indians, though the former 
were by ftir the more numerous here, and have generally 
been mentioned in Indian history, and recognized in all 
subsequent treaties as the original proprietors of the eoun- 
tr}' bordering on the Saginaw and its tributaries, and of the 
vast territory stretching away from thence northwestwardly 
to Lake Superior. 

According to their own traditions, however (which, in this 
particular, are supported to some extent by authentic history), 
their proprietorship was of but comparatively recent date. 
They said that, within the memory of some of their old men, 
all these streams and woods and hunting-grounds, this Indian 
paradise of fish and deer and beaver, was the home and pos- 
session of the Saitks and Onottoways (a kindred people), 
who lived near together in neighborly amity, and, both being 
strong and valiant tribes, and confederated for mutual de- 
fense, they felt perfectly secure in their fancied ability to 
hold their country against all invading enemies. The Sau/.s 
were the more numerous, and occupied the valleys of the 
Tittabawassee, the Flint, and the Shiawassee, their domain 
extending as far south as the head-waters of the latter 
stream, along the present southern boundaries of Shiawas- 
see and Genesee Counties. The Onottoioays lived in the 
valley of the Onottoway-Sebewing, or Ca.ss River, and had 
their principal village a few miles above the mouth of that 
stream, nearly where is now the village of Bridgeport Cen- 
tre, and where, as late as 1840, a large earthen work was 
still visible, though whether built by these people' or by 
their successors, the Cltippewas, is, of course, a matter of 
doubt. The chief village of the SaiiLi was on the west 
side of the Saginaw River, opposite where Portsmouth 
now .stands ; but they had other small villages or encamp- 
ments at different points on the rivers, and as far up as the 
lakes of Genesee and Livingston Counties. 

Both these tribes appear to have possessed warlike traits, 
and were not only disposed to hold and defend their own 
country, but sometimes engaged in aggressive expeditions 
against the tribes whose country adjoined theirs on the 
north and south, which tribes, as a consequence, both 
feared and hated them. Particularly was this the case with 
the OJibways (C/iij/pewus), who then inhabited a region 
far away to the north, bordering on the lakes, — Michigan, 
Huron, and Superior. This nation had for years coveted 
the teeming hunting-grounds of the Sait/cs, and it had long 



13 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



been a cherished project with them to conquer and extermi- 
nate the prosperous tribes who held the Saginaw Valley, and 
the country stretching thence, for many a league, towards 
the north and west. But they dreaded the power and 
prowess of their enemies, and this consideration held them 
in check until their ambitious desires could be controlled no 
longer, and, at last, they determined to attempt the execution 
of the plan of invasion and conquest which they had so long 
secretly entertained. To this end they held council with the 
Otidwas of the north (whose country was contiguous to 
their own), and sent messengers to the southern Oltawiis 
(whose domain lay along the northern border of that of 
the Pottawallamies), asking them to join in an expedition 
for the humiliation of the Sauks and Onottowai/s and the 
occupation of their hunting-grounds. The proposition was 
favorably received, the league was formed, and the confed- 
erated bands set out on the war-path with great secrecy, 
hoping to take their enemies by surprise, — a hope that was 
fully realized. 

As to the manner in which the attack was made, the 
traditional accounts differed to some extent ; but that which 
seems the most complete and reasonable was nearly as fol- 
lows : The invaders entered the country of the doomed 
tribes in two columns, — one, composed of the southern Olta- 
was, coming through the woods from the direction of De- 
troit, and the otlier, made up of the Chlppewas and north- 
ern Ot/dwas, setting out in canoes from Mackinaw, proceed- 
ing down along the western shores of Lake Huron and the 
bay of Saginaw, paddling by night, and lying concealed in 
the woods by day. When the canoe fleet reached a point 
a few miles above the mouth of Saginaw River, half the 
force was landed; and the remainder, boldly striking across 
the bay in the night-time, disembarked at a place about the 
same distance below the mouth of the Saginaw. Then, in 
darkness and stealth, the two detachments glided up through 
the woods on both sides of the river, and fell upon the un- 
suspecting Suk/cs like panthers upon their prey. The 
principal village — situated on the west side of the river — ■ 
was first attacked ; many of its people were put to the tom- 
ahawk, and the remainder were driven across the river to 
another of their villages, which stood on the eastern bank. 
Here they encountered the body of warriors who had 
moved up on that side of the river, and a desperate fight 
ensued; in which the Sauks were again routed, with great 
loss. The survivors then fled to a small Lsland in the Sagi- 
naw, where they believed themselves safe, at least for the 
time, for their enemies had no canoes in the river. But 
here again they had deluded themselves, for in the follow- 
ing night ice was formed of sufficient strength to enable the 
victorious Chippetcas to cross to the island. This oppor- 
tunity they were not slow to avail themselves of, and then 
followed another massacre, in which, as one account says, 
the males were killed, to the last man, and only twelve 
women were spared out of all who had fled there for safety. 
So thickly was the place strewn with bones and skulls of the 
. massacred Sauks, that it became known as Skull Island.* 

* Mr. Ephraim S. Williams, one of the oldest and most respected 
citizens of Flint, but formerly of Saginaw City, verifies this state- 
ment. He has often visited the island in earlier years, and has seen 
numbers of skulls exhumed from its soil. 



After completing their bloody work on the Saginaw, 
the invading army was divided into detachments, which 
severally proceeded to carry destruction to the villages on 
the Shiawassee, Tittabawa.ssee, Cass, and Flint Rivers. 
Meanwhile, the co-operating force of Ottawas, coming in 
from the south, struck the Flint River near its southern- 
most bend, and a desperate battle was fought between them 
and the Sauks, upon the blufl" bank of the river, about a 
half-mile below the present city of Flint. Here the Sauks 
.suffered a severe defeat, and retreated down the river to 
a point about one mile above where the village of Flushing 
now is ; and there another battle was fought,"!" as bloody 
and disastrous as the first. Still another deadly struggle 
took place on the Flint, a little north of the present bound- 
ary between Genesee and Saginaw Counties ; and on this 
field, as on the others, the bones of the slain were found 
many years afterwards. Equally murderous work was done 
by the bands which scoured the valleys of the Shiawassee 
and the Cass, and everywhere the result was the same, — 
the utter rout and overthrow of the Sauks, only a miser- 
able remnant of whom made their e-scape, and, finally, by 
some means, succeeded in eluding their relentless foes, and 
gained the shelter of the dense wilderness west of Lake 
Michigan. J 

After the Sanks had been thus utterly crushed, and 
their villages destroyed, the victorious allies did not imme- 
diately settle in the conquered territory, but held it as a 
common ground for the range of their hunting-parties. 
After a time they found that some of the young men who 
went out with those parties did not return, and could never 
be heard of, and then it became their firm belief that the 
dim recesses of these forests were haunted by the spirits of 
the murdered Sauks, who had come back to their former 
hunting-grounds to take vengeance on their merciless de- 
stroyers. And the result of the belief (so said the tradi- 
tion) was that they abandoned this inviting region, and 
for years their hunters and fishermen avoided its haunted 
woods and streams, although the thickets swarmed with 
game and the waters were alive with fish. 

No one can say how long their superstitious terrors pre- 
vailed, but it is certain that they were overcome at last, and 
the Cliippewii and (.>ltaica tribes built their lodges in the 
land which their bloody hands had wrenched from its 
rightful possessors. Those who came to the valley of the 
Saginaw, however, were principally CItippcwas, and from 
that time the Indian inhabitants of this region were known 
as the Saginaw tribe of the Chippewa nation. They 
possessed all the characteristics of the parent stock, and^ 
until they were overawed and cowed by the power of the 
whites, they showed a disposition as fierce and turbulent 
as that of their kindred, the Ojlhways of Lake Superior, 

f At both these places were found a number of mounds covering 
human bones. These were visible within the past few years, and 
have been seen by many persons now living in the county. 

X One of the Indinn accounts of this sanguinary campaign was to 
the ciTect that no Siiuh or Oitoitoicay warrior escaped; that of all the 
people of the Saginaw Valley not one was spared except the twelve 
women before mentioned, and tliat these were sent we&tward and 
placed among the tribes beyond the Mississippi. This, however, was 
unquestionably an exaggeration made by the hoa&tful Cfiippeirtie ; 
and it is certain that a part of the Saiik« escaped beyond the lake. 



THE WHITE MAN'S PEEDECESSOES IN THE SAGINAW VALLEY. 



13 



who massacred the garrison of Fort Michiliniackinac, in 
1763. 

The country of the Sayinaws was then an ahnost inac- 
cessible fastness, and from this their warriors continually 
forayed against tlie unprotected settlements on the Detroit, 
St. Clair, and Huron Rivers; and many were the scalps 
and captives which they brought back from these hostile 
expeditions. They joined the Indian league which was 
formed in 17SC in the interest of the British, for the 
purpose of destroying the American settlements and driv- 
ing them beyond the Ohio River, and they took part with 
the other tribes in the ho.stilitics which continued untih 
checked by the victorious campaign of General Anthony 
Wayne. Again, when the Shaic<aiese chieftain, Tecumseh, 
and his brother, the " Prophet" Elkswatawa, instigated 
by the British, sent forth their emissaries to a.sk the co- 
operation of the northern and western tribes in a project to 
exterminate the white settlements within the Northwest 
Territory, the Saginaw Cltippeu'ns were found ready and 
willing to join the league ; and they continued among the 
most active of all the Indian allies of the English during 
the war of 1812-15. 

EARLY INDIAN TRADERS — JACOB SMITH. 

Up to this time it is probable that not more than a dozen 
white men had ever penetrated into the country of the Sog- 
iitaws. They may have been visited by the enterprising 
and adventurous priests from the Recollet Mission at the 
foot of Lake Huron, but such is not known to be the fact. 
It is known, however, that, some time before the commence- 
ment of the present century, a French trader named Bolieu 
(named, in Indian, Kasegans) came among them, and lived 
at different points on the Flint and Saginaw Rivers; that 
he married a full- blood Chippewa woman, by whom he be- 
came the father of a Jiumber of half-breed children,* one of 
whom, in after-years, was a claimant to one of the Indian 
reservations in Gene.see County. There is liltle doubt that 
(with the possible exception of a priest or two, as above 
mentioned) this trader, Bolieu, with perhaps two or three 
as.sistants, or r.oiireiirs ilc Loisf (forest-runners), were the 
first men of European descent who ever set foot upon the 
wilderness domain of the Saginaw Chippncas. There was 
another French trader, however, named Tremble ( freciuently 
corrupted to Tiomblci/) , who came to Saginaw very soon 
after Bolieu, but it is not shown that he was located any- 
where else in the Indian country than at that point. 

* The facts of BoHeu's residence among the Sngiuaira nt the time 
mentioned, of his marringe with the Indian woman, who was a near 
relative of the Sur/iiiaic cliicf Neome, and of the rearing of iiis half- 
breed family, were afterwards shown in a noted case of litigation 
(Dewey it. Canipau), involving the title to a part of the file of the 
eity of Flint. 

t In mentioning this cla.^s of nun, Judge Camiibcll, in his Political 
History of Michigan, says, " Many of these were of the lower classes, 
and dropped readily into the ways of the Indians, adopting their hab- 
its, and becoming adherents to the triljes. But there were many also 
of respectable conneitions, who betoul< themselves to a wandering 
life of hunting and trading, partly from love of adventure and partly 
because they could find no other means of livelihood. There is no 
re.ison to regard tlicm as a despicable or essentially vicious race." 
They were generally employed by the early Indian traders to assist in 
the tmusporlatiun of tlicir merchandise through the wood.", etc. 



Perhaps the next (and certainly one among the earliest) 
of the traders who came into these wilds was Jacob Smith, 
a man who should receive more than a cursory mention, 
not only because he was brave, true, and nobly generous in 
all his impulses, honest and benevolent in his dealings with 
the Indians of this valley, to a degree which gave him a 
firmer hold on their esteem and confidence than has ever 
been enjoyed by any other white man, but because, although 
an alien by birth, he was warmly devoted to the cause of 
America, an officer uuder her banner, one who braved great 
personal peril in her service, and gave his property, as he 
also risked his life, to rescue prisoners from the hands of 
their savage captors, and because his name is intimately 
connected with the early history of the region which is now 
partially included in Genesee County. He was of German 
parentage or descent, and a native of the city of Quebec, 
Canada. His enterprising and adventurous spirit drew him 
to the western frontier, and in the early years of the pres- 
ent century we find him, with a wife and .several children, 
located in Detroit, as the base of his trading operations. 
He came among the Indians of the Saginaw before the be- 
ginning of the war of 1812, at a time when their hostile 
disposition had been wrought up to a high pitch by the 
machinations of Tecumseh. At this time, however, he was 
not permanently established among them, but merely made 
periodical visits to their countrj' from his home at Detroit. 

On the breaking out of the war, iu 1812, it became a 
matter of importance to know what position the Suglmito 
tribe would take in the contest, and Jacob Smith undertook 
the task of gaining such information by going to their vil- 
lages, ostensibly on a trading expedition, but really with 
the object above named, though it was necessary to the 
success of his mission, as well as for his own safety, that 
this object should remain unknown and unsuspected by the 
Indians. He arrived safely at their main settlement on the 
Saginaw, but soon after reaching there the tongue of one of 
his two assistants became loosened by a too free use of the 
treacherous whisky, and while thus off his guard he in- 
cautiously divulged the secret which should have been jeal- 
ously guarded. Upon learning that the trader, whom they 
knew to be a British subject, had now come among them as 
a spy, in the interest of the Americans, they became so 
greatly infuriated that it was only by instant flight that 
Smith and one of his assistants were finally enabled to es- 
cape with their lives. Abandoning the merchandise, they 
leaped on their horses and sped away with all possible 
rapidity on the southern trail, up the valley of the Flint, 
fording the river where Flint City now stands, and thence 
flying on through the woods and openings towards Detroit. 
All this time the Indians were in pursuit and gradually 
gaining ground. On reaching the Big Springs (in the 
present town of Groveland, Oakland County) the fugitives 
found themselves so hard pressed that, in order to embarra.ss 
their fierce pursuers, they separated, one continuing on the 
trail to the Clinton River, the other striking more towards 
the south, and by this means they finally escaped unharmed, 
except that Mr. Smith, in riding through a thicket, re- 
ceived a permanent injury to one of his eyes. The assist- 
ant whom they were compelled to leave behind lost his life, 
and the goods were of course a total loss; but the main 



u 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



object of Mr. Sniith's mission was accomplished, for he had 
ascertained the disposition and intentions of the Sciffiiiaics 
most conclusively. 

P]ither before, or imuiediately after, this expedition, he 
was made a captain in the United States service, and was 
present, under General Hull, at the disgraceful surrender 
of Detroit. By reason of this surrender he experienced 
heavy losses, for which he was never reimbursed by the 
government. During the war which succeeded, he on sev- 
eral occasions rendered admirable service by procuring the 
liberation of prisoners who had been taken by the Indians. 
One of these cases was that of a family named Boyer, 
whose dwelling on Clinton River had been burned and 
themselves carried into captivity by the Saginmvs. To 
effect their release, Jacob Smith proceeded into the Indian 
country, taking with him (loaded upon pack-horses) a large 
quantity of goods, such as delight the hearts of Indians, to 
be given as a ransom for the unfortunate prisoners. It was 
a bold movement for one who had once been compelled to 
fly for his life from these same Indians whom he now went 
to seek in their stronghold ; but it was just such an act as 
might have been expected from one of his brave and gen- 
erous nature. The Indians admired his fearlessness and 
respected his mission, and the prisoners were released un- 
harmed. 

After the close of the war Mr. Smith continued to prose- 
cute his traffic with the Indians, though be still had bis 
residence in Detroit. But after the death of his wife, in 
1817, he became permanently established in the Sugiituw 
country, and passed most of his time there during the re- 
mainder of his life. In 1819 he located his store where 
Flint City now stands, and died there a little less than six 
years afterwards. 

By the Indians he was known as Wahbesins (meaning 
" the young swan"), and his popularity and influence with 
them was almost unbounded. He was kind and generous 
to them ; he was unexcelled in bravery ; and was the pos- 
sessor of physical qualities such as invariably elicit the red 
man's admiration. No Indian hunter was more skilled in 
woodcraft than he. He had to a great extent adopted 
their dress and mode of life, and by his long inteicourse 
with them had become so familiar with their language that 
be spoke it as fluently and perfectly as the Chippewus 
themselves. Among all the principal men of the tribe 
there were few, if any, who were not friends to Wahbe- 
sins ; and especially strong was the bond of amity between 
him and old Neome, who was one of the most respected 
and powerful of all the Saginaw chiefs, but an honest, sim- 
ple-minded, and peaceable man. The attachment which 
existed between him and Jacob Smith was so strong that 
for years after both were dead the Indians invariably spoke 
of Neome and Wahbesins as biuthers, whose friendship had 
never been broken or clouded. 

Conrad Ten Eyck was trading among the Sa(/iiiaivsneaT]j 
as early as Jacob Smith. Louis Campau established him- 
self as a trader among them in 1815. His brother, Au- 
toine, came about the same time, and Baptiste Cochios had 
his trading-post on the Flint. General Riley, of Schenec- 
tady, N. Y., commenced trading here soon after the close 
of the war of 1812-15, and several other traders were in 



the Indian country as early as 1820, but' among all these 
there were none who ever held the confidence and friend- 
ship of the natives to an equal degree with Jacob Smith. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE SAGINAW-CHIPPE-WAS AFTER THE -WAK 
OF 1812-15. 

Story of the Chief Nawahgo — Superstition of the Saginaws — The 
Chief Neome, .aud the Powonigo band. 

The close of the war of 1812-15, which resulted in the 
discomfiture of Britain and her Indian allies, seems to have 
marked the extinguishment of the fierce and warlike dis- 
position of the Saginaw tr'ihe of Cliippncas, and from that 
time their progress was rapid towards that state of decay 
and demoralization which is invariably the result of the 
Indian's contact with the white race, and his access to the 
white man's whisky. When they began to be well known 
by the traders who followed Jacob Smith, and by the United 
States officers and agents whose duties called them to the 
Indian country, they were found to be a dispirited and 
comparatively harmless people, who, realizing that their 
former power and prowess were broken, were little disposed 
to take the war-path or wield the tomahawk for the enforce- 
ment of the aboriginal rights which they knew had been 
justly forfeited by their acts of hostility against the gov- 
ernment during the then recent war. 

Mr. Ephruiin S. Williams, now of Flint, who passed 
many years among these Indians subsequently to 1820, 
and who also knew the Chippewas of Lake Superior, says 
of the fonuer that they were a people who possessed many 
good traits, but who, generally, were but degenerate repre- 
sentatives of the northern nation from whom they sprung ; 
though he knew many instances of individuals to whom 
this criticism would not apply. One incident which he 
relates seems not inappropriate to mention here, as it oc- 
curred in the neighboring county of Saginaw, the actors in 
it being members of the same tribe who peopled the valley 
of the Flint, and Mr. Williams (who was an eye-witness of 
the scene) an old citizen of Genesee, personally known to 
a large portion of the people of this county, and recognized 
as among the best of authorities in all matters pertaining 
to early Indian history. He tells the story as follows ; 

There lived upon the Saginaw a young Chippewa war- 
rior, — a model of physical power and grace, — named Na- 
wahgo, who, in a quarrel, had killed a sou of the old chief 
Red Bird (Wuzcobenasa), whose home was on the Tittaba- 
wassee. By Indian law and usage the relatives of the 
murdered man might take the life of his slayer, in retaliation, 
and in this case they demanded the forfeit. In response 
to the summons, Nawahgo presented himself before the 
warrior relatives of his victim, and bared his breast to 
receive their blows. The avengers filed past him, and each 
in turn delivered a blow at his heart ; but when all had 
struck, and Indian justice was sated, the young warrior 
still lived. Weak from his wounds and loss of blood, he 
started to return to his wigwam, but on his way there was 
met by another Indian, who stabbed him in the back and 



THE SAGINAW-CHIPPEWAS AFTER THE WAR OF 1812-15. 



15 



left him there, believing that he had given a mortal wound. 
There he was found by his faithful wife, who had tracked 
him by the blood-marks. She succeeded in removing him 
to their lodge, bathed and bound up hi.s wounds, and nursed 
him through weeks of prostration and suffering until at 
last he was completely restored to health. It was then 
his turn to demand and to take vengeance on the coward 
who had struck him in the back, and he did not long lack 
an opportunity, for he soon met his enemy in the hunting- 
ground, and drove a knife with sure aim to his heart. 

Not long after this, large numbers of Indians were assem- 
bled at Saginaw to receive a payment from the agents of 
the government, and on this occasion Black Beaver (a 
brother of one of the principal chiefs) reviled Nawahgo as 
a murderer for killing the Indian who had struck him in 
the back. The latter retorted that the act was justifiable, 
and that he had but killed a craven wretch who was unfit 
to live. Black Beaver reiterated the accusation in still 
more insulting terms, and then Nawahgo, fierce with anger, 
leaped upon him and slew him in his tracks. This took 
place upon the present site of East Saginaw. Nawahgo, 
immediately afler the homicide, crossed to the west side of 
the river, jvhere his own band were encamped, but here, 
under the white man's law, a warrant was issued for his 
arrest, and upon learning this he at once recrossed to the 
east side. "He sent word to two of his white friends, E. 
S. Williams and Aiitoine Campau, de.siring them to cross 
the river and come to the woods in which he was secreted, 
when, by their giving a signal, he would come to them. 
They did so, and he soon made his appearance. He in- 
formed them that he had sent for them for advice ; that 
the white man's punishment, imprisonment, was only fit 
for cowards ; death by the hands of his own race was 
glorious, in comparison, if any relative of Black Beaver 
should choose to make it a cause of vengeance. They 
advised him to cross back to his own camp, present himself 
to his people, and let the affair take the course warranted 
by Indian usage." The advice was taken, and he recrossed 
to his own camp. The arrest was waived, and Nawahgo 
awaited the summons to appear before those to whom his 
life was forfeit under the Cliippcwa law. 

The time came for the burial ceremonies of the dead 
chief, Black Beaver. All the vast throng of Indians who 
had gathered for payment, and nearly or (piite all the white 
people living at the place (each one actjuainted with the 
circumstances of the homicide and each eager to know and 
see the sequel), were congregated in full view of the .spot 
where lay the cofiined form of the Beaver, encircled by 
mourning relatives and chiefs in black paint, among them 
being some of the head men of the tribe. Suddenly, dur- 
ing an interval of silence which forms part of the Indian 
burial ceremony, the stately form of Nawahgo entered the 
group, and moved towards the centre with a mien and step 
which might have befitted the great Pontiac, or Philip of 
Mount Hope. He was habited in costume such as an 
Indian warrior would wish to die in, and his belt bore 
knife and tomahawk. Advancing to the .side of the cofliu 
he laid his weapons upon it, then filled and lighted his pipe 
with great deliberation, drew a few wliifl's, and offered it 
successively to each of the scowling chiefs and warriors 



who surrounded him, but all declined it. Next he unslung 
from his shoulder a small flask of whisky, drank, and 
oflFered it to each in the same manner, but again all declined 
to partake. 

" You refuse to .smoke with me," he said. " You will 
not drink the fire-water with mo in token of peace. Y^ou 
demand my life, and I am here to give it !" Then he sat 
down on the foot of the coffin, loosed his hunting-shirt at 
the throat, bared his breast, and again addressed his ene- 
mies : " You demand my life ! Here it is ; take it ! But 
beware how you strike ! Jlakc no mistake ; for if a war- 
rior strikes and fails, or if he deals a foul blow, he shall 
feel my knife in his heart, as I have driven it to the hearts 
of cowards before !" 

This speech was followed by a dead silence. Nawahgo 
cast a proud and scornful glance around on the blackened 
faces of the hostile group, but there was not one among 
them who moved from his place to strike the waiting vic- 
tim. A little longer he sat there, and then — as none came 
to claim the vengeance due under Indian usage — he rose 
with deliberation, readjusted his hunting-shirt, resumed 
his belt and anus, and with the single withering epithet, 
"Cowards!" upon his lips, strode away, undaunted and 
unharmed, to tlio camp of his own band. " This," writes 
Mr. Williams, " I was eye-witncs's to. It was at a payment 
made by government, and nearly three thousand Indians 
were present. I was Nawahgo's friend, and he was also 
mine, and would and did stand by me in all dangerous 
times." Immediately after the occurrence above mentioned, 
Nawahgo left the Saginaw, and removed to the shore of 
Lake Huron, where he lived during the remainder of his 
life. He finallj^ died a violent death, — in an encounter 
with a relative of one of his early victims. They mot on 
the hunting-ground, and each knew that a death-struggle 
was to follow; but, before fighting, they sat down, and 
drank together from the same canteen. Having finished 
their potations, they rose, and, like Fitz-James and Roderick 
Dhu, 

*' E.Tch lookeJ to pun, and stream, and plain, 
As what he ne'er might see again, 
Then, foot, and point, and eye opposed, 
In diilpious strife they darkly closed." 

And they fought on till both fell, mortally wounded. From 
this narrative it seems evident that, in Nawahgo at least, 
the warrior blood and spirit of the northern OJiLwaj/s had 
suS'ered no degeneration. 

SUPERSTITION OF THE SAGINAWS. 

It has been mentioned that the ancient Chippetons imag- 
ined the country which they had wrested from the con- 
quered .S'iikA-.s to be haunted by the spirits of those whom 
they had slain, and that it was only after the lapse of years 
that their terrors became allayed sufficiently to permit them 
to occupy the •' haunted hunting-grounds." But the super- 
stition still remained, and in fact it was never entirely dis- 
pelled. Long after the Saginaw valley was studded with 
white settlements, the simple Indians still believed that 
mysterious S'iii/ck were lingering in their forests and along 
the margins of their streams fur purposes of vengeance ; 
that Miiiiesoiis, or bad spirits, in the form of Sunk warriors, 



16 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



were hovering around tlieir villages and camps, and on the 
flanks of their hunting-parties, preventing them from being 
successful in the chase, and bringing ill-fortune and discom- 
fiture in a hundred ways. So great was their dread, that 
when (as was frequently the case) they became possessed of 
the idea that the Munesoiis were in their immediate vicinity 
they would fly, as if for their lives, abandoning everything, 
wigwams, fish, game, and peltry ; and no amount of ridicule 
from the whites could convince them of their folly, or in- 
duce them to stay and fiice the imaginary danger. Some 
of the Indian bands whose country joined that of the Scg- 
itiaws played upon their weak superstition and derived 
profit from it, by lurking around their villages or camps, 
frightening them into flight, and then appropriating the 
property which they had abandoned. A few shreds of 
wool from their blankets left sticking on thorns or dead 
brushwood, hideous figures drawn upon the trunks of trees 
with coal, or marked on the ground in the vicinity of their 
lodges, was sure to produce this result, by indicating the 
presence of the dreaded Mnnesous. 

Mr. Williams, whose authority has already been cited in 
the foregoing pages, writes of this matter as follows : 
" There was a time every spring when the Indians from 
Saginaw and the interior would congregate in large parties 
for the purpose of putting up dried sturgeon, which made 
a very delicate dish when properly cooked, and was much 
used in those days by the first families of Detroit. . . . The 
Indians would select the best, flay them, hang them across 
poles in rows about four feet from the ground and two feet 
apart, then a gentle smoke was kept under tliem until per- 
fectly dry. When this was nearly accomplished, poor, lazy, 
worthless Indians from a distance, having an eye to supply- 
ing themselves with provisions which they never labored to 
obtain, would commence, in difi'erent ways, to excite their 
fears that the Munesoiis were about their camps, until at 
last they would take to their canoes and flee, often leaving 
almost everything they possessed. Then the Miuiesous 
(the thieving Indians from other bands who had cunningly 
brought about the stampede for the sake of plunder) would 
rob the camps of what they wanted, and escape to their 
homes with, perhaps, their summer supplies of fish, and 
often of sugar and dried veni.^on. I have often met them 
fleeing as above ; sometimes twenty or more canoes ; have 
stopped them, and tried to induce them to return, and we 
would go with them ; but no, it was the Mimesom, they 
said, and nothing would convince them differently, and 
away they would go, frightened nearly to death. I have 
visited their camps at such times, gathered up their eff'ects 
that were left, and secured them in some one camp from 
destruction by wild animals. After a while they would 
return and save what was left. During these times they 
were perfectly miserable, actually afraid of their own 
shadow." 

It was not alone on their annual fishing expedition to the 
lake that these things occurred ; similar scenes were enacted 
by their hunting-parties in the forests of the Shiawassee 
and Flint, and at their summer camps among the beautiful 
inland lakes of their southern border. " I have had them 
come fiom places miles distant," says Mr. Williams, " bring- 
ing their rifles to me, asking me to examine and re-si'^ht 



them, declaring that the sights had been removed (and in 
most ca.ses they had, but it was by themselves in their 
fright). I have often, and in fact always did when applied 
to, re-sighted and tried them until they would .shoot cor- 
rectly, and then they would go away cheerfully. I would 
tell them they must keep their rifles where the Munesous 
could not find them. ... At other times, having a little 
bad luck in trapping or hunting, they became excited, and 
would say that game had been over and in their traps, and 
that they could not catch anything ; have known them go so 
far as to insist that a beaver or an otter had been in their 
traps and gotten out ; that their traps were bewitched or 
spell-bound, and their rifles charmed by the Munesoiis, so 
that they could not catch or kill anything. Then they must 
give a great feast, and have the medicine-man or conjuror, 
and through his wise and dark performances the charm is 
removed and all is well, and traps and rifles do their duty 
again. These things have been handed down for genera- 
tions." And so, through all the domain of the Soffinaws, 
their lives were made miserable by these superstitious fears ; 
and thus they expiated the crime committed by their an- 
cestors against the unfortunate SauJ^s. 

THE CHIEF NEOME AND THE PEWONIQO BAND. 

The old chief Neome was, as has been mentioned, the 
most powerful and respected among the chiefs of the Sag- 
I'liaws, though it does not appear that he was or ever liad 
been famed for skill or prowess in war. His power had 
somewhat decayed in the latter years of his life, but he 
retained until the last the respect and confidence of his 
people. He was a man well advanced in years when the 
white people first knew him, prior to 1819. Then, and 
during the remainder of his life, he held with his band 
the southern frontier of his nation, though the territory of 
the Sni/inaws extended southward many miles beyond his 
village, which was named Pewonigowink, and located on 
the river of the same name (the Flint), near where it 
crosses the boundary between Genesee and Saginaw Coun- 
ties. Its site, however, was once or twice moved,— being at 
one time in the present township of Montrose, in Genesee, 
and at another, farther down the river, in' Taymouth, Sag- 
inaw Co. A large open tract of land, more than a hundred 
acres in extent, situated about seven miles south of Bridge- 
port Centre, is yet remembered by the oldest settlers as the 
" old Indian field." This had been used by the people of 
Neome's band for their rude agriculture ; but, after years 
of continuous planting, the corn was destroyed for two or 
three seasons by the grub-worms, which they believed to be 
the Great Spirit's curse upon the land, and they therefore 
abandoned it, and planted in newer fields farther up the 
river. Neome died at his village in the year 1827, and 
was succeeded in the chiefship by Tonedogane, who had 
been the principal war-chief of the band and second in 
command during the life of his superior. Neome had a 
brother named Mixanene, and it does not seem clear why 
he was not made his brother's successor. lie appears to 
have been a fierce and bloodthirsty Indian, and it is related 
of him that in the year 1813 Mr. Joseph Campau paid to 
him a large sum for the ransom of a white prisoner, Mr. 
James Hardan, whom IMixauenc had determined to torture 



INDIAN TREATIES AND CESSIONS OP LAND. 



17 



to death. But perhaps at that early tiiue even the good 
Neouie was less amiable than the whites found him to be 
in later years after the Indian spirit had been cowed and 
broken. 

Tiie Indians living in the valley of the Flint were known 
as the Peiconiyo tribe, or band, from the Indian name of 
the stream. The present county of Genesee was crossed 
in various directions by their trails, which, by being trav- 
eled for years by themselves and their ponies, had become 
hard-beaten paths, worn into the soft soil in some places to 
the depth of more than a foot. The principal of these was 
the " Saginaw trail," which was the Indian road from the 
Saginaw River to Detroit. Its route through Genesee 
County was from Pewonigowink up the Flint River to its 
southern bend, and thence south by way of Grand Blanc 
and the Big Springs (Oakland County) to Detroit. The 
place where it crossed the Flint was known as the Grand 
Traverse, or grenl crossing-place. — a name probably given 
to it by Bolieu the French trader. A beautiful open plain, 
lying in the bend of the river, on the north side and con- 
tiguous to the crossing, was named, in Indian, Museata- 
wingh, meaning " the plain burned over." This is now in 
the first ward of the city of Flint. A part of it had for- 
merly been used by the Indians as a corn-field, and it was 
always one of their favorite camping-grounds, as many as 
fifteen hundred of them having been seen encamped on it 
at one time by people who are still residing in Flint. Over 
this great trail, too, for years after the first settlers came to 
Genesee County, thousands of Indians passed and repassed 
annually, the throng always being particularly large at the 
time when they went down to receive their annuities. 
The.sc yearly payments were made in the early times by both 
the United States and the British governments ; the latter 
usually paying them at Maiden. The amount paid there 
was fifty cents a head to Indians of all ages, from the red 
patriarch of ninety years to the papoose upon its mother's 
back. On these occasions, therefore, every member of the 
tribe took the trail to be present at the muster for pay. 
After a time the British payments ceased, and the United 
States adopted the plan of paying at inland points to avoid 
the demoralization which resulted from vast collections of 
Indians at Detroit. These interior payments were oftenest 
made at Saginaw, but were on one or two occasions made 
at Pewonigowink. The money u.sed was silver coin, and 
this was brought up from Detroit on pack-horses. " Two 
boxes of one thousand dollars each, weighing one hundred 
and twenty pounds, slung on each side, were a load for a 
pack-horse. The party (generally con.sisting of an inter- 
preter and sub-agent) made in this way twenty miles per 
day, and slept out in the woods without fear, though with- 
out firearms. The journey occupied four days from De- 
troit to Saginaw." The Indians were not given to plun- 
dering on so grand a scale as the robbery of a pack-horse 
train loaded with s])ecie, though they sometimes engaged in 
small pilfering. Bc^yond this it does not appear that the 
settlers stood in much, if any, fear of them. They were 
comparatively harmless except when excited by liquor, and 
even when, under that influence, they were disposed to be 
defiant, they were easily over.iwed by a firm and- deter- 
mined course of treatment. At the commencement of 
3 



Black Hawk's war, that chief sent his emissaries among 
these Indians to distribute his " war-(|uills," inviting them 
to take part against the whites, but the nies.sage failed to 
bring the response he desired, for the warlike .spirit of the 
Sagiiiuics was dead, and they had buried the hatchet for- 
ever. 



CHAPTER IV. 



INDIAN TREATIES AND CESSIONS OP LAND- 
INDIAN EMIGRATION. 

Treaty of Greenville — Treaties of Detroit ami Springwells — Treaty 
of Saginaw — Pewonigowink Kcscrvatiou — Plans for In<iian Em- 
igration—Treaties of Wasliington (1SX6), Detroit (IS37), Flint 
River (1S37), and .Saginaw (183S). 

The United States government, from the time of its 
formation, has recognized the possessory rights of the In- 
dian tribes in the soil ; and the principle has been estab- 
lished that these riglits can only be acquired by the 
government, or with its consent, and can only be alienated 
from the native Indians by their own voluntary act, done 
in public and open council, where the tribes are represented 
by their chiefs and head men, and the government by its 
accredited agent or commissioner. This principle has 
always been acted on, and this method observed, by the 
government in its treaties with Indians for the acquisition 
of their possessory rights in the public domain. 

TREATY OP GREENVILLE IN 1795. 

The first Indian treaty by which the aboriginal title to 
lands now within the State of Michigan was extinguished 
was made on the 3d of August, 1795, at Greenville, Ohio, 
by General Anthony Wayne, on behalf of the United 
States, with representatives of the Wj/cimiols, S/uiwaiicse, 
Ottawas, Chippvwas, I'utfawaltamies, and several other 
tribes. By the terms of that treaty the Indians ceded to 
the United States government " the post of Detroit, and 
all the lands to the north, the west, and the south of it, of 
which the Indian title has been extinguished by gifts or 
grants to the French or English governments, and so much 
more land to be annexed to the district of Detroit as shall 
be comprehended between the river Rosine (Raisin) on the 
south. Lake St. Clair on the north, and a line, the general 
course whereof .shall be sis miles distant from the west end 
of Lake Erie and Detroit River." Several other large 
tracts were also ceded by tlie treaty ; among these being 
" the post of Michilimackinac, all the island, and lands on 
the mainland adjacent," and the island of Bois Blanc, — 
mentioned as being an extra and voluntary gift of the 
Chippewa nation. Also among the lands ceded by this 
treaty was " one piece of land six miles S(|uare at the mouth 
of Chikago River emptying into the southwest end of Lake 
Michigan." It was expressly stipulated in the treaty that, 
in consideration of the peace then and there established, 
and of the relin(|uishinent,s made by the Indians, as well as 
to manifest the liberality of the United States as the means 
of making the peace strong and perpetual, " the United 
States rclin(|uish their claims to all other Indian lands 
northward of the river Ohio, eastward of tlie Mississippi, 



18 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and westward and southward of tlie great lakas and the 
watei-s uniting them,* according to the boundary line agreed 
on between the United States and the King of Great Brit- 
ain in the peace made between them in the year 1783." 
And it was declared that " the Indian tribes who have a 
right to those lands are quietly to enjoy them, hunting, 
planting, and dwelling thereon so long as they please, with- 
out any molestation from the United States ; but when 
those tribes, or any of them, shall be disposed to sell their 
lands, or any part of them, they are to be sold only to the 
United States ; and until such sale the United States will 
protect the said Indian tribes in the quiet enjoyment of 
their lands against all citizens of the United States, and 
against all other white persons who intrude upon the same ; 
. . . and if any citizen of the United States, or any other 
white person or persons, shall presume to settle upon the 
lands now relinquished by the United States, such citizen 
or other person shall be out of the protection of the United 
States, and the Indian tribe on whose land such settlement 
shall be made may drive off the settler, or punish him in 
such manner as they shall think fit ; and because such set- 
tlements, made without the consent of the United States, 
will be injurious to them as well as to the Indians, the 
United States shall be at liberty to break them up, and 
remove and punish the settlers as they shall think proper, 
and so to eifect the protection of the Indian lands herein- 
before stipulated." The Indians were also allowed, under 
the treaty, to have the privilege of hunting and fishing over 
all the ceded territory during their good behavior. 

TREATIES OP DETROIT (1807) AND SPKINGWELLS 

(1815). 

The treaty by which the entire southeastern part of 
Michigan (including more than nineteen-twentieths of the 
present county of Genesee) was ceded to the United States 
government was made and concluded at Detroit on the 
17th of November, 1807, " by William Hull, governor of 
the Territory of Michigan, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, 
and sole commissioner of the United States to conclude and 
sign a treaty or treaties with the several nations of Indians 
northwest of the river Ohio, on the one part, and the sachems, 
chiefs, and warriors of the Ollawny, W^ando/te, and Futta- 
waltamie nations of Indians on the other part." The terri- 
tory here ceded by the Indians, in consideration of goods 
and money paid and to be paid to them by the United 
States, was described in the treaty as " beginning at the 
mouth of the Miami River of the lakes [meaning the 
Maumee], and running thence up the middle thereof to the 
mouth of the great Auglaize River; thence running due 
north until it intersects a parallel of latitude to be drawn 
from the outlet of Lake Huron, which forms the river Sin- 
clair ; thence running northeast on the course that may be 
found will lead in a direct line to White Rock, in Lake 
Huron ; thence due east until it intersects the boundary line 
between the United States and Upper Canada, in said lake ; 

* In its relinqwishraent of these lands, however, the government 
excepted the post of Vincennes, on the AV'abash, the po.«t of Fort 
Marsac, towards the mouth of the Ohio, and lands at other jdaees, 
actually in the oceupation of French or other white settlers, to which 
the Indian title had before been extinguished. 



then southwardly, following the said boundary line down 
said lake, through the river Sinclair, Lake St. Clair, and the 
river Detroit into Lake Erie, to a point due east of the 
aforesaid Miami [Maumee] River ; thence west to the 
place of beginning." For this cession the government 
stipulated to pay (in money, goods, agricultural imple- 
ments, or domestic animals, at the discretion of the su- 
perintendent of Indian affairs) the sum of §3333.33 each, 
to the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes, and one-half that 
amount each to the Pot tawatt amies and Wj/andots, with a 
perpetual annuity of $2000 to each of the first-mentioned 
tribes, and one-half that sum to each of the others ; all to 
be paid at Detroit. And it was further declared in the 
treaty, that " the United States, to manifest their liberality 
and disposition to encourage the said Indians in agriculture, 
further stipulate to furnish the said Indians with two black- 
.smiths ; one to reside with the Cltippewas at Saginaw, and 
the other with the Ottawas, at the Miami, during the term 
of ten years ; said blacksmiths are to do such work for the 
said nations as shall be most useful to them." 

The second line mentioned in the description of the tract 
here ceded — that is, the line running due north from the 
mouth of the Auglaize River, and a prolongation of it to 
the Straits of Mackinaw — was afterwards adopted by the 
United States surveyors as the principal meridian line of the 
lower peninsula of Michigan. The territory ceded by the 
Indians at the treaty of Detroit embraced all of Michigan 
lying east of that line as far north as the centre of the 
present county of Shiawas.see, and extending from thence in 
a northeastwardly direction to the shore of Lake Huron, at 
a point a little above the northern boundary of the county 
of Sanilac ; including all that is now in the county of Gen- 
esee, except the northern and western part of the township 
of Montrose and the northwestern corner of Vienna. 
Within this ceded territory the Indians reserved several 
tracts for their own uses (none of them, however, being 
within the present limits of Genesee County), and they were 
also to have the privilege of hunting and fishing, under 
the same conditions as stipulated in the treaty of Green- 
ville. 

During the war of 1812-15, the Chippewa, Ottawa, and 
Pottawattamie tribes sided with the British, and by this 
act, and their general conduct through that struggle, were 
considered to have justly forfeited the lands reserved to them. 
Nevertheless, the government magnanimously determined 
not to enforce the forfeiture, but to adopt a conciliatory and 
friendly policy towards them ; and in September, 1815, 
Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, Gen. McArthur, and John Graham, 
Esq., on the part of the government, held a council with 
them at Springwells, near Detroit, where, on the 8th of 
that month, a treaty was concluded, by which it was agreed 
that " the United States give peace to the Chippetoa, Ottawa, 
and Pottaicattamie tribes. They also agree to restore to 
the said Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawattamie tribes all 
the possessions, rights, and privileges which they enjoyed or 
were entitled to in the year 1811, prior to the commence- 
ment of the late war with Great Britain ; and the said tribes 
upon their part agree to place themselves under the protec- 
tion of the United States, and of no other power what- 
soever." And, at the .same time, the treaty made at Green- 



INDIAN TREATIES AND CESSIONS OF LAND. 



19 



ville in 1795, and subsei|uent treaties between these tribes 
and the United States, were con6rmed and ratified. 

TREATY OF SAQIN.WV — 1819. 

Soon after the close of the war witli Enghvnd, tlie atten- 
tion of emigrating farmers from New Yoric and New Eng- 
land began to be directed towards the newly-opened agri- 
cultural regions of Micliigan, and it was not long before it 
became evident to the comprehensive mind of Governor 
Cass — the most able as well as the most influential man 
in the Territory — that broad as was the domain acquired 
by the treaty of 1807, it would soon be found too narrow 
to receive the immigration which had already begun to 
spread westward and northward from Detroit. He at once 
appliod his tireless energies to the ULsk of securing a fur- 
ther cession of lands from the Indians, and, being ex ojjicio 
Indian commissioner for Michigan, he laid the matter be- 
fore the President, and received authority and directions to 
negotiate a treaty for the extinguishment of the aboriginal 
title to adjoining territory on the north and west. 

The result of his labors was the assembling of the sachems 
and chiefs of the Saginaw Cliippewas, with a few of those 
of the Ottawa nation, in council at the present site of 
Saginaw City, in September, 1819. Early in that mouth, 
Governor Cass, accompanied by a cavalcade composed of 
his secretaries, interpreters, and other assistants, set out 
from Detroit, and proceeded by way of Royal Oak, Pontiac, 
and the Grand Traverse of the Flint, to Saginaw, where 
they arrived on the lOth, and there found the warriors and 
chiefs already assembled, and assembling, for the conven- 
tion. The attendance, however, was less numerous than 
had been expected ; and when it was found that some of 
the Indian bands and villages were unrepresented, runners 
were sent out in haste to such localities to give further 
notification, and to urge the absent chiefs to come in and 
join in the council. 

Under instructions from Gen. Cass, suitable preparations 
had been made for the occasion. Mr. Louis Campau, who 
had for three years been established at Saginaw as an In- 
dian trader, had made an addition to his trading-house suf- 
ficient in .size to furnish quarters for the governor, and al.so 
a commodious mes.s-room for him and his retinue. Near 
the bank of the river had been erected the council-house. 
It was a rude structure, — more a bower than a house, — and 
inadequate to afford shelter against inclement weather, but 
suflBcient to furnish a .shade for the general and the attend- 
ant chiefs, and to give some degree of diguity to their de- 
liberations. Moored in the stream were two small vessels, 
a sloop and a schooner, which had come round from Detroit, 
bringing subsistence stores, goods intended for Indian pres- 
ents, and a company of the Third United States Infantry, 
under command of Capt. C. L. Cass, a brother of the gov- 
ernor. The presence of these troops was considered neces- 
sary, in view of the possibility of violence on the part of 
the a.s.sembled Indians. 

When all preparations were complete, the white and red 
dignitaries assembled in the council-house, near the centre 
of which, upon a low platform of hewn logs, sat the com- 
missioner. Gen. Cass, accompanied by his .secretaries, 11. A. 
Forsyth, Jr. (who was also acting commissioner), John L. 



Leib. and D. G. Whitney ; Capt. Cass ; Capt. Chester Root, 
of the artillery; Lieut. John Peacock, of the 3d Infantry ; 
Whitmore Knaggs, Indian trader and sub-agent, and, on 
this occasion, principal interpreter ; Archibald L3'ons, an 
Indian trader; Henry Connor, interpreter (known among 
the Indians as W'lhisIikiiideLay — meaning " White Hair''); 
Louis Beaufait, William Tucky, and John Hurson, inter- 
preters, and many others ; while all around were grouped 
the dark faces of the Chippewa and Ottawa chiefs. 

The council being opened with due formality, Gen. Ca.ss 
proceeded to inform the Indians of the objects for which 
they had been assembled. He told them, through his in- 
terpreters, that the Great Father at Washington was earn- 
estly desirous of promoting the welfare of his red children, 
and anxious to preserve and perpetuate the friendly and 
peaceful relations which had existed between their tribes and 
the government since the close of the war ; that the tide 
of white emigration was pressing irresistibly towards their 
domain ; that their streams were each year growing less 
prolific; that the steady advance of civilization would drive 
the game to the remoter hunting-grounds ; and that for 
these and other weighty reasons it was manifestly the part 
of wisdom for them, the chiefs and notables of the tribes, 
to advise their people to abaudon, or at least to depend less 
on, precarious hunting and fishing as a moans of subsist- 
ence, and to give their attention to the pursuits of agricul- 
ture upon fertile and ample tracts of their own selection, 
to be reserved for their perpetual use from the territory 
which it was now the desire of the government to purchase 
from them, at a fair and generous price, for the use of the 
white emigrants who wished to come and settle among 
them as friends and neighbors. 

The opening address of the commissioner w;is replied to 
by several of the chiefs ; those most conspicuous by their 
speeches being Ogemawkeketo, Mishenenanonequet, and 
Kishkawko ; the last named being an exceedingly wily and 
troublesome man, though really a Canadian Indian, an in- 
terloper among the Chlppewas, with no proprietary interest 
in their lands or right to a voice in the questions before the 
council. But he had managed by some means to obtain 
considerable influence among the Saginaws, and his violent 
speech against the cession produced an efiect adverse to the 
cherished objects of Gen. Cass. Here, however, his influ- 
ence against the proposed treaty ended, for at the close of 
this day's council he had fallen completely into the power 
of John Barleycorn, and during eight or ten days following 
remained in almost helpless intoxication. 

The mxstor-spirit among the Indians w;us Ogemawkeketo 
("chief speaker"), who, though at that time scarcely more 
than twenty-one years of age, was possessed of remarkable 
powers of oratory ; and his speech on this occasion was an 
eloquent outburst of indignant remonstrance, which was 
never afterwards forgotten by those who he;ird it. Ad- 
dressing Gen. Cass, he said, " Our people wonder why our 
white brethren have come so far from their homes. Our 
English Father never asked us for our lands. Our Amer- 
ican Father wanta them. Your people gather in our 
country, and press in on our hunting-grounds. Our lands 
are melting away like ice when the waters grow warm 
around it. Our women rcproac us. Here are their 



20 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



homes, and the homes of our children. Shall we sell the 
ground where they spread their blankets ? You do not 
know our wislies. We have not invited you here. Your 
young men have called us to meet you and kindle the 
council-fire, and we have come; not to give you our lands, 
but only to smoke with you the pipe of peace." 

To counteract the effect of such a speech it was necessary 
for the commissioner to show firmness and self-possession. 
In his reply Gen. Cass said in effect that the Great Father 
at Washington, in the then recent war, had inflicted chas- 
tisement not only on the English king, but also on them, 
his Indian allies, and that they, the Chippcwas, by their 
hostility to the United States during that war had justly 
forfeited all their lands to the government, but that not- 
withstanding this tlie Great Father had no desire to take 
the lands from them without paying a proper and generous 
equivalent ; and that, in case a treaty should bo made with 
them, it was not in contemplation to take tlie homes of their 
women and children, but to secure to them ample tribal 
reservations on which they could spread their blankets in 
peace, and not only live without fear of molestation from 
the incoming whites, but receive valuable assistance and 
instruction in their agriculture. But when the day's de- 
liberations closed the Indians still remained intractable and 
defiant ; and the commissioner, after having told them in a 
friendlj' manner to go to their wigwams " and smoke and 
talk over the matter together," withdrew with his company 
to their quarters, in a state of anxiety and disappointment 
in anticipation of a not improbable failure of the negotia- 
tions. 

The council was not convened on the f )llo\ving day, nor 
for several days thereafter. The Indians remained sullen 
and unyielding, and the prospect was looking very unfavor- 
able for the consummation of the treaty, when a powerful 
influence, which had hitherto been quiescent, or adverse to 
the plans of the commissioner, began to be exerted in favor 
of the treaty. This was the influence wielded by Jacob 
Smith, the Indian trader. It is related that he had a per- 
sonal acquaintance with every one of the pvineipal chiefs 
who were present at this council ; that there were few, if 
any of them, to whom he had not at some time extended 
some favor or act of friendship, either in entertaining them 
at his different places of business, or relieving their neces- 
sities by advances of blankets and food. And among these 
chiefs, too, sat old Neome, steadfast and unwavering in his 
friendship, and willing and anxious on this, as on every 
occasion, to be guided by the wishes of his white brother, 
Wahbesins. 

In view of these facts, it is not hard to realize the extent 
of the power which was held (and exercised) by Jacob Smith 
to shape the action of the Indian council, — a power far 
greater, in that direction, than that of the commissioner, 
or of Kishkawko, or even of the chief orator, Ogemawko- 
keto. It might have been supposed that Gen. Cass, who 
was personally acquainted with Smith, and well knew his 
pre-eminent qualifications as interpreter and negotiator with 
the Indians, would have selected and retained him in that 
capacity in this council, but such was not the fact, and his 
neglect to do so is regarded as proof that tlie commissioner 
regarded him with feelings of distrust. It was supposed 



by many that tlie inflexible opposition manifested by Oge- 
mawkcketo, Neome, and the other chiefs was incited by 
him, and this supposition does not seem entirely improbable. 
But however this may have been, it is certain that all the 
efiorts of the authorized interpreters and agents of the gov- 
ernment, continued during several days succeeding the first 
council, were wholly unavailing, and no favorable word or 
sign of yielding could be wrung from the chiefs, until old 
Neome received through Mr. Knaggs, the interpreter, the 
promise that the wishes of his friend, Wahbesins, should be 
consulted, and his demands acceded to, in regard to the res- 
ervations to be granted by the terms of the proposed treaty. 
This was agreed to by the interpreters (of course with 
the private assent of Gen. Cass), and the arrangement was 
definitely made that, in addition to the reservation of ample 
tracts for the use of the several Indian bands, there should 
be made eleven reservations of six hundred and forty acres 
each, to be located at and near the trading-house of Jacob 
Smith, at the Grand Traverse of the Flint River ; these 
reservations to be granted to a corresponding number of 
individuals, under Indian names, which wore handed in, 
written upon slips of paper, to Gen. Cass.* 

Several days after the first meeting, the chiefs were again 
convened in the council-house, where a considerable amount 
of discussion ensued ; but as a principal difficulty had been 
surmounted by the granting of Wahbesins' demand, and 
the consequent propitiation of Neome and the chiefs, and 
as Gen. Cass had ceased to press the original proposition 
of the government to remove the Cliippewas beyond the 
Jlississippi, or at least to the westward of Lake Michigan 
(finding that it was impossible of accomplishment, and that 
to insist on it would be to endanger the success of the en- 
tire negotiation), there was but comparatively feeble oppo- 
sition to the treaty, which was finally agreed on and vir- 
tually concluded at this sitting ; all that remained to be done 
being to engross it in due form, and to affix to it the signa- 
tures of the commissioner, the chiefs, and the witnesses. 

Far the ceremonious signing of the treaty, the chiefs 
were convened in council for the third and last time. 
Among them appeared Kishkawko, who had now partially 
recovered from the debauch which from the close of the 
first day until now had kept him confined to his wigwam, 
and prevented his participation in the later deliberations. 
The attendance at this council was much greater than on 
either of the previous occasions, being estimated at no less 
than two thousand chiefs, warriors, and braves, while a 
great concourse of Indian women and children were crowded 
together on the outskirts of the assemblage. The ceremony 
of signing was conducted with decorum and dignity, and 
was made iis imposing as possible. The first name written 
upon the instrument was, of course, that of Lewis Cass, 
United States Indian Commissioner, and underneath were 

■*■ In a trial before ChaDcellor Manning, held in 1S43, touching the 
title to one of the tracts reserved by this treaty, Robert A. Forsyth 
testified that upon this occasion he had been private secretary to 
(!en. Cass, and, acting in that capacity, had copied the draft of the 
treaty ; that "Jacob Smith handed to the commissioner the names of 
certain persons for whom reservations were to be m.ade j" that he *' saw 
but two lists of the names; Jacob Smith handed in one, and Henry 
Campau or Louis Beaufalt the other." — ^Yulkt:i■'ls Chanetry lifpoylg ; 
Sturhton C8. WiUiams, Fthniartf, 1S43. 



INDIAN TREATIES AND CESSIONS OF LAND. 



21 



placed the totcniic siLjnaturcs of one hundred and fourteen 
eliiefs and head men of the Cliippewits and Otlawas (though 
tliere were very few of the latter, and the whole number 
have usually been mentioned as C/tippeicas^). The sub- 
scribing; witnesses were the commissioner's secretaries, Leib 
and Whitney; Acting Commissioner Forsyth; Capts. Cass 
and Root ; Lieut. Peacock ; G. Godfroy, sub-agent ; Messrs. 
Knaggs, Tucky, Beaufait, and Ilurson, interpreters; John 
Hill, army contractor ; Barney Campau, V. S. Ryley, J. 
AVhipple, Henry I. Hunt, William Keith, A. E. Lacock, 
Richard 8niytli, John Smyth, B. Head, Conrad Ten Eyck, 
and Louis Dequindre. Thus the treaty was concluded and 
executed Sept. 24, 1819. 

When the ceremony of signing was over a large amount 
of silver money was brought out and placed in huge piles 
on the table before the commissioner, to be by him dis- 
tributed among the chiefs and representatives of the several 
bands. Many of these chiefs were indebted in considerable 
sums to the trader Louis Campau, who had received their 
promise that when the payment was made to them his 
claim should be liquidated, at least to the amount of fifteen 
hundred dollars. He had already notified Gen. Cass of 
this agreement, and was now anxiously waiting, hoping to 
receive the money from the commissioner without having 
it pass through Indian hands at all. But there were also 
present three other traders, who were not pleased at the 
prospect of having so considerable a part of the Indian.s' 
money appropriated to the payment of their old debts. 
One of these three was Jacob Smith, who at once set about 
the task of persuading the half-intoxicated Kishkawko and 
some of the other chiefs to demand that the entire sum due 
them should be paid to the Indians, to be applied by them 
as they saw fit. His diplomacy was entirely successful, 
and when the commissioner explained to the chiefs that 
Campau was expecting to receive his dues, and asked if 
they consented to the arrangement, they rcjiliud that they 
wore his children, under his protection, and expected that 
he would pay the money into their hands. The general 
could not disregard their expressed wishes in this particular, 
and he therefore directed that the money be paid to them. 
Upon this, Campau, seeing that his money was lo.st, and 
believing Smith to be the cause of his discomfiture, leaped 
from the platform where he had been standing, and struck 
the latter two .stunning blows in the face. Quick as light- 
ning Snnith turned on his as.sailant, but Henry Connor and 
Louis Beaufait interposed between the belligerents and 
stopped the fight, much to the di.sgust of Campau, who was 
smarting under a sense of what he believed to be gross 
injustice in tlie non-payment of his claims, and furious at 
being denied the privilege of taking vengeance on the man 
who had circumvented him. 

When all the business of tlie day was clo.scd, Gen. Ca.ss 
directed that the fire-water should be allowed to flow, and 
under this order five barrels of government whisky were 
opened, and the liquor was dealt out to the Indians. Upon 
seeing this, Campau, still filled with wrath at the treatment 
he had received, and blaming the general almost as much 
as Smith for it, ordered up ten barrels of his own whisky, 
knocked in the heads, and posted two men with dippers to 
supply the Indians as they came up. Of course the scene 



of intoxication that ensued was indescribable. At about 
ten o'clock, the governor, having become thoroughly alarmed 
at the infernal orgies that surrounded the trading-house in 
which he was quartered, sent his private secretary, Forsyth, 
with orders to Campau to shut off the supply of liquor ; 
but the trader only deigned the grim reply, " You com- 
menced it, general 1" Then a platoon of the 3d Infantry 
was detailed to guard the store-house. Soon after they had 
been posted, a new arrival of Indians demanded whisky, 
and, upon being refused and held at bay, rushed on the 
guard to force an entrance, during which attempt one of 
them received a bayonet wound in the leg. In an instant 
the war-whoop Wiis sounded, and in a few minutes more 
swarms of savages, infuriated with liquor and tomahawk 
in hand, came rushing towards the store. " Stop the liquor, 
Louis !" screamed the Governor of Michigan Territory, as he 
stood in the door of his quarters with a night-cap on his head. 
" We shall all be murdered ! Stop the liquor, I say I" 
" Certainement, mon general," replied Campau, "but you 
begun it, and you allowed Smith to rob nie. I'll keep you 
safe, but remember you commenced it, mon general." He 
appeared to think that the satisfaction of thoroughly fright- 
ening Gen. Cass (who he said had allowed Jacob Smith 
to rob him) was cheaply enough purchased by the expendi- 
ture of ten barrels of whisky. 

By the combined efforts of the interpreters and traders 
the Indians were at length pacified, and they retired to 
their wigwams to sleep off the effects of their intoxication. 
After they had entirely recovered from their debauch they 
became perfectly friendly and tractable, and even after the 
commissioner and his staff of a.ssistants had departed for 
Detroit, they sent the orator-chief, Washmenondequet, to 
overtake him, and exj)ress to him their pleasure and satis- 
faction at the result of the council. 

The area of the territory ceded by the treaty of Saginaw 
was estimated at about six millions of acres ; its boundaries, 
as described in the treaty, being as follows : " Beginning at 
a point in the present Indian boundary line [identical with 
the principal meridian of the State] which runs due north 
from the mouth of the gre;it Auglaize River, six miles south 
of the place where the base line, so called, intersects the 
same ; thence west sixty miles [this corner being about three 
miles northca.st of the present village of Kalamazoo] ; thence 
in a direct line to the head of Thunder Bay River; thence 
down the same, following the courses thereof, to the mouth ; 
thence northeast to the boundary line between the United 
States and the British province of Upper Canada; thence 
with the same to the line established by the treaty of De- 
troit in the year 1807; and thence with said line to the 
place of beginning." 

From this cession various tribal reservations were made 
for the u.se of the Cliippi'iCdn, viz. : on the cast side of the 
Au Sable, a tract of 8(100 acres, including an Indian village; 
2000 acres on the Mesaquisk ; GOOO acres, to include an 
Indian village, on the north side of the Kawkawling ; G4II 
acres on the same river, " for the use of the children of 
Bokowtonden ;" 9G40 acres, in three tracts, on the Huron 
(Cass) River ; an island in Saginaw Bay ; a tract of 2000 
acres " where Nabobask formerly stood ;" 1000 acres " near 
the island in Saginaw River;" 2000 acres '-at the mouth 



22 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of Point Augrais River ;" 10,000 acres at Big Lick, on the 
Shiawassee, and HOOO acres on the same river at a place 
called Ketchewandaugenink ; 6000 acres at Little Forks, 
on the Tetabawasink (Tittabawassce) River, and 6000 acres, 
near the same stream, " at Blackbird's town ;" 40,000 acres 
" on the west side of the Saginaw River, to be hereafter lo- 
cated ;" and individual reservations of lands on the Saginaw 
to John Riley, Peter Riley, James Riley, and to "The 
Crow," a Chippewa chief The tracts reserved on the 
Flint River, were " one tract of 5760 acres, to include 
llcaum's [Neome's] village, and a place called Kishkawba- 
wee," and the eleven reservations at the Grand Traverse of 
the Flint, granted as before mentioned to persons under 
names furnished by Jacob Smith and Louis Beaufait. 

It has been mentioned above that the cession made by 
the Indians in the treaty of Detroit, in the year 1807, 
covered all of the present county of Genesee, excepting a 
small fraction in the northwestern corner, therefore in- 
cluding, of course, all the lands at the Grand Traverse, and 
fai' to the northward of it ; so that these lands, having 
already been ceded to the United States, were really not 
within the possible scope of the Saginaw treaty, nor within 
the power of the Cliippeivns to sell. But the Indians did 
not so understand it. They had no means of knowing 
precisely where the diagonal line terminating at White 
Rock (as named in the treaty of 1807}, would fall, and 
they believed that the northern boundary of that cession 
passed considerably to the southward of the most southerly 
bend of the Flint ; when, in reality, it crossed that stream 
nearly ten miles by its course north of the present village 
of Flushing, leaving all of the river which is south and 
east of that point within the territory previously ceded to 
the United States. The fact, however, that they believed 
themselves to be still the sole pos.sessors of the beautiful 
valley of the Flint, is proof that tliey had never iiifeiuled 
to include it in the cession of 1807. Whether Gen. 
Cass knew that this region was compreheudod within the 
limits of that cession — or, indeed, whether the northern 
boundary described by the treaty of Detroit was ever 
accurately run — docs not appear ; but if the commissioner 
was aware of the fact, he did not, and could not, insist on 
the right of the government to the lands at the Grand 
Traverse. Only by tacitly admitting the Indian proprietor- 
ship in those lauds could he have secured Jacob Smith's 
consent to the treaty, and without that consent it is not 
probable that the treaty could have been concluded. 

In consideration of the cession made by the Sayiiiato 
treaty, the United States agreed to pay to the Chippewa 
nation annually, forever, the sum of one thousand dollars, 
in silver coin, and, also, that all annuities to be paid them 
in pursuance of the stipulations of previous treaties should 
thereafter be paid in silver. The terms of the treaty of 
Greenville (in 1795), giving the Indians the right to hunt 
and fish at will upon the ceded lands, so long as they re- 
mained the property of the United States, were applied to 
this treaty. They were also to be permitted to make sugar 
wherever they chose upon the same lands and during the 
same period, but without any unnecessary waste of the 
trees. And the government reserved the right to construct 
necessary roads through any part of the reservations. It 



was likewise stipulated in the treaty that " The United 
States engage to provide and support a blacksmith for the 
Indians at Saginaw, so long as the President of the United 
States may think proper, and to furnish such farming 
utensils and cattle, and employ such persons to aid them 
in their agriculture, as the President mny deem expedient." 

PEVVONIGOWINK RESERVATION. 

The tribal reservation of five thousand seven hundred 
and sixty acres on the Flint River, before mentioned as 
including the village of the old chief Neome, " and a place 
called Kishkabawee," became known as the Pewonigowink 
reservation, and embraced within its area all of section 4, 
the west half of section 3, the east half of section 5, the 
north half of section 9, and the northeast and northwest 
quarters, respectively, of sections 8 and 10 in the present 
township of Jlontrose, in Genesee County, and something 
more than double that amount of land in Saginaw. In 
the latter portion was included the old Indian Field, so 
well known to the early travelers who passed down the 
valley of the Flint, and used its broad open .space as a 
camping-ground. 

PLANS FOR INDIAN EMIGRATION — TREATIES OF WASH- 
INGTON (1836), DETROIT (1837), FLINT RIVER (1837), 
AND SAGINAW (1838). 

It had been the intention of Gen. Cass to procure 
from the Indians at Saginaw an agreement that they would 
gradually emigrate from their old liunting-grounds in 
Michigan and remove beyond the Mississippi River, or, at 
least, to the country lying to the westward of Lake Michi- 
gan ; but in this the commissioner was disappointed, as we 
have seen. This repulse, however, did not cause the gov- 
ernment to abandon its cherished idea, and, finally, after 
many long years of persuasion, the minds of the red men 
seemed to have become fully prepared to entertain the 
proposition for ultimate removal to the new countries of 
the far West. 

In the year 1836 a council was held at Washington by 
Henry R. Schoolcraft, United States Commissioner, with 
the principal chiefs of the Chippeica and Ottawa nations, 
by which those nations ceded to the United States all the 
remaining part of the lower peninsula to which the Indian 
title had not before been extinguished, with the exception 
of a few reservations. This treaty was concluded on the 
28th of March, and proclaimed on the 27th of May, in the 
year named. 

At the commencement of 1837, Mr. Schoolcraft, as In- 
dian commissioner, met the chiefs and delegates of the 
Saffinaio tribe of Chippewas at Detroit, where, on the 
14th of January, a treaty was concluded by which the 
tribe ceded to the United States all the reservations, except 
those granted to individuals, under the Saginaw treaty of 
1819, but retained the right to continue for five years in 
undisturbed occupation of their tracts on the Augrais River, 
and on the Mushowusk River west of the Saginaw ; no 
white man to settle or encroach on those tracts under pen- 
alty of five hundred dollars. The United States agreed to 
furnish a farmer and blacksmith for the tribe as before, and 
to continue the donations of cattle and farming utensils. 



INDIAN EMIGRATION. 



23 



The lands embraced in tlie ceded reservations were to be 
surveyed by the United States and placed in the market 
with the other public lands as soon as practicable, and the 
amount due the Indians from this source to be invested by 
the President in some public stock, the interest to be paid 
annually to the tribe in the same manner as their annuities 
were paid; and if, at the end of twenty years, the Indians 
should wish the said stock to be sold and the proceeds 
divided among the tribe it might be done with the consent 
of the President and Senate. 

By the terms of the treaty the tribe agreed to remove 
from the State of Michigan as .soon as a proper location 
could be obtained, and for this purpose it was stipulated 
that a deputation should be sent to view the country occu- 
jiied by their kindred tribes west of the most westerly point 
of Lake Superior; '• and if an arrangement for their future 
and permanent residence can be made there, which shall 
be satisfiictory to them and to the government, they shall 
be permitted to form a reunion with such tribes and remove 
thereto. If such arrangement cannot be effected, the gov- 
ernment of the United States will use its influence to obtain 
such location west of the Mississippi River as the legisla- 
tion of Congress may indicate." 

The above was amended by a new treaty concluded on 
the 20th of December, 1837, at Flint River, between Henry 
R. Schoolcraft, commissioner, and the Saginaw chiefs and 
delegates, by the terms of which tlie United States agreed 
to reserve a location for the tribe " on the head waters of 
the Osage River, in the country visited by a delegation of 
the said tribe during the present year ; to be of proper ex- 
tent agreeably to their numbers, embracing a due proportion 
of wood and water, and lying contiguous to tribes of kindred 
language;" the meaning and intent of this being to nullify 
and abrogate that article of the treaty of Jan. 14, 1837, 
which entitled them to a location in the country lying west 
of Lake Superior. It was provided by the treaty that the 
sum of fifty cents for each acre of Indian land sold by the 
United States should be reserved " as an indemnification 
for the location to be furnished for their future permanent 
residence and to constitute a fund for emigrating thereto." 

The attesting witnesses to the treaty were John Garland, 
major U. S. A. ; Henry Connor, sub-agent and interpreter ; 
T. B. W. Stockton, Gardner D. Williams, Jonathan Beach ; 
Chas. C. Hascall, receiver in the land-office at Flint ; Albert 
J. Smith, Robert J. S. Page, Wait Beach, Rev. Luther D. 
Whitney, T. R. Cummings. This treaty, although not of 
very great importance in its results, is mentioned here, more 
especially for the rea.son that it was held at the place where 
now stands the beautiful and prosperous city of Flint, at a 
time when the spot was marked only by the straggling 
dwellings of a few pioneer settlers ; and becau.se, among 
those who were present at the deliberations, there were 
many whose names are well known in the annals of the city 
and county; some of whom still live, and distinctly re- 
member the interesting occasion. 

About a month after the conclusion of the treaty of Flint 
River, the chiefs were again assembled in council with 
Commissioner Schoolcraft. This time the council -fire was 
kindled at Saginaw. The rea.sons for the calling of this 
convention, as set forth in the preamble to the treaty which 



was there concluded (Jan. 23, 1838"), were, that " the chiefs 
of the bands have represented that combinations of pur- 
chasers may^ be formed at the sale of their lands [meaning 
the reservation lands, relinquished by the treaty of Detroit, 
Jan. 14, 1837], for the purpose of keeping down the price 
thereof, both at the public and private sales, whereby the 
proceeds would be greatly diminished ; and such a pro- 
cedure would defeat some of the primary objects of the 
cession of the lands to the United States, and thereby origi- 
nate difficulties to their early removal and expatriation to 
the country west of the Mississippi." 

To quiet these apprehensions, and to insure satisfaction 
and justice to both parties, it was provided in the treaty 
there made tliat the reservation lands, ceded by the treaty 
of Jan. 14, 1837, should be offered for sale by proclamation 
of the President, and that the sales should be conducted in 
the same manner as the sales of other government lands ; 
and that all lands brought into market under the provisions 
of the treaty of 1837 should be put up and offered for sale 
by the register and receiver of the respective land-offices, at 
five dollare per acre, which was declared as the minimum 
price ; and if that price was not bid, the sales should there- 
upon be stopped ; and no reservation lands should be dis- 
posed of, either at public or private sale, at a less price than 
the one mentioned, during a period of two years from the 
coniniencemont of such offering for sale. But if, at the 
expiration of that period, any part of the reservation lands 
should remain unsold, then the minimum price should be 
diminished to two dollars and fifty cents per acre, at which 
price they should be subject to entry until all were sold. If 
any of the lands should remain unsold at the end of five 
years from the ratification of this treaty, they were then to 
be sold at such price as they would command, provided that 
no such sale should be made for a price less than seventy- 
five cents per acre. And finally, it was agreed that if the 
Indians should consent to emigrate, and give up the tracts 
at Augrais and Rifle River (the usufruct and occupancy of 
which had been reserved to them for five years by the 
treaty of Detroit in 1837) at any time within two years, 
they should receive therefor, from the United States, the 
minimum price of five dollars per acre ; and if they should 
fail to so relinquish within that period, but should relin- 
quish within the period for which the minimum price of 
two dollars and fifty cents per acre was established, then 
they shouhl receive that minimum price per acre for the 
lands so given up and vacated. 

But the plan of Indian emigration from Michigan, 
formed and fostered by the government, and assented to by 
the tribes in the treaties of Detroit, Flint River, and Sagi- 
naw, was never carried into eflect ; for, long before the ex- 
piration of the time named in the treaty for their departure, 
they had bitterly repented of their promise to remove to the 
land of the .setting sun, and prayed the Great Father that 
they might be pcrniittcd to remain on the poor remnant of 
their once broad hunting-grounds, and to be buried near the 
graves of their fathers. The government did not insist on 
the performance of their agreement, and no general Western 
emigration took place; but eventually the bands became in 
a great measure broken up, atnl the individual members 
gradually scattered away faithcr towards the north and 



2i 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



west, some of tliem afterwards bocomiiis!; the owners of 
small tracts by purchase (a course which was encouraged by 
the government), many removed to reservations in Isabella 
County, where they or their children are still living, and 
some crossed the river and lake into Canada. 



CHAPTER V. 



INDIAN KESEKVATIONS ON FLINT RIVEB. 

Description of tlie Individual Reserv.itions at tlie Grand Traverse — 
Their Location and Survey under authority of the Government — 
United States Patents issued to several of tlie Rcservees — Long Liti- 
gation between rival Claimants to tiie Lands. 

The Indian tract of Pewonigowink having been relin- 
quished to the United States by the treaty of 1837,* the 
only reservations which then remained within the territory 
now comprised in the county of Genesee were the eleven 
tracts granted to individuals named by Jacob Smith and 
others in the treaty of 1819. The article of that treaty 
providing for these individual reservations declares that 
" there shall be reserved for the use of each of the 
persons hereinafter mentioned, and their heirs, — which 
persons are all Indians by descent, — the following tracts 
of land," and after specifying the tracts of the llileys and 
" The Crow," on Saginaw River, as before mentioned, pro- 
ceeds as follows: "For the use of Nowokeshik, Metawa- 
nene, Mokitchenoqua, Nondashemau, Petabonaqua, Mes- 
sawwakut, Checbalk, Kitchegeequa, Sagosequa, Annoketo- 
qua, and Tawcumegoqua, each six hundred and forty acres 
of land, to be located at or near the Grand Traverse of the 
Flint River, in such manner as the President of the United 
States may direct." 

Immediately after tlie conclusion of the treaty Jacob 
Smith removed to the Grand Traverse of the Flint, and 
there established his post. He had foreseen the future im- 
portance of this point, and had acted accordingly in securing 
the reservations ; but he probably considered the lands on 
the north side of the river to bo more eligible than those 
lying on the south .side, and he therefore located on the 
former, opening hi.s business in a log house, which stood 
near the river-bank, on the " burnt plain" of 3Iuscatawingh. 

In the year 1820, President Monroe, in pursuance of the 
provisions of the treaty, caused the eleven tracts to be sur- 
veyed, and located on both sides of the Flint River, at its 
southernmost bend ; that is, at and near the Indian crossing- 
place known as the Grand Traverse. Six of these tracts 
were laid out on the north side of the river and five on 
the south side. They were laid out in irregular forms, but 
cacli contained an area equal to one mile square. They 
were numbered from one to eleven. Inclusive ; and their 
respective locations and allotment among the several reser- 
vees was as indicated in the accompanying diagram, copied 
from the plat of the survey. 

These tracts have frequently been mentioned and named 
upon maps, collectively, as " Smith's Reservation," and the 

■* A remnant of the Peicvni;/u Indians, however, continued to live 
on this reservation for a number of years after it was furuially ceded 
to the United States. 



designation is perhaps not wholly incorrect ; for, although 
Jacob Smith never claimed more than five of them for the 
reservees named by him, yet it seems clear that none of 
them could have been secured except through the exertion 
of his powerful influence with the Indians at the treaty. 
Within the limits of these reservations was comprised 
nearly all the area of the present city of Flint ; and the 
great appreciation of the value of the lands, resulting from 
their rapid settlement, led to much controversy and years 
of obstinate litigation between different parties laying claim 
to their ownership. 

Jacob Smith died at the Grand Traverse early in the 
year 1825, leaving as his legal heirs five children, — one son 
and four daughters, — residing in Detroit. His location at 
the Traverse had been on the reservation numbered two, 
where, besides his trading-house, he had a small tract under 
cultivation. To what extent he had ever been in actutil 
possession of any of the other reservations does not appear, 
but whatever his interest was, at this place, it was taken 
possession • of soon after his death, by Maj. (afterwards 
Gen.) John Garland, his son-in-law, in the name of the 
heirs, for whom it was claimed that they were the true 
owners of the Indian names Metawanene, Annoketoqua, 
Sagosequa, Nondashemau, and Messawwakut, to whom, re- 
spectively, sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and G were allotted on the plat 
of the rcservationsmadeby direction of the President; these 
names, as was alleged, having been given them in infancy 
by their father's Indian friends, who at that time frequently 
visited his house in Detroit. There would have been 
nothing strange or unusual in their giving Indian names to 
white children and adults, the same thing having been done 
in the family of Maj. Oliver Williams, of Oakland County, 
every member of which received an Indian name from the.se 
same Chippewas, and many other similar instances are 
mentioned. In this case, however, three of the five Indian 
names referred to were those of males, while four of the 
children of Jacob Smith were daughters. 

When the tide of immigration began to set strongly in 
this direction, and it became apparent not only that the 
valley of the Flint River must eventually take rank among 
the most favored and prosperous portions of Michigan, but 
that the Grand Traverse must become the most important 
point in all that fertile valley, the claimants to the five 
reservations above mentioned very naturally felt desirous 
of establishing an absolute title to the lands in question ; 
and as an important preliminary step in that direction, all 
of those tracts (which had in the mean time been partially 
occupied by various lessees under Maj. Garland, the repre- 
sentative of the heirs of Jacob Smith) were taken in actual 
posse.ssion by Albert J. Smith, the claimant to the name 
and lauds of Metawanene, he al.so acting on behalf of his 
three surviving sisters and of the heirs of their deceased 
sister Caroline. This was in the year 1835. At the next 
succeeding session of Congress these claimants memorial- 
ized the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United Slates, praying for the passage of an act author- 
izing the issuance of patents to them for the five reserva- 
tions as sur\oyed in 1820, and numbered two, three, four, 
five, and six on the plat filed in the land-office. 

Their petition — after setting forth the well-known and 




c 

5? 



INDIAN RESERVATIONS ON FLINT RIVER. 



25 



undisputed fact tliat their father, Jacob Smith, was present 
at the Saj;inaw treaty of 1819, and was greatly instrumental 
in bringing about a successful result to tiiat negotiation — 
proceeded as follows : " Although the reservations intended 
for your memorialists under the treaty of Saginaw have 
been partially occupied under them, and always known and 
acknowledged as being intended for them, yet they never 
have received or obtained sucli a title from Government as 
would authorize them to sell or convey any portion of the 
said lands, in consequence of their having been embraced — 
unintentionally, as your memorialists believe — among the 
number of reservations intended for persons being Indians 
' by descent ;' owing to which the General Land-Office has 
not felt authorized to issue patents for said land in the 
names of your memorialists. ... In support of their 
prayer, your memorialists would respectfully refer you to 
the certificates of the chiefs and head men of the Chippeivu 
nation, marked B, in which the claim of your memorialists 
is fully acknowledged and proven ; also to the affidavits of 
respectable citizens of Michigan (numbered one, two, three, 
and four), who possess a knowledge of the facts and un- 
derstood the intentions of the Indians." 

The array of proof above alluded to as accompanying 
the memorial was, to say the least, exceedingly strong. 
First, was a certificate or statement made by CItippewa 
chiefs, signers of the treixly of 1819, fully recognizing the 
rights and claims of the children of Jacob Smith. This 
document, being an important one, is given here entire, as 
follows : 

*' The subscribers, chiefs and head men of the Chijijiewa nation, 
and subscribers to the treaty of Saj;!na\v, hereby certify that the five 
reservations at and near the Grand Traverse of the Flint River, made 
by the treaty of 1819, were made and intended for the five following- 
nanictl persons, viz.: Metawauene, alias Albert J. Smith; Mcssawwakut, 
alias Harriet M.Smith: .Sagose<|ua, alias Caroline Smith; Annoke- 
toqua, alias Louisa L. Smith : and Nondnshcmau, alias Maria G. Smith 
(each six hundred and forty acres) ; known to us and distinguished by 
the aforesaid names, as the children of the late Jacob Smith. M^c 
further certify that the aforesaid donations to the children aforesaid 
wore made in consideration of services rendered by said Smith {de- 
ceased) to the Vhippeicn nation, and the friendly intercourse that sub- 
sisted between the parties for many years. Wc further certify that 
Metawancne, alias Albert J. Smith, now present at the execution of 
this certificate, is the son of Jacob Smith, deceased, and that wo re- 
cognize him as oneof the five children to whom the before-mentioned 
donations were made and intended. 
"Saoi.vaw, January 22, 18.'!5. 
[Signed by witnesses present] [Signed by] 

"Thomas Simi-so.v, "Ocemawkeketo, [totem] 

K. S. Williams, No.n'o.mi'Enasee, " 

G. D. Williams, Waiihktoasce, " 

Charles II. RoDn. Saiiwabiio.v, " 

Chixetosii, " 

Sha.voe, " 

Wa.shivin, " 

IvAWGAIlEfiO, " 

Waysiionoxo, '* 

Moxewkg. " 

"TEiiitiToiiV or Michigan, I 

OaKLAMI Col STV. J "■ 

" Personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the ])eaco 
within and for the county of Oakland, Kphraim S. Williams, Esquire, 
who, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that he, 
this deponent, was present at the execution of tlic within certificate, 
and saw the within-named chiefs and head men make their marks to 
the said certificate. Deponent further saith that the subscribers, 
chiefs and head men as aforesaid, reside in the vicinity of Saginaw, 
Oakland County, ami Territory of Michigan. Deponent further saith 



that the contents of the certificate aforesaid were by him fully ex- 
plained, and were cheerfully assented to by tlie aforesaid chiefs and 
head men. 

[Signed] " E. S. AVilliams. 

"Sworn and sul)scribcd before me this twenty-second day of Janu- 
ary, 1S36. 

"Thomas Simpson." 

This statement of the Chippewa chiefs was made at a 
council which had been called for the purpose at the place 
and date mentioned, chiefly through the influence and in- 
struinontality of the brothers G. D. and E. S. Williams, 
who were then traders at Saginaw. The meeting (which 
was not a formal treaty-council) was held in a building 
owned by the American Fur Company, and was presided 
over by Thomas Simpson, — known to the Indians as Lixa- 
boga, — who was residing among the Chippewas to instruct 
them in agriculture at the expense of the government. 
The chief interpreter on the occasion w;us Jacob Gravradt, 
who was assisted by Charles H. llodd (who was regularly 
employed in that capacity by the American Fur Company), 
and also by Mr. Ephraim S. Williams, who spoke Cltip- 
pewa as well as the chiefs themselves. T. B. W. Stockton 
and Albert J. Smith were present as representatives of the 
Smith reservees, and the last named was at once and fully 
recognized by the chiefs as the Metawanene of the Saginaw 
treaty. The principal personage among the chiefs was 
Ogcmawkeketo, who had been recognized by Gen. Cass as 
the " chief speaker" of the Ghippawas, and who still wore 
upon his breast the government medal of silver which had 
been presented to him by the general in 1819. Here, as 
on the occasion of Cass' treaty, this " chief speaker" opposed, 
at first, the object for which the chiefs had been called to- 
gether. He fully understood that the Grand Traverse res- 
ervations had by the terms of the old treaty been granted 
to certain persons who were mentioned as all being of In- 
dian descent, and seeing in this a circumstance which might 
inure to the benefit of the tribe by causing the lands to 
revert to them, he made a strong speech to the eflfect that 
as the lands had been granted to individuals of Indian 
descent, which these children of Jacob Smith were not, 
and as during the sixteen years which had passed since the 
granting of the reservations no person bearing a trace of 
Indian blood had ever laid claim to them, it was plain that 
they had never yet passed from the ownership of the Chip- 
pewiis ; therefore, the tribe should retain them until the 
government or individuals should be ready to purcha.se at 
a fair price. This seemed to be a rea.sonable argument, and 
might have been fatal to the claims of the white reservees 
had it been adhered to ; but the assembled chiefs had not 
yet forgotten their good and steadfast friend Wahbesins, 
and now they did not hesitate to declare that his white 
children were the rightful owners of the reservations in the 
true meaning and intent of the treaty. Even the astute 
" chief speaker" receded from the position which he had 
first taken, and the name of Ogcmawkeketo was placed at 
the head of all those of the chiefs who signed the instru- 
ment. 

Certificates to the same effect — declaring the white chil- 
dren of Jacob Smith to be the persons to whom the Chip- 
pewas had intended to give the five sections of land in 
(lucstion — were procured from chiefs and head men at Big 



26 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Rock village on the Sliiawassee, Sept. 30, 1835 ; at Flint 
River, September, 1835 ; and at Grand Saline, Oct. 31, 
1835; these being made through Capt. Joseph F. Marsac, 
interpreter to the Indian department, and in the presence 
of Stephen V. R. Trowbridge and Lieut. Alfred Brush, of 
the United States army. The depositions of Major Robert 
A. Forsyth, who had drafted the treaty of 1819, and of 
James Connor, who also took part in the treaty (the former 
taken before Judge George Morell, and the latter before 
Judge Solomon Sibley), were to the eflcct that it was under- 
stood by them, at the time the treaty was made, that five or 
six reservations had been intended by the Indians for the 
children of Jacob Smith, who was a great favorite among 
them. 

All of the above-mentioned documents were laid before 
Congress in support of the petition of the Smith claimants, 
as was also the following memorial from persons residing 
principally at Flint River and in that vicinity, viz. : 

"Tu the Ifnimrahlc, llic Siiiitte of the United States : 

** The undersigned, citizens of the Territory of Michigan, residing 
in the vicinity of certain lands reserved to the heirs of Jacob Smith, 
under the treaty of Saginaw, having understood that a certain bill is 
now pending before your honorable body for the relief of the heirs 
of said Jacob Smith, have thought proper to represent that the con- 
firmatiou of the said grants to the said heirs would greatly advance 
the settlement and improvement of this part of the Territory, and that 
the delay in the perfecting of the title to said lands has already been 
of serious injury to this iJorlion of the Territory. The undersigned 
would, therefore, respectfully petition that the above-mentioned bill 
may become a law, there being no doubt that the equitable title to 
said lands is in the said heirs, and that strict justice requires of the 
general government a confirmation of the same: 



" Lyman Stow, 
Merkick Stow, 
James Patterson, 
Nahum N. AViLSOiV, 
Richard J. Oilman, 
John Clifford, 
Lewis Buckingham, 

L. G. BlCKINGHAM, 

A. U. Beach, 

Lemuel Johnson, 
Isaac Brown, 
Milton Morris, 
Jonathan Beach, 
Euenezer S. Fish, 
Nathaniel Nelson, 
Joseph Smith, 
Caleb Berry, 
Ldman Beach, 
Rurcs Harrison, 
A. B. Wilson, 



" Thomas J. Drake, 
E. Beach, 
John Tonn, 
E. R. EwiNGS, 
AVait Beach, 
RcFi's W. Stevens, 
Charles McLean, 
LcTHER King, 
Elijah Carman, 
Isaac Miles, 
John A. Hoyes, 
Aaron (i. Hoyes, 
Caleb Buckner, 
Charles C. Hascall, 
Calvin C. Parke, 
J. M. Ccmmings, 
James W. Crooks, 
James McCormick, 
Vf. H. Nelson, 
Joseph C. Winters, 



LoRTON S. Mathewson, Luther Dickinson, 

Robert McCormick, Charles ToogooI), 

BEN.IAMIN Pearson, Abial L. Shaw, 

Alanson Dickinso.v, Asa Davis, 

Thomas Nelson, John McCormick. 
" Flint River, Sept. 28, 1835." 

The result was the passage of an act " To authorize the 
President of the United States to cause to be issued to Al- 
bert J. Smith and others patents for certain reservations 
of land in Michigan Territory.'' This act (approved June 
25, 1836) provided : 

" That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, au- 
thorized and required to issue or cause to be issued, to Metawaneno 
(or Albert J. Smith), Messawwakul (or Harriet M. Smith), Annoke- 
toqua (or Louisa L. Smith), and Nondashemau (or Maria G. Smith), 



being children of Jacob Smith, deceased (formerly a trader among 
the Chippewa Indians), jtatents for one section of land each ; also one 
section of land conjointly to the aforesaid Albert J. Smith, Harriet 
M. Smith, Louisa L. Smith, and Maria G. Smith, being the only sur- 
viving brother and sisters of Sagosequa (or Caroline Smith, deceased, 
who was also one of the children of Jacob Smith, deceased, at or near 
the Grand Traverse of the Flint River, in the Territory of Michigan, 
which said sections of land were reserved to said children, by the 
third article of the treaty made and concluded at Saginaw, in the said 
Territory, between the United States of America and the Chipj/etra 
nation of Indians, on the 24th day of September, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen." 

In accordance with the provisions of this act, the five 
patents were issued June 2, 1836. This was, at that time, 
considered as a final settlement of the question of title to 
these reservations ; but it was not very long before the 
opinion began to be entertained by some (an opinion which 
was afterwards sustained by the courts) that these patents 
did not and could not convey a title as against any person 
or persons who could prove themselves to be the rightful 
reservees in the true intent and meaning of the treaty. It 
would seem that the proofs adduced by the Smith heirs had 
been ample for the establishment of their claims, but there 
were still doubts whether they could hold under the article 
of the treaty which provided that the lands granted should 
be for the use of persons of Indian descent only. About 
this time it was discovered that a young Chippewa, whose 
English name was Jack, and who had been brought up and 
protected by Jacob Smith, claimed to be the real Mctawa- 
nene, and consequently the owner of the reservation num- 
bered two on the laiidofEce plat ; and also that some In- 
dian women made the same claim to sections which had 
been patented to the daughters of Mr. Smith. 

In March, 1842, the Indian claimant to reservation num- 
bered two, deeded that tract to Gardner D. Williams, of 
Saginaw, who in June, 1845, conveyed one moiety of the 
same to Daniel D. Dewey, of Genesee ; and by these a 
suit was commenced in the Circuit Court for the establish- 
ment of the claim of the alleged true Jletawanene, and the 
possession of the lands. After many years of delay, this 
cause came to final trial in 1856, at the March term, held 
by Judge Sanford M. Green, in the city of Flint. Plain- 
tiffs, Messrs. Williams and Dewey. Defendant, Chaunccy 
S. Payne.* Attorneys for plaintiffs, Hon. Moses Wisner, 
James H. C. Blades. For the defendant, Messrs. E. C. 
and C. I. Walker, of Detroit, John Moore, of Saginaw City, 
and Charles P. Avery of Flint ; which last-named gentle- 
man had then recently purchased an undivided half of Mr. 
Payne's interest in the property, thus becoming equally in- 
terested with him in the result of the suit. 

In support of the plaintiff^'s claim there were brought 
forward four Indian witnesses, who testified through the 
sworn interpreter to the court, the Rev. Henry P. Chase, 
of Muncey Town, Canada West. These witnes.ses were 
Nahwahchegome, Kalikagezhick, Francis Roy, and Pero 
Roy, of Saginaw ; the first two being full-blood Chippewas 
and the others half-breeds. Their testimony was to the 
efffect that the Indian, Jack, who was associated with the 

* Albert J. Smith had, in 1836, deeded to Mr. Payne an undivided 
three-fourths, and to T. B. W. Stockton an undivided one-fourth, of 
the reservation. In 1S40, Mr. Stockton conveyed his interest to Mr. 
Payne, who thus became sole owner. 



INDIAN RESERVATIONS ON FLINT RIVER. 



plaintiffs upon iho record, was known by them to be the 
true Metawaneiie for whom section two was reserved ; tliat 
at the time of the treaty of 1819 he was about four or five 
years old, and that on that occasion he was brouj;ht into 
the council-house and placed before the commissioner, Gen. 
Cass. These witnesses (who are represented as having 
been unenlightened paj;aus) did not sustain themselves 
well under cross-examination ; and a part of their testimony 
was directly contradicted by that of Gen. Cass, — taken upon 
commission, — which was to the effect that no children were 
produced before him at the treaty as the designated ros- 
ervees. 

The defense brought twelve Indian witnesses, — among 
whom were several chiefs, — who testified that the Indian 
claimant was not the true Metawanene of the treaty ; that 
he was the son of a Canada Indian whose name was Shayo- 
gemaus, and that his own name, from the time of his 
christening, was Ahnemckecns, and that they had been in- 
timately acquainted with his personal history from the time 
when he was first laid in his bark cradle. One of these 
witnes.ses, an old woman named Moosequay, said she was 
present at the birth of the claimant, the date of which she 
placed at about two years after the treaty of Saginaw. This 
woman w;is a Christianized Indian, as were also several 
others of the witnesses for the defense. They also testified 
that Albert J. Smith, son of Jacob, had been adopted, while 
yet a small boy, by the old chief, Neomc, in the place of a 
deceased grandson, and that from that time he had uni- 
formly been recognized by the Indians as Metawanene ; 
this adoption having taken place before the treaty, at Mr. 
Smith's house in Detroit. 

Among the white witnesses were the Rev. D. C. Jacokes, 
E. D. Young, Daniel S. Freeman, and P. 0. Johnson. 
Mr. Jacokes testified that he had made these Indian claims 
the subject of thorough and impartial examination at an 
early day, and at a time when it was his interest to estab- 
lish them as rightful claims if it could be done, the result 
of which investigation was that in no instance did a single 
Indian allege that any one of those five sections had beeu 
intended for any other than the white children of Jacob 
Smith. Both he and Mr. Freeman also stated that in con- 
versation with them, at various times, the Indian, Ahneme- 
keens (or " Jack"), had told them that he had never 
thought of his having a claim, or that his name was Meta- 
wanene until it had been suggested to hiui by white men. 
The defense also embraced the evidence contained in the 
verified statements of the Chippewa chiefs, which were 
laid before Congress, as before mentioned, as well as several 
less interesting points. The jury after short deliberation 
rendered a verdict in favor of the defendant, thus deciding 
a case which, during years of litigation, had caused much 
excitement and some bitter feeling, and which is a matter 
of general historical interest in the annals of the county. 

The trial of a similar suit, involving tlie title to reserva- 
tions numbers three and four, was also had before Judge 
Green, at Flint, in the December term in the same year, 
resulting, as in the case of section 2, adversely to the In- 
dian title. Tiie suit was brought in the names of two of 
the Indian women, before mentioned, who claimed to be 
the real Annoketoqua and Sago.sequa, and con-sequently 



owners of the tracts which had been patented respectively 
to Louisa L. Smith and to the heirs of Caroline Smith, 
deceased. 

For the plaintiff there appeared several Indians who 
were, or claimed to have been, at the treaty of 1819, and 
whose testimony was given to show that the reservations 
were not intended for the children of Jacob Smith, but for 
the daughters of Neome, and that the Indian claimants in 
this case were the daughters of that chief. The defense 
brought two Indians and throe white men who were present 
at the treaty, whose testimony went to show the great in- 
fluence exerted by Smith at the treaty, and that old Neome 
favored Smith's wishes, but desired no lands for his own 
children. The testimony of General Cass for the defense 
was to the effect that he understood the reservations to 
have been intended for half-breeds, and not to full-blood 
Indians, as the granting of reservations to the last-named 
class was contrary to the policy of the government. (Tlie 
Indian claimants in this ease were full-blood Chippeicas.) 
He further testified that he did understand at the treaty 
that the design of Jacob Smith was to obtain reservations 
for his white children, and that to defeat that design he 
(General Cass) had caused to be inserted in the treaty the 
words " all of whom are Indians by descent."* But it 
was held by the court that whatever the intention of Gen- 
eral Cass might have been, yet if it had been the intention 
of the Indian grantors to give the lands for the use of the 
white children of Jacob Smith, the fee was thus vested in 
them, notwithstanding the insertion of the descriptive 
words " Indians by descent." 

Tiie same counsel who had conducted the case of section 
2 appeared also in this. The trial occupied three days, 
and at its conclusion the jury, after a retirement of less 
than an hour, returued a verdict for the defendant repre- 
senting the Smith interest. 

But the end was not yet. The case involving the title 
to these two sections (Gregory vs. Frost, — the defendant 

* About the time when the question first began to be agitated, in 
reference to the validity of the title of the Smith children to the 
reservations, General Cass, in response to a request for a statement 
of the facts, wrote a letter, which was placed on file in the Indian 
Department at Washington, of which the following is a copy: 

" Detroit, June 22, 18.31. 

" I have been requested to state the facts connected with the reser- 
vation of eleven sections of land at Flint River, made under the 
treaty of Saginaw, so far as respects any interest held therein by the 
children of Jacob Smith. At the time this reservation wa.s made, I 
understood that the Indians intended that a number of the sections 
— I believe five or si.\ — should be granted to Iho children of Smith, 
and the names given by them as the grantees of these sections wcro 
said to be his children. From circumstances not necessary to detiiil 
here, I was led to suspect that Smith designed the land for hi>! white 
children, and that most of the names purporting to be those of his 
Indian children were, in fact, the names of his white children, which 
the Indians — who wore in the habit of frequenting his house — had 
given to them. To guard against the consequences of this attempt, 
I therefore inserted in the article providing for these reservations a 
clause confining them to persons of Indian descent. I have an in- 
distinct recollection that one young girl was spoken of as the Indian 
daughter of Smith, hut cannot remember her name. I know Louis 
Beaufait and Henry Connor well; they were both at the treaty of 
Saginaw, and they arc very honest men, in whoso statements full 
confidence may be placed. 

(Signed) " Lkwis Cass." 



28 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICFIIGAN. 



holding under the Smith heirs) was removed by ch:inge of 
venue to tlio Circuit Court of Oakland County, and came 
to trial there in September, 1860. The testimony here 
was the same as at the trial of four years before in Genesee, 
except that the defendant introduced, in addition, that of 
Mr. Le Parle, of Monroe, and Jean Baptists Trudell, of 
Bay County, which was very strong in confirmation of the 
other evidence for the defense. Testimony for the plaintiff, 
given by several Indian and half-breed witnesses, was suc- 
cessfully impeached, and a verdict was rendered for the 
defendant. 

The plaintiff had urged, as a principal argument in favor 
of the change of venue, that a fair trial could not be had 
in Genesee County, fur the reason, not only, that many 
individuals there were interested in sustaining the Smith 
title, becau.sc holding under it, but also that a large majority 
of the people of Flint were favorable to it, in the belief 
that its overthrow would be detrimental to the interests of 
the city. The case, therefore, having been tried at a dis- 
tance from all such alleged influences, was regarded as a 
test ease, and the verdict was a final decision in favor of 
the Smith title to the five reservations numbered from two 
to six inclusive. 

Protracted litigation resulted also from a controvcr,sy 
concerning the title to reservation eight, which was allotted 
in the survey of 1820 to Mokitchenoqua. This Indian 
name was claimed (justly, as it afterwards appeared) by 
Elizabeth Lyons, a half-breed daughter of Archibald 
Lyons,* an Indian trader. She was one of three girls, or 
women, all half-breeds, who at different times laid claim to 
the reservation, and who received from the register and 
receiver of the land-ofiice at Detroit, certificates of iden- 
tification, as Mokitchenoqua, the rightful rescrvee under 
the treaty. The certificate to Elizabeth was obtained Aug. 
2, 1824. The nest claimant was Marie Lavoy, who ob- 
tained a certificate of identity Feb. 7, 1827 :f and the last 
was Nancy Crane (wife of Alexander D. Crane), formerly 
Nancy Smith, a reputed daughter of Jacob Smith. She 
received her certificate July 22, 1831. This was endorsed 
and coDfirmed by the Commissioner of the General Land- 
Office at Washington, Aug. 5, 1835, and on the 7th of 
March, 1840, a patent was issued for the section of land 
" to Mokitchenoqua, alias Nancy Crane, wife of Alexander 

s "Archie Lyons was a trustworthy agent of the Messrs. Williams 
[Gardner D. and Ephraiiu S. Williams, traders at Saginaw, and on 
the Tiltabawasseo], whose history is identified with the Saginaw 
Valley prior to the treaty. He was a fine penman, well educated, 
and a musician of no little skill. lie was located at the Little Forks 
of the Tittabawassee (Midland City), and in coming down from that 
point on the ice upon skates for the purjiose of jdayiug the violin for 
a dancing-party at Saginaw ho was drowned. His track was found 
on the ice the nest day, to the edge of the hole into which he had 
skated, leaving no doubt as to his fate." — Hon. C. P. Accry. 

t Soon after the issuance of this certificate to JIarie Lavoy, a 
council was held at Saginaw by Chippewa chiefs, who certified before 
Col. Stanard (a justice of the peace), and in presence of Archibald 
Lyons, that they had, at the treaty, reserved a section of land at the 
Flint River for Mokitchenonua, the daughter of Lyons. This was 
testified to by Antoinc Gampau at one of the trials which subsequently 
grew out of her claim. Not long .after this Lyons was drowned in the 
Tittabawassee, but the above-mcutioned fact proves that while living 
he recognized her claim to lands on the Flint (and not at l!ig Koctk 
on the Shiawassee), and that he took measures to establish it. 



D. Crane, formerly Nancy Smith." In the mean time (June 
30, 1835), she had united with her husband in a release of 
all their interest in the lands to Maj. John Garland. 

The interest of Elizabeth Lyons was conveyed by her 
on the 4th of April, 1838, to Gardner D. Williams and 
Kintzing Pritchette, who, in February, 1840, brought an 
action of ejectment against T. B. W. Stockton and Chauncey 
S. Payne, occupants of the section under title conveyed to 
them from Maj. Garland. Four months later (June 11, 
1840), Stockton and Payne filed a bill in chancery, praying 
that Williams and Pritchette be restrained from prosecuting 
their action of ejectment, and decreed to release their claim 
to the premises. Associated with these as defendants were 
Calvin Smith, Thomas J. Drake, and Elizabeth Lyons; 
Nancy Crane having on the 10th of February, 1837, 
joined with her husband in a conveyance of two-thirds of 
her interest in the section to Messrs. Smith and Drake, 
who were charged with notice of the deed of the same 
interest to Maj. Garland, made twenty months before. 

This case was tried before Chancellor Manning in Feb- 
ruary, 1843. In the testiuion}', as reviewed by the Chan- 
cellor, there were but few points of general interest. Henry 
Connor, the interpreter at the treaty, testified that he did 
not know of any reservation being made for Elizabeth 
Lyons. Robert A. For.syth, who drafted the treaty, said 
he thought that the name of Mokitchenoqua was among 
those handed in by Jacob Smith to be inserted as reservees. 
Louis Beaufait, interpreter at the treaty, said that Jacob 
Smith, a few months after the treaty, showed him a list of 
names of those for whom he had obtained each a section 
of land, and he thought that among them was Mokitche- 
weenoqua. Cecil Boyer (a woman) was at the treaty, and 
heard there that a reservation had been made at the Grand 
Traverse of the Flint for Mokitcheweenoqua, who, she 
believed, was Jacob Smith's only child of Indian descent. 
She had also heard that Elizabeth Lyons had a tract reserved 
for her at Shiawassee. Eshtonaquot, alias IMacons, testified 
strongly in favor of the claim of Nancy Smith, but admitted 
that he did not know that Mr. Smith had ever claimed more 
than one section under the treaty. 

The testimony for the defense was much stronger. Rose 
Campau said that Elizabeth Lyons had been brought up in 
her family in Detroit, and had frequently been visited there 
by her Indian relatives, who always called her Mokitcheno- 
qua, and that she had often heard them say that a section 
had been reserved for Elizabeth by the treaty. Josette 
Knaggs, widow of Whitmore Knaggs (who was chief in- 
terpreter at the treaty), testified that her husband had told 
her, on his return from the council at Saginaw, that a .sec- 
tion of land had been given to Elizabeth Lyons. She had 
also heard the same from Indians of the tribe, and from the 
half-breeds, Peter and James Riley. 

An important witness lor the defense was Rufus W. 
Stevens, a prominent and most respectable citizen of Gen- 
esee County. He testified that he had been told by Jacob 
Smith that section 7 hal been reserved for Edouard Cam- 
pau, section 8 for Archibald Lyons' daughter, and others 
for his (Smith's) children, on the north side of the river, 
but that he made no claim for them to lands on the south 
side of the river. Louis Moran testified that when, on one 



INDIAN RESERVATIONS ON FLINT RIVER. 



29 



occasion, lie had inquired of Jacob Smith as to the owner- 
ship of certain lands at the Flint, the latter replied that it 
was a section wiuch had been reserved for Archibald Lyons' 
daughter by the treaty. 

John Baptist Trudell said lie was present at the treaty; 
that all the chiefs told him at the time that Lyons' daugh- 
ter had land reserved for her; that Jacob Smith, while he 
resided at the Flint, told him that Lyons' daughter had a 
section of land there on the opposite side of the river ; that 
he (Smith) spoke of this a number of times, and only a 
short time before his death. Nearly the same facts were 
testified to by Peter Whitmore Knaggs (who was at the 
treaty) and by several others. 

The chancellor, in reviewing the testimony, said in effect 
that he did not consider that adduced by the complainants 
to be entitled to much weight, and that the preponderance 
of evidence was decidedly in favor of the defense. 

The facts testified to for the defense by Rufus W. Ste- 
vens, Louis Moran, and J. B. Trudell, concerning Jacob 
Smith's frequent admissions that his children claimed no 
reservations on the south side of the river, were held by 
the chancellor to be most important. In reference to these 
he said: "The repeated declarations of Smith after the 
treaty that there was a section reserved at the Flint for 
Lyons' daughter is almost conclusive of itself He claimed 
five sections at that place, under the treaty, for himself or 
children, and took possession of them, but he never claimed 
section 8. No one, perhaps, was more anxious to secure 
personal advantage by the treaty, or knew better for whom 
reservations were made, than Smith himself" 

The court, therefore, refused to decree the release of the 
defendants' claims, and the bill was dismissed. The com- 
plainants then appealed the case to the Supreme Court, 
where it was tried at the January term in 1845, resulting 
in a decision affirming the decree of the Court of Chancery. 
Upon this decision, Williams and Fritchette proceeded with 
their ejectment suit, and in due time it was brought to trial. 
The evidence adduced by them here was the same as in the 
previous trials, but it did not prove sufficiently strong and 
convincing to establish the claim of Elizabeth Lyons. The 
decision was in favor of Messrs. Stockton and Payne, and 
this was a final .settlement of the case. 

Reservation No. 1 has also been the subject of long and 
vexatious controver.sy at law between opposing parties, each 
of whom claimed to hold under the true Tawcumegoqua, 
for whom the section was reserved by the treaty, and to 
whom it was allotted in the survey of 1820. 

One of the persons — for whom it was claimed that she 
was the true reservee of this section — was a half-breed 
daughter of the before-mentioned French trader, Bolieu, by 
his full-blood Indian wife. This girl was named in French 
Angeliquc, but in Cliippcioa Tawcumegoqua. At the age 
of about twelve years she was sent to the white settlements 
at or near Detroit, and there partially educated. Ou at- 
taining womanhood she married a Frenchman named Cou- 
tant, and settled near Connor's Creek, in Uamtramck, 
Wayne Co., where she continued to reside (living after the 
manner of the French inhabitants of the in-ighborhood) 
during the remainder of her life. By her marriage with 
Coutant she had two children, — a son and dau";hter. 



After his death she married Jean Baptiste St. Aubin, but 
by him had no children. At the time when the treaty of 
Saginaw was made she was fully forty years of age, and 
about eight years later she died, leaving her two children, 
Simon and Angeli(|ue Coutant, as her sole heirs-at-law. 
Both these children married, the husband of Angelique 
being Nicholas Chauvin. 

It appears that IMadam Coutant (otherwise St. Aubin) 
had claimed to be the owner of the reservation in question, 
and that after her death her heirs made the same claim, 
though neither had had actual possession or had taken any 
legal steps to secure it. But on the 17th of October, 1833, 
Simon Coutant and his wife Marie conveyed all their in- 
terest in the seclion, by deed, to Joseph Campau, of Detroit, 
for the consideration of four hundred and eiglity dollars ; 
and on the 18th of the same month, Nicholas Chauvin and 
his wife (formerly Angelique Coutant) conveyed all their 
interest in the tract, by deed, to the same grantee. Subse- 
quently (June 24, 1839) these transactions were confirmed 
by a deed from the same parties to Campau, who, about the 
same time, took possession by the placing of one or more 
tenants upon the tract. On the 2(jlh of February, 1845, 
a patent for the section was issued to Mr. Campau, in pur- 
suance of the authority conferred by act of Congress, 
approved June 15, 1844. 

The other claimant to the reservation, under the name 
of Tawcumegoqua, was a fuII-blood Chi'ppewa woman, the 
daughter of Mixanene, brother of the old chief Neome. 
She was about six years of age at the time of the treaty, 
and about the year 1830 she was married to Kahzheau- 
zungh, a full-blood Indian, by whom she had three children. 
On the 13th of August, 1841, she joined with her husband 
in a deed conveying the whole of Reservation No. 1 to John 
Bartow and Addison Stewart, the last named gentleman 
having been for several years in possession of a small por- 
tion of the tract, though claiming no title to the land on 
account of such occupation. 

On the Gth of April, 1855, Lucy Stewart, widow of 
Addison Stewart (deceased), and his minor heirs, by their 
guardian, conveyed their interest in tiie section to Daniel 
D. Dewey, and John Bartow conveyed his interest in it to 
William Hamilton, by deed dated July 3d, in the same 
year. Thus, whatever title to the tract had originally 
vested in the full-blood daughter of Mixanene was now 
held by Messrs. Dewey and Hamilton, while all the right 
to the tract which had formerly been possessed by the 
half-breed daughter of Boliou (Madame Coutant) was held 
by Joseph Campau, who claimed to have been in actual 
possession since the year 1838. 

Under these circumstances, Dewey and Hamilton ecun- 
menced a suit in ejectment against Campau in the Circuit 
Court of Genesee. The trial resulted adversely to the 
plaintiffs, who thereupon carried the cause to the Supreme 
Court, where the judgment of the court below was affirmed. 
The loss of the case to the plaintiffs was on account of an 
informality in the acknowledgment of the deed from the 
Indian claimant. Tliis defect was remedied by a new con- 
veyance from her husband and children, she having died in 
the year 1848. On the 24th of November, 185G, Alvin T. 
Crosman (who had acquired title by mean conveyances from 



30 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY", MICHIGAN. 



the heirs of Tiiwciiiiiegoquii) quit-claiiiiocl his interest in the 
entire section to George M. Dewey ;ind Rufus J. Ham- 
ilton ; and on the 20th of July, 1857, Daniel D. Dewey 
and William Hamilton quit-claimed to the same grantees, 
who, in August of that year, brought action of ejectment 
in the Genesee County Court against Joseph Canipau 
and Alexander McFarlan (the latter a lessee under Cam- 
pau). On the 29th of April, following, the venue was 
removed to Saginaw County, where the cause was finally 
tried in the Circuit Court, before Judge W. F. Wood- 
worth, at the January term in ISGO. At this trial,* "evi- 
dence was adduced on the part of the plaintiffs tending to 
prove that at the time of the treaty of Saginaw, and for 
many years prior and subsequent thereto, a band of Chtp- 
j)ewa Indians resided at the village of Pewonigowink, on 
the Flint River, and about ten miles below the Grand 
Traverse of that river, at the place where the present city 
of Flint is located. That during all the time referred to 
Neome was the chief of this band ; that Tonedogane was 
the principal warrior or second chief of this band, and suc- 
ceeded Neome in the chieftainship on his decease. That 
one Mixanene was also a member of this band, a brother 
of Neome, and that Blixanene had a daughter, named Taw- 
cumegoqua, who was about six years of age at the time of the 
treaty, and was a member of Neome's fiimily. That Neome 
also had three children, — two females, Sagosaqua and Owan- 
ona(|uat()qua, the former about ten or twelve years old at 
the time of the treaty, the latter a woman grown, and one 
boy, Ogibwok [supposed by some to have been the real 
" Cliecbalk,'" to whom section 9 should have been allotted], 
who was about fifteen years of age, — and a grandson called 
Metawaiiene; that all the children named were full-blood 
Indian children. . . . That Neome, his children, and said 
grandchild, and his band, including Tonedogane, and also 
Mixanene and his little daughter Tawcumegoqua, were 
present at the treaty. That Jacob Smith was there also. 
That on the night prior to the last council, at which the 
treaty was read over and agreed to, Jacob Smith came to 
Neome's tent and advised him to get special reservations of 
land for his children, and promised to assist him in doing 
so. That at the grand council, held the next day between 
the Indians and Gen. Cass, Neome came forward before 
Gen. Cass with his three children and said grandchild, Me- 
tawanene, and also bis niece, Tawcumego(jua, Jlixunene 
being with him and Jacob Smith standing by his side, and 
asked for r&scrvations of land for these children ; that Gen. 
Cass assentcd;f and that the names of the children were 
written down, and that it was talked of and understood at 
the treaty that these children got special reservations of 
land." The testimony of the chief Nocchieame, and others 
was also introduced by the plaintiffs to show that Mixa- 
nene's daughter, Tawcumegoqua, was married about 1830 to 
Kuhzheauzungh, and to identify her as the same person 
who joined with her husband in the deed to John Barton 

*Mich. Reports, vol. v., Cooloy. 

t This, however, was shown to be wholly in^orreet by the testimony 
of Gen. Ciiss, giien in one of the trials involving the title to olher sec- 
tions of the Smith reservation ; in which the general slateil positively 
that no such children were produced before him as reservces at tlie 
treaty. 



and Addison Stewart, April 29. 184G ; that she died in the 
fall of IS-tS, and that the persons who joined with her hus- 
band in the deeds to John Moore and A. T. Crosman were 
her children and heirs. 

The defendants introduced evidence showing that their 
Tawcumegoqua (alias Madame Coutant) was the daughter 
of the trader Bolieu, and an Indian woman (his wife) who 
was related by blood to the chiefs Neome and Tonedogane, 
and tending to prove that she (the daughter) was the true 
reservee. Among this evidence was the deposition of Henry 
Connor (then deceased) taken before David E. Harbaugh, 
a justice of the peace for Wayne County, Feb. 20, 1839, 
as follows: " I, Henry Connor, of Wayne County, State of 
Michigan, do solemnly swear that I was an Indian inter- 
preter at the treaty held with the Indians at Saginaw, in 
the year 1S19, and that Tawcumegoqua, a half-breed Indian 
woman, was present at said treaty ; that I acted as inter- 
preter for her in the matter of her claim to a section of land 
at or near the Grand Traverse on Flint River, in the then 
Territory of Michigan. I was well acquainted with said 
Tawcumegoqua during a period of more than thirty years, 
and I know that she was the identical woman to whom the 
Indians then granted and intended to grant a section of land 
situated near the Grand Traverse of the Flint River afore- 
said. I do also know that she was married to a Frenchman 
named Coutant, and was called by the French inhabitants 
Angelique Coutant. That she had two children by said 
Coutant, called Simon and Angelique Coutant, and that 
the.se two children are the only heirs of the said Tawcume- 
goqua. " ... It was urged that this testimony was of great 
weight and importance, from the fact that Connor (on ac- 
count of the position held by hiiu at the treaty) must of 
necessity have been fully acquainted with all the circum- 
stances, and with the intentions of the Indians, and also 
from the fact that his entire truthfulness and honesty were 
vouched for by General Ca.ss, and others who had known 
him intimately for many years. 

George B. Knaggs testified for the defense that he knew 
Madame Coutant, that he saw her at the treaty, that .she 
was the person to whom the Indians intended to give the 
reserved tract, and this was understood by common conver- 
sation among them afterwards. This witness, however, did 
not sustain himself well under cros.s-examination, and his 
statements appear to have been received with distrust by 
the court. 

Louis Campau, the old trader (who, at the time of this 
trial, was living in retireiuent at Grand Rapids), testified for 
the defense. He was present at the treaty of 1819, and 
here gave a detailed account of the proceedings on that oc- 
casion. He said Jlrs. Coutant was present, and was then 
called by her Indian name, which the Indians accepted ; 
that she was presented by that name to General Cass, and 
that after her interview with him in the presence of the 
chiefs, he (Campau) asked her if she got the land, and she 
replied, " Yes, my son, my relations have pitied me, and 
given me a piece of land." He said that he met the chief, 
Tonedogane, who spoke of Mrs. Coutant by her Indian 
name, and called her his aunt, and that not only this Indian, 
but also the chiefs, Neome, Kabamiscobe, and Podagnass, 
told him that they had given her lands. This witness also 



SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 



31 



testified that although he had been well acquainted vilth 
Neoiue since 1815, and knew all the hunters of his band, 
he had never known or heard that the old chief had any 
children, as had been stated by the witnesses on the other 
side. The trial, which was a long and interesting one, 
terminated on the 15th of February by a verdict in favor of 
the plaintiffs. Upon this a writ of restitution was is.sucd, 
and Messrs. Dewey and Hamilton were placed in possession 
of the tract by Sheriff Lewis Buckingham on the 29th of 
November, 18G0. 

From the Circuit Court of Saginaw County the cause was 
carried by the defeated party to the Supreme Court, on a 
writ of error and bill of exceptions, and came to trial at the 
October term in 18G1 ; resulting in an affirmation of the 
judgment of the court below. 

The foregoing account of the principal suits, involving 
the original title to these reservations, m.iy be thought un- 
necciisarily extended ; but it has been made so not only 
because of the great interest which was felt in them by the 
people of this vicinity, and on account of the singularly 
conflicting nature of the evidence adduced, but also for the 
reason that (as was remarked to the writer by one of the 
most prominent citizens of Flint, and one who is intimately 
acquainted with the matter of which he speaks) " the set- 
tlement of the titles to the seveu thou.sand acres embraced 
in the Smith reservations has caused twenty times more 
trouble, anxiety, and litigation than all the other land-titles 
in the county of Genesee." 

This remark, however, does not properly apply to the 
reservations on the south side of the river, excepting num- 
ber eight, which has been mentioned above at some length. 
The first of these (commencing at the lowest point on the 
river) was the one numbered eleven, of which the reservee 
was Kitchegeequa, a half-breed, otherwise known as Catha- 
rine Mene, who died a few years after the treaty. On the 
30th of May, 1830, a patent was issued to Charles Mene 
and the other heirs of Catharine, and the title thus con- 
firmed, proved good and valid. The reservee of the adjoin- 
ing tract (number ten) was Pliillis Beaufait (otherwi.se Peta- 
bonequa), a half-breed daughter of Colonel Louis Beaufait. 
Holders of titles derived from her found thcm.selves secure; 
and this was also the case on reservation nine, which was 
granted to the half-breed Checbalk, otherwise Jean Visger, 
or John Fisher, a member of the " Fisher tribe" or band, 
several of whom are still living in the county. Nowoke- 
shik, to whom reservation number seven was allotted, was 
Fran9ois Edouard Campau, a half-breed son of Barney Cam- 
pau. A patent for this tract was issued to him June 12, 
1825, and on the 1st of April, 1830, he conveyed it by 
deed to John Todd, the pioneer of the Flint lliver settle- 
ment. Within this reservation is now included all of the 
second, and the greater part of the third ward of Flint, 
embracing the mo.st populous and valuable portion of the 
city. 



CHAPTER VI. 

SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTT. 

Low Estiiuato of tho Value of Michigan Laiiils by Travelers and 
Surveyors — Slow Progress of Settlement in eonscrjuencc — Correc- 
tion of tho Mistaken Opinion — Settlement of the Territory now 
Genesee County — Regard of the Early Settlers for Education and 
Religious Worship. 

Until after the close of the last war between the United 
States and Great Britain, so little of actual knowledge had 
been gained concerning the Territory of Michigan that — 
with the exception of a limited region lying along the 
Detroit River, and contiguous to a few of the more im- 
portant points on Lakes Huron, Jlichigan, and St. Clair — 
the whole of the lower peninsula might properly have been 
termed an unexplored and unknown country. In the first 
year of that war, an act was passed by Congress requiring 
that two millions of acres of land, in each of the (then) 
Territories of Michigan, Illinois, and Louisiana, — in all six 
million acres, — should be surveyed and set apart as military 
tracts, out of which each soldier serving in the armies of 
the United States in the war with England should be en- 
titled to receive one hundred and sixty acres of land fit for 
cultivation. Under the provisions of this act surveys were 
made ; but, while engaged in the work, the surveyors seem 
to have formed an idea of the country here similar to that 
expressed by Ilonton, one of the early French travelers, 
who, having had a glimpse of some of the swampy regions 
bordering the lakes and rivers, recorded as his opinion of 
the peninsula lying between the lakes, that it was in truth 
" the fag-end of the world." Much the same was the esti- 
mation in which these lands were held by the surveyor- 
general, as is secu by the following extract from his report, 
dated Nov. 13, 1815, having reference to the Michigan 
surveys, viz. : " The country on the Indian boundary line 
from the mouth of the Great Auglaize River [that is, the 
line established by the treaty of Detroit, in 1807, and 
identical, or nearly so, with the principal meridian of the 
government surveys], and running thence for about fifty 
miles, is, with some few exceptions, low, wet land, with a 
very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed with very bad 
marshes, but generally very heavily timbered with beech, 
cotton-wood, oak, etc. ; thence, continuing north, and ex- 
tending from the Indian boundary eastward, the number 
and extent of the swamps increases, with the addition of 
numbers of lakes from twenty chains to two and three miles 
across. Many of these lakes have extensive marshes ad- 
joining their margins, sometimes thickly covered with a 
species of pine called tamarack, and other places covered 
with a coarse, high grass, and uniformly covered from six 
inches to three feet (and more at times) with water. The 
margins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps 
are found, for they arc intersper.sed throughout the whole 
country and filled with water, as above stated, and varying 
in extent. 

" The intermediate space between these swamps and lakes 
— which is probably near one-half of the country — is, with 
very few exceptions, a poor, barren, .sandy land, on which 
scarcely any vegetation grows, except very small, scrubby 
oaks. In many places, that part which may be called dry 



32 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



land is composed of little, short sand-hills, forming a kind 
of deep basins, the bottoms of many of which are composed 
of marsh similar to the above described. The streams are 
generally narrow, and very deep compared with their width, 
the shores and bottoms of which are, with very few excep- 
tions, swampy beyond description ; and it is with the 
utmost difficulty that a place can be found over which 
horses can be conveyed in safety. 

" A circumstance peculiar to that country is exhibited in 
many of the marshes, by their being thinly covered with a 
sward of grass, by walking on which evinces the existence 
of water, or a very thin mud, immediately under their cov- 
ering, which sinks from six to eighteen inches under the 
pressure of the foot at every step, and at the same time 
rises before and behind the person passing over it. The 
margins of many of the lakes and streams are in similar 
situation, and in many places are literally afloat. On ap- 
proaching the eastern part of the military land, towards the 
private claims on the straits and lake, the country docs not 
contain so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility 
and barrenness of the soil continue the same. Taking the 
country altogether, so far as it has been explored, and to 
all appearances, together with information received concern 
ins the balance, it is so bad that there icould not he more 
tluin one acre out of a hundred, if there icould be one out 
of a thousand, that would in any case admit ofcidtivalinn." 

Probably the above was an honest expression of opinion 
on the part of the surveyor-general, who, of course, based 
his report on the information furnished him by his subordi- 
nates who performed the work in the field ; but how thei/ 
could have been so deceived (if indeed they icere so far de- 
ceived as to believe the disparaging statements which they 
made) is certainly a mystery. However it may have been 
brought about, the result was that Congress passed a law 
(April 29, ISIG) repealing so much of the act of 1812 as 
authorized the locating of soldiers' lands in Michigan, and, 
in lieu thereof, providing for the survey of one million five 
hundred thousand acres in Missouri ; so that the brave men 
who had periled their lives for their country should not be 
wronged and insulted bj' the donation of lands of which, 
according to the surveyors' reports, not one acre in a hun- 
dred was fit for cultivation. 

The natural effect of all this was to bring the Territory 
of Michigan into contempt as a country unfit for agriculture ; 
and this belief was fostered by the Indian traders, who were 
thorougiily acquainted with the interior country and its ca- 
pabilities, but were only too willing to assist in perpetua- 
ting the delusion, in order to postpone the evil day (as 
they regarded it) when their lucrative business should be 
ruined by the advance of white immigration and settlement. 
And so there grew up a belief, which became well-nigh uni- 
versal, that all this region, now so beautiful and productive, 
was a land of irreclaimable swamps and barren sand-knolis, 
the home of every species of malarial disease, which must 
forever remain unfit for culture or white occupation ; and 
that its obvious destiny must be to continue in the posses- 
sion of wild beasts and the aborigines. 

There were those, however, who believed that this judg- 
ment was a false, or at least a hasty one ; and chief among 
those who were skeptical as to the absolute worthlcssness 



of Michigan lands was Governor Lewis Cass, who not only 
doubted, but resolved to test its truth, and to disprove or 
prove it by the evidence of his own senses ; and to that 
end he set out from Detroit, accompanied by Hon. Austin 
E. Wing and two or three other friends, on a tour of ob- 
servation and discovery. Through the first stage of their 
Northwestern journey, after leaving the town, the aspect 
was by no means reassuring, and as their horses sunk knee- 
deep in the sloughs or wallowed through the marshy places 
along that trail whose horrors and miseries afterwards be- 
came so well known to the pioneers, it really seemed as if 
the dismal tales of the surveyors and Indian traders would 
be more than verified. But at last, after having floundered 
over a distance which seemed a hundred miles, but which 
in reality was not more than one-eighth part of it, they 
emerged upon higher ground and into a more open and de- 
sii'able country, which is now the southeastern part of the 
superb county of Oakland. From that point their journey 
continued easy and unobstructed towards the northwest, 
over a dry and rolling country, through beautiful open 
groves of oak, and along the margins of pure and limpid 
waters. One of these latter they named Wing Lake, in 
honor of a member of the party ; another (the largest 
sheet of water in Oakland) they called Cass Lake ; while a 
little farther on (now in Waterford township) they named 
a lovely lake for Elizabeth, the governor's wife. During 
their journey (^which was of about a week's duration) they 
penetrated nearly to the southern boundary of Genesee ; 
and when they returned thej' carried back with them the 
knowledge and proof that Jlichigan was not the worthless 
desert which it had been represented ; but, instead, a beau- 
tiful and fertile land, awaiting only the touch of the .set- 
tler's axe and plow, and ready to yield an abundant in- 
crease to reward his toil. 

E.-VRLY SETTLERS IN GENESEE. 

The trader Bolieu, who has already been mentioned as 
being in all probability the first white man who came into 
this Indian country, could hardly have been called a set- 
tler under the common acceptation of the term, though it 
is believed that he lived for a long time within the present 
limits of this county. His case seems to have been that 
of a man who, for some cause which does not appear, — 
whether for the sake of mere profit, or because of disap- 
pointment, disgust with the world, or from pure love of the 
wild freedom of Indian life, came among them, married a 
woman of the tribe who was a relative of one of their prin- 
cipal chiefs, raised a half-breed family, and adopted the 
Chippeioa mode of living; making no improvements that 
are known of, and probably never expecting or wishing to 
see others of the white race make their homes near him. 

But it was under other circumstances and in an entirely 
different manner that Jacob Smith came to build his cabin 
on the Flint River ; and it was to him that the distinction 
properly belonged, of being the first white man who made 
a settlement within the region which is now embraced in 
Genesee County. He came in the fall of 1819 to the 
Grand Traverse of the Flint, and upon the right bank of 
the river, not far from the Indian crossing, he erected a log 
house which was at once his trading-house and his dwelling. 



SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 



33 



Tlicre cull be no question that liis principal object in locat- 
iiiLT at this phice was to take possession of the reservations 
wliich he liad caused to be granted in tiie treatj' of Sagi- 
naw, and to hold them for himself and children. And 
(with the exception of occasional absences at Detroit) he 
remained in occupancy of his house and lands here for the 
remainder of his life. It seems to be quite generally be- 
lieved among those who have not examined into the facts 
that during this time Mr. Smith was entirely engaged in 
Indian trade, and that he made no agricultural improve- 
ments here. That this is a mistake, and that a part of his 
lands were cleared and cultivated by him or under his direc- 
tion, is proved by papers to which access has been had in 
the preparation of this history. One of these papers is a 
sealed instrument which is self-explanatory, and of which 
the following is a copy : 

*' Whereas I, David E. W. Corbin, have tliis day canceled and 
given up to Jacob Smith a certain lease for a section of land on Flint 
River, in the county of Oakland, dated the 21st day of December, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-one 
( 1 82 1), as by reference to said lease will more fully appear, and whereas 
the said Jacob Smith hath heretofore commenced a certain suit on a 
book account against me before John McDonald, Esq., a Justice of 
the Peace in and for the county of Wayne. * Now, therefore, in con- 
sideration of the said Jacob Smith having discontinued said suit, and 
having given me a general release of all debts and demands what- 
soever, I do hereby give, grant, sell, and convey unto the said Jacob 
Smith all my right, title, interest, and claim whatsoever to all the 
wheat, corn, potatoes, barley, pea^, beans, and oats, and all other crops 
wbatjioever, now growing on said section of land, or elsewhere in the 
county of Oakland, and likewise all other property of every kind and 
description which I now own in Ihe county of Oakland. In witness 
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth day of August, 
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two. 

** Witness ; George A. tJ.VGE. 

"David E. W. Corbin." [skal] 

It is thus clearly shown that a part of the reservation 
had been cleared, and that crops were growing upon it, at 
least as early as 1822 ; that in that year it was occupied as 
a farm by Mr. Corbin, under lease from Jacob Smith ; and 
that the former, being for some reason unable to meet his 
payments, rciiu((uished the lease to Mr. Smith in the year 
named. This Mr. Corbin had been a soldier of the war of 
1812. He was for some time employed on the farm of Maj. 
Williams, near Pontiac, and afterwards worked for G. D. 
and E. S. Williams, at Saginaw. Still later, be was ap- 
pointed light-house keeper at Green Bay, Wis., and remained 
in that position until his death. 

That the farm, after being given up by Corbin, was con- 
tinued and carried on by Mr. Smith until the time of his 
death, is shown by the tenor of auuther of the papers re- 
ferred to ; it being as follows : 

" Detroit, April 4, 1825. 
'* To all tcfiom if tiiin/ ctnccni ; Mr. George Lyons is hereby author- 
ized to tiike possession, in the name of .Metawanenc, or Albert J. Smith, 
a minor, of the house and farm, situated on Flint River, lately occu- 
pieil by Jacob Smith, deceased, until some further definite arrange- 
ment. The horses, cattle, hogs, one wagon, three plows, and four sots 
of harness belong to me, and .Mr. Lyons is hereby authorized to receive 
them in my name from any person now at the farm. 

[Signed] "JoilV (iARLANI). 

" p. S. — AH other jiropcrty on the premises belongs to the estate of 
Jacob Smith. It is my wish that an inventory be taken of them 
by Mr. Lyons and Mr. E. Camjiau, and lilt with .Mr. Campau. 

[Signed] "Juiis Garland." 

5 



The " Mr. E. Campau" above referred to was the half- 
breed otherwise known as Nowokeshik, the owner of reser- 
vation No. 7. lie was frequently employed about the 
trading-house of Mr. Smith during the years in which the 
latter lived at the Grand Traverse, and at the time of the 
death of Mr. Smith he (Campau) was living in a cabin on 
his own reservation on the south side of the river, but 
whether with or without his family is not known. There 
is little doubt that he built and occupied the cabin on the 
reservation fur the purpose of having the fact of his actual 
possession assist him to obtain a patent of the tract from 
government ; and he did so obtain it soon after Mr. Smith's 
death, viz., June 12, 1825. Not long after having secured 
the land by patent, he removed from it. Under these cir- 
cumstances, therefore, it does not seem proper to class him 
as a settler. The George Lyons to whom reference is made 
" was for five j'ears a resident of Flint River, in Michig-an 
Territory," as we learn from his testimony, given in connec- 
tion with one of the Smith reservation trials. Neither the 
exact place of his location on the river, nor the precise time 
when he lived here, can be given ; but it appears more than 
probable, from the above, that ho w;is living somewhere in 
the vicinity of the Grand Traverse at the time when the 
house, farm, and effects of Jacob Smith were turned over 
to him by JIajor Garland. 

It was in the winter or early spring of 1825 that Mr. 
Smith died (at the age of forty-five years) at his isolated 
farm on the Flint, and his was the first death of a white 
person which occurred in the present county. The second 
is believed to have been that of Jlrs. Esther Green, who 
died in the year 1830 in the same house in which Mr. 
Smith had died five years before. She was the daughter 
of John Tupper, of Grand Blanc, and the wife of Archi- 
bald Green, who (it may be inferred from this circuiustance) 
was then in occupation of the Smith house and property on 
Flint River. Upon the death of his wife he became dis- 
couraged, and removed from the place. Whether any other 
tenants had temporarily occupied the Smith premises before 
Mr. Green is not known. 

The next settlers (after Jacob Smith) within the boun- 
daries of the county were Jacob Stevens and his sons, Rufus 
and Sherman, who came from Western New York in the 
year 1822, and settled in the following year at Grand Blanc, 
where they remained without neighbors (other than Indians 
and half-breeds) for three years. That they found some- 
thing of contentment in their lonely wilderness home may 
be inferred from the tone of a letter written by Mr. Stevens 
to friends in New York in July, 1825, from which is ex- 
tracted the following : " We comforted ourselves in that we 
had a healthy country, as high and pleasant as we had ever 
anticipated, and the garden of the Territory, and knowing 
that the time could not be long ere we should have neigh- 
bors we sought contentment with our condition, and found 
it. Our Indian neighbors, of whom we have plenty, we 
find docile, ho.spitable, and friendly. On this subject I am 
at a loss how to write you, believing you will find it hard 
to credit facts. They are very far from being the hideous 
dionsters youthful fancy had pictured them. No person 
could be more timorous about them than Eunice ever was, 
but a short acquaintance with their ways and ctistoms abated 



34 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



> 



that fear. I state it in presence of the Amiily, without fear 
of contradiction. Notwithstanding we living so near them 
are under the necessity of having considerable intercourse 
witli tliem, and at some seasons of the year perhaps fifty 
of them are camped in sight and likely enough half diunk, 
Eunice declares that they are less to be dreaded than the 
same number of whites in the same condition. Not a 
miuute's sleep, except in some of their frolics when they 
were too noisy, has been lost by any of the family on account 
of them. It is a fact that within eighteen months from 
the time Sherman saw the first Indians he was almost mas- 
ter of their language, and they are much attached to him. 
They furnish us with all kinds of peltries, sugar, beeswax, 
honey, venison, fish, etc., in exchange for flour, meal, and 
salt, and we have found the exchange very beneficial to us, 
though on a small scale." In another part of the same 
letter Mr. Stevens mentions that seven miles northwest of 
his place there were living some French people, who were 
the last inhabitants in that direction this side of Saginaw, 
doubtless having reference to Edouard Campau and perhaps 
two or three other French half-breeds temporarily located on 
the Flint. 

The establishment of the post of Saginaw had had the 
effect to encourage immigration towards it from the south- 
cast. But when, after fourteen months' occupation, it was 
abandoned by the United States on account of the alarming 
sickness and mortality among its garrison the eflfeet was 
correspondingly depressing, and resulted in a sudden and 
entire check of immigration in this direction ; and it was 
not until the year 182(5 that IMr. Stevens welcomed his first 
neiglibors, Edmond Perry, Sr., and Rowland B. Perry (uncle 
and nephew), from Livingston Co., N. Y. After them, in 
1827, 1828, and 1829, came Edward Jl^&pencer, from 
Vermont, Wm. Roberts, George E. Perry (Connecticut), 
Joseph McFarlan, Ezekicl R. Ewing, Jeremiah Riggs and 
family, and a number of others (mostly from Western New 
York, but a few from New England), so that by the year 
IB^^O (luite a settlement had formed in the southeast part 
of the county. In that year Asa Farrar had made his 
appearance in what is now Atlas, and some of the Tupper 

family had come into the county. Benajah Topper, 

Preston, and Archibald Green had already j)ushed north as 
far as the Flint River, but made only temporary settlement 
there, Mr. Green being driven away in discouragement at 
the death of his wife, as we have seen. But in the year 
named (1830) came John Todd, from the neighborhood of 
Pontiac, Oakland Co., and began a settlement, which proved 
to be a permanent one, and which has distinguished him as 
the pioneer settler in what is now the city of Flint. By 
1833 a number of new-comers had clustered around him, 
and in that year Benjamin Pearson and Addison Stewart 
advanced, and built their cabins near the north line of the 
present township of Flint. In that year, too, came Lewis 
Buckingham, the first sheriff of the county of Genesee. 
He arrived at Flint River on the 1st day of May, and 
afterwards, with several associates who came with him from 
Western New York, formed a settlement on the line between 
the present townships of Mount Morris and Genesee. Tlie^ 
were all men who were opposed to the use of intoxicating 
drinks, and for this reason their neighborhood was (by a 



few) derisively termed "the Cold- Water Settlement" and 
" Hungry Ilill," though the latter, in particular, appears to 
have been a misnomer, for, notwithstanding all which has 
been said about the hardships endured by the first settlers 
(and it cannot be denied that there u-cre many hardships 
inseparable from their condition), there appears little evi- 
dence tending to show that hunger was among the priva- 
tions of the pioneers upon the fertile soil of Genesee. 

REGARD OF THE SETTLERS FOR EDUCATION AND RE- 
LIGIOUS WORSHIP. 

As nine-tenths of the earliest settlers of this county came 
from New York State and New England, they brought with 
them (as it was natural they .should) the advanced ideas of 
the favored communities from which they came upon the 
subjects of education and religious observance. After they 
had secured for their families shelter, and the means of pres- 
ent subsistence, they allowed very little time to elapse before 
they also provided for the education of their children ; 
though as the means at their command were limited, so, of 
course, the methods were far more rude, and the results 
obtained wore more meagre than those of the present day ; 
but, though the schools were often taught in the cramped 
cabin of the settler, and never in any edifice more preten- 
tious than the single-roomed log school-house, reared in a 
day by the combined labor of a few earnest heads of fam- 
ilies, yet in these rude in.stitutions of learning there have 
been laid the foundations of many an honorable and useful 
career. 

The case was the same, among these pioneers from New 
England and New York, with regard to religious observance. 
They recognized it as being among the necessities of life, 
equally with food, raiment, and shelter ; and so, Ss soon as 
they had secured these in the most primitive form (and 
fiequently, indeed, before they had secured them at all ), 
they made haste to set up the altar of the Most High in 
this wilderness, and embraced every opportunity to enjoy 
the privilege of divine worship. There is now living in 
the city of Flint a lady who recollects that when she first 
came to the place with her husband, forty-six years ago, 
their first inquiries were concerning religious services ; and 
when informed that such were to be held in a barn at the 
Grand Blanc settlement on the next succeeding Sabbath (it 
was then past the middle of tlte week), they prepared to 
attend. The distance to the place of meeting was fully 
seven miles over bad roads, and with streams to be forded, 
so the journey could not be expected to be cither e;isy, rapid, 
or pleasant, and, of course, could not be performed in one 
day ; so they, with others, set out in an ox-wagon on Sat- 
urday, reached their place of destination the same night, 
attended services on Sunday, and arrived back at Flint 
River on Monday afternoon, thus consuming three days in 
the expedition ; but this loss of time was not in the least 
regretted, though not a tree had then been felled, or any 
other preliminary steps taken towards the preparation of 
their future home. 

Among the earliest of the pioneer preachers in Genesee 
County were the Rev. W. H. Broekway, a Methodist and 
an Indian missionary, Elders Frazee (Methodist), Benedict, 
and Gambell (Baptists), the Rev. Isaac W. Ruggles (Con- 



CHANGES OF CIVIL JURISDICTIOX. 



35 



grcgationalist), of Pontine, Rev. Oscar North (Mctliodist), 
and others. The first religious meetings were held at the 
Stevens and Perry settlement (Grand Blanc), and from 
there they extended northward to Flint lliver and other 
points. The llev. Mr. North is mentioned as the first who 
lield services in the Flint River settlomeut, and though 
tliis priority has heen disputed hy some, there is no reason 
to doubt that he was among the first who preaciied there. 
The " Cold Water Settlement'" was a point where traveling 
preachers almost invariably held 'services when passing 
through this region. The people who formed this settle- 
ment were all Presbyterians or Congregationalists (these two 
being nearly identical at that time), but here, as elsewhere 
in the county at that early day, the opportunity of religious 
worship was always gladly embraced, regardless of denom- 
inational differences ; and whether a preacher was of the 
Presbyterian, Jlethodist, Baptist, or other Christian form 
of belief, his services were always welcomed by the pioneers, 
who fully appreciated the value of the church privileges 
they had left behind when they emigrated from their old 
homes in the East. 

In the above brief mention, it has not been the intention 
to give more than a mere glance at a few of the very earliest 
settlers, and their first rude but earnest attempts at relig- 
ious and educational advancement. These subjects will be 
resumed, and a more full account of the settlements and 
settlers, schools and churches will be given in the separate 
histories of the several townships of the county. 



CHAPTER Vir. 

CHANGES OP CIVIL JURISDICTION' — ERECTIOKT 
AND ORGANIZATION OF GENESEE COUiSTTY 
—COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 

Act Erecting the County — .Subdivision into Townships — Organization 
of County — First Election of County Officers — First Board of Su- 
pervisors — Early CourU in Genesee — County Site, Court- Houses, 
and Jails — County Puor-House and Farm. 

The county of Wayne was erected by executive act, 
Nov. 1, 1815. This was the first county formed in the 
Territory of Michigan, and embraced all tiie lands within 
it, — to which the aboriginal title had been extinguished, — 
including, of course, the part of the present county of 
Genesee lying southeast of the Indian line terminating at 
White Rock, as established by the treaty of 1807. 

By executive proclamation, dated Jan. 15, 1818, all of 
Wayne County lying north of the ba.se line was erected 
into the new county of Macomb, embracing all of the pres- 
ent counties of Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, St. Clair, 
and Lapeer, parts of Sanilac, Tuscola, and Shiawassee, the 
east half of Ingham, and that portion of Genesee which 
had been included in Wayne; the boundaries of the newly- 
' erected county being described in tlie proclamation as " be- 
ginning at the southwest corner of township number one, 
north of the ba.sc-linc (so calledj and in the first range; 
thence along the Indian boundary-line, north, to the angle 
formed by the intersection of the lino running to White 
Rock, upon Lake Huron ; thence with the last-mentioned 
line to the boundary-line between the United States and 



the British province of Upper Canada ; thence, with said 
line, southwardly, to a point in Lake St. Clair due east 
from the place of beginning; thence, due west, to the 
eastern extremity of said base-line, arid, with the same, to 
the place of beginning." 

Oakland was taken from IVIaeomb, and erected a county, 
by proclamation of Governor Cass, dated Jan. 12, 18U(. 
That county then included, in addition to its present area, 
all of Livingston County, the cast half of Ingham, the 
southernmost tier of townships in Shiawassee, and the 
towns of Argentine and Fenton, in Genesee. It was not 
until March 28, 1820, however, that the organization of 
Oakland as a county was effected under executive procla- 
matiiin. 

The other counties which formerly included parts of the 
present territory of Genesee arc Lapeer, Saginaw, and Shi- 
awassee, which were all " laid out" as counties by Governor 
Cass' proclamation of Sept. 10, 1822. Lapeer was de- 
scribed as "beginning at the northwest corner of the county 
of St. Clair, and running tlience, west, to the line between 
the sixth and seventh ranges east of the principal meridian; 
thence, south, to the line between the townships numbered 
5 and C, north of the base-line ; thence, ea.st, to the line 
between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges east of the prin- 
cipal meridian ; thence, north, to the place of beginning." 
These boundaries covered all the territory now lying in 
Genesee County east of its centre, and extended north to 
include the southern half of the present townships of Ar- 
bcla, 5Iillington, and Watertown, in Tuscola County. 

Saginaw County as then laid out included that part of 
Genesee which now forms the towushijis of Vienna and 
Montrose ; and Shiawassee County, which then formed 
the entire southern boundary of Saginaw, embraced not 
only all its present territory but also the north half of 
Livingston, the northeast quarter of Ingham, and the town- 
ships of Fenton, Argentine, Gaines, Mundy, Flint, Clayton, 
Flushing, and Mount Morris, in the present county of 
Genesee. 

In the proclamation erecting these counties it was de- 
clared that they '' shall be organized whenever, hereafter, 
the competent authority for the time being shall so deter- 
mine;" but that until such time they, together with the 
newly-formed county of Sanilac, and all the other territory 
to which the Indian title was extinguished by the Sagi- 
naw treaty of 1811), should be attached to and form a part 
of the county of Oakland. In accordance with that pro- 
vision, the county of Lapeer was organized by act of the 
Legislative Council, approved Jan. 20, 1835 ; Saginaw was 
organized January 28th of the same year, and Shiawassee 
on the 18th of March, 1837. 

ACT EBECTINO TUE COUNTY. 

By the terms of " An act to set off the county of Gen- 
esee," pa.ssed by the Legislative Council, and approved 
March 28, 1835, it was provided " that townships 5, C, 
7, and 8 north, ranges 5 and G etist, being the eastern tiers 
of townsiiips in the county of Shiawa.ssec ;* al.so townships 
• - 

* The uounty of Shiawassee had then been reduced in size by the 
erection {March 21, 183.3) of the county of Livingston, which took 
from Shiawassee two tiers of townships on its southern border. 



36 



niSTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



6, 7, 8, and 9 north, vanpe 7 east, being the western tier of 
townships in the county of Lapeer ; also townships 9, ranges 
5 and (i east, being the soutlieasi; corner of the county of 
Saginaw, shall form a new county by the name of Genesee, 
which shall remain for the present, for judicial purposes, 
attached to the county of Oakland." 

SUBDIVISION INTO TOWNSHIPS. 

The county of Genesee as thus laid out embraced all 
of its present area except the eastern range of townships, 
wliich tlien belonged to Lapeer. The oldest of the town- 
ships of Genesee is Grand Blanc, which was erected by act 
of the Legislative Council of the Territory, approved March 
9, 1833, which provided " that all that district of country 
comprised in townships 5, G, 7, and 8 north, in range 6 
east, and townships 6, 7, and 8 north, in range 7 east, and 
townships 6 and 7 north, in range 8 east shall form a town- 
ship by the name of Grand Blanc ;"' this including the 
present townships of Fenton, Miindy, Flint, Mount Morris, 
Genesee, Burton, Atlas, Davison, and Grand Blanc, — the 
first four being then in Shiawassee County, and the last five 
in Lapeer. The nest township erected was Flint, by act 
approved March 2, 1836. This at its erection embraced not 
only its present area and that of the city of Flint, but also 
the present townships of Burton, Clayton, Flu.shing, Mount 
Morris, Genesee, Thetford, A'^icnna, and Montrose. Ar- 
gentine was erected by act of July 26, 1836, and then 
included besides its present territory that of the township 
of Fenton. Mundy (then including also the present town- 
ship of Gaines) was erected by act of Legislature, approved 
March 11, 1837 ; and by the same act Vienna was erected 
from the north part of Flint, to include the territory now 
comprised in Montrose, Vienna, and Thetford. So that at 
that time the county of Genesee contained the townships of 
Grand Blanc, Flint, Argentine, Mundy, and Vienna, which 
covered all its territory. The eastern tier of townships — 
Atlas, Davison, Richfield, and Forest — were detached' from 
Lapeer County and annexed to Genesee by act approved 
March 9, 1843, and taking effect on the 31st of the same 
mouth. The later subdivisions of the county will be found 
mentioned in the histories of the several townships. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

Genesee was organized as a county under an act of the 
Legislature, approved March 8, 1836, which provided 
" that the county of Genesee shall be organized, and the 
inhabitants thereof entitled to all the rights and privileges 
to which, by law, the inhabitants of the other counties of 
this State are entitled." A section of the same act de- 
clared " that the county of Shiawassee be, and the same is, 
hereby attached to the county of Genesee for judicial pur- 
poses until otherwi.se directed by the Legislature." And 
it remained so attached until the organization of that county 
by act approved March 18, 1837. 

FIRST ELECTION OF COUNTY OFFICERS. 

The first election for county officers was held Aug. 22, 
1836. The board of canva.s.sers (composed of Lyman Stow, 
Alonzo Ferris, and Clark Dibble) met Thursday, August 
25th, at the hall of Stage & Wright, and declared the elec- 



tion of the following persons to the county offices : Jere- 
miah 11. Smith and Asa Bishop, Associate Judges ; Sam- 
uel Rice, Judge of Probate; Lewis Buckingham, Sheriff; 
Robert F. Stage, Clerk ; Charles D. W. Gibson, Treasurer ; 
Oliver Wesson, Register of Deeds; Chauncey Chapin and 
Rufus AV. Stevens, Coroners ; Ogden Clarke, County Sur- 
veyor. 

FIRST BOARD OP SUPERVISORS. 

The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held 
in the tailor-shop of Daniel H. Seeley, in Flint, on the 4th 
of October, 1836. The members of the board present 
were Samuel Rice, as supervisor of Grand Blanc ; Lyman 
Stow, of Flint ; and Samuel W. Pattison, of Argentine. 
Samuel Rice was called to the chair, Robert F. Stage was 
appointed clerk, and, the board being then ready for business, 
it was ascertained that no books or stationery had been pre- 
pared for their use ; whereupon it was " resolved that Sam- 
uel Rice be a committee to procure such books, papers, etc., 
as may be necessary," and the board adjourned to the 17th 
of the same month. 

At the adjourned meeting Supervisor Pattison was not 
present, and the board adjourned to the following day, 
October 18th, when, all being present, Mr. Pattison was 
appointed clerk, and the board proceeded to business. Mr. 
Rice, the committee charged with the procuring of articles 
necessary for the use of the board, reported his purchase of 
one blank-book and other articles ; which was accepted, and 
his bill for the same allowed at eleven dollars. It was by 
the board " resolved to raise a tax of two thousand dollars, 
agreeably to the following assessment* and apportionment," 
viz. ; 

Towns. Assessment. Connty. Town. Collector. 

Flint $2li:i.97:( $12f)7.43 $2:{1..'>2 John ToiUl. 

(Jiun.l Blanc... 117,896 732.57 146.20 Caleb S. Thompson. 

The assessment and apportionment of Argentine was 
included with that of Grand Blanc. The board " prepared a 
report for the Auditor-General, and appointed Mr. Stow to 
forward the same." And a number of bills were allowed, 
among which was one of one dollar to Daniel H. Seeloy, 
for use of room and fuel for the session, and three dollars 
to Samuel Rice, for a trunk in which to keep and preserve 
the county records. 

EARLY COURTS IN GENESEE. 

The act of Legislature under which Genesee County was 
organized provided, in its second section, "That all suits, 
prosecutions, and other matters now pending before any of 
the courts of record of Oakland County, or before any 
justice of the peace of said county, or that shall be pend- 
ing at the time of the taking effect of this act, shall be 
prosecuted to final judgment and execution, and all taxes 
heretofore levied and now due shall be collected in the 
same manner as though the county of Genesee had not 
been organized ;" and by the third section of the same it 
was provided, " That the Circuit Court of the county of 
Genesee shall be held, until public buildings shall be 
erected, at such place as the sheriff of said county shall 

* The first report of County Treasurer C. D. W. Gibson, dated J:in. 
30, 1837, showed that the entire amount of taxes for 1S3G ($2377.72) 
had been promptly collected, and paid over by Messrs. Thompson 
and Todd. 



COURTS AND COUNTY BUILDINGS. 



37 



provide, at the seat of justice in said county, on the Tues- 
day next after the fourth Monday in June, and the Tuesday 
next after tlie fourth Monday in January in each year." 

The Prohate Court was tlie first, organized in the county. 
The first business done in this court was in the matter of 
the will of Schuyler V. Brown, deceased, dated Pontiac, 
July 15, 183G. The witnesses were Jacob Thomas, P. G. 
Cochrane, and Thomas J. Drake, and the executors, Gould 
Davison, of Genesee County, and Daniel Hartwell, of Cat-, 
taraugus Co., N. Y. The court convened at Flint, Oct. 
21), 1836, received and filed the petition of Gould Davison, 
executor, praying that the will be proved and allowed, and 
thereupon ordered that a hearing be had in the case on the 
2Gth of November following. Agreeably to that adjourn- 
ment the court opened, but on account of the absence of 
the witnesses adjourned to December 5th. At that time 
the witnesses, Drake and Thomas, appeared and testified, 
and, " there being no objections, the said will was allowed." 
This was the fir.st will proved in Genesee County. 

The first term of the Circuit Court of Genesee County 
was held at Flint in February, 1837, by the Hon. George 
Morell, one of the justices of the Supreme Court, the 
cases on the calendar being as follows : 

No. 1. — Chaunccy Bogue vs. Timothy J. Walling. 
Action for attachment. Thomas J. Drake, attorney for 
plaintiff. 

No. 2. — Andrew Cox vs. Goshen Olmsted. An appeal 
from Justice Lyman Stow's decision in Justice's Court. 
Thomas J. Drake, attorney for plaintiff. Bartow and 
Thomson, attorneys for defendant. 

No. 3. — Jason L. Austin vs. Daniel R. Williams. Ac- 
tion, an appeal. Attorney for plaintiff, P. H. McOmber. 
Attorney for defendant, Thomas J. Drake. 

No. 4. — Charles McLean t:s. Theodore P. Dean. Action, 
an appeal. Attorney for plaintiff, T. J. Drake. Attorney 
for defendant, George Wisner. 

The second case on this calendar — an appeal from the 
decision of Lyman Stow, Esq., J. P. — appears, as origi- 
nally brought before that justice, to have been the first 
case tried and decided in the county of Genesee. The 
transcript of Justice Stow's docket, as sent up to the Cir- 
cuit Court in this case, was as follows : 

"StATROF MiCHlR.W, ■) 
Cor.NTV OF (Je.nkskk. / 

" Anihikw Co.\, \ Before Ljmun Stow, E.-^q., one of 
r*r, > the Jujiticcs of the I'eace for 

GOSIIKN Ol.MSTF,D. J 5111(1 Couilty. 

"Summons issued in the above suit June 4, 1836, und returnivbic 
on the 1 Ith of the same month at one o'clock p.m., and was served by 
John Todd, one of the constables of the town of Flint. Court opened 
on the return day, parties present, at which time the ])artics joined 
issue. The piaintiti' filed his declaration and the defendant his reply, 
and the court adjourned by consent of parties to July 2, then ne.\t, 
at one o'clock p.m. At which time the court again opened, and on 
hearing and examining the testimony, judgment was rendered for 
Pl'ff for the sum of five dollars and si.\ty-threo cents, and his costs 
taxed at seven dollars and sixty-thrco cents. 

Judgment. $5.63 

Costs of suit 7.63 

Fees for this return 44 

$13.70 

"Witnesses: Lemuel Johnson, Peter Stile..^, Eli Uishojt, Mr. Jone.-', 
Russell McManncrs, Elijah Smith, Keubcn Tui-pcr. 



'* The plaintiff gave notice of an appeal, and entered an appeal 
bond, which is trnnsmitlcd herewith together with other papers be- 
longing to the suit. 

"I hereby certify the above to be a true copy of record from the 
cause on my docket. 

" L. Stow, ./notice of the Pence,** 

The proceedings as entered in the Circuit Court calendar, 
and relating to this case, were as follows : 

"April 20, 1837. — Transcript tiled and case entered. 

"April 19, 1838. — Case continued. 

".July 9, 1S39. — Case entered, with leave to plead Ue vuvo. 

" Feb'y 12, 1810,— Prff -s affidavit filed. 

" Feb'y 13, 1840.— Case continued. 

" July 15, 1840. — Pl'ff enters a non-suit." 

The non-suit entered by the plaintiff was sot aside by the 
court, and the case was brought to trial on the 10th of 
February, 1841. 

" At which day, before the judges aforesaid, at the court-house in 
the village of Flint, in said county, came the parties aforesaid, by 
their attorneys aforesaid, whereupon the return of the said Justice (d' 
the Peace of the records and i)rococdings before him, and of the judg- 
ment rendered by him, the said justice, being seen and by the said 
Circuit Court before the aforesaid judges thereof now here fully under- 
stood, etc. A jury was called, who, being duly sworn to well and 
truly determine the said matter between the parties aforesaid, after 
hearing the evidence, and upon mature deliberation, come into court 
and find a verdict for the defendant of sixteen dollars dauiuges. 

** Thereupon it is considered that the judgment of the said .Tustico 
of the Peace, the errors aforesaid appearing before the said Circuit 
Court be wholly and in all things reversed, vacated, and annulled, 
and altogether held for nothing, and that the said Goslicn Olmsted, 
defendant as aforesaid, do recover against the said plaintitf, Andrew 
Cox, the sum of sixteen dollars damages, and also eighty-eight dollars 
and forty-two cents for his costs and charges, which the said defenil- 
ant, Goshen Olmsted, has sustained and expended in and about the 
defense of this said appeal. 

"Recorded March 4, 1841. 

" \V. A. MounisoN, Clerh'* 

Final judgment, as above, was entered, Feb. 12, 1841, 
and so the case was concluded, nearly five years after its 
comtuencemcnt. 

The two next judges who presided in the Circuit Court 
of Genesee County, after Judge Morell, were Hon. Wil- 
liam A. Fletcher, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (who 
held court in Flint in February, 183!)), and the Hon. Charles 
W. Whipple, Associate Judge of the Supreme Court. 
Judge Whipple was succeeded by the Hon. Sanford JI. 
Green, who was succeeded by Hon. Josiah Turner, the 
present judge. 

COUNTY SITE, COURT-IIOUSE.S AND JAILS. 

The county site of Genesee was located and established 
under an act passed by the Legislative Council of the Terri- 
tory of Michigan (approved Aug. 25, 1835), which pro- 
vided " That the seat of justice for the county of Genesee 
shall be located on the west side of the Saginaw turnpike, 
on lands recently deeded by John Todd and wife to one 
Wait Beach, known as the Todd farm, at Flint Kiver, at a 
point commencing at or within twenty rods of the centre of 
said described land on said turnpike; Provided, the pro- 
prietor or proprietors of said land shall, within six months 
of the passage of this act, execute to the supervisors and 
their successors iu ofiSce, for the use of said county, a good 
and sufhcient deed of two acres of land for a courthouse 
and ]iublic sipiare, one acre of ground for a burial-groutid, 
two church and two school lots of common size." In com- 



38 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pliance with the requirements of this act, Wait Beach and 
wife, proprietors of the tract selected, conveyed to the 
county, by deed (dated Dec. 31, 1835), two acres of land 
on the west side of the Saginaw road, at Flint River, for a 
county site. The tract so conveyed is the northeast corner 
of the court-house square, which has been increased to its 
pi'csent dimensions by subsequent conveyances of adjoining 
lands to the county, as follows : By H. M. Henderson and 
wife, Jim. 10, 1856, lots 1, 2, 3, and 4; and by John H. 
Browning and wife, May 3, 1809, lots 5 and 6, all of the 
same block; thus extending the grounds, upon the southern 
and western sides, of the tract conveyed by Beach. 

The places provided by the .sheriif for the holding of the 
Circuit Court of Genesee during the years 1837 and 1838 
were, first, the upper story of Stage & Wright's store, as 
before mentioned, and afterwards the hall over Benjamin 
Pearson's store in Flint.* These places were, of course, in- 
tended only to serve as temporary accommodations for the 
court until the erection of a permanent building, the first 
steps towards which were taken in the spring of 1838. At 
the township elections in April of that year, a majority of 
seven votes was given to authorize the Board of Supervisors 
to erect a county jail ; the plan being to include also an 
upper story, for use as a court-room. Under this authority 
the board voted the sum of four thousand dollars for the 
purpose, which sum was borrowed from the State super- 
intendent of public instruction. The persons appointed as 
a building committee to superintend the construction were 
Charles Seymour, Robert F. Stage, and John Pratt. 

The building was commenced in the fall of 1838, and 
completed in the fall of 1830, at a total cost of about five 
thousand dollars. It was a solid rectangular building of 
oak logs, hewn twelve inches square, laid one upon another 
to the requisite height. The lower and stronger part was 
the jail, the upper story being designed and used for a 
court-room. "(■ The location of this building was on or near 
the site of the present jail and sheriff's residence. 

3= The JnDunry term of 1838 was helil in that hall, as is shown by the 
record of the Bo.ard of Supervisois, in which, under date of March 6, 
1838, is an entry to the effect that "The Board met at the hall of 
Benjamin Pearson's store, being the place where the Circuit Court for 
said county of Genesee was last held;" and on the 23d of October, in 
the same year, the board allowed the bill of Benjamin Pearson 
(twenty-fivo dollars) "for the use of his hall as a court-room." At 
a meeting of the board in October, 1837, they "allowed Thomas J. 
Drake fur room for grand jury purposes, October term, $5." 

f In a small pamphlet containing pioneer reminiscences of Genesee 
County, Mr. Alvah Brainard, an old and respected citizen of Grand 
Blanc, recently deceased, related the following, in reference to the first 
case tried in this old court-house: "I was one of the jurors on the 
first case tried in it. The difl'erence bitwecn the parties was trifling. 
Ona of the parties hiid sbut up one of the other's hogs, and was going 
to fat it. There was no place prepared for the jurors to deliberate in. 
Mr. Hascall was building a dwelling-house on the opposite side of 
the turnpike from the court-house, so the arrangements were made 
for the jurors to go over to this place in the cellar part. The house 
was set upon blocks about two feet from the ground, and the dirt 
being thrown partially out, so that we had a shady, airy, and rustic 
place, with ]dcnty of shavings under foot which had fallen down 
through the loose floor above, without any seats, but we could change 
positions very readily, by lying down, or standing or sitting upon our 
feet. It being so ploa.sant and secluded a place, — we could look out 
on all sides and sec what was going on upon the outside, and being so 
open the wind would blow through and fill our eyes with sawdust, and 
it was a very warm day. So, under all circumstances, wc were uot in 



FIRE-PROOF OFFICES. 
For more than fifteen years after the organization of the 
county no suitable building was provided for the use of the 
clerk and other county officers. At a meeting of the super- 
visors in January, 1847, the board took into consideration 
the question of erecting a fire-proof building for that use, 
and William Patter.son, of Flint, E. Walkley, of Genesee, 
and Jeremiah R. Smith, of Grand Blanc, were appointed a 
committee to receive estimates for the construction of such 
a building. No results followed this action, but on the 
10th of January, 1851, the board appointed Julian Bishop, 
of Grand Blanc, 1). N. Montague, of Vicuna, and William 
Patterson, of Flint, a building committee " to receive pro- 
posals, and cause to be erected a substantial fire-proof county 
building," for offices for the county clerk, treasurer, register 
of deeds, and judge of probate; to be built on the court- 
house square, at an expense not exceeding fifteen hundred 
dollars. The building was completed during the same year, 
by Enos and Reuben Goodrich, at a cost of about nine 
hundred dollars. It was a brick structure, one story in 
heiglit, and was occupied b}' the county officers for about 
fifteen years. 

The old court-house and jail building erected in 1839 
was destroyed by fire (the work of an incendiary), which 
was first discovered by Sheriff John A. Kline at about three 
o'clock in the morning of Feb. 21, 18G6. The progress 
already made by the fire when discovered, and the scarcity 
of water, rendered it impossible to save the building, but the 
sheriff, with the aid of Mr. Howard, the prosecuting attorney, 
succeeded in saving all documents and official papers of 
value. Six prisoners were confined in the jail at the time, 
and these the sheriff placed under guard in the clerk's 
office until they could be otherwise secured. An insurance 
of two thousand five hundred dollars was on the building 
when destroyed. 

On the 1st of March, eight days after the fire, the Board 
of Supervisors met, and " resolved to submit to the people 
of the county at the next annual township-meeting the 
proposition to raise on the credit of the county the sum of 
twenty thousand dollars to build a new court-house and 
jail." S. N. Warren, David Schram, and David Smith, 
members of the board, were appointed a committee to visit 
Pontiac and the county buildings of Oakland, and " to 
perfect plans for the immediate construction of a new 
court-house and jail." And they were also authorized 
and instructed to contract with the sheriff of Oakland for 
the keeping of the prisoners of Genesee County. Josiah 
W. Begole and David Case were afterwards added to the 
committee. Fenton Hall was hired by the county as a place 
for holding the courts, and for the meetings of the super- 
visors until new buildings should be completed. 

At its meeting, April 13, the Board of Supervisors ac- 
cepted the plans for a court-house, jail, and sheriff's residence 
presented by Pierce F. Cleveland and David Schram ; and 
on the following day a committee was appointed to super- 

a very urgent Iiurry, and we could not agree upon a verdict. The 
constable would look under often: * Gentlemen, have you agreed?* 
Our answer would be, * M >rc w.iter, more water.* So along towards 
night we ventured out of the den or pen, and went before the court 
without having agreed on a. verdict, for or against.** 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



39 



intend the erection of the buildings, and empowered " to 
let the work by contract if in their opinion the interests of 
the county be best promoted thereby, or otiierwise, if for 
the benefit of the county." The persons composing this 
committee were James E. Brown, Chiyton ; Samuel N. 
Warren, Flint ; Chandler H. Rockwood, Genesee; David 
Schram, Burton ; James B. Mosher, Fenton. 

A strong effort was made to locate the new buildings on 
the north side of the river, but this did not prevail, and 
their site was selected and established on the " court-house 
square." The wood-work of the court-house was let by 
contract to Pierce F. Cleveland and Reuben Van Tiiflin ; 
the wood-work of the jail and sheriff's residence to P. F. 
Cleveland ; and the mason-work of all to William Foule, 
the amount of all these contracts being $31,039. The iron- 
work of the jail was contracted to M. Clement, of Cincin- 
nati, Ohio, for $10,107, — making the total of the contracts 
841,746. The jail and residence was completed in the 
fall of 18GG, at a cost of $20,244.90. The court-house, 
including the necessary rooms for the county officers, was 
finished in the summer of 18(57, its cost being $29,997.39, 
— making the total cost of the buildings §50,244.29, an 
excess of $8498.29 over the contracts ; caused by changes 
from the original plans. 

COUNTY POOR-HOUSE AND FARM. 

The earliest official reference to the county poor is found 
in the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors at a meeting 
of that body held on the 5th of December, 1836, when 
the sum of seventy-two dollars and fifty cents was allowed 
to Jason L. Austin for care of county paupers, and sixty- 
three dollars and fourteen cents to the township of Flint 
for care and removal of a family of county paupers. By a 
resolution of the board of county commi.'sioners, adopted 
Jan. 8, 1839, Benjamin Rockwell, of Flushing, Lyman 
Stow, of Flint, and John Pratt, of Genesee, were appointed 
superintendents of the poor for the county of Genesee ; and 
at a meeting of the same board, held January 9, the subject 
of abolishing the distinction between town and county pau- 
pers was considered, and it was " resolved, that this dis- 
tinction be now abolished, and that hereafter all paupers in 
Genesee County be considered a county charge." 

In the year 1845 the Board of Supervisors (having re- 
sumed the functions which had been exercised by the 
county commissioners during the years 1839, 1840, and 
1841) met on the 17th of October, and " resolved that a 
committee of three be appointed to make inquiries regard- 
ing the purchase of a farm on which to keep the county 
poor;" and Jeremiah R. Smith, of Grand Blanc, William 
Patterson, of Flint, and Reuben McCreery, of Genesee, 
were appointed such committee. Under authority after- 
wards conferred, they purchased, Oct. 16, 184G, of Andrew 
Cox, for the sum of twelve hundred dollars, a farm of one 
hundred and three acres, being part of the .southwest quar- 
ter of section 29, in the township of FJurton. 

In January, 1853, the board voted the sum of four hun- 
dred and fifty dollars for the erection of a county poor- 
hou.se, to be built under the direction of the superintend- 
ents of the poor. This was merely an addition to the old 
farm-house in which the poor were quartered. At the 



meeting of the board held Jan. 10, 1857, it was " re- 
solved to sec about raising three thousand dollars for build- 
ing a county poor-house." The project, however, was not 
immediately carried into effect, but in 18G0 and 1861 the 
necessary sums were raised, and the present brick building 
occupied as the poor-house of the county was completed in 
1861, at a cost of five thousand dollars. The building 
commissioners under whose supervision it was erected 
were Josiah W. Begole, Lyman G. Buckingham, and Wil- 
liam Patterson. 

The following items in reference to the county poor and 
poor-house are from the report for 1878 of the superin- 
tendents of the poor to the Board of Supervisors of Genesee 
County : 

"For the year commencing the 14th day of October, 1S77, and end- 
ing Oct. 14, 1S7S, the whole number of persons who have received aid 
from us are one thousand and five. 

"The whole number of |)eisous entirely supported at the county poor- 
house has been seventy-eight. Number of death.«, two. Number of 
births, two. Discharged at dilTerent intervals, forty-one, and still 
now remaining under our care, thirty-five." 



CHAPTER VIIL 

INTERNAL IMPHOVEMENTS. 

Early Roads — Plank-Roads— Projects for the Navigation of Flint 
River — Northern Railroad and other Projects — Northern ^V'agon- 
Road — Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad — Flint and Perc Mar- 
fiuette Railw.ay — The Flint and Holly Link in the Flint and Pere 
Marquette Line — Completion and Consolidation of the Roads com- 
posingthe Flintand I'ero Marquetto^Port Huron and Lake Michi- 
gan Railroad — Chicago and Northeastern Railroad — Chicago and 
Lake Huron Line. 

It is a rule, which may be regarded as of universal appli- 
cation in all newly-settled regions, that the first public work 
of improvement is the building of roads ; and to this gen- 
eral rule the region which is now Genesee County fur- 
nished no exception. The first road which entered its limits 
was " opened" before any white man had built his cabiu 
here, with the exception of Jacob Smith, Corbin, and per- 
haps George Lyons. It was a track cut out from Saginaw 
to the Grand Traverse of the Flint, by detachments of the 
Third United States Infantry, under command of Lieuts. 
Brooks and Bainbridge, in the winter of 1822-23. It was 
sometimes called the " Saginaw military road," though it 
was little more than a bridle-path, formed by cutting 
through the thickets and " windfalls" sufficiently to allow 
the pa.ssage of horses to and from Saginaw. Southward 
from the Grand Traverse, the old Indian trail, winding 
through the openings, was in most places practicable for 
pack-horses until they reached the swampy lands between 
Royal Oak and Detroit ; and through these a road had 
previously been cut and partially corduroyed by soldiers 
from the Detroit garrison, under command of Col. Leaven- 
worth. So the clearing of the track through the woods 
between the Grand Traverse of the Flint and Saginaw 
opened a communication (such as it wa.s) between the last- 
named point and Detroit.* But the part which was cut 

» In the fall of IS22, Mr. E. ^. Williams (now of Flint), Rufus W. 
Stevens, and Sdiuyler Hodges, of Ponliae, went through to Saginaw 



40 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



throuj^h by the Saginaw troops was well-nigh impassable 
for a good part of the year, and after tlie abandonment of 
the military post of Saginaw by the government it became 
once more overgrown and nearly obliterated. 

In June, 1824, the Legislative Council of the Territory 
passed an act authorizing the Governor to appoint three 
commissioners to lay out and establish a Territorial road 
from Detroit, by way of Pontiao, to Saginaw, on the Sagi- 
naw River. This was surveyed and located in 182G by 
George W. Dole, but the construction of the road did not 
reach as far northward as Genesee County until 1830, 
though the settlers who came to the county before that 
time passed over it as far as its northern terminus in Oak- 
land, and from thence reached their journey's end by " pick- 
ing their way" through the oak openings, which interposed 
but few impediments to the passage of their teams. In 
1832 the road was "worked" in an indifferent manner 
nearly to the Flint River settlement, and by the first of 
May, 1833, it had reached as far as the present line of 
Kearsley Street, in the city of Flint. From that point to 
the place where the Saginaw Street bridge now crosses the 
river, was a swamp of alder and black ash, so that emigrants 
arriving about that time and wishing to pass on beyond the 
river (Addison Stewart, Lewis Buckingham, and Benjamin 
Pierson were among these) were obliged to pass to the left 
of the morass, and cross the .stream a short distance below 
the pre.sent bridge (not using the ancient Indian crossing- 
place, which was above the bridge, and near the location of 
the old dam built by Stage & Wright). The bridge across 
the river was built and the southern approach to it com- 
pleted (by filling the swamp above mentioned) in 1834, 
and in the .same year, or in the spring of 1835, the road 
vnxa finished to a point about five miles north of the river, 
which was the end of the work ever done by government 
upon it. It was afterwards completed to Saginaw, and 
became the " Detroit and Saginaw Turnpike," over which 
for many years the travel was very great. When first laid 
out as a Territorial road its width was ninety-nine feet (six 
rods) through its entire length. The specified width of its 
graded part was eighty feet, but this requirement was not 
rigidly enforced in the construction. But it was, for those 
times, a noble and serviceable road, and over it a large pro- 
portion of the earlier settlers came to their new homes in 
Genesee County. 

The first Legislature of Michigan, at its session of 1835- 
3G, authorized the laying out and ostabiislunent of a number 
of State roads, among which were the following, viz. : "A 
State road from the mouth of Black River, in the county 
of St. Clair, on the most eligible route to the county site 
of Lapeer County, and thence to Grand Blanc, in Genesee 
County ;" to be laid out by John Ryan, Joel M. Palmer, 
and Ralph Wadhams, commissioners. Also " a State road 
from Mount Clemens, iMacomb County, by way of Romeo, 



on this route, but before the road was coin|))cto(l. And in tbe winter 
of lS2:i-2J, Col. John Hamilton and llancy Williams contracted to 
tr.Tnsport government stoves from Detroit to Saginaw, over the mili- 
tary road. Their animal.'; being found to be overloaded, thoy secured 
the assistance of E. S. M'illiams and Schuyler Hodges, who joined the 
train at Maj. Oliver Williams' farm near Pontiac, and accompanied 
it from that point thn)Ugli to the ."^nginavv post. 



in said county ; thence to Lapeer, the county site of Lapeer 
County ; thence by the most eligible route to the county 
site of Genesee County, to intersect the United States road 
leading from Detroit to Saginaw." The commissioners ap- 
pointed to lay out and establish this road wore Silas D. 
McKeen, James Andrews, and Alexander Tacles. Both 
the above roads were authorized by act approved March 
26, 1836. 

In 1837 an act of the Legislature (approved March 17th) 
authorized the laying out of a State road " from the county 
scat of Genesee to the county seat of Washtenaw County ;" 
Ira D. Wright, Philip 11. McOmbcr, and Jesse Pinney being 
appointed commissioners for the purpose. At the session 
of 1839 a State road was authorized to be laid out by 
Norman Davison, Charles C: Waldo, and Lemuel M. Part- 
ridge, commissioners, " commencing at or near the county 
seat of Genesee County, thence on the most direct and 
eligible route for a road through the townships of Atlas, 
Groveland, Brandon, and Independence, to the village of 
Pontiac." 

The " Northern Wagon-Road," for the construction of 
which an appropriation of thirty thousand dollars was made 
by the Legislature in 1841, will be found mentioned in the 
succeeding pages, in connection with tbe account of the old 
" Northern Railroad." 

For several years after 1839 very little appears to have 
been done in the laying out of State roads in Genesee 
County. In 1844 the Legislature authorized Albert Stevens, 
John Keinyan, Isaac Pennoyer, and James H. Murray, 
commissioners, to lay out and establish a road from Ann 
Arbor, " by the way of the village of Brighton, Livingston 
Co., Murray Mills, and the village of Flushing, in Genesee 
County, to the Saginaw turnpike, at a point about fourteen 
miles north of the village of Flint." In 1845 a State road 
was authorized to run from Brighton, Livingston Co., to 
Fentonville, in Genesee, with Hervey T. Lee, Alonzo Slay- 
ton, and Elisha Holmes as commissioners to lay out and 
establish it. In 1848 acts were passed authorizing the es- 
tablishment of State roads in this county as follows : From 
Flint, by way of Miller settlement, Shiawasseetown, and 
Hartwellville, to Michigan village, in Ingham County ; 
from Fentonville to Byron, in Shiawassee County ; from 
Flint, through the township of Gaines, to Byron ; from 
Flint, by way of Coruniia, to the capital of the State ; from 
Corunna, on the most eligible route, to the village of Flush- 
ing, in the county of Genesee ; and " from the village of 
Fentonville, in Genesee County, to Springfield, in Oakland 
County." 

It should be borne in mind, however, that to " lay out 
and establish" a road — particularly in earlier years — was 
not equivalent to opening and making it ready for travel ; 
but that in many cases, j'ears intervened between the time 
when a highway was laid out by the commissioners and 
the time when it was made pas.sable for vehicles, and that 
in some instances roads authorized and laid out were never 
opened. 

PLANK-llOADS. 

About the year 1847 projects for the construction of 
plank-roads began to come itito general favor in Jlichigan ; 
and it was in that year that the first of tluse companies, 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



41 



whose proposed route lay across any part of the territory of 
Genesee County, was organized. This was the " Pontiac 
and Coruuna Plank- Road Company," incorporated by act 
approved Marcli 17, 1817, with power to build a planic- 
road from Pontiac to Corunna, passing through the vilhigu 
of Byron, in Shiawassee County, and crossing the soutli- 
wcstern corner of Genesee. The cliarter commissioners 
were Horace C. Thurbcr, J. W. Crandall, Jairali Ililhnan, 
George C. Holiues, J. B. Bloss, Seth Beach, and William 
Axford. The authorized capital was two hundred thousand 
dollars. There is but little to be said of this project, beyond 
the fact of the incorporation. 

The "Genesee County Plank-Road Company" was in- 
corporated by act approved April 3, 1848, with power " to 
lay out, establish, and construct a plank-road and all neces- 
sary buildings from the village of Flint to the south line of 
the township of Grand Blanc, on the Saginaw road, in the 
county of Genesee, with the privilege of uniting at any 
point with the road of any other company." The capital 
stock was placed at twenty-five thousand dollars, and the 
powers of the company to continue for the term of sixty 
yearS from the passage of the act. Jonathan Dayton, 
Cliarles D. W. Gibson, Charles C. Hascall, George H. 
llazelton, and Henry M. Hender.son were appointed commis- 
sioners to receive subscriptions to the stuck. This projected 
road was never put in operation under this name, though a 
line was afterwards built through Grand Blane, connecting 
Flint with the railroad line at Holly, Oakland Co. 

The " Flint and Fentonville Plank-Road Company" was 
also incorporated on the 3d of April, 18-18. The commis- 
sioners were Charles C. Hascall, Benjamin Pearson, George 
II. Hazelton, Robert Le Roy, and John Hamilton, who 
were empowered to receive subscriptions to the capital 
stock, which was authorized to the amount of twenty-five 
thousand dollars. Power was conferred on the company 
'• to lay out, establish, and construct a plank-road and all 
necessary buildings from the village of Flint to the village 
of Fentonville, on the line of the State road between the 
.said villages; ' the act of incorporation to remain in force 
for the term of sixty years from the date of its passage. 
There was a considerable delay in the organization of the 
company — the subscriptions to the stock not being com- 
pleted until the year 1851 — and a still further delay in the 
construction of the road ; but it was finally completed, and 
jirovcd a great benefit to the public. Its charter was re- 
pealed by act of Legislature in 1871, and the taking of toll 
w:us discontinued over its entire length in 1872. Since the 
decay and removal of the planking the road has been 
graveled over a good portion of its extent. 

The "Saginaw and Genesee Plank-Road Company" was 
incorporated by act api)roved March 8, 1850, granting to 
that company " the power to lay out, establish, and con- 
struct a plank-road, with all necessary buildings, from any 
point in the village of Flint, Genesee Co., on the most 
eligible route to the Saginaw River, with a branch to each 
i'crry in Saginaw City, in Saginaw County, with the privi- 
lege of a branch to Cass River, in Tuscola County," the 
charter to continue and be in force for sixty years from the 
passage of the act, but under the usual conditions. James 
Frazicr and Nunnan Jjitlle, of Saginaw, and Ivlward II. 
G 



Thomson, of Flint, were appointed commissioners to re- 
ceive sub.scriptions to the capital stock, which was author- 
ized to the amouut of one hundred thousand dollars. 
Work was commenced on both ends of the route in No- 
vember, 185t), and the road was completed in 1852. It 
proved to be of immense advantage to the public, and a 
good investment for the stockholders, during the ten j'cars 
which elapsed before it was superseded by the opening of 
the Flint and P6rc Marquette Railroad, between Flint and 
East Saginaw. 

The " Oakland and Genesee Plank-lload Company" be- 
came incorporated (under the general plank-road law of 
1851) in Januar}', 1852. Its corporators and first board 
of directors were Nelson W. Clark, Enos Goodrich, Amos 
Orton, Elbridge G. Gale, William L. Norrin, D. C. Davi- 
son, and William H. Putnam. Its object was to connect 
the village of Flint with Pontiac, by a plank-road to pju^s 
through the townships of Grand Blanc and Atlas. A 
meeting to promote the objects of the company was held 
at Goodricbville, Jan. 31, 1852, and it was reported that 
at this meeting the whole amount of stock wa.s subscribed. 
This was at the time when the jilank-road fever was at its 
height throughout the State, as is shown by the following 
extract from the Genesee Whi'ff of February 28th, in that 
year : " We cannot take up a Michigan paper these days in 
which the plank-roads do not form the subject of the lead- 
ing articles. While all are thus alive to the momentous 
interests involved in these projects, we must help to keep 
the ball moving, or else fall behind the times." But not- 
withstanding the general enthusiasm on the subject, and 
the prompt action of the people of the two southe;istern 
towns, they never realized the accomplishment of their 
object. 

The connection of Flint with the railway-station at 
Holly, by plank-road, was accomplished by a company 
organized, under the general law, Feb. 11, 1854, "for the 
purpo.se of building a plank-road from Grand Blanc to 
Algcrville [now Holly], to connect with the Oakland and 
Ottawa Railroad at that place." The road was built, and 
resulted in great advantage to the county of Genesee, — 
though not to the stockholders. The stage-coaches to and 
from Flint, connecting with the Detroit and Milwaukee 
Railroad, passed over this line, and a-s early as 1858 trans- 
ported more than fifteen thousand passengers in the year, 
which was afterwards increa.scd to five times that number 
in a single year. The usefulness of this line may be said 
to have ended with the opening of the Flint and Holly 
Railroad, in 1804. 

iniO,JECTS FOR THE NAVIGATION OF FLINT RIVEll. 

The question of the practicability of rendering the Flint 
River navigable for boats of light draft of water began to 
be discu.?.sed at an early day, — before any railroad company 
had been chartered in Michigan, and before the construc- 
tion of jilank-roads had been commenced or thought of. 
At just how early a date this navigation project was first 
conceived docs not appear, but that it had assumed definite 
form as early as the year 183!) is shown by the fact that 
on the 2()th of Ajiril, in that year, the Governor of .Michi- 
^an ajpiinivcd " an act to incorjwratc the Genesee and Sagi- 



42 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



naw Navigation Company," with a capital of one hundred 
thousand dollars, and with power and authority " to enter 
ujion the river Flint, and upon the lands upon either side, 
. . . and to form and make, erect and set up, any dams, 
locks, or any other device whatsoever, which they may 
think most fit and convenient to make a complete slack- 
water navigation between the points herein mentioned, to 
wit : from the village of Flint, situate on the river Flint, 
in Genesee County, down said river to some point on sec- 
tion No. 35 or 36, in township No. 11, north of range No. 
4 east.* And also to survey, establish, and construct a 
canal from said last-mentioned point on the river Flint, on 
the most direct and eligible route to the river Cass, with all 
the locks, aqueducts, culverts, bridges, and embankments 
which they may deem necessary or convenient. The locks 
shall be of sufficient width and length to admit a safe and 
easy passage for steamboats, barges, and other craft up, as 
well as down, said river and canal." The water-power cre- 
ated by the construction of the dams and canal was to bo 
the property of the company, but the right was reserved to 
the State to purchase at any time the canal between the 
Flint and Cass Rivers, at a price not exceeding its cost, 
with an addition of ten per cent. The work was required 
to be commenced within two years, and to be finished within 
five years of the passage of the act, under penalty of for- 
feiture by the company of the powers and privileges con- 
I'erred by the act of incorporation. The charter commis- 
sioners named in the act were Gardner D. Williams, 
Ephraim S. Williams, Perry G. Gardner, James Frazier, 
Norman Little, W. L P. Little, Thomas J. Drake, Benja- 
min Pearson, Robert F. Stage, Wait Beach, Charles C. 
Hascall, and Thomas L. L. Brent. Subscription books to 
be opened at Flint and Saginaw City for the space of three 
days, after thirty days' notice. 

This work of improvement not having been completed, or 
even commenced as required by the law, an act was passed 
by the Legislature (approved March G, 1S44) appropriating 
five thousand acres of the internal improvement lands of the 
State " for the purpose of clearing the flood-wood from, and 
otherwise improving the navigation of the Flint lliver from 
the village of Flint to the Saginaw River," and authorizing 
u canal to be cut around the drift-wood in case the commis- 
sioner, upon examination, should consider such a plan to be 
most expedient. 

What amount of work — if any — was done under this ap- 
propriation does not appear, but it is evident that the river 
was not made navigable, for, in 184G, an act was passed 
(approved May 15) incorporating "The Flint and Sagi- 
naw Navigation Company," with an authorized capital of 
fifty thousand dollars, and with powers nearly identical with 
those conferred on the old Genesee and Saginaw Navigation 
Company of 1839. The purposes for which this company 
was incorporated were, however, somewhat different, being 
— as set forth in the act — " to make a complete slack-water 
navigation from the village of Flint, in the county of Gen- 
esee, to and down said river, to a point where the Flint 
River intersects the Shiawassee River," with locks of suffi- 
cient size to afford "easy passage for steamboats, barges, 

» This is tho present to«u.shi|i of Piauldng, iu Sagiuaw County. 



and other craft up, as well as down, said river." The old 
project of the canal to connect the Flint with the Cass 
River was not included in the plan of the new company. 
One-third part of the work was required to be completed 
within three years, and the whole in ten years from the date 
of incorporation. The commLssioneis to have charge of sub- 
scriptions and organize the company were Chaunccy S. 
S. Payne, George M. Dewey, Eugene Vandeventer, James 
Fraser, Henry M. Henderson, Porter Hazelton, Ezekiel R. 
Ewings, James B. Walker, Joseph K. Rugg, Elijah N. Da- 
venport, Nelson Smith, and William McDonald. In 1848 
the charter of the company was amended, to authorize the 
cutting of a canal across from the Flint to the Cass River, 
and also extending the time for the completion of the work 
to the year 1859. 

The drift of public opinion about that time as to the 
feasibility of navigating the Flint River, by steam and 
otherwise, is shown by the following extract from the Flint 
Rrpuhlicaii newspaper of May 29, 1847 : 

" The River. — There seems to be a full determination 
on the part of our citizens to improve the navigation of the 
Flint River, so as to make it safe and easy for the pas-^age 
of boats of a moderate class. Negotiations are pending 
likely to result in the construction of a steamboat of light 
draught to ply between this place and Sagiuaw. All 
classes of our population, and particularly the lumbermen 
and farmers, are greatly interested in the success of this 
project, and the local price of all marketable articles will 
be thereby greatly enhanced." 

In 1850 an act was passed by the Legislature (approved 
April 2) providing " That the rates of tolls the Flint 
and Saginaw Navigation Company are by law entitled to 
receive shall be as follows : On flour, salted beef and pork, 
butter and cheese, whisky, beer, and cider per one thousand 
pounds per mile, eight mills ; on salt per one thousand 
pounds per mile, five mills ; on pot and pearl ashes per one 
thousand pounds per mile, ten mills ; timber, squared and 
round, if carried in boats, per one hundred cubic feet, two 
mills per mile ; timber, squared, if carried in rafts, per one 
hundred cubic feet, three mills per mile; timber, round, if 
carried in rafts, per one thousand cubic feet per mile, five 
mills," etc. ; enumerating also the prices to be charged by 
the company on sawed lumber, in boats or rafts, staves and 
heading, shingles, and other articles, and " on boats used 
chiefly for the transportation of persons, per mile, seven 
cents ; and on boats used chiefly for the transportation of 
property, per mile, three cents." 

In a file of the Genesee Whig is found the announce- 
ment of the departure of the " First Scow on Flint River," 
from Flint for Flushing, March 26, 1850; and the Wliij 
thereupon indulges in a prophecy as to the favorable influ- 
ence this opening of navigation is to exert on the future of 
Flint River and Flint village. And in its issue of March 
27, 1852, the Whig, under the head of " Port of Flint- 
Arrivals and Departures," notices the clearance of the 
" Scow Kate Hayes, Capt. Charles Mather." The destina- 
tion of the " Kate Hayes" is not mentioned, and as her 
log-book has not been found, no account of her voyage 
down the river can be given. These were the latest, or 
among the latest, attempts to navigate the Flint River, and 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



43 



the company which had been incorporated for that purpose 
never accoinpHslied any of the objects for which it had been 
vested with powers by the several legislative acts above 
mentioned. Probably the completion of the planlc-rnad be- 
tween Flint and East Sa:;ina\v about that time tauglit the 
people that, after all, a smooth and solid road offered ad- 
vantages for the transportation, either of pa.sscngcrs or 
heavy merchandise, far preferable to boating through drift- 
wood along the tortuous course of the Flint during a part 
of the year, and subject to dangers from floods, as well as 
interruption and protracted delay in the sca.son of low 
water. But whatever may have been the cause, it is cer- 
tain that the navigation project was abandoned definitely 
and forever. 

NORTHERN RAILROAD AND OTHER PROJECTS — NORTH- 
ERN WAGON-ROAD. 

Iramediatel}' after the organization of the State govern- 
ment of Michigan, and before her admi.ssioii into the Fed- 
eral Union, measures were originated looking to the adop- 
tion, bj' the State, of a comprehensive system of internal 
improvements; and, in pureuance of this plan, the Legis- 
lature, at the session of 1837, pa.ssed an act (approved 
March 20th in that year) " to provide for the construction 
of certain works of internal improvement, and fur other 
purposes," by which tlie board of commissioners of internal 
improvements in the State were authorized and directed, 
'• as soon as may be, to cause surveys to be made for three 
several railroad routes across the peninsula of Michigan ; 
the first of said routes to commence at Detroit, in the 
county of Wayne, and to terminate at the mouth of the 
St. Joseph River, in the county of Berrien, to be denomi- 
nated the Central Railroad. The second of said routes to 
commence at the navigable waters of the river Raisin, pa-ss^ 
ing through the village of Monroe, in the county of Mon- 
roe, to terminate at New Buffalo, in Berrien County, and 
to be denominated the Southern Railroad. The third of 
said routes to commence at Palmer, or at or near the mouth 
of Black River, in the county of St. Clair, and to terminate 
at the navigable waters of tlie Grand River, in the county 
of Kent, or on Lake Michigan, in the county of Ottawa, 
to be denominated the Northern Railroad ; which roads 
shall be located on the most eligible and direct routes 
between the termini above mentioned." 

The fourth section of the act provided " That the sum 
of five hundred and fifty thousand dollars be, and the same 
is hereby appropriated, to be taken from any moneys which 
shall hereafter come into the treasury of this State to the 
credit of the fund for internal ini])rovemeiit, for the survey 
and making of the three railroads mentioned in the first 
section of this act^ as follows : for the Southern Railroad, 
the sura of one hundred thousand dollars ; for the Central 
Railroad, the sum of four hundred thousand dollars; and 
for the Northern Railroad, the sum of fifty thousand 
dollars." 

Under the authority conferred by this act the commis- 
sioners caused the surveys to be made without unnecessary 
delay. The routes thus surveyed for the " Central Rail- 
road" and the "Southern Railroad" were (excepting the 
western portions) substantially the same as those of the 



Michigan Central and Michigan Southern roads of the 
present. The " Northern Railroad" route was surveyed 
and located to run from the St. Clair River, through the 
centre of GeiiRsoe County; thence to Lyons, in Ionia 
County, and from there westward to Lake Michigan, at the 
mouth of Grand River, a distance of two hundred and one 
miles. This was the first survey made for railroad purpo.ses 
in the county of Genasee; though a preliminary survey 
was made very .soon after for " The Saginaw and Genesee 
Railroad Company," which was incorporated by act ap- 
proved ^Llrc•h 22, 1837, with authority " to construct a rail- 
road with a single or double track from the Saginaw River 
at Saginaw City, to intersect the Northern Railroad (from 
the St. Clair River to Grand River) at such point as they 
may deem practicable in the county of Genesee, with power 
to transport, take and carry persons and property upon the 
same by the power and force of steam or animals, or of any 
mechanical or other power or combination of them." For 
the prosecution of this last-named enterpri.se, Gardner D. 
Williams, Norman Little, Robert F. Stage, Perry G. Gard-' 
ner, and Pjlijah N. Davenport were appointed by the act 
commissioners to receive sub.scriptions to the capital stock 
of the corporation, which was to be four hundred thou.sand 
dollars. The road was, by the terms of the act, required 
to be commenced within one year, a section of twenty-five 
miles to be completed in two and a half years, and the 
whole line to be finished within si.^ years from the passage 
of the act, under penalty of forfeiture of the privileges 
and franchises granted by the charter. By an act amenda- 
tory to the above, the time was extended to five years for 
the completion of the twenty-five miles, and to eight years 
for the completion of the whole road ; both these periods 
to date from the passage of the amendatory act, which was 
approved April 20, 1839. • But notwithstanding this and 
other extensions of the powers and privileges originally 
granted to the Saginaw and Genesee Railroad Company, 
they never completed their road, or carried the work beyond 
the preliminary surveys. 

To return to the State project of the " Northern Rail- 
road," the prosecution of the work was placed by the board 
in the hands of commis.sioner James B. Hunt, who eau.scd 
the survey to be made as we have seen, and under whom 
estimates and specifications were made and other prelim- 
inary steps were taken, and contracts were let at several 
points between the eastern terminus and Lyons, Ionia 
Co. ; among these being a contract to the amount of 
twenty thousand dollars, made with Gen. Charles C. Ilas- 
call, of Flint River, for the construction of the road in 
Genesee County, including the bridging of the Thread 
River, near its junction with the Flint, and fur .some heavy 
embankment work near the same point ; which work, or a 
great part of it, was performed by the contractor, and paid 
for from the appropriation. This was done in 1838 and 
1839. 

After the first appropriation, others were made by the 
State in aid of the Northern Railroad, amounting in all to 
about one hundred and thirty thousjind dollars ; the last of 
these being to the amount of forty thousand dollars, made 
by act of liCgislaturo approved April 20, 1839. Soon after 
this the financial embarrassments of the State caused a 



44 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



feelinc: to spring up among the people and their representa- 
tives that the adoption of so extensive a plan of internal 
improvements had been premature, to say the least, and the 
result of this growing sentiment was the restriction of ap- 
propriations to such works as did, or could easily be made 
to, return the interest on their cost. Accordingly, further 
aid was withheld, except to the central and southern lines 
(then in partial operation), and finally, in 1841, all idea of 
the construction of the " Northern Railroad" as a State 
work was abandoned, and the Legislature passed "an act 
relative to the appropriation upon the Northern Railroad" 
(approved April 2, 1841"), which recited in its preamble 
that " it is thought impolitic under tlie present embarrass- 
ments of the State to make, at present, further expenditures 
on said road for the purpose of a railroad ;" that " a large 
amount has been expended in chopping, grubbing, and 
clearing said road, which, if left in its present condition, 
can be of no interest to the people of the north ;" and that 
" it is the united wish and request of the people in the 
vicinity of said road that the same should, for the present, 
be converted into a turnpike- or wagon-road, and thus open 
an important thoroughfare through the centre of the tier 
of counties through which the said road passes, and thereby 
render the money heretofore expended on said road availa- 
ble to the best interests (under existing circumstances) to 
the people in the northern section of the State." It was 
therefore enacted that the commissioners of internal im- 
provement be directed to expend thirty thousand dollars of 
the unexpended balance of the moneys which had been 
appropriated for the Northern Railroad "for bridging, clear- 
, ing, and grading said road, or so much of it as the said 
commissioners shall judge will be most beneficial to the 
inhabitants and public in the section of country through 
which the same passes, so as to make a good passable 
wagon-road." 

In 1843 the railroad project was formally " razeed" by 
an act of Legislature (approved March 9tli in that year) 
" to authorize the construction of a Wagon-Road on the line 
of the Northern Railroad," and ordering the application 
and appropriation, for that purpose, of all the non-resident 
highway taxes for a distance of three miles on cither side 
of the line, to be expended under the superintendence of a 
special commi.ssioner to be appointed for each of the counties 
of St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawas.see, Clinton, and Ionia. 
The commissioner appointed to carry into effect the provi- 
sions of this act upon that part of the line lying within 
Genesee County was Gen. Charles C. Hascall. The act 
was repealed in 184(3, but in the following year another act 
was passed (approved April 3, 1848) " to provide for the 
construction and improvement of the Northern Wagon- 
Road from Port Huron, in the county of St. Clair, through 
the counties of Lapeer and Genesee to Corunna, in the 
county of Shiawassee," and appropriating " twenty thousand 
acres of internal improvement lands" for the purpose. To 
carry its provisions into effect the Governor of the State 
was authorized to appoint a special commissioner, and he 
did so appoint to that position the Hon. Alvin N. Hart, of 
Lapeer, for that part of the work lying east of Shiawassee 
County. Still another act was pa.s.sed in 1849 providing 
for a re-location of the road. 



The result of all the laws passed and appropriations made 
for the construction of the Northern Railroad and Northern 
Wagon-Road was (as concerning the county of Genesee) 
the cutting out and grubbing of the greater part of the line 
between Flint River village and Lapeer County, and the 
building of an indifferent road over about one-third part of 
this distance, a result which never proved to be of much 
practical advantfige to the county. 

But in the mean time a company (the " Port Huron and 
Lake IMichigan Railroad Company," which will be men- 
tioned more at length in its appropriate place in this his- 
tory) had been formed and incorporated, having for its 
object the construction and completion of a railroad across 
the peninsula from the St. Clair River to Lake Michigan, 
as originally contemplated and attempted by the State; an 
object which was only partially accomplished by the com- 
pany after nearly a quarter of a century of disheartening 
vicissitude and discouragement. 

DETROIT AND MILWAUKEE RAILROAD. 

The first railway line which was built and completed to 
any point within the boundaries of the county of Genesee 
was the Detroit and Milwaukee, — now the Detroit, Grand 
Haven and Milwaukee Railroad ; and it was ahso over the 
eastern link of this line, which then terminated in Oak- 
land, that the people of this county enjoyed their earliest 
railway facilities, by moans of the stage-lines running from 
Flint, and connecting with it at its several termini, — first at 
Royal Oak, and then succe.ssively at Birmingham and Pon- 
tiac. For this reason it seems proper that the building and 
opening of that part of the line should bo briefly mentioned 
here, though it was an Oakland and not a Genesee County 
enterprise. 

The project of constructing a railroad from Detroit to 
Pontiac was agitated in Oakland as early as the spring of 
1830, and an act incorporating the " Pontiac and Detroit 
Railway Company" was passed by the Legislative Council 
of the Territory, and approved by Governor Cass, on the 
31st of July in the year named, this being the first railway 
company ever chartered in Michigan. The corporators 
were John P. Helfenstein, Gideon 0. Whittemore, William 
F. Mosely, William Thompson, Hervey Parke, " and such 
other persons as shall associate for the purpose of making a 
good and sufficient railway from Pontiac to the city of De- 
troit," the stock of the company to consist of one thousand 
shares, at one hundred dollars each. This company, how- 
ever, found the project to be too heavy for the means 
which they could command, and their charter became void 
by reason of their failure to comply with its conditions. 

A second company was formed, and an act granting a 
new charter was passed by the Territorial Legislature, and 
approved by the Governor, March 7, 1834. Under this 
act, William Draper, Daniel Le Roy, David Stanard, John- 
son Niles, Seneca Newberry, Elisha Beach, Benj. Phelps, 
Joseph Niles, Jr., and Augustus C. Stephens were appointed 
commissioners to receive subscriptions to the stock of " The 
Detroit and Pontiac Railroad Company," the amount of 
which was fixed at fifty thousand dollars. The work was 
to be commenced within two years from the passage of the 
act, and completed within six years, the charter to be for- 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



45 



feited by failure to comply with these conditions. Tiie 
principal stockholders were Alfred Williams and Sherman 
Stevens, of Pontiac, who were also managers of the aflFairs 
of the company; but these ■gentlemen gave so much of 
their attention to banking, and other financial operations, 
tliat very slow progress was made in the construction of the 
road, and it was not until the fall of 1S38 or spring of 
1839 that a track (which even then was composed of wooden 
rails for a part of the distance) was completed as far as 
Royal Oak, and trains made up of cars of the most inferior 
description were run from Detroit to that point by horse- 
power. In the fall of 1839 the road was extended so that 
the trains ran to Birmingham, and steam was introduced as 
a motive-power for their propulsion. At that time (Sep- 
tember, 1839) wo find in the Flint River Guzrlte the ad- 
vertisement of Henry J. Buckley, agent and conductor, 
informing the public that the trains were then running two 
trips a day between Detroit and Birmingham, and making 
connection at the latter jilace with a daily lino of "post- 
coaclW for Pontiac and Flint, and a semi-weekly line for 
Orand River. In 1840, the company being heavily in 
debt and without means of payment, the road was sold at 
sherifT's sale, and passed into the hands of Dean Richmond, 
of Buffalo, and other capitalists of the State of New York. 
Then followed another period of delay and di.scouragement, 
but finally, in the year 1843, the road was completed to 
Pontiac, which for more than ten years continued to be the 
western terminus, and the point of connection with the stage- 
lines running to Flint and Saginaw. 

This road, in the early years of its existence, was made 
the subject of unmeasured ridicule on account of tlie poverty 
of the compan}', the rough and superficial manner in which 
the line was constructed, the poor quality of its carriages 
and machinery, and the exceedingly slow and irregular time 
made by the trains between Pontiac and Detroit. From 
an article which appeared in the Detroit I'ost a few years 
since, containing some reminiscences of pioneer railway 
travel, the following — having reference to the Pontiac line 
— is extracted : 

" Trains would frequently stop between way stations at a 
signal from some farmer who wished to ask a few questions, 
or to take passage. An old lady denizen of a farmhouse, 
with spectacles of a primitive manufiicture placed high 
upon her forehead, came running out to the train, waving 
her bandanna. Her signal being heeded, the train was 
. brought to a stop, and her inquiry of the conductor was, if 
a certain lawyer named Drake was on board. After re- 
ceiving a negative answer, a short conversation was kept up 
before the train started on its journey. It was no uncom- 
m(m occurrence for the engineer, who kept his shot-gun 
with him, to bring down game from his engine, shut oiF 
steam, and send his fireman after the fruits of his marks- 
manship. The road being laid with strap rail, one of the 
duties of the conductor was to keep a liamnier for the pur- 
pose of spiking down ' snake-heads' whenever they were 
seen from the cab of the engineer." There are, doubtless, 
many citizens of Genesee County who will recollect their 
journeyings from Pontiac to Detroit in tho.se days, and rec- 
ognize the above as a truthful dcscrijition. 

Some time after the complclion of the line to Pontiac it 



was leased to Gurdon Williams for a period of ten years, at 
a graduated annual rental, averaging about ten thousand 
dollars a year ; but the lease was purchased or relinquished 
before its expiration, and the road came into the possession 
of a company, of which II. N. Walker, Es(|., was made 
the president. Under his administration a sufficient amount 
of money was raised on the bonds of the road to relay the 
track and place it in a good condition for traffic. 

For the purpose of forming a railroad connection between 
the western terminus of the Detroit and Pontiac road and 
Lake Michigan at or near the mouth of Grand River, and 
thence, by steamers with Milwaukee, the Oakland and Ot- 
tawa Railroad Company was formed and incorporated by 
act of Legislature approved April 3, 1848. The persons 
appointed as commissioners to receive subscriptions to the 
capital stock (which was fixed at two million five hun- 
dred thousand dollars) were Gurdon Williams, Edward A. 
Brush, H. C. Thurber, Alfred Williams, Bowman W. 
Dennis, John Hamilton, C. P. Bush, W. A. Richmond, 
and Charles Shepard. The company was empowered by 
the act " to construct a railroad with a double ov single 
track from the village of Pontiac, in the county of Oakland, 
to Lake Michigan, in the county of Ottawa, passing through 
the most desirable and eligible route, by the way of Fen- 
tonvillc," and was required to begin its construction within 
five years, and to complete it within fifteen years, from the 
passage of the act. 

Work was commenced on this line in the year 185:3, and 
in the following year 11. N. Walker (who was a leading 
spirit in this, as well as in the Pontiac road) purchased in 
England twenty-six hundred tons of iron, which was esti- 
mated to be sufficient to lay the track through to Fenton- 
ville. But further delays intervened, and it was not until 
four years after the commencement of work upon the line 
that the first locomotive rolled over the completed track 
into Genesee County. 

On the 13th of February, 1855, the Oakland and Ottawa 
and the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad interests were consol- 
idated, under the name of "the Detroit and Milwaukee 
Railway." During the same year the road was completed 
from Pontiac to Holly, and the company's agents in Europe 
negotiated a loan of one and a quarter millions of dollars, 
by the aid of which the work was pu.shcd forward with 
vigor, and the road fini.shed to Fentonville in 1851). The 
county now, for the first time, enjoyed the advant^ige of a 
railroad line within her own borders, but the expected 
branch from Fentonville to Flint was never built, and the 
people of the city and the northern parts of the county 
had still to depend on the stage-lines connecting with the 
railway. 

In September, 1857, the railroad was completed to Ionia, 
and in one year from that time it was opened to Grand 
Haven. 

In April, 1860, the foreclosure of the mortgage by the 
bondholders placed the road in the hands of a receiver, 
— the Hon. C. J. Brydges. Since that time its affairs 
have gradually become more prosperous, and it now ranks 
with the important railway lines of the State. The stations 
on this road within the county of Genesee are Feuton 
liiiuloii, and Gaines. 



46 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



FLINT AND PERE MARQUETTE RAILWAY. 
The .second line which was completed and put in opera- 
tion in Genesee, and the first to enter the city of Flint, was 
the Flint and Pore Mar(|uette Railway. The company pro- 
posing the construction of this road was organized at Flint 
on the 21st of January, 1857, under the provisions of the 
general railroad law of 1855. The capital stock of the 
company was fixed at five million five hundred thousand 
dollars, to be divided into shares of fifty dollars each, the 
corporation to continue for the period of five hundred 
years. The formation of the company was declared, in the 
articles of association, to be "for the purpose of construct- 
ing, operating, and maintaining a railroad within tlie State. 
. . . The said railway is to be constructed from the city 
of Flint, county of Genesee, passing northerly and westerly 
through the counties of Genesee, Saginaw, Midland, Glad- 
win, Clare, Osceola, Lake, and Mason, to Pere Marquette 
[now Ludington], on Lake Michigan, a distance of one 
hundred and seventy miles, as nearly as we can now deter- 
mine, which is to bo the length of said railway." 

The names of the original subscribers to the stock, and 
who were also signers of the articles of association, were 
as follows : George M. Dewey, Benjamin Pearson, Alvin 
T. Crosman, Daniel D. Dewey, Josiah Pratt, Theodore G. 
Mills, C. Roosevelt, Artemas Thayer, H. W. Wood, James 
Henderson, R. D. Lamond, Alexander McFarlan, E. N. 
Pettee, E. H. McQuigg, Charles B Higgins, R. Bishop, 
E. F. Frary, M. Miles, Giles Bishop, A. B. Witherbee, 
George W. Fish, H. C. Walker, H. M. Henderson, T. C. 
Meigs, Chauncey K. Williams, Charles E. Dewey, William 
Patterson, G. R. Cummings. 

The first board of directors of the corporation were : 
President, George M. Dewey ; Henry M. Henderson, Ben- 
jamin Pearson, Artemas Thayer, Robert D. Lamond, Cor- 
nelius Roosevelt, William Patterson, Alvin T. Crosman, 
Josiah Pratt, all of Flint. 

The persons who were appointed commissioners to re- 
ceive subscriptions to the capital stock were Benjamin 
Pearson, Alvin T. Crosman, and Daniel D. Dewey, and to 
these tlie names of Robert D. Lamond and Josiah Pratt 
were afterwards added. 

In 185G the Congress of the United States had passed 
an act (approved June 3d, in that year) providing "that 
there be, and hereby is, granted to the State of Micliigan — 
to aid in the construction of railroads from Little Bay de 
Noquet to Marquette, and thence to Ontonagon, and from 
the two last-named places to the Wisconsin State line; 
also from Aniboy, by Hillsdale and Lansing, and from 
Grand Rapids to some point on or near Traverse Bay ; 
also from Grand Haven and Pere Marquette to Flint, and 
thence to Port Huron — ^every alternate section of land, 
designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width, on 
each side of each of said roads." Where such odd-num- 
bered sections had already been sold by the United States, 
or pre-empted, then the deficiency to be made good by 
selections of a like number of alternate sections of land 
owned by the government outside of the six tiers of sec- 
tions ; but in no case to be farther than fifteen miles from 
the lines of the proposed roads. 

By an act of the liOgislature of Michigan, approved 



Feb. 14, 1857, the State accepted the grant of lands from 
the United States, with the terms and conditions imposed ; 
and by the same act the title to that portion of the lands 
intended by Congress to be given in aid of the construction 
of the Flint and P6re Marquette line was vested in that 
company, under certain conditions, among which were 
these : that the proceeds of the lands were to be exclu- 
sively applied in the construction of the road, and to no 
other purposes whatsoever; that the road, when completed, 
should, " in all respects and all its parts, be a first-class 
railroad, and the rail thereof be the ' T' or continuous 
rail ;" also that " after the completion of twenty miles of its 
railroad, and after the Governor shall have certified to the 
Secretary of tlie Interior that such twenty continuous 
miles of its road are so completed, then, and not before, 
said company may sell sixty sections of land included 
within any continuous twenty miles of its line of road ; 
and, in like manner, upon the completion of each other 
twenty continuous miles, it may sell other sixty sections ; 
and so on, ft-om time to time, until the whole of its road 
is completed ; and after the full and final completion of the 
entire length of its road, and the acceptance of the same 
by the board of control* herein provided, then the com- 
pany may sell tlie remainder of the lands hereby invested 
in accordance with the act of Congress, and not before." 

The company was also required by the act to survey 
and locate its road on or before the first day of the (then) 
next December, and to complete and put in good running 
order at least twenty continuous miles of road during each 
year from and after that time, and to finish the entire, 
length of the road within seven years from the 15th day 
of November, 1857. 

Tiic lands thus donated to the company amounted to sis 
hundred and sixty-two thousand four hundred acres, or one 
hundred and twenty sections for each twenty-mile section 
of road ; so that under the above condition they were pro- 
hibited from selling more than one-half their lands until 
the whole line should be completed and accepted by the 
board of control. But in February, 1859, the Legislature 
passed an act amending the above, by striking out the word 
" sixty," and inserting in its place the words " one hundred 
and twenty ;" thus autliorizing the company, upon the com- 
pletion of each twenty-mile section of road, to sell the 
entire amount of lands due upon such completed section. 
An amendatory act was also passed extending the time for 
the completion of the first twenty miles from Dec. 1, 1858, • 
to Dec. 1, 1859. 

The land-grant having been duly accepted by the com- 
pany on the terms and conditions imposed by the Legisla- 
ture, and local subscriptions to the stock having been 
secured to the amount required by law, the survey was 
commenced under direction of George T. Clark, chief 
engineer of the road, at the opening of the spring of 1857, 
and was pushed so vigorously that the location of the route 
was made and accepted by the board of directors in the 
following August. This location of the route dift'ered 
materially from tliat originally contemplated, as it passed 

* The bjiirJ of control constituted by this act consisted of tlio 
Governor of the State (cj- nj^.riu) and six commissioners, to he nomi- 
nated hy the Oovcrnor and confirmed by the Senate. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



47 



entirely to the south of the county of Gladwin, but 
travoi-sod Isabella and Jlccosta, which were not touched-by 
the preliminary survey. Subsefjuently the route was a^ain 
changed so as to pass wholly to the north of these two 
counties. 

On account of the financial depression of 1857 nothing 
was done towards the construction of the road during that 
j'car, but in the fall of 1858 the contractors, Messrs. Paul 
Farwell & Co., commenced work near Bridgeport Centre, 
and at the close of the year one-third of the line between 
Flint and Saginaw had been cleared, and about three miles 
graded ready for ironing. 

On the 31st of March, 1859, resolutions were adopted 
authorizing the i.s.sue of the bonds of the company to the 
aggregate amount of five million five hundred thousand dol- 
lars, " for the purpose of raising funds from time to time 
for the construction and completion of the railway of this 
company from Pere Marquette to Flint;" the said bonds 
to be secured by a trust deed to Myron H. Clark and Shep- 
herd Knapp, of New York, and James M. Edmunds, of 
Detroit, as trustees of the property of the company, includ- 
ing their interest, actual and prospective, in five hundred 
and fifty thousand acres of the lands granted by Congress. 
The deed was executed by the president and secretary on 
behalf of the company, at the date above named. Under 
this mortgage, successive issues of the company's construc- 
tion bonds were made on the several sections as the work 
progressed ; the first issue being made in April, ISUO. 

In October, 1859, thirteen miles of tlie road-bed was 
finished, and the remainder of the line between Flint and 
Saginaw was nearly ready for the iron. Eight miles of the 
completed grade south from East Saginaw had been laid 
with iron from the Wyandotte Rolling-Milis, and on this 
portion a construction-train had been put in operation. 
From this time until the following July operations were 
suspended. The time had expired (December 1st) in which 
the firet twenty-mile section was to be completed by the con- 
ditions of the act which conferred the lands, and apprehen- 
sions were felt that a forfeiture would be declared by the 
State. But on a.ssurances from the Governor and other 
influential officers and citizens of the State that no advan- 
tage would be taken of the company's misfortune, if the 
enterprise was continued and prosecuted in good faith, the 
contractors were induced to resume operations in July, 
IBljO, as above mentioned, though tiic work proceeded but 
slowly. 

The completed track was extended soutliward into Gene- 
see County, and reached Pine Hun during ISlJl. On the 
20th of January, 1862, the road was regularly opened for 
traffic to Mount Morris, where connection was made with 
its trains by the stages of Boss, Burrcll & Co. At this 
time the announcement was made that the company had a 
sufficient amount of iron on hand to complete the line from 
this point to its southern terminus. 

The formal opening of the finished line from Saginaw to 
Flint was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 8, 1802, and was the 
occasion of unmeasured rejoicing in tiie city, terminating 
in an entertainment at the Carlton House in honor of the 
auspicious event. 

The officers of the company at that time (elected Dec. 5, 



1862) were: Directors — Eber B. Ward, of Detroit, Presi- 
dent; Charles A. Trowbridge, Henry H. Fish, Palmer V. 
Kellogg, of Utica, N. Y. ; Henry Hobbs, Charles B. Mott, 
East Saginaw ; Benjamin Pierson, Alfred J. Boss, Flint ; 
Morgan L. Drake, of Pontiac ; Treasurer, Wm. H. Bron- 
son ; Secretar}', Morgan L. Drake. 

THE FLINT A.ND HOLLY LI.NK IN TIIE FLINT AND PERE 
MARQUETTE LINE. 

From the time when the first train ran through to Pon- 
tiac, projects had been in contemplation to extend the line 
from that village to Flint, and eventually to make connec- 
tion with Saginaw, either over the road proposed to be built 
by the Saginaw and Gene.sce Railroad Company (before 
mentioned as having been incorporated in 1837) or by 
other means ; and, in 1846, the Legislature passed " an act 
(approved May 15th) to incorporate the Pontiac and Gene- 
see Railroad Company," with a capital .stock of five hundred 
thou.sand dollars, and the privilege of increasing it to one 
million dollars ; the charter commissioners appointed to re- 
ceive subscriptions to the stock being Horace C. Thurbcr, 
Sherman Stevens, Frederick A. Williams, Grant Decker, 
Charles C. Hascall, Elkanah Parker, Robert Le Roy, Boor- 
man Dennis, Wm. Axford, Enos Goodrich, Oliver Palmer, 
Gould Davison, and Benjamin Pearson. The company was 
authorized and empowered " to construct a railroad, with 
double or single track, from Pontiac, in the county of Oak- 
land, running northwesterly through the village of Fenton- 
ville, to the village of Flint, in the county of Genesee, with 
a branch of the same running to some suitable point in the 
county of Shiawassee; al.so a branch of the same from the 
village of Genesee [Flint?] to Saginaw City, in the county 
of Saginaw;" the road to be commenced within three years, 
and to be completed in ten years, from the passage of the 
act, under penalty of forfeiture of charter. This was 
amended March 30, 1848, by extending the time for com- 
mencement of work to five years, and the time for comple- 
tion of road to fifteen years, and by authorizing an increase 
of capital to one million five hundred thousand dollars ; 
also, by the addition of a clause providing that " in case 
an}' annual meeting of the stockholders of .said company 
shall not be, or shall not have been holden, the charter of 
said company shall not thereby be forfeited." 

The Genesee and Oakland Railroad Company was incor- 
porated by act approved April 3, 1848. Henry M. Hen- 
derson, Addison Stewart, Jas. B. AValker, Enos Goodrich, 
Jas. Kipp, Elijah B. Clark, Horace C. Thurber, and John 
S. Goodrich were appointed commissioners to receive sub- 
scriptions to the stock, which was authorized to the amount 
of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The company 
was empowered to construct a railroad, with double or single 
track, from Pontiac to Flint, " passing through the most 
desirable and eligible route, through the counties of Oak- 
land and Genesee," and was rc(|uired to commence the con- 
struction of its road within five years, and to finish it in 
ten years, from the passage of the act of incorporation. 

Neither the " Pontiac and Genesee," nor the " Genesee 
and Oakland" companies ever made any progress worthy of 
notice towards the accomplishment of the object.s for which 
they were incorporated. " An act to authorize the Flint 



48 



HISTORY OF GEiVESEE COUNTY", MICHIGAN. 



and Pere Marquette Ilailway Company to purchase the 
rights and franchises of the Genesee and Oakland Ilaih-oad 
Company" was passed by the Legislature, and approved 
Feb. 15, 1839, and by the terms of the same act the latter 
company was also authorized to purchase the rights and 
franchises of the former ; and it was further provided that 
" when said two companies are consolidated, in accordance 
with the provisions of this act, they may assume to them- 
selves the name of ' The Michigan and Northwestern Rail- 
way Company ;' " this consolidation arrangement to become 
valid and operative " when accepted by said companies, by 
a vote of their respective boards of directors." To what 
extent action was taken by the two companies under the 
authority conferred by this act does not clearly appear, but 
it is certain that no results were attained beyond a survey 
of the route between Flint and Fentonvillc, commenced 
Sept. 13, 1860, under the direction and superintendence of 
George T. Clark, chief engineer of the Flint and Fere Mar- 
quette road. 

But the project to construct the lacking railway link, 
south from Flint to the Detroit and Milwaukee road, was 
never abandoned, and was finally taken up by parties who 
were powerful, practical, and wealthy enough to carry it to 
completion on their own means, without the issuance of 
bonds, or the asking of municipal or other outside aid. 
The leader in this project was the Hon. Henry H. Crapo 
(afterwards Governor of Michigan), with whom were asso- 
ciated a number of heavy capitalists of New Bedford, Mass., 
and several gentlemen of means in Genesee County. Im- 
mediately after the completion of the Pere Marquette road 
from East Saginaw to Flint, these gentlemen moved ener- 
getically in the matter, and about the commencement of the 
year 18G3 became incorporated under the general railroad 
law as the " Flint and Holly Railroad Company." The 
board of directors (which also represented the principal 
stockholders) of this company were Henry H. Crapo, of 
Flint, president ; Oliver Prescott, John R. Thornton, and 
Edward S. Slandell, of New Bedford, Mass. ; Levi Walker 
and J. B. Walker, of Flint ; David Smith, of Feutonville. 
The commissioners to open the books for subscriptions to 
the stock of the company, under the requirement of the 
law, were Oliver Prescott, Wm. W. Crapo, New Bedford ; 
Henry H. Crapo, H. W. Wood, Flint; David Smith, Feu- 
tonville. 

At the inception of the enterprise, it was the general 
belief of the public (though perhaps not of the projectors) 
that the road to be built from Flint would intersect the 
Detroit and Milwaukee road at Fentonville. But when a 
more easterly survey was made, to intersect that road at 
Holly, in Oakland County, a comparison of the two routes 
showed that the latter, although a trifle longer, offered 
advantages more than sufficient to compensate for the 
slightly greater distance to be built, and it would, more- 
over, strike the northern terminus of the railway line which, 
it was evident, must soon be built from Monroe, on Lake 
Erie, to the Detroit and Milwaukee road, at Holly. This 
route was, con.sequently, the one adopted. 

The contract lor grading the road was let to Messrs. 
Walton and Wright, of Detroit, who commenced operations 
upon the line in the autumn of 18G3. The work was 



pushed with a vigor which has seldom been equaled iu the 
history of railroad construction, and which had not been 
expected, even from the practical and energetic business 
men who stood at the head of the enterprise. So rapid 
was the progress made that the road was completed and 
opened to Holly — seventeen miles — on the 1st of Novem- 
ber, 1864, the first trains being run by the company's new 
locomotive, " City of Flint." And now, for the first time, 
Flint and the central and northern jiortions of Genesee 
County had a railway outlet to the commercial emporium 
of the State. Before the opening of this road the travel 
between Flint and Holly Station had been accommo- 
dated by the stage-lino of Boss, Burroll & Co., which was 
well equipped, admirably conducted, and very largely pa- 
tronized, carrying, on an average, as many as one hundred 
and fifty passengers each way (a total of three hundred 
passages) daily between the.se points ; and it is recollected 
by old residents of Flint that in a single day twenty-seven 
of these coaches delivered their loads of passengers at the 
Irving House in that city for dinner. It is also mentioned 
as a somewhat singular circumstance that the senior propri- 
etor of the line, Hon. Alfred J. Boss, died within two or 
three days of the time when his stages made their last trip. 
The total cost of the Flint and Holly road, including land, 
fencing, grading, bridges, iron, buildings, telegraph, tools, 
rolling-stock, and engineering, was four hundred and thirty 
thousand four hundred and twenty-three dollars and six cents, 
— an exceedingly low figure, especially when taking into 
consideration the fact that the line was con.structed and 
equipped during a period of inflated prices, caused by the 
great war which was then in progress. During the first 
month, the freight transported was four hundred and ten 
tons, and the amount received from passenger traffic three 
thousand four hundred and eighty-five dollars and eighty 
cents. The receipts of the road during eleven months 
succeeding its opening (that is, up to the end of the fiscal 
year) were : 

From passengers $51, 070.47 

" freight ;;8,.'>fi:!.l),i 

" mails 656.U2 

" rents 76 03 

S90.'JB7..37 
Total expense of operating (same time) 51,761.23 

Leaving bahmce of $39,203.14 

From that time, and through all the period in which the 
road continued to be operated by the original company as a 
separate line, its business steadily and largely increased. 

On the 24th of April, 1868, the Flint and Holly road was 
sold, with its equipment, to the Flint and Pere Marquette 
Railway Company for about five hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars, and the bonds of the latter company (.secured by 
lien on the entire length of road from Holly to East Sagi- 
naw, and since paid in full) were issued in that amount to 
the stockholders of the Flint and Holly road. In this sale 
the latter realized an advance of more than twenty-five per 
cent, on the cost of their road ; and in addition to this, 
during the three and a half years in which it had been 
operated by them, they had received regular semi-annual 
dividends amounting to ten per cent, yearly, besides dividing 
surplus earnings to the amount of about thirty-five per 
cent, of the cost oi' the road and equipment. The above 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



49 



is certainly a most remarkable showing of profit in the 
construction and operation of a short interior lino of rail- 
road. 

COMPLETION AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE ROADS COM- 
POSING THE FLINT AND PERE MARQUETTE. 

Upon that portion of the Flint and Pere Marquette line 
lying between East Saginaw and Lake Michigan the work 
of construction was commenced in the fall of 1860, and 
about eight years later, after many delays and discourage- 
ments, the road was completed to its northwestern terminus 
at Ludington. In March, 1872, there were consolidated 
into the Flint and Pero Marquette line, and under that 
general name, the following roads, viz., the Holly, Wayne 
and Monroe Railway (opened in 1870), furnishing a south- 
cistern connection to Lake Erie; the Bay City and East 
Saginaw road, connecting with the navigable waters of 
Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron ; and the Flint River Rail- 
road (then uncumpletedj, running from the junction, four 
miles north of Flint, to Otter Lake, a distance of fifteen 
miles. This latter road (now the Flint River division of 
the Flint and Pore JIarquette) was opened for travel be- 
tween the city of Flint and the village of Otisville, in the 
northeastern corner of Genesee County, on the 13th of 
August, 1S72, and was soon after finished to Otter Lake 
Station, where it forms a connection with the Detroit and 
Bay City Railroad. 

The Flint River division passes diagonally through the 
townships of Genesee and Forest, and for a short distance 
thi-ough the northwest corner of Richfield, all in Genesee 
County. The main line of the Flint and P6re Marquette 
road traverses the county nearly through its centre, from 
north to south, passing through the city of Flint and the 
townships of Vienna, Mount Morris, Genesee, Burton, and 
Grand Blanc. This line is by far more important to the 
interests of Genesee than any of the other railroads which 
enter the county, and it is for this reason, and because the 
enterprise was originated and made successful by citizens of 
Flint,* that the above account of the road has been ex- 
tended to greater length than it would otherwise have been. 
Until recently the Flint and Pore Marquette road has been 
regarded as one of the prosperous railways of Michigan, 
but of late it has become apparent that the financial condi- 
tion of the company has been unsatisfactory for several 
years, commencing from the panic of 1873, and now (May, 
1870) it is announced that the road is about pa.ssing into the 
hands of a receiver. But, notwithstanding the embarrass- 
ment of its afiairs, it is, and must continue to be, a line of 
great importance to the counties, cities, and villages upon 
its route. 

* Of the twenty-eight uriginal shareholders who signed the articles 
of association of tlie Flint and Pcrc Marquette Railway (Jomjiany, 
all but one (Theodore (j. Mills, of Cleveland) wore residents of the 
city of Flint, as were also all the nine gentlemen composing the first 
board of directors. And when the second division of the lino (then 
known as the Flint and Holly road) was built, it was a citizen of this 
eity — Henry H. C'rapo — who originated the project, furnished a largo 
share of the means, and was in every way more instrumenlal than 
any otiier person in accomplishing its early completion and remarkable 
success. 



PORT HURON AND LAKE MICHIGAN RAILROAD. 

The project of the old " Northern Railroad" authorized 
by the Legislature in 1837 as part of the State system of 
internal improvements, and intended to run from the outlet 
of Lake Huron, west, through St. Clair, Lapeer, Genesee, 
and other counties, has already been mentioned. After 
this project was abandoned by the State it was taken up by 
an association of individuals who were, by act of Legisla- 
ture approved Jan. 30, 1847,t incorporated as "the Port 
Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad Company," with au- 
thority " to construct a railroad with a double or single 
track from Port Huron, in St. Clair County, running 
westerly until it shall intersect Lake Michigan at or near 
the mouth of Grand River, with power to take, transport, 
and carry property and persons upon the said railroad, or 
any part thereof herein authorized to be constructed, by 
the power and force of steam or of animals, or of any me- 
chanical or other power, or of any combination of them 
which the said company may choose to use or apply." 
John Wells, Alvin N. Hart, Charles C. Hascall, Alfred L. 
Williams, Jesse F. Turner, Ira Porter, Edmund B. Bost- 
wick, and Thomas W. White were appointed charter com- 
missioners to receive subscriptions to the capital stock, 
which was authorized to the amount of two millions of 
dollars. The company was required to commence its road 
in five years, and to complete it in fifteen years, from the 
passage of the act. And the State relinquished to the 
company all her rights and privileges in the line of the 
Northern road wherever the company might wish to con- 
struct its road over that route. In alluding to this relin- 
quishment by the State, the directors of the company (in 
a statement published for the purpose of influencing sub- 
scriptions to the stock) said that " instead of paying the 
State for what it has done towards the construction of the 
road, the company have a donation of all that one hundred 
and ten thousand dollars in cash, and twenty thousand 
acres of land, have accomplished." 

In 1851, against a most determined opposition, the charter 
of the company was amended, by striking out the words 
" five" and " fifteen" and inserting in their places " ten" 
and " twenty" (years), thus extending, respectively, the 
periods in which the work was required to be commenced 
and completed. Great eflforts were then made to raise 
means for the construction of the road, but these met with 
very indifferent success. In 1853 encouragement was re- 
ceived from the Hon. Malcolm Cameron, of Quebec, that 
negotiations might be made with parties in that city for the 
furnishing of means and construction of the road. Upon 
this, after mature deliberation by the board of directors, a 
committee of the board, consisting of James Turril, the 
president of the road, J. R. White, secretary, Alvin N. 
Hart, treasurer, and Noah Hart, director, proceeded to 
Quebec, where a contract was cflected witli prominent rail- 
road parties to build tlie road from Port Huron to Grand 

■f The Legislature had passed an act of incorporation of the same 
company in ISIrt, but it had been vetoed by Gov. Kelch, on the ground 
that it might defeat the sale of the southern and central roads, nego- 
tiations for their purchase from the .State being then in progress. 
This sale having been effected, and the objection thus removed, tho 
incorporating act was approved in 1847, as stated. 



50 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Haven by the 1st of January, 1857, but with the condition 
precedent tliat tlie company should procure from the Legis- 
lature an act increasing the capital stock from two million to 
eight million dollars. An interview was then had with Lieu- 
tenant-Governor Andrew Parsons (then acting Governor, in 
place of Governor Robert McClelland, who had resigned to 
accept a position in President Pierce's cabinet) to induce him 
to call an extra .session of the Legislature for the purpose of 
authorizing the necessary increase of capital. Governor Par- 
sons was unwilling to assume the responsibility of convening 
the Legislature in extra session unless an expression of the 
people's wishes, favorable to the plan, could be had. To 
obtain such an expression the promoters of the road called 
a mass-meeting at Jackson, at which resolutions were 
adopted favoring an extra session and requesting the Gov- 
ernor to call it, but, notwithstanding this, he declined to issue 
the desired proclamation. This caused a delay until the reg- 
ular session of 1855, at which an act was passed (approved 
February 13) amending the charter by increasing the cap- 
ital stock to eight million dollars, as desired, and empowering 
the president and directors to appoint agents in either or 
all of the cities of New York, Boston, Montreal, and Lon- 
don to receive subscriptions to the increased stock or assess- 
ments, instalments, or calls, or to pay dividends upon the 
same, and to make dividends payable and receivable in each or 
all of the cities named. But after all this had been done the 
foreign contractors found themselves unable to float the 
scheme, and so all the trouble and money expended in that 
direction seemed to have been wasted. 

This defeat almost extinguished the hopes of the friends 
of the road, but they were soon after revived by a proposi- 
tion coming from N. P. Stewart, of Detroit, to purchase 
the charter and build the road without delay from Port 
Huron to Grand Haven. But, although this proposition 
was favorably entertained at first by the promoters of the 
Port Huron road, it was not long before they became sus- 
picious that Mr. Stewart was working in the interest of the 
Detroit and Milwaukee road (in which he was a heavy 
stock- and bond-bolder), and that his real design was to ob- 
tain possession of the Port Huron charter, not for the pur- 
pose of building the road in good faith, but to extinguish 
the enterprise. They therefore declined to sell their 
charter and franchises, except upon such terms as they 
were certain he would decline to entertain. 

Not to be defeated in this manner, however, he, in 1856, 
organized a new company under the general railroad law, 
called the " Port Huron and Milwaukee Railroad Com- 
pany," to build a railway line from Port Huron to Grand 
Haven, there to connect with steamers for Milwaukee. 
The survey of the route was made without delay, the right 
of way obtained, and for a time the work of construction 
was pushed most vigorously. A dock was built at Port 
Huron, some twenty miles of grading was done, and about 
a mile of track was laid at the Port Huron end of the 
line, so that the people living in the counties traversed by 
the route (who cared chiefly for the success of the project, 
with but little regard as to which company should build 
the road) began to feel sure that at last their hopes were 
to be realized. But they were again to be disappointed, 
for, about the time that the work had progressed to the 



stage above mentioned, Mr. Stewart procured — or at least 
assented to — the passage of an act of Legislature, consolida- 
ting this with the Detroit and Milwaukee road at Owasso ; 
and from that time work on the eastern portion of the road 
was suspended, and the means raised for its construction 
were used west of Owasso. 

At this turn of afi'airs the chagrin and disappointment 
of the friends of the road was inexpressible. But the old 
Port Huron and Lake Michigan charter was kept good, 
and the promoters of the project still hoped for ultimate 
success, though the prospect was dismal. Finally, in 1863, 
Mr. Jerome, of New York, made a proposition to build the 
road, which was favorably entertained, and he became the 
purchaser of the charters of both companies ; that is, of 
the Port Huron and Lake Michigan, and also of that part 
of the Port Huron and Milwaukee lying east of Owasso. 
But, after having expended considerable sums in prepara- 
tions to push forward the enterprise, Mr. Jerome died, and 
disappointment and gloom once more clouded the prospects 
of the Port Huron (proposed) railway. 

In 1865 the original friends and promoters of the pro- 
ject came once more to the front, having arrived at the 
conclusion that the only way in which the road could ever 
be completed was to secure local subscriptions and munici- 
pal aid sufficient to repurchase the charter, secure the right 
of way, grade the road ready for the iron between Port 
Huron and Flint, and furnish the requisite number of ties; 
believing that, when all this was done, the road itself would 
give suflacient security to any capitalist who would furnish 
the rails and rolling-stock to put it in operation. The first 
consideration was to obtain the charters from the Jerome 
estate ; and, to accomplish this, they procured the introduc- 
tion of bills in the Legislature to repeal both the Port 
Huron and Lake Michigan and the Port Huron and Mil- 
waukee charters, shrewdly believing that the pendency of 
these bills would facilitate negotiations with the Jerome 
heirs. The result was as anticipated. The legal represen- 
tatives of the estate appeared, and the charters were pur- 
chased and paid for by local sukscription. 

The charter being secured, and a large amount of sub- 
scriptions and municipal aid obtained, the work of grading 
was resumed in March, 18GG, and progressed so well* that 
it was confidently predicted that the road would be put in 
full operation between Port Huron and Flint by the end 
of the year 1868. But more disappointment was yet in 
store. Three times negotiations were entered into with 
parties in New York for the rails and equipment for the 
road, and as often those negotiations failed. At last, in 
1869, a contract was entered into with Messrs. S. W. Hop- 

* By the report of J. Q. Felt, su|)crinteadent of construction of 
the Port Huron ro.td, it was sliown that in November, 1866, the road- 
bed was completed, ready for the iron, from Port Huron westward to 
within one mile of the west line of the township of Emmett, except 
two weeks' work at one point; that west of Emmett, to the line of 
L.apecr County, all was completed except a break of two miles, which 
would be finished during the winter; that more than sutiicient ties 
had been contracted for to lay this distance, and that the right of 
way had been secured over nearly all the route as far west as Flint. 
In Genesee County, the city of Flint and the townships of Burton 
and Davison had voted their bonds in aid of the enterprise, and 
eleven towns in Lapeer County and several in St. Clair liad taken 
similar action. 



THE PRESS. 



51 



kins & Co., of New York, by which that firm agreed to 
furnish iron and rolling-stock, taking in payment the first 
mortgage bonds of the road. Tiie firm eventually failed 
to complete the contract, which compelled the company to 
make, through its president, the Hon. W. L. Bancroft, a 
further negotiation in Europe ; but the eastern portion was 
completed with material furnished on the Hopkins contract. 

The first cargo (two hundred tons) of rails arrived at 
Port Huron by the propeller " Fountain City," June 24, 
1869, and the laying of the. track was commenced at once; 
but further supplies of iron came slowly and irregularly, so 
that it was not until the 8th of June, 1870, that the road 
was opened to Capac, and on the 28th of the following 
month to Imlay City. On the 24th of May, 1871, the 
track reached the limits of Lapeer City, and in the following 
October entered Genesee County ; the road being opened 
for freight and passengers to Davison Station May 25th. 

The track was finished to the limits of Flint City on 
November 12, 1871, and on Thursday, November 30th, an 
" inaugural trip" was made over the entire distance (sixty- 
six miles) between Flint and Port Huron, by a party com- 
posed of the Hon. Artemas Thayer — a member of the 
board of directors, residing in Flint — and about fifteen 
ladies and gentlemen. This party was, of course, greeted 
with much enthusiasm along the route. The formal open- 
ing of the line between Port Huron and Flint was cele- 
brated by the passage from the former to the latter city of 
an excursion-party, composed of two hundred and ten ladies 
and gentlemen, occupying four elegant passenger-coaches, 
drawn by the locomotive " Flint City." The party were 
complimented by a dinner (at the Thayer House), which 
was marked by the hilarity and congratulatory speeches 
usual on such occasions. 

The regular running of trains between Flint and Port 
Huron was commenced December 13, 1871, — more than 
thirty-four years from the time when the people of the 
" Flint Iliver Settlement" had first rejoiced at the news of 
the passage of the " Northern Railroad" bill, and the pros- 
pect of an early connection by rail with the outside world. 



CHICAGO AND NORTHEASTERN RAILROAD- 
LAKE HURON LINE. 



-CHICAGO AND 



The " Chicago and Northeastern Railroad Company" 
was incorporated under the general law, by the filing of 
articles of a.ssociation in the ofiBce of the Secretary of State, 
Aug. 12, 1874; the object of its formation being the con- 
struction of a railroad from Lansing to Flint, to connect at 
the former city with the Peninsular Railway, and at Flint 
with the Port Huron Railroad, and with these, to form a 
through line from Chicago to the city of Port Huron. 

The preliminary work on the Chicago and Nortlieastern 
road was commenced in November, 1874, and it was 
pushed with vigor during 1875 and '76, so that at the close 
of the latter year the road was nearly ready for traffic. It 
was formally opened about the 1st of February, 1877, and 
was operated as a part of the " Chicago and Lake Huron" 
ine, which enjoyed a very heavy busines.s (particularly in 
freighting) until the early part of the present year, wlien it 
was broken up by the Chicago and Northeastern link being 
purchased by an Eastern capitalist (understood to be Wil- 



liam H. Vanderbilt, or parties in his interest), for the pur- 
pose of destroying a formidable competitor to other through 
lines under his control. Measures have already been taken, 
however, to supply the place of the Chicago and North- 
eastern link by a new road from Flint to Lansing by way 
of Owasso. Surveys of the route were commenced in April 
of this year, and now (July, 1879) Mr. Charles B. Peck, 
general manager of the Chicago and Lake Huron, adver- 
tises for bids for the immediate construction of the road, 
full-tied, with stone and iron bridges and steel rails. It is 
understood that the road is to be built by the Grand Trunk 
Railway Company, and that it is the intention of the mana- 
gers to complete the line at the earliest possible day. 

The above-mentioned railway lines include all which have 
been built or projected within the territory of Genesee 
County. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE PRESS— THE PROFESSIONS— GENESEE CIVIL 
LIST— THE PIONEER ASSOCIATION. 

The Newspapers of Flint — The AVolverine Citizen — The Genosco 
Democrat — The Flint Globe — The Flint Jourcil — Journalism at 
Fenton — Other Journals in the County — The Medical Profession in 
Genesee County — Early Physicians — Genesee County Medical So- 
ciety — -Genesee County Medical Association — Flint Academy of 
Medicine — Homceopathy in Genesee — Early Lawyers in the County 
— The Present Bar of Genesee — Genesee Civil List — Genesee 
County Pioneer Association. 

THE NEWSPAPERS OF FLINT. 

The first newspaper in Genesee County was Tlie Flint 
River Gazette (Democratic), published at Flint River vil- 
lage, by Joseph K. Averill, its first issue bearing date Jan. 
26, 1839. The press, fixtures, and type with which it was 
started had been previously in use in the State of New 
York, Mr. Averill having purchased them there of James 
Connor for the .sum of one thousand and ninety-three dollars 
and ninety-one cents, and transported them by canal and 
lake to Detroit, and thence to Flint, but without having 
paid the purchase-money to Connor. This indebtedness, 
together with the various charges, came with the " printing 
establishment," as a lien upon it, to Messrs. Hutchinson, 
Campbell & Co., the consignees at Detroit. The charges 
on the property are shown by the following transcript from 
the consignees' books, taken for use in a suit involving the 
ownership of the press and equipment : 

"Steamboat 'Charles Towxsend,' 
"E. Norton &, Co., 

" B. L. No. 294.— Oct. 3, 1838. 
Lbs. 

"One printing-press and frame 470 

Si.x boxes type 970 

Two boxes sundries 1280 

Three I'ds type-boxes 190 

Two boxes sundries 300 

One keg ink 35 

3243 @ 90 ct3. = $29.19 

"Our charges @ 10 ots 3.24 

Lake freight @ 20 cts 6.48 

Advanced Mr. Averill at 15uH'ul( 20.00 

Passage on Erie'Canall 25.00 

$83.91 
"A copy of bill on Hutchinson, Campbell A Co., lake receiving 
book. " P. C. WiLLSO.N." 



52 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Hutcliinson, Campbell & Co. refused to deliver the prop- 
erty to Mr. Averill, but he obtained posse.ssion by suit in 
replevin, in which Cliauncey S. Payne, of Flint, became 
security on the replevin bond. The suit resulted in a judg- 
ment in favor of the defendants, for the value of the prop- 
erty, $1093.91 ; damages for detention, $191.02 ; and costs, 
$61.01 ; total, $1345.9-4. Mr. Payne having become re- 
sponsible for the amount, he obtained security for it, to the 
extent of the value of the property, by an assignment and 
bill of sale from Mr. Averill, of which instrument the fol- 
lowing is a copy : 

"In consideration of one hundred dollars, to me ])aid by Chauneey 
S. Payne, of Grand Traverse, Genesee County, Michigan, I have sold 
and assigned, and by these presents do sell, assign, transfer, and set 
over, absolutely and forever, to the said Chauneey S. Payne, the several 
articles, goods, and chattels enumerated in the annexed schedule, and 
which printing materials, ])ress, and type are now known as consti- 
tuting the establishment of the Flint River Gazette. To have and to 
hold the same to his own use and benefit forever. 

" In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 
28th day of January, a.d. 1839. 

"JoSEI'H K. AVEKILL [.SE.Il]. 

" In the presence of AVm. A. Morkison." 

The annexed schedule referred to in the instrument 
enumerates various articles and material belonging to the 
" printing establishment," amounting, as inventoried, to 
$1303.35. 

James Connor having as.signed his claim against Averill 
to James H. Hay, and the publication of the Gazette having 
proved an unsuccessful enterprise, Mr. Payne, in 1842, 
turned over the articles composing the office establishment 
of that paper to Mr. Ray, in part satisfaction of the judg- 
ment, as appears from the receipt given by Ray's attorneys, 
which was as follows : 

" Received of Chauneey S. Payne, the printing-press, type, fixtures, 
and materials constituting the printing establishment known as the 
Flint River Gazette, which has been inventoried and appraised by 
virtue of a stipulation entered into by and between James H. Ray 
and Chauneey S. Payne, by A. &, H. H. Emmons, attorneys for said 
Ray, and T. B. W. Stockton for said Payne, dated June 3, 1842; 
which said establishment has been valued at nine hundred and eighty- 
nine dollars and eighty-five cents (.^OSD-SS), which said sum is to apj)ly 
on the bond executed by said Payne conjointly with Joseph K. Averill 
in a replevin suit, wherein said Averill was plaintiff, and Amos J. 
Hutchinson, Henry M. Campbell, and Ezra Williams were defendants. 
And said amount is also to go toward the payment of the judgment 
rendered in said replevin suit against said Averill. 

" Dated Detroit, June 6th, a.d. 1842. 

"A. &, H. H. Emmons, 
"Atl'yi! for 
" James H. Ray." 

It is stated in Applegate's " History of the Press of 
Michigan" that the Flint River Gazette lived only about 
six months, but this is shown to be incorrect, by the fact 
that Hon. George M. Dewey, of Flint, has now in his pos- 
session a copy of the paper dated March 7, 1840 ; this being 
numbered seven of the second volume. The Gazette ceased 
to exist in June or July, 1841. 

The second newspaper enterprise in the county was that 
of the Northern Advocate, published at Flint River, by 
William A. Jlorrison. This paper was Whig in politics, 
and its first issue was on Saturday, April 18, 1840. It was 
printed on a press which had been used at Pontiac in the 
publication of the Pontiac Herald, first by W. S. Stevens, 
and afterwards by Benjamin Irish, and was sold by the 



latter, on the discontinuance of the Herald, in 1839. The 
Advocate expired in 1842. 

Next came the Genesee Gazette, a weekly Democratic 
paper, published at Flint River by S. W. Denton & Co. 
It first appeared April 16, 1842, — the press used being 
that on which had been printed the Northern Advocate. 
No further facts concerning this paper have been gathered, 
except that it was short-lived. 

The Genesee Herald made its first appearance on Satur- 
day, Jan. 7, 1843. It was a Whig paper, published 
weekly at Flint River by J. Dowd Coleman, and edited 
by Perry Joslyn. It continued to exist here for a year, 
but at the end of that time it was discontinued, and in 
January, 1844, Mr. Coleman removed his press to Pontiac, 
where, on the 7th of February of that year, he issued from 
it the first number of the Oakland Gazette. 

The Genesee County Democrat was a weekly paper, pub- 
lished by William B. Sherwood at Flint River. Mr. Sher- 
wood had before published the Shiatcassee Democrat and 
Clinton Express, at Corunna, Shiawassee Co., for a short 
time, but discontinued it in the spring of 1843, moved his 
press and material to Flint, to use in the publication of the 
Democrat, as above mentioned, and issued its first num- 
ber on the 6th of June, 1843. The period of its duration 
cannot be given. 

The Genesee Repiihlican, a Democratic paper, made its 
first appearance on the 17th of April, 1845. It was printed 
at Flint, and was understood to be owned, wholly or prin- 
cipally, by Gen. Charles C. Hascall, though no proprietor's 
name appeared at the head of its columns. It is proper to 
mention here that one or two prominent citizens of Flint, 
who have resided liere for more than forty years, and who 
are generally regarded as good authority in such matters, 
assert positively that no such papers as the Genesee Re- 
pnhlican or Genesee County Democrat were ever published 
in the county ; but the account which we here give of them 
is based on still stronger proof, namely, the fact of having 
seen and read copies of both these papers, which copies are 
now in possession of the Hon. George M. Dewey, of Flint. 
The Flint Repiihlican, of which two or more copies are 
also in the possession of Mr. Dewey, was first issued in 
December, 1845, by Daniel S. Merritt. The office of pub- 
lication was " in the building north of Lyon's hotel, oppo- 
site the court-house, up-stairs. Terms, $1.50 cash, or $2 
in produce, in advance." 

This paper came under the proprietorship of Royal W. 
Jenny,* in 1848. One of the copies of this paper which 
we examined, as before mentioned, bears date Sept. 20, 
1840, and is entitled " Flint Republican, Vol. 4, No. 42, 
published by R. W. Jenny, weekly ou Thursday mornings." 
Mr. Jenny ceased to publish the Republican on the 30th 
of September, 1853, and immediately commenced the pub- 
lication of the Genesee Democrat. Whether this was 
merely a change of name, or the establishment of a new 
journal, we do not know, and therefore express no opinion. 
Mr. Jenny continued to publish the Democrat until his 
death, which occurred nearly a quarter of a century later. 

*Mr. Jenny had started the Lapeer Cunnti/ Whig, at Lapeer, Feb. 
23, 1842. This fact we ascertained from examining a copy of that 
paper published in that year. 



THE PRESS. 



53 



T/ie Western Citizen was a paper published at Flint, and 
owned by 0. S. Carter. Its date cannot be given, but its 
existence was short, and it was succeeded, Feb. 23, 1850, 
by the Genesee Whiff, Francis II. Rankin, proprietor, 
F. H. Rankin and N. W. Butts, editors. 

Tiie newspapers of Flint City at the present time arc the 
Genesee Democrat, the Wolverine Citizen, the Flint Globe, 
and the Flint Journal, historical sketches of which, fur- 
nished by the proprietor of each journal respectively, are 
given below, without any attempt on our part to reconcile 
conflicting opinions regarding seniority. 

THE WOLVERINE CITIZEN.* 
The Wolverine Citizen, the oldest living newspaper in 
Genesee County, was founded by its present editor and 
proprietor, F. H. Rankin, as a Free-Soil Whig paper, in 
1S50, the first number appearing on February 23d of that 
year, as the Genesee Whiij. Upon the final dissolution 
of the Whig party, the name " Whig" ceased to have any 
political significance, and without any change in its prin- 
ciples or policy, the proprietor deemed it advisable to adopt 
another title. The paper was accordingly published as the 
Wolverine Citizen and Genesee Whig from January to 
December, 185G, when the latter half of its designation 
was dropped, and it has appeared from that date to the 
present as the Wolverine Citizen. 

The history of the paper is intimately connected with 
the history of the county during the last thirty years. Under 
the agitation caused by the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise, the Genesee Whig strongly favored the formation 
of the Republican party, organized at Jackson, in this State, 
in 1854, and from that time to the present has been known 
as a distinctively Republican journal of the " stalwart" type. 
Its editor was actively instrumental in reorganizing the 
anti-slavery elements of the old Whig and Democratic 
parties of Genesee County ; having been, while chairman 
of the Whig County Committee, also chosen chairman of 
an Independent Central County Committee, at a mass con- 
vention of electors of Genesee County, held on Sept. 21, 
185-1, for the purpose of uniting the anti-slavery strength 
against the attempted encroachments of the slave-power 
upon the guaranteed free territory of the nation ; the lan- 
guage of the call for the meeting, inviting all electors 
" opposed to the ' Nebraska swindle' and the extension of 
slavery in the national domain." 

The Citizen is now in the thirtieth year of its existence, 
during which time there has been no change in its owner- 
ship or management. In its career, it can boast of having 
been the graduating school of a number of young Tuen, who 
have been more or less prominent as journalists in this State 
and elsewhere. Among them may be named Hon. W. R. 
Bates, late of the Lumberman's Gazette ; C. B. Turner, 
of the Fontiac Gazette ; R. L. Warren, of the Lawrence 
Advertiser ; Morgan Bates, Jr., late of the Marshall States- 
man ; E. D. Cowles, of the Saginaw Daily Courier; W. 
A. Smith, of the Charlevoix Sentinel ; Harry Hall, of the 
Stuart Locomotive ; Charles Fellows, of the Flint Journal; 
Orlando White, of the Linden Record ; A. M. Woodin, of 
the Lansing Sentinel. 

* By Francis U. Rankin. 



Tlic Wolverine Daily Citizen was started by Mr. Rankin 
in August, 1859, and continued until November, 18C0. 
After sinking considerable money in its publication, and 
becoming satisfied that a daily paper in Flint could not be 
made to pay its expenses, the enterprise was abandoned 
after fifteen months' effort. 

During the twenty-four years of the corporate existence 
of Flint, the Wolverine Citizen has been for seventeen years 
of that period chosen annually as the official paper of the 
city. 

The jobbing department connected with the office is the 
most complete and extensive in this part of the State. The 
steam-engine of the establishment — boiler and all — was con- 
structed in Flint, and is a model of its kind. It was built 
for the Citizen by H. W. Wood, of Flint, and the Wicks 
Brothers (now of Saginaw), when the Genesee Iron-Works 
were owned by those parties. 

The paper was originally a twenty-four by thirty-four 
folio sheet of twenty-four columns. In 1857 it was en- 
larged to twenty-six by forty, and twenty-eight columns. 
In 1SG7 its form was changed to quarto, and still further 
enlarged to twenty-nine by forty-four, and forty-eight col- 
umns, which is its present shape. 

The business department of the office is now well man- 
aged by the proprietor's sou, Franc, who assists his father 
editorially ; as does also his son George, in the local col- 
umns and reporter's province. 

THE GENESEE DEMOCRAT."}" 
At the head of the editorial columns of the Genesee Demo- 
crat this sentence is to be found : " Oldest paper in Gen- 
esee County. Established in 18-18, by Royal W. Jenny." 
For all practical purposes, this line is all that is necessary 
to be said concerning the foundation of this paper, but as 
another journal published in the city lays claim to what- 
ever honor attaches to the " oldest paper," a few words in 
explanation may make the disputed point clear. It is not 
disputed that Mr. R. W. Jenny, the founder of the Demo- 
crat, published a paper in this city before any of the papers 
now published were issued. For some years Mr. Jenny 
published the Flint Republican, a Democratic paper, and 
during those years the Wolverine Citizen was started. In 
1853 the Flint Rejniblican was changed to the Genesee 
Democrat. The Democrat, after a few issues, was dated 
back to correspond with the Republican. It is plain, 
therefore, that the Genesee Democrat is not nominally as 
aged as is its contemporary, the Citizen, but in everything 
but name it is the oldest paper in Genesee County ; yet the 
point in question is hardly worth the quantities of printer's 
ink that have been, at different times, spent in its discus- 
sion. 

The vicissitudes of journalistic life in those early days 
can only be appreciated by those who experienced them, 
and the varying fortunes of our county papers are so iden- 
tified with the personal characters of their proprietors that 
a history of the one is a biography of the other. The 
Democrat was no exception. Even the name Genesee 
Democrat is so intimately connected with its founder. 
Royal W. Jenny, that few of the residents of Flint can 

t By Artliur J. Eddy. 



54 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



think of the former without recalling the eminently popu- 
lar nature and friendly disposition of the latter. Mr. 
Jenny continued editor and proprietor up to the time of his 
death, in 1876, though at several times he had associated 
with him diflferent gentlemen as partners, the last being 
Mr. Fellows, now publisher of the Journal. For some 
weeks after her husband's death, Mrs. Jenny conducted 
the paper, when it was purchased by H. N. Mather. Mr. 
Mather enlarged the paper, improved it in many respects, 
and added a Sunday edition to it. After a most success- 
ful management of over two years, Mr. Mather sold the 
paper, in December, 1878, to Jerome Eddy, then mayor of 
the city. Mr. Eddy's son, Arthur J. Eddy, took charge of 
the establishment and now publishes and edits the paper. 
However it may be about the age of the Genesee Democrat 
(weekly), the managers of that paper can justly claim tiie 
unprofitable honor of starting the first daily in Flint. For 
a few months, in 1859, a daily was issued, but its remem- 
brance was all it netted its proprietors. The Democrat is 
now issued from the Eddy Block, on Kearsley Street. 

THE FLINT GLOBE.* 

The Flint Glohe was established at the city of Flint in 
August, 1866. The original proprietors were Charles F. 
Smith, Henry S. Hilton, and Robert Smith, the firm-name 
being Charles F. Smith & Co. The office was located in 
the second story of what was known as the " Union Block," 
on Saginaw Street, now occupied by Walter's restaurant 
and Charles Crawford's tailoring establishment. 

Mr. Hilton was the managing editor, Mr. C. F. Smith 
having more immediate charge of the jobbing department 
and the general business of the office. W. H. H. Brainard 
and Sumner Howard were successively engaged as local 
editors on the Glohe. 

The concern was purchased by the present proprietor, 
Almon L. Aldrich, in August, 1869. In the summer of 
1870 the office was moved to the third story of the 
Covert Block, corner of Saginaw and First Streets, for the 
sake of additional room, and in order to give the editor a 
sanctum separate from the composition- and press-room, 
one apartment having served that purpose up to that date. 
Here the office remained until October, 1873, whea the 
demand for new machinery, which could not be gotten up 
to the office in the third story, necessitated its removal to 
some building in which the first floor could be used for the 
presses. No such building offering itself for a reasonable 
rent, the proprietor purchased a lot on the corner of Kearsley 
and Brush Streets, and in the month of July commenced 
the erection of a building to be used as " The Globe Office." 
In October a brick structure twenty by fifty-six feet on the 
ground, and two stories high, with a deep basement, known 
as " The Globe Building," was completed, and the office 
was removed thither. The front of the building, first 
floor, is used as the editor's room and business-office. The 
rear part is used for jobbing purposes and as a press-room. 
The entire upper story is used by the compositors. The 
brick-work on this building was done by contract by Andrew 
J. AVard, and the Carpentering work by John McBurney. 

* Bj A. L. Aldrich. 



The office is still located in the building, and is likely to 
remain there. 

The Globe has always been Republican in politics, and 
has exercised its due .share of influence in directing public 
afliiirs and making public sentiment, having always been 
recognized as an organ of the Republican party in its 
locality. It has several times been chosen as the official 
paper of the city. 

The present proprietor was appointed to the office of 
resident trustee of the Michigan Institution for Educating 
the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind in October, 1873, which 
office he still holds. 

The former proprietors of the Glohe are now located as 
follows : Charles F. Smith resides in Chicago, and is en- 
gaged on 'Change. Soon after leaving the Glohe he re- 
moved to Kansas, and for two years held the office of treas- 
urer of Labette County. 

Henry S. Hilton is editor and proprietor of the Clinton 
Republican, at St. John's, Clinton Co., Mich. He also 
holds the office of register of deeds in that county. 

Robert Smith is owner and editor of the Gratiot Journal, 
published at Ithaca, Gratiot Co., Mich., one of the most 
ably conducted and successful papers in the State. 

Among the gentlemen who have been connected with 
the Globe as local editors, during the ownership of the 
present proprietor, may be mentioned Mr. Louis R. Pome- 
roy, now dead ; Mr. M. L. Seeley, now residing in Genesee 
township, in this county ; Mr. Will F. Clarke, now deputy 
collector of internal revenue in this district ; Henry H. 
Gibson, of Grand Rapids; and Harry Snedicor, of Chi- 
cago. 

The following is a list of the gentlemen wlio have acted 
as foremen in the office, either in the news or jobbing de- 
partment, or both : James Estes, now publisher of the St. 
John's Independent; W. W. Howard, of Flint; N. L. 
Moon, now a Methodist clergyman at Caro, in this State; 
James Gray, of Bay City ; Erastus Dodge, now a leading 
photographer of Flint ; and F. C. Jeudevine and John 
Henry, the former in the news department and the latter 
in the jobbing-rooms. 

THE FLINT JOURNAL.^ 

This paper, now in its fourth year, is published by 
Charles Fellows. Democratic in politics ; is published every 
Wednesday. It is an eight-page paper; enjoys a liberal 
patronage and an extensive circulation, its column of 
" Flint Chips" being a feature that makes the Journal 
popular with all classes. 

THE DEAF-MUTE MIRROR. 
This is a small paper published in Flint on Fridays, 
being most creditably edited by inmates of the Institution 
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind. 

JOURNALISM AT FENTON. 

The Fentonville Observer was started in tliat village in 
the fall of 1854, W. W. Booth, proprietor. Perry Joslin, 
editor. It was issued weekly for several months and then 
discontinued. 

t By C. Fellows. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



55 



Tlie Fenton Gazette was first issued on the 17th of 
October, 1865, by W. H. H. Smith, who had removed 
with his press and material from Monroe Co., N. Y., to 
Fenton, and who is still its proprietor. It was established as 
an independent family newspaper, neither pledged to nor de- 
pendent on any political party for support, and it has main- 
tained this character through nearly fourteen years of pros- 
perous existence. Mr. Smith now has his son associated 
with him in the proprietorship, and it is their design in the 
conducting ef their paper to keep place with the progressive 
spirit of the age, and with the demands of the enlightened 
community in which the Gazette has its circulation. 

The Christian Index, an Episcopalian journal, was com- 
menced in December, 18GS, by the Rev. 0. E. Fuller, 
rector of St. Jude's Church in Fenton, and principal of 
the Trinity school. It was a valuable paper, but not of 
very long continuance. 

The Fenton Independent was established in May, 1868, 
by H. N. Jennings as editor and publisher, and has now 
(June, 1879) entered upon its twelfth volume, under the 
same proprietorship and management. It is a seven-column 
folio, independent in politics and religion, published weekly 
on Tuesdays, and has a good circulation in Fenton and 
throughout the county. 

OTHER JOURNALS IN THE COUNTY. 

The Linden Weekly Record, published at Linden, Fen- 
ton township, was started by its present proprietor, Orlando 
White, Jan. 16, 1878, as a five-column quarto. It is now 
a five-column folio, independent in politics, and has a good 
circulation. 

The Flushing Patrol was established in the village of 
Flushing, Jan. 16, 1878, by its present proprietor, D. C. 
Ashmun. It is a seven-column folio, printed on a hand- 
press of Mr. Ashmun's own manufacture, and has a good 
subscription list. A job-office is connected with the 
establishment. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IN GENESEE 
COUNTY. 

EARLY PHVSICIANS. 

Before any physician had established in practice in 
Genesee County, the settlers here who needed medical 
attendance were served by Doctors David L. Porter, J. B. 
Kichardson, and Olmstead Chamberlain, of Oakland County, 
and possibly by others. Of these the one who was most 
frequently employed was Dr. Chamberlain. He was then 
a middle-aged man, though an old physician in practice. 
He was born in Bichmond, Vt., in 1787, and settled in 
Pontiac in 1821. He was probably the first physician 
who ever set foot within the territory of Genesee County, 
having passed through here in 1823 on his way to Saginaw, 
whence he had received an urgent .summons to attend the 
soldiers of the garrison, among whom an alarming epidemic 
had broken out. The only road was the Indian trail through 
the woods, but the doctor at once mounted his horse, and 
traveling night and day, at times obliged to dismount and 
feel for the trail on his hands and knees, arrived in due 
time, and rendered good service to the sufferers. And for 
the early settlers in Grand Blanc and at Flint lliver he 



was always equally willing and ready to give professional 
assistance, although he was not compelled to rely on his 
profession for a livelihood, and did not follow it as a regular 
business. He was present with Col. Cronk in the fatal 
sickne.ss of the latter at Flint River, in 1832, and on this 
occasion, as in other critical cases at Grand Blanc and on 
the Flint, remained for two or three days, never quitting 
his patient until out of danger or past hope of recovery. 
He remained in Pontiac until 1864, when he went to live 
with a .son in Waupun, Wis., and died there Oct. 10, 1876, 
aged eighty-nine years. 

The first physician to locate and practice in Genesee 
County was Dr. Cyrus Baldwin, who came from Onondaga 
Co., N. Y., and settled in Grand Blanc in the spring of 
1833. He was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church at 
that place. In 1837 he removed to Atlas, being the first 
physician in that township, and remained there in practice 
for a number of years. 

Dr. John W. King came to Genesee County in 1834, 
and located at Grand Blanc. After the removal of Dr. 
Baldwin from that town, in 1837, Dr. King remained as 
the only physician of the settlement until the spring of 
1848, when Dr. H. C. Fairbank became his business part- 
ner. This connection continued till the winter of 1849-50, 
when Dr. King withdrew almost entirely from practice, and 
soon afterwards removed to Flint village, where he engaged 
in the foundry business, but, after some two years, returned 
to Grand Blanc and passed his remaining years in com- 
parative retirement upon his farm. In 1873 he expe- 
rienced an attack of paralj'sis, from which he never fully 
recovered, and died on the 12th of November, 1876. 

At the funeral of Dr. King a short address was made, at 
the request of members of the profession, by Dr. George 
W. Fish, of Flint, who was an a.ssooiate and friend of the 
deceased during a period of more than thirty-seven years. 
It has been thought appropriate to give in this place the 
following extract from that address : 

" Dr. John W. King, so well known to the citizens of 
this town and county, has contributed his full share towards 
redeeming this beautiful country from the savagery of an 
uncultivated wilderness, and building up the institutions 
and developing the physical resources of a most prosperous 
and happy commonwealth. You, my friends, the neigh- 
bors of him whom we to-day mourn, will, I am sure, bear 
me out in saying that whatever you have in this commu- 
nity that is good and true and pure and of good report, 
whatever tends to mental, moral, and religious culture, 
whatever has been calculated to make vice and immorality 
odious, and to cherish and foster education, morality, and 
religion, has always found an active friend iu Dr. King. 
Of him it may truly be said, he has done what he could 
to elevate the race and to make men and women better. 
Such men do not live in vain. They are a blessing to the 
community where their lot is cast, and the death of such 
is a public calamity. 

" As a medical man our friend laid no claim to profound 
erudition or especial brilliancy. He was laborious, pains- 
taking, and absolutely conscientious. He was, moreover, 
more than ordinarily well read in what we call the general 
principles of the profession ; he was familiar with the old 



56 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



text-bociks, and an admirer and, to some extent, an imi- 
tatorof such noble Cliristian lueu as Be La Mater, Muzzey, 
and Willoughby. With these as his models, and his abso- 
lute honesty and steiling common sense, he soon became a 
safe and successful physician. 

" Were you to ask me wherein his great strength lay 
which gave him access to the people, I should answer, in 
his true manline.ss of character. Removed alike from the 
simpering of the silly fop and the imperious bluster of the 
professional autocrat, he cultivated the golden mean of a 
noble manhood. There was in his nature such an inex- 
haustible supply of pleasant sunshine that his visits to the 
sick were always welcome. He was a Christian gentleman 
of the old school, entirely above the petty tricks and jeal- 
ousies of the charlatan. In all this he was worthy of 
imitation by the members of the profession of the present 
day. He was always ready to extend a helping hand and 
speak a word of cheer and encouragement to young men 
of the profession who might be under a cloud. Neither 
provocation nor hope of reward would tempt him to do a 
mean or unprofessional act to one of his brethren in the 
profession. 

" My acquaintance with Dr. King has been somewhat 
intimate, and has extended over a period of nearly thirty- 
eight years. We were associated in the struggles of pro- 
fessional life in this (then) new country. On horseback we 
found our way to the log cabins of the early settlers, and 
not unfrequently, by day and night, we met by the rude 
couch of the sick and suffering. Most of the men and 
women of that generation have passed away. A few still 
linger among us, and they will remember the fierce contest 
that was waged with poverty and sickness in the new settle- 
ments. Dr. King and the other physicians of that day were 
in perfect sympathy with the people and suflFered with them." 

Dr. John A. Hoyes, a graduate of the medical school at 
Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., was the fir.st resident physi- 
cian in Flint, where he settled in 1835,* and continued in 
an extended and successful practice until about the year 
1847, when his failing health caused him to seek relief in 
the South. He experienced little benefit, however, from 
the Southern climate, and not long after returned to Flint, 
where he died, Dec. 20, 1849, aged forty-three years. He 
was widely known and a trusted and popular physician. 

Dr. Robert D. Lamond, a graduate of the medical school 
at Castleton, Vt., and also of the Fairfield Medical College, 
in Herkimer County, N. Y., came to Flint, about 1838, 
from Fontiac, where he had commenced practice soon after 
1830. In 1835 he was a member of the Oakland County 
Medical Society, and its secretary. Afterwards, he was 
one of the original members of the firet medical society 
of Genesee County (as were also Drs. King and Hoyes). 
He continued to reside in Flint during the remainder of 
his life, and was for many years the most prominent physi- 
cian in the county. He represented Genesee County in 
the Legislature in 1844, and died in Flint in 1871. 



* It has been stated in a public address that Dr. Hoyes settled here 
in 1836, but as his name is found signed to a memorial to Congress 
in favor of the Smith heirs to the Indian Reservation, — which paper 
is dated " Flint River, Sept. 2S, IS3J," — it seems pretty certain that 
he uamo as early ns that year. 



Dr. George W. Fish'came to this county in 1S36, locating 
in the township of Genesee, where he practiced for two or 
three years, and then removed to Flint, where he remained 
in practice till 1846. At that time he removed to Jack- 
.son, Mich., and three or four years after — on account of his 
health — to Central America, in the employ of the Panama 
Railroad Company. Upon the completion of that work he 
went to China, and remained there .seven years in the medi- 
cal service of the Board of Missions. While there, he 
filled, for a time, a vacancy in the United States consulate 
at Hong-Kong. Upon the opening of the war of the Rebel- 
lion he returned to the United States, and entered the army 
as brigade-surgeon, holding that position till the end of the 
war, after which he returned to Flint. He served for a 
time on the board of trustees of the Institution for the Deaf 
and Dumb and the Blind, and also one term in the State 
Senate. He is now United States consul at Tunis, Africa. 

Dr. Daniel Clarke is a graduate of Harvard University, 
class of 1839, M. M. S. He came to this county in 1840, 
and settled in the township of Grand Blanc. He removed 
to Flint in 1844, but remained only until 1845, when he 
returned to Massachusetts. In 1847 he again located in 
Flint, where he has since remained in extensive practice. 
He is now the senior physician of the county of Genesee. 

Dr. Richardson came to Flint about 1837. He removed 
West soon after 1840, and is now (or was recently) prac- 
ticing in Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. 

Dr. H. C. Fairbank — a native of Wayne County, N. Y., 
and a graduate of the Willoughby University and of the 
Western Reserve College, at Cleveland, Ohio — commenced 
practice in the village of Flint, with Dr. R. D. Lamond, in 
the spring of 1847. In the following year he removed to 
Grand Blanc, and entered practice there with the veteran 
Dr. King. This business connection continued for one and 
a half years, when Dr. King retired to his farm. Dr. Fair- 
bank remained in Grand Blanc till November, 18G4, when 
he removed to Flint. During the sixteen years of his 
practice in the former place his ride extended through six 
townships, of which Grand Blanc was the centre. He is 
still located in Flint, with an equally extensive practice. 

Dr. Elijah Drake settled in Flint before 1840, and re- 
mained here in practice until his death in 1875. He was 
a brother of Hon. Thomas J. Drake, and of Morgan L. 
Drake, of Fontiac. 

Dr. De Laskie Miller came to Flint from Lapeer (where 
he had previously practiced) in 1845. After seven years 
of successful practice here, he removed to Chicago. Sub- 
sequently he was appointed professor of obstetrics in the 
Rush Medical College, which position he still holds. 

Dr. John Willet, a graduate of Geneva (N. Y.) Medical 
College, came to Flint in 1846, and remained constantly in 
practice here until his appointment as surgeon in the Union 
army, in August, 1862. Upon his return from the service 
he retii-ed from general practice, and engaged in the drug 
business. He has been elected representative in the State 
Legislature, and is now (1879) serving in his second term 
in that oflSce. 

Dr. Samuel W. Pattison came to Dibbloville (now Fen- 
ton) in June, 1836. After practicing there for a few 
yeai-s he removed to Ypsilanti, where he is still living. Dr. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



57 



Pattison was the first physician in Fenfon, and the only 
regular one in that township for several years. 

Dr. John C. Gallup, a graduate of the medical school at 
Pittsfield, Mass., came to Fentonville about 1840, and suc- 
ceeded to the practice of Dr. Pattison upon the removal 
of the latter to Ypsilanti. Dr. Gallup remained in Fen- 
tonville until about 1851 , when he moved to Palmyra, N. Y. 
From that place he returned to Michigan, and was located 
for a short time at Grand Rapids, but soon after went to 
Clinton, N. Y., where he became president of the Hough- 
ton Female Seminary, — a position which he still holds. 

Dr. Thomas Steere was in Fentonville as early as 1838. 
He had followed the business of druggist, and was not a 
graduate of any medical school, but, impelled by the scar- 
city of physicians in this region at that time, he commenced 
the practice of medicine, and continued in it with fair suc- 
cess and enjoying the respect of the people until his death, 
which occurred about 1852. 

Dr. Knight was located at Long Lake, in the town of 
Fenton, and continued in practice there from about 1849 
until 1875 or 1876, when he moved to Petoskey, Mich. 

Dr. Isaac Wixom came to Genesee County in 1844, and 
settled in the township of Argentine. After a quarter of 
a century of successful practice there and in adjoining 
counties, he removed to Fenton in 1869, where he is still 
practicing at the advanced age of seventy-six years. Dr. 
Wixom received his diploma at Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., 
in 1824, practiced his profession for four years in Steuben 
Co., N. Y., removed in 1829 to Oakland Co., Mich., where 
he remained until his removal to Genesee County. As a 
surgeon he has enjoyed a high reputation for many years, 
and has been called on diflScult cases in other counties of 
this and adjoining States. During the war of the Rebel- 
lion he was commissioned surgeon of the 16th Michigan 
Infantry, and served with that regiment in the field for two 
years. Besides the practice of his profession, Dr. Wixom 
has in past years been largely engaged in farming, milling, 
and mercantile business, and has served in both houses of 
the Michigan Legislature. 

Dr. Elbridge G. Gale, a native of Massachusetts, and a 
graduate of the medical college at Castleton, Vt., came to 
Davisonville in November, 1844. He practiced there with 
success until 1851, after which he became engaged in poli- 
tics, and was elected to the Legislature for several terms 
(serving in both houses) and was a delegate to the consti- 
tutional convention of 1850. Soon after this he entirely 
withdrew from the practice of medicine, and devoted most 
of his time to farming and sheep-raising. He still owns 
his farm in Atlas, but resides in Vermont. His successor 
in practice, in Atlas, was Dr. Murray. 

Dr. Joseph W. Graham came from Owasso to Fenton- 
ville in 1846, and remained there in practice till about 
1851, when he removed to Flint. About two years later 
he left Flint and located in New Albany, Ind., from which 
place he afterwards removed to Chicago, and died there. 

Dr. William B. Cole came to Fentonville about 1850. 
After a few years he retired from practice, and held several 
township offices. He finally removed to Pontiac, Oakland 
Co., where, in September, 1871, he purchased a half-in- 
terest in the Pontiac Jacksoniaii from the widow of its 
8 



former proprietor, D. H. Soils. He soon after became sole 
proprietor of the paper ; but in 5Iay, 1872, sold an interest 
to Mr. Sheridan, and in the fall of the same year the firm 
moved the office and material to Ludington, Mich., where 
it became the Ludington Appeal. Dr. Cole still resides 
there, and publishes his paper in the interest of the " Green- 
back" party. 

Dr. Joseph Eastman commenced the practice of medi- 
cine at Goodrich in 1846. Afterwards he moved upon a 
form in Davison township, and still later removed to the 
city of Flint, where he died in 1878. 

Dr. Miller settled as a physician in Flushing about 1842. 
After many years' practice there he removed to Springfield, 
Oakland Co., from which place he removed to Wenona, 
Mich. 

In the above mention of the earlier physicians in the 
county of Genesee, it has been the intention to include 
those who commenced practice here down to the year 1850. 
Of most of those who came later the names will be found 
in the membership lists of the medical societies of the 
county. 

GENESEE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.* 

This society — the first medical association in Genesee 
County — was organized in the winter of 1841^2. Dr. 
G. W. Fish, in his address at the funeral of Dr. John W. 
King, in November, 1876 (from which an extract has been 
given above), mentioned the formation of the old society 
as follows : 

" About thirty-five years ago, four physicians met in an 
office in the little village of Flint, and, after much delibera- 
tion and consultation, organized the first medical society 
ever formed in this part of the State. They were all young 
men, but recently from the schools, natives of the State of 
New York, and had all a common Alma Mater, — the old 
Fairfield Medical College, in Herkimer Co., N. Y. Of 
those who that day attached their signatures to the consti- 
tution and by-laws of the first Genesee County Medical 
Society, one, Dr. John A. Hoyes, has been dead almost a 
score of years ; another, Dr. Robert D. Lamond, died some 
five years since ; the third. Dr. John W. King, lies in his 
coffin, and will soon be borne by us to his last resting-place ; 
and the fourth is he who now addres.scs you." 

Dr. Fish was mistaken in supposing that this was " the 
first medical society ever formed in this part of the State," 
for Dr. Lamond, a member of this, had also been a mem- 
ber, and the secretary, of the Oakland County Medical So- 
ciety in 1835, and Dr. Samuel W. Pattison, of Fentonville, 
was admitted to membership in the Oakland Society, in 
1838 ; but in other particulars the statement was, of course, 
correct. 

In a letter recently written by Dr. Fish, from Tunis, 
Africa, where he at present holds the office of United States 
consul, he speaks of the organization and existence of this 
old society as follows : 

* In a historical sketch of the city of Flint, published recently in 
some of the newspapers, it is stated that the name of this old organ- 
ization was " The Flint Medical Association." That this is incorrect 
is proved by an advertisement found in the Genesee JUpublicau of the 
year 1845, in which Dr. George W. Fish, as secretary, called the an- 
nual meeting of the Genesee County Medical Society, to be held at 
the court-house in Flint. 



5S 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



" We sent to Detroit and to Pontiac for copies of the 
constitution and by-laws of their respective medical societies, 
and framed one suited to our wishes. My impression is 
that Dr. Hoyes was the first president, and Dr. Laniond 
secretary. I also thinic that the first annual meeting was 
held at Flint, the following June, at which meeting Drs. 
Steere and Gallup, of Fentonville, and Dr. Baldwin, of 
Atlas, became members, and perhap.s Dr. Miller, of Flush- 
ing, may have joined at that time, or soon after. I may 
be mistalcen one year in the date of tlie organization, but I 
think I am right. The society remained in active operation 
for manyyears, until I went South. I believe all the reg- 
ular bred physicians who came into the county became 
members of the society, besides some from Lapeer, Shia- 
wassee, and Saginaw Counties." 

THE GENESEE COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 

On Saturday, May 26, 1866, a number of physicians of 
Genesee County held a preliminary meeting at tlie Irving 
House, in Flint, to take measures for the formation of a 
county medical society. R. D. Lamond was chosen chair- 
man, and J. B. F. Curtis secretary, of the meeting. A. B. 
Chapin, M. F. Baldwin, and C. W. Tyler were chosen 
as a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws, and S. 
M. Axford, C. V. Tyler, S. Lathrop, L. N. Beagle, A. B. 
Chapin, M. F. Baldwin, and J. B. F. Curtis were chosen 
delegates to the State Medical Convention, to be held at 
Detroit, on the 5th of June next following. The meeting 
then adjourned to July 14tli. At the adjourned meeting, 
the committee reported a constitution, which was adopted 
and signed by the physicians present, viz. : R. D. Lamond, 
Flint; H. C. Fairbank, Flint; A. B. Chapin, Flint; S. 
M. Axford, Flint; James B. F. Curtis, Flint; S. Lathrop, 
Pine Run ; M. F. Baldwin, Genesee ; Lewis S. Pilcher, 
Clayton. The name adopted for the organization was " The 
Genesee County Medical Association," having for its de- 
clared object " the promotion of medical and general sci- 
ence, and in every way to advance tlie interests of the 
medical profession ;" and the following were chosen its first 
ofiicers, namely : President, R. D. Lamond ; Vice-President, 
H. C. Fairbank ; Secretary, J. B. F. Curtis ; Treasurer, 
A. B. Chapin. 

The following physicians were admitted as members of 
the association at different times, subsequent to its organi- 
zation : 

1866.— N. Bates, Linden ; L. N. Beagle, Forest ; C. V. 
Tyler, Flushing ; R. Murray, Davison. 

1867. — Wm. R. Marsh, Fenton ; Isaac Wixom, Argen- 
tine ; Watrous, Grand Blanc ; H. H. Bardwell, Genesee ; 

Wm. Gibson, Clio ; Ransom N. Murray, Grand Blanc ; J. 
Eastman, Davison ; John W. King, Grand Blanc (hon- 
orary) ; J. H. Axtell, Tuscola County.* 

1868.— C. V. Beebee, Grand Blanc ; H. P. Seymour, 
Clayton ; C. W. Pengra, Goodrich ; Andrew Slaght, Elgin ; 
G. W. Rowland, Flint ; George W. Fish, Flint. 

1869.— L. W. Hanson, Otisville ; T. S. Reed, Mount 
Morris ; John B. Laing, Mount Morris ; T. R. Buckham, 

* An article of the constitution permitted regular physicians of any 
adjoining county, in which no medical society existed, to become 
members of this associatiou. 



Flint ; James C. Clark, Atlas ; Bela Cogshall, Gaines ; C. 
Mather, Linden ; A. W. Riker, Fenton ; Wm. Forbes, 
Flint ; Cyrus G. Davis, Grand Blanc. 

1870. — Daniel Clarke, Flint (honorary); John Willett, 
Flint (honorary); J. C. Willson, Flint; Harper, Ar- 
gentine; Wm. Bullock, Orson Millard, A. S. Austin, 
D. A. Campbell, Clio ; L. T. Wells, F. H. Hamilton, Co- 
lumbiaville ; A. F. Coupe, Flushing ; White, Davison. 

1872. Hollywood, Mount Morris. 

Several who were elected to membership, however, did 
not sign the constitution and by-laws, and several others, 
who had perfected their membership, withdrew afterwards. 
Dissatisfaction crept into the association, and it was finally 
dissolved about 1873; its last recorded meeting having 
been held ISIay 17th, in that year. 

THE FLINT ACADEMY OP MEDICINE. 

The organization of this society was efiected at a meet- 
ing of the physicians and surgeons of the county of Gen- 
esee, held at the Scientific Institute rooms, in the city of 
Flint, on the 18th of August, 1871. Dr. Daniel Clarke, 
of Flint, as chairman, proceeded to explain the object of 
the meeting, and appointed a committee, compo.sed of Drs. 
A. B. Chapin and Henry P. Seymour, of Flint, and Dr. 
Adelbert F. Coupe, of Flushing, to draft a constitution 
aod by-laws. 

By the first article of the constitution as reported, the 
name and style of the association was to be " The Society 
of Physicians and Surgeons of Genesee County." On 
motion of Dr. J. C. Willson, uf Flint, this article was 
amended by the substitution of the present name of the 
society. The several articles, and the entire constitution 
and by-laws, were then adopted, the article having reference 
to eligibility for membership being as follows : " Any phy- 
sician in good standing, and who is a graduate of a regular 
school of medicine recognized by the American Medical 
Association, may become a member of this Academy." 

The members of the academy at its organization were 
Daniel Clarke, H. C. Fairbank, James C. Willson, George 
W. Fish, Thomas R. Buckham, William Bullock, A. B. 
Chapin, Orson Millard, Henry P. Seymour, P. G. Wart- 
man, Flint; Adelbert F. Coupe, Newcomb S. Smith, Flush- 
ing ; Hiram H. Bardwell, Mount Morris ; C. W. Pengra, 
Atlas. The following were its first officers : President, 
Daniel Clarke ; Vice-President, Adelbert F. Coupe ; Sec- 
retary, Orson Millard ; Treasurer, James C. Willson ; 
Board of Censors, Newcomb S. Smith, George W. Fish, 
James C. Willson. 

The subsequent admissions to membership have been as 
follows : 

1871. — L. W. Hanson, Otisville ; Bela Cogshall, Gaines 
(now of Flint) ; M. B. Stevens, Byron (Shiawassee County) ; 
Andrew Slaght, Grand Blanc. 

1872. — J. B. Laing, Mount Morris ; George W. How- 
land, C. P. Donelson, Flint. 

1874.— William Forbes, Flint ; A. W. Nicholson, Otis- 
ville ; William Collwell, Byron (Shiawassee County) ; E. 
H. Hurd. 

1876.— G. N. Chamberlain. 

1877. — J. Eastman. 



THE MEDICAL AND LEGAL PROFESSIONS. 



59 



1878.— C. M. Rulison, Flushing ; A. A. Thompson. 
1879.— J. N. Buckham. 

Date of admission not recorded. — H. Edwards, T. P. 
Kenyon. 

The present membership of the academy is as follows : 

Daniel Clarke, Harvard University, Massachusetts, 1839. 

George AV. Fish, Veniiont Acavlemy of Medicine, 1837. 

II. C. Fairbanli, Cleveland Medical Crillcge, I,SJ7-48. 

Orson Millard, I'niversity of Michigan. 1S70. 

Henry P. Seymour, University of Michigan, 1870. 

Thomas K. Buckham, Victoria Univer.sity (Canada), 1866. 

Adclbert F. Coupe, University of Michigan, 1870. 

Newcomb S. .Smith, Iowa University, 1864. 

Andrew Slaght, University of ^licliigan, 1868. 

M. B. Stevens, University of Michigan, 1869. 

J. C. Willson, University of Michigan, 1859. 

A. B. Chapin, University of Michigan, 1861. 

L. W. Hanson, New Hampshire Medical Institute, 1867. 

Bela Cogshall, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., 1866. 

John B. Laing, Detroit Medical College, 1870. 

George W. Howlanil, University of Jlichigan, 1870. 

H. Edwards, Victoria University, 1846. 

C. W. Pengra, Detroit Medical College, 1870. 

William Forbes, Cleveland Medical College, 1847-48. 

A. A. Thompson. University of Michigan, 18.'>6. 

T. P. Kenyon, Detroit Medical College, 1876. 

G. N. Chamberlain, Detroit Medical College, 1874. 

0. M. Rulison, Albany Medical College, 1874. 

J. N. IJuekham, University of Michigan, 1878. 

Hiram H. Bardwell, Rush Medical College, Chicago. 

E. H. Hard, University of Michigan, 1867. 

The oflBcers of the academy for 1879 are A. A. Thomp- 
son, President ; N. S. Smith, Vice-President ; Bela Cogs- 
hall, Secretary ; J. C. Willson, Treasurer. 

HOMffiOPATHY IN GENESEE. 

The pioneer homeeopathic physician in Genesee County 
is Dr. I. N. Eldridge, who is now (1879) in the twenty- 
ninth year of his practice in the city of Flint. He is a 
graduate of the Homcjuopathic Medical Colleges of New 
York and of Cleveland, Ohio, and one of the oldest 
homoeopathic practitioners in the State. In 1847 he was 
one of the eight physicians ( that number embracing all of 
the homieopathic school who were then in practice in the 
State) present at the formation of the first Michigan Insti- 
tute of Homceopathy, and its first vice-president ; was also 
the first president of the " Homoeopathic Medical Society 
of the State of Michigan," and held the offices of secretary 
and treasurer in that society for eight years until 1877 ; 
and ha.s been since June, 1873, a member of the American 
Institute of Homoeopathy. He came to Michigan from 
Livingston County, N. Y., in 1847, and located at Ann 
Arbor. He first practiced in Flint in 1850, and in the 
following year settled here penuaiieiitly. " His practice in 
Flint" (says " Cleaves' Biographical Cyclopasdia") " became 
80 extensive as to demand a coadjutor, and in Dr. E. F. 
Olds, whom he had converted from allopathy, he found an 
associate for a short period." Dr. Olds after a short stay 
in Flint removed to South Lyon, Oakland Co., and was 
afterwards located at Howell, Livingston Co., and at 
several other places in the State. He is now in Philadel- 
phia, Pa., whether in practice or not is not known. 

Dr. William S. Cornelius came to Flint not long after 
Dr. Eldridge. He removed after a few years' practice, and 
is now in Wilmington, Del. About the same time came 



Dr. Lewis Taylor, who located in Flushing. Dr. Charles 
M. Putnam established in Flint some fifteen years ago. 
Dr. C. S. Eldridge practiced in Flint in 1865. Dr. J. G. 
Malcolm came to Flint about 1866, remained a number of 
years, and removed to Memphis, Tenn. Dr. A. J. Adams 
commenced practice in Flint about 1873. The list of 
hom(copathic physicians in Genesee County as given in the 
"Annual [homoeopathic] Directory" for 1878, is as follows : 
I. N. Eldridge, C. M. Putnam, A. J. Adams, C. A. Hughes, 
M. E. Hughes, Flint; Lewis Taylor, Flushing; R. E. 
Knapp, Fenton ; A. Austin, Argentine ; J. Parks, Gaines. 

EARLY LAWYERS IN THE COUNTY. 

The first resident attorney in Genesee County was 
Philip H. McOmber. He came from Saratoga Co., N. Y., 
settled in Groveland, Oakland Co., about 1832, was ad- 
mitted to practice in the Oakland County courts, and 
removed to this county in 1834, locating in what is now 
the township of Fenton. " Enterprising and talented as a 
lawyer" (wrote the Hon. William M. Fenton of him), "he 
soon became widely and favorably known. My recollec- 
tion of him is as a lawyer, being present at nearly every suit 
before justices of the peace in Genesee, Oakland, Livings- 
ton, and Shiawassee Counties, adjacent to the village [Fen- 
tonville]. His hair was white, his face rubicund and 
jolly, and his talents of a superior order." Mr. McOmber 
was the first prosecuting attorney of Genesee County. He 
not only stood high as a lawyer, but was most highly 
esteemed as an honest and public-spirited citizen and a 
hospitable gentleman. He died about 1844. 

Thomas J. Drake, who had previously been engaged in 
the practice of the law for about ten years at Pontiac, came 
in 1836 to Flint, where he continued the practice of his 
profession for several years, but afterwards returned to 
Pontiac, where he died April 20, 1875. Judge Baldwin, 
of the sixth circuit, said of Mr. Drake, " He was con- 
nected as counsel with most of the leading cases in North- 
ern Michigan during a long term of years, and was always 
happy and in his element when advocating the interests of 
the people." He was elected to the State Senate from 
Genesee County, holding that oflSce from 1839 to 1842 ; 
and during his long professional career held many other 
high offices, among which was- that of chief-justice of the 
United States Court in Utah, to which he was appointed 
by President Lincoln in 1864. Judge Drake's associate 
justice in Utah said of him, " When once the judge made 
up his mind that he was right, no power under heaven 
could swerve him from the path of duty." And this esti- 
mate of his character was fully concurred in by all who 
intimately and perfectly knew him. 

John Bartow was another early attorney of the county, 
having located at Flint in the spring of 1836. lie was 
soon after appointed register in the land office, and was 
elected to the State Senate in 1837. He enjoyed a high 
reputation as a lawyer, and was engaged on nearly every 
case of importance before the courts during the years of 
his practice here. 

Edward H. Thomson was a student in the office of the 
Hon. Millard Fillmore, afterwards President of the United 
States. Mr. Thomson was admitted to practice in the State 



60 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of New York in 1832, and came to the township of Atlas 
in 1837, but removed to Flint in the following year, and 
commenced practice there in partnership with John Bartow. 
He was prosecuting attorney of Genesee in 1845—16, and 
was elected to the State Senate for the years 1848 and 
1849. He has also served in the lower House, and filled 
many other important offices. He still resides in the city 
of Flint, and is now the senior lawyer of Genesee County. 

James Birdsall came to practice the profession of the law 
in Flint in 1839. He was a native of Chenango Co., N. Y., 
where he was a banker, politician, extensive lumberman 
on the Susquehanna River, President of the Norwich Bank, 
and had been a member of the lower House of Congress. 
He died in Flint, July 20, 1856, aged seventy-three years. 

Artemas Thayer was admitted to the bar in 1839, and 
in November of that year established himself in practice in 
Flint. In later years he has been a very extensive owner 
and dealer in real estate. He is still residing in Flint, and 
is among the oldest lawyers of the county, though not now 
in practice. 

John S. Goodrich was admitted to practice in Oakland 
County in November, 1840. He afterwards removed to 
the township of Atlas, and practiced as a lawyer in Genesee 
County until his death, which occurred in 1851. He had 
been elected circuit judge in that year, but death prevented 
his assuming the duties of the office. Mr. Goodrich is 
mentioned as having been " rather ungainly in personal 
appearance, painfully awkward in manner, but possessed of 
most wonderful powers of memory, and was in fact a library 
in himself." It is said that he read " Hume's History of 
England" through in forty-eight hours, and from that single 
rapid perusal could give every important event there re- 
corded, with its date. His residence in Genesee was at 
Goodrich, a village to which his family gave its name. 

William F. Mosely was an early attorney at Pentonville. 
He had been previously a lawyer in Oakland County, hav- 
ing been admitted to practice there in 1825, and had filled 
the offices of prosecuting attorney and probate judge of 
that county. In 1841 he filled the office of prosecuting 
attorney of Genesee County. He afterwards removed to 
Shiawassee County, where he died in 1860. 

William M. Fenton came to Fentonville (then Dibble- 
ville) as a merchant in the year 1837. Here he prosecuted 
the study of the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1842. 
In 1846 he was elected to the State Senate. In 1848 he 
was elected lieutenant-governor of Michigan, and in 1850 
was re-elected to the same office. Having removed to 
Flint, he was appointed register of the land office there, 
in 1853, by President Pierce, and held that position until 
the removal of the office to Saginaw. He was always 
largely identified with the pro.sperity and advancement of 
the city of Flint, and was prominently instrumental in pro- 
curing the location here of the Institution for the Deaf and 
Dumb and the Blind. His distinguished services in the war 
of the Rebellion are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. 
His death, the result of an accident, occurred at Flint, May 
12, 1871. 

Levi Walker, a native of Washington Co., N. Y., entered 
upon the practice of the law in Genoa, N. Y., in 1835. 
He was afterwards associated in business with Hon. George 



H. Rathbone, at Auburn, N. Y. He came to Flint in 
1847. " As a lawyer, he stood in many respects at the head 
of his profession. His opinion upon any law point was con- 
sidered by his professional brethren as almost conclusive." 
He drew up the first charter of the city of Flint, as well as 
the present one, and was the author of the Articles of 
Association of the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and 
the Glenwood Cemetery Association, and was for twenty 
years continuously a member of the school board of Flint. 
In the fall of 1872 be was elected Representative in the 
State Legislature, where he came to be considered a leader, 
and one of the soundest thinkers in the House. His death, 
which occurred at Lansing, April 26, 1873, was doubtless 
the result of excessive labor which he imposed upon himself 
in his earnest interest for the welfare of the State. The 
Hon. Charles M. Croswell (now Governor), then Speaker 
of the House, said, " It is no exaggeration to say that 
in the death of Mr. Walker the House has lost one of its 
best and ablest members. . . . Shrinking from no labor, 
with watchful attention to every detail, he was never satis- 
fied until he had thoroughly mastered his subject. Then, 
with clearness of argument and aptness of illustration, he 
presented his views, almost invariably to receive the sanc- 
tion and approval of his associates." 

Alexander P. Davis, a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
emigrated to Michigan, and settled at an early day in 
Livingston Co., from whence, in 1842, he removed to 
Flint, where he engaged in the profession to which he 
was bred, — that of the law, — in which he ranked among 
its most prominent members in the county of Genesee. 
During his residence of nearly thirty years in the county, 
he was elected to the offices of prosecuting attorney. State 
senator (two terms), and to other honorable positions, as 
may be seen by reference to the Genesee civil list. The 
latter part of his life was passed at Fentonville, where he 
died, March 4, 1871. 

Other prominent lawyers who commenced the practice of 
the profession in Genesee County prior to 1850 were Robt. 
J. S. Page, who commenced practice in Flint as early as 
1838, and afterwards filled the offices of probate judge and 
circuit court commissioner ; George R. Cummings, who 
was admitted to the bar about 1842, and afterwards filled 
the office of county clerk ; Ellsworth S. Walkley, who 
settled in the township of Genesee, and was elected to 
the office of county judge under the old judicial system ; 
Chauncey K. Williams, who was at Fentonville before 
1840; and Joseph K. Rugg, who came to Flint in 1843 ; 
the last mentioned filling the office of prosecuting attorney 
of this county for the years 1847 to 1852 ; he being the 
first incumbent of the office after it became elective in 
1850. 

THE PRESENT BAR OF GENESEE. 

The present bar of Genesee County is composed of the 
following-named gentlemen, viz. : Oscar Adams, William 
O. Axford, Oscar Bradley, Samuel L. Brigham, William 
M. Carrier, George H. Durand, George B. Daly, Henry 
Fenton, George R. Gold, Sumner Howard, Henry Hoffman, 
Charles H. Johnson, Ransom Johnson, Charles D. Long, 
Henry R. Lovell, E. S. Lee, Charles E. McAlester, Wil- 
liam Newton, Leroy Parker, Henry C. Riggs, John Z. 



GENESEE CIVIL LIST. 



61 



Kicliards, Marvin L. Secloy, Thaddcus G. Smith, William 
Stevenson, Edward H. Thomson, James L. Topping, E. 
M. Thayer, Henry C. Van Atta, Alvah W. Wood, George 
M. Walker, Charles H. Wisner, Robbins Jones. 

GENESEE CIVIL LIST. 
In this list the names are given of those who have held 
county offices, and also of those resident in Genesee County 
who have held important offices in or under the State or 
National government. 

STATE OFFICERS. 

GOVERSOR. 

Henry H. Crapo. First inauguration, Jan. 4, 1865 ; second inau- 
guration, Jan. 2, 1S67. 

LIEUTENAST-GOTERXOR. 

William M. Fenton. First term of service, 1848-49 ; second term 
of service, 1850-51. 

SIEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE TERRITORY. 

Thomas J. Dralse, Daniel Le Roy.* 

DELEGATE TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OP 1835. 

(Convened at Detroit, May 11, 1835; adjourned June 24, 1835.) 
Norman Davison.f 

DELEGATE TO FIRST CONVENTION OP ASSENT. 

(Convened at Ann Arbor, Sept. 26, 1S3G.) 
Thomas J. Drake. J 

DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIOS OF 1850. 

(Convened at Lansing, June 3, 1850.) 
John Bartow, Elbridge G. Gale, De Witt C. Leach. 

DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1867. 

(Convened at Lansing, May 15, 1867.) 
Sumner Howard, Henry R. Lovell, Thaddeus 6. Smith. 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

Josiah W. Begole (XLIII. Congress), elected in 1872. 
George H. Durand (XLIV. Congress), elected in 1874. 

STATE TREASURER. 

■William B. McCreery, Jan. 1, 1875, to Jan. 1, 1879. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

John S. Goodrich,^ elected 1851. 
Sanford M. Green, 1852 to 1857. 

STATE SENATORS. 

Charles C. Hascall, Flint River, served 1835-36. 
John Bartow, Flint River, 1838. 
Thomas J. Drake,] Flint River, 1839-41. 
Daniel B. Wakefield, Grand Blanc, 1842-43. 
■William M. Fenton, Fentonville, 1845-47. 

* These gentlemen were members of the Fourth Legislative Coun- 
cil (1830-31), representing Oakland County. Both were afterwards 
citizens of Genesee County. 

f Judge Davison was also a delegate to the second Convention of 
Assent, which convened at Ann Arbor, Dec. 14, 1836. In both these 
conventions he represented Lapeer County, as the township in which 
he resided (Atlas) had not then been annexed to Genesee. 

J In this convention Mr. Drake was the delegate for Saginaw, 
Genesee, and Shiawassee Counties. Of the seventy-six votes polled 
in Genesee (election Sept. 12, 1836), he received forty-three, and hia 
opponent, Daniel B. Wakefield, thirty-three. 

J Did not qualify. 

II Preaidont />ro tempore April 1, 1810, and Feb. 24, 1841. 



Elijah B. Witherbee, Flint, 1S47.1[ 
Edward H. Thomson, Flint, 1848-49. 
Enos Goodrich, Atlas, 1853-54. 
Reuben Goodrich, Atlas, 1855-56. 
James Seymour, Flushing, 1857-58. 
Alexander P. Davis, Flint, 1859-60. 
Elbridge G. Gale, Atlas, 1S61-62. 
Henry H. Crapo, Flint, 186.3-64. 
AlcNander P. Davis, Flint, 1865-66. 
Willard B. Arms, Fenton, 1867-68. 
Thaddeus G. Smith, Fenton, 1869-70. 
Josiah W. Begole, Flint, 1871-72. 
James L. Curry, Vienna, 1873-74. 
George W. Fish, Flint, 1875-76. 
Francis II. Rankin, Flint, 1877-78. 
Simeon R. Billings, Richfield, 1879. 

REPRESENTATIVES, STATE LEGISLATURE. 

Jeremiah R. Smith,** Grand Blanc, served 1837-38, 41-42 

John L. Gage, Flint, 1843. 

Robert D. Lamond, Flint, 1844. 

George H. Hazelton, Flint, 1845-46. 

Enos Goodrich, Atlas, 1847. 

Alfred Pond, Flushing, 1847. 

William Blades, Flint, 1848. 

Samuel N. Warren, Fentonville, 1848. 

Daniel Dayton, Grand Blanc, 1849. 

Joseph II. Kilbourne, Atlas, 1849. 

Joshua K. Abbott, Grand Blanc, 1850, 

De Witt C. Leach, Mundy, 1850. 

Charles N. Beechcr, Genesee, 1851-52. 

Joseph S. Fenton, Fenton, 1851-52. 

Elbridge G. Gale, Atlas, 185.3-54. 

James Seymour, Flushing, 1853-54. 

Abraham Middleswarth, Argentine, 1855-56, 

Daniel N. Montague, Thetford, 1855-56. 

Charles N. Beecher, Flint, 1857-58. 

Reuben Goodrich, Atlas, 1857-58. 

Benjamin Grace, Fentonville, 1859-60. 

Edward H. Thomson, Flint, 1859-60. 

Alexander W. Davis, Grand Blanc, 1861-62. 

Francis H. Rankin, Flint, 1861-62. 

Francis H. Rankin, Flint, 1863-64. 

Thaddeus G. Smith, Fenton, 1863-64. 

George W. Thayer, Mount Morris, 1863-64. 

James ^Van ■\ncet, Gaines, 1865-66. 

Robert P. Aitken, Flint, 1865-66. 

George W. Thayer, Mount Morris, 1865-66. 

James Van Vleet, Gaines, 1867-68. 

Robert P. Aitken, Flint, 1867-68. 

Chandler H. Rockwood, Genesee, 1867-68. 

Dexter Horton, Fenton, 1869-70. 

Edward M. Mason, Flint, 1869-70. 

James L. Curry, Vienna, 1869-70. 

James B. Mosher, Fenton, 1871-72. 

Oscar Adams, Flint, 1871-72. 

John I. Phillips.tt Vienna, 1871. 

George Kipp, Atlas, 1873-74. 

Levi Walker.lt Flint, 1873. 

Frederick Walker, Mount Morris, 1873-74. 

James B. Mosher, Fenton, 1875-76. 

Le Roy Parker, Flint, 1875-76. 

Simoon R. Billings, Richfield, 1875-76. 

John Willctt, Flint, 1877-78. 

Simeon R. Billings, Richfield, 1877-78. 

John Willett, Flint, 1879. 

Jacob Bedtelyon, Atlas, 1879. 

1 E. B. Witherbee died Feb. 20, 1847; vacancy thus occasioned 
filled by AV'illiani M. Fenton. 

*» First elected to this office Feb. 4, 1837. At this election the whole 
number of votes cast was 310, of which Jeremiah R. Smith received 
234; William F. Mosely, 74; David Mather, 1 ; Norris Thorp, 1. 

ft Died during term of office. Vacancy filled by Frederick Walker. 

i\ Died during term. Le Roy Parker elected to fill vacancy. 



62 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



COUNTY OFFICERS. 



JUDGES OF PROBATE. 

Samuel Rice, elected 1836. 
Ogden Clark, 1844. 
Charles D. Little, 1848. 
R. J. S. Page, 1850.« 
Henry I. Higgins, 1850. 



Warner Lake, 1852. 
Samuel B. Wicks, 1860. 
L. 6. Bickford, 1866. 
George R. Gold, 1808. 
Thaddeus G. Smith,t ISrfi. 



PROSECUTING ATTOR.NEYS. 

P. H. McOmber, served 1839-40. [ Sumner Howard, 1858. 

W. F. Mosely, 1841. ' Chauncey W. Wisner, 1860. 

M. L. Drake, 1842-44. ^ Alexander P. Davis, 1802. 

Edward H. Thomson, 1S45-46. | Sumner Howard, 1864, '66, '68. 

Joseph K. Rugg, 1847-49. j H. R. Lovell, 1870, 72. 

Joseph K. Rugg.J elected 1850. < Charles D. Long, 1874, 76, 78. 

Ale.\ander P. Davis, 1852, '54, '56. t 



Lewis Buckingham, elected 1836, 

'38. 
Reuben McCreery, 1840. 
William Clifford,? 1842. 
Reuben McCreery, 1844, '46. 
William Blades, 1848. 
George S. Hopkins, 1850, '52. 
Lyman G. Buckingham, 1854, '56. 



SHERIFFS. 

Lewis Buckingham, 1858. 

Claudius T. Thompson, 1860, ■02. 

John A. Kline, 1864, '66. 

Geo. W. Buckingham, 1868, '70. 

John A. Kline, 1872. 

Eugene Parsell, 1874. 

Philo D. Phillips, 1876, '78. 



COUNTY CLERKS. 

Robert F. Stage, elected 1836. George B. Mcrriman, 1858. 

W. A. Morrison, 1839. George R. Gold, 1860, '62. 

Thomas R. Cummings, 1842. ; Charles D. Long, 1864, '66, '68, 

Charles E. Dewey, 1844. } '70. 

George R. Cummings, 1846. Lorenzo D. Cook, 1872, '74. 

Anderson Bump, 1848, '50, '52. David P. Halsey, 1876, '78. 
Mark D. Seeley, 1854, '56. 

REGISTERS OF DEEDS. 

Oliver G. Wesson, elected 1836. William H. C. Lyon, 1S5S. 
Benjamin Rockwell, 1840, '42. George F. Hood, 1860, '62. 

Lewis G. Bickford, 1844, '46, '48. , Benjamin J. Lewis, 1864. 
George R. Cummings, 1850. John Algoe, 1866, '68, '70, '72. 

Charles Seymour,'l852. George E. Taylor, 1874, '76. 

Fitch R. Tracy, 1854, '56. ' Charles C. Beahan, 1878. 

COUXTY TREASURERS. 

C. D. Vi. Gibson, elected 1836, Josiah W. Begole, 1856, '58, '60, 

'38. '62. 

Orrin Safford, 1840, '42, 44. j Harlow Whittlesej', 1864, '66. 
Augustus St. Amand, 1846, '48, James Van Vleet, 1868, '70. 

'50. William W. Barnes, 1872. 

John L. Gage,! 1851. ' Charles C. Beahan, 1874. 

Reuben McCreery, 1852, '54. I Samuel R. Atherton, 1876, 78. 

GENESEE COUNTY PIONEER ASSOCIATION. 

On the 31st of December, 1857, — pursuant to a pub- 
lished call signed by William M. Fenton, C. C. Hascall, 
and about one hundred and eighty other citizens of Gene.see, 
— a meeting was held at the hall of the Flint Scientific 
Institute for the purpose of forming a " pioneer society," 
to be composed of persons who had become resident in the 
county as early as the year 1840. Benjamin Pearson was 

* Appointed to fill vacancy, and acted as judge of probate for a few- 
months, 
t Still in office,— 1879. 

1 First prosecuting attorney elected in Genesee County. 

2 J. C. Griswold, under-sheriff, performed the duties of the office 
during the term of Mr. Clifford. 

II Filled vacancy caused by the departure of Mr. St. Amand for 
Europe, in October, 1851. 



called to the chair, and Dr. Elijah Drake was made secre- 
tary of the meeting. A committee was chosen, composed 
of Hon. William M. Fenton, Hon. Edward H. Thomson, 
and H. M. Henderson, Esq., who were charged with the 
duty of preparing a constitution and by-laws for the pro- 
posed society, and the meeting then adjourned to the 22d 
of February next following. At the meeting held accord- 
ing to adjournment the committee reported a constitution 
for the " Genesee County Pioneer Association," which was 
adopted, and the society was organized under that name by 
the election of the following-named gentlemen as its first 
ofiBcers : President, Hon. Jeremiah R. Smith. Recording 
Secretary, Elijah Drake, M.D. Corresponding Secretary, 
Hon. Charles P. Avery. Treasurer, Henry M. Henderson, 
Esq. Librarian, Manley Miles, M.D. Vice-Presidents 
(one in each township of the county) : Atlas, Enoch Good- 
rich ; Argentine, William H. Hicks ; Burton, Perus Ather- 
ton ; Clayton, Alfred Pond ; Davison, Goodenough Town- 
send ; Fenton, Robert Le Roy ; Flint township, John 
Todd ; Flint City, Charles C. Hascall ; Flushing, John 
Patton ; Forest, John Crawford ; Gaines, Hartford Cargill ; 
Genesee, Sherman Stanley ; Grand Blanc, Silas D. Halsey ; 
Montrose, John McKenzie ; Mount Morris, Ezekiel R. 
Ewing ; Mundy, Morgan Baldwin ; Richfield, Jeremiah 
Stanard ; Thetford, Benoni Clapp ; Vienna, Russell G. 
Hurd. 

It has been the custom of the members of the association, 
from the time of its organization until the present, to hold 
annual reunions, at which, after the transaction of the 
routine business for the year, addresses and narratives of 
pioneer experience are listened to fi'om such of the early 
settlers as are disposed to give them. For many years 
past these yearly gatherings have been held at Long Lake, 
in the town of Fenton (usually in the month of August), 
and they are regarded as occasions of great enjoyment and 
interest. 

The officers of the association for 1879 are as follows : 
President, George S. Woodhull ; Vice-President, Dexter 
Horton ; Treasurer, Elisha Lamed ; Secretary, W. H. H. 
Smith ; Executive Committee, William O'Dell, W. I. 
Williams, Mundy ; John Barson, Argentine ; Ezra Wis- 
ner, Clio ; S. D. Halsey, Grand Blanc. 



CHAPTER X. 



MILITARY KECOBD OP GENESEE. 

Genesee in the Mexican War — The War of the Rebellion — The Flint 
Union Grays — They join the 2d Infantry — Organization and De- 
parture of the Regiment — Arrival at Washington — Bull Run Cam- 
paign — Peninsula Campaign — Battles of Williamsburg and Fair 
Oaks — The Seven Days' Fight — Campaign under Gen. Pope — 
Fredericksburg — Campaigns in Kentucky and Mississippi — In East 
Tennessee — Veteran Re-enlistment — Campaign of the Wilderness — 
In Front of Petersburg — Fall of Petersburg — -Muster Out, and 
Return Home. 

The first public exigency which required the calling out 
of troops after Genesee became a county, was the war with 
Mexico, — 1846 to 1S4S. At that time the population of 
the county was small, and among its people there could be 



SECOND INFANTRY. 



63 



found but comparatively few who could be spared from the 
cabins and clearings, where they stood on constant duty as 
sentinels to guard their families against the assaults of 
hunger and want. Nevertheless there were some men of 
Genesee, both officers and soldiers, who followed their 
country's flag to the fields of far-off Mexico. The 1st 
Regiment of Michigan Volunteers was commanded by Col. 
T. B. VV. Stockton, of Flint, and among the companies 
which composed it was that of Capt. Hanscom, of Pontiac, 
which, though made up largely of Oakland County volun- 
teers, yet contained a few from Genesee. The 15th United 
States Regiment also contained Michigan companies, and 
one of these was commanded by Capt. Eugene Van De 
Venter, of Genesee. In that company were Alexander W. 
Davis, of Grand Blanc, severely wounded at Churubusco ; 
William R. Buzzell, who died of disease in the city of 
Mexico, Oct. 29, 1847 ; Claudius H. Riggs, of Grand 
Blanc, who died at Vera Cruz, July 12, 1847; Robert 
Handy, reported as dead in Mexico ; and Henry L. Bran- 
nock, who survived his term of service; and perhaps others, 
whose names cannot be given. The regiment of which 
Capt. Van de Venter's company was a part was in the divi- 
sion of Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, of Tennessee. Of Genesee 
County soldiers who served in Capt. Hanscom's company 
we can give only the names of James W. Croiik and Norton 
Cronk, of Clayton, the former of whom died in Mexico. 

But the real military history of Genesee commenced in 
those spring days of 18G1, when the guns of besieged 
Sumter sounded a war-signal which reverberated across the 
hills and streams from ocean to lake. And it is a history 
of which the people of the county may well be proud. 
During the period which intervened between the birth and 
the death of the great Rebellion, Genesee gave to the war 
more than two thousand men, whose names are recorded on 
the rolls of one rifle, one engineer, ten cavalry, and twenty- 
three infantry regiments, and nine batteries of Michigan, 
besides several infantry, cavalry, and artillery organizations 
of other States, and one regiment of United States Volun- 
teers. Several of the regiments most noticeable for the 
number of Genesee County men serving in them are espe- 
cially mentioned below in historical sketches of their or- 
ganization and services in the great war for the Union. 

SECOND INFANTRY. 

When, at the fall of Fort Sumter, President Lincoln 
called on the several loyal States for an army of seventy- 
five thousand men to sustain the power of the government 
against a rebellion which had unexpectedly proved formida- 
ble. Governor Blair, of Michigan, responded by issuing his 
proclamation calling for twenty companies out of the uni- 
formed volunteer force of the State, with field and staff" 
officers, to compose two regiments of infantry, to be placed 
at the disposal of the President if re({uired. The War 
Department had placed the quota of Michigan at one full 
regiment, but the Governor very wLsely concluded — and 
tlie people of Michigan concurred in the opinion — that a 
second regiment should be made ready for service if it 
should be needed, as he believed it wuuld be. Three days 
after the Governor's call (April lyth) the State's quota was 
filled, and her first regiment ready for muster into the ser- 



vice of the United States, fully equipped with arms, am- 
munition, and clothing, awaiting only the orders of the 
War Department; and on the 13th of May it left Detroit 
for Washington, being the first regiment to arrive at the 
capital from any point west of the Alleghany Mountains. 

The Governor's call fur twenty companies had been 
promptly and fully responded to, and so, after making up 
the 1st Regiment, there still remained ten companies, which, 
having failed to secure places in the 1st, were ready and 
anxious to be organized as the 2d Regiment of Michigan. 
And among these companies was " The Flint Union Grays." 
This company had existed in the city of Flint from the 
year 1857. We find mention of the first opening of their 
armory in Flint, Oct. 2, 1858 (at which time they were 
expecting, but had not yet received, their arms from the 
State Arsenal), and the election of civil and military offi- 
cers of the company, as follows : 

President, L. Wesson ; Vice-President, William P. Hum- 
phrey ; Secretarj', W. I. Beardsley ; Treasurer, William R. 
Morse ; Captain, T. B. W. Stockton ; 1st Lieutenant, Wm. 
R. Mor.se ; 2d Lieutenant, William Turver ; 3d Lieutenant, 
Levi Failing ; 1st Sergeant, L. Wesson ; 2d Sergeant, C. 
Peabody ; 3d Sergeant, R. M. Barker ; 4th Sergeant, James 
Farrand ; 1st Corporal, A. J. Boss, Jr.; 2d Corporal, L. 
Church ; 3d Corporal, W. Boomer; 4th Corporal, William 
Charles ; Armorer, 0. McWilliams. 

Probably there were none among this list of officers who 
had then ever dreamed of such scenes as some of them after- 
wards saw at Williamsburg, Malvern Hill, and the Wilder- 
ness, or of the fame which their company was destined to win 
on a score of bloody fields. But the people of Flint and 
of Genesee County were proud of it then, as they had reason 
to be in far greater degree afterwards.* 

Immediately after the publication of the Governor's proc- 
lamation, and when it was known that the Grays would 
volunteer in a body, a large and extremely enthusiastic 
public meeting was held (April 18th) at the court-house in 
Flint. A circular letter of the War Committee, in Detroit, 
was read and acted on, and the meeting adopted a series of 
intensely patriotic resolutions, among which was the follow- 
ing : " That the young men comprising the military company 
of this city, and those who may volunteer to fill up its ranks 
in this emergency of our common country, are worthy of all 
encouragement and praise for their patriotism, and that we 
will contribute all sums necessary to sustain and support the 
families of all members of said company who may be mus- 
tered into the service of the United States, if they need such 
aid ; we will also contribute our full proportion of the 
amount required to equip and muster into the service of 
the United States the two regiments required from the State 
of Michigan." A committee, composed of William M. 
Fenton, E. II. McQuigg, and H. M. Henderson, was ap- 
pointed to carry out so much of this resolution as applied to 
the raising of money as a loan to the State, and J. B. 
Walker, E. S. Williams, and A. P. Davis were appointed a 
like committee to carry into eff'ect that part which promised 
aid and support to the families of volunteers. In the pub- 

* This comiiany furnished to various commands in the Union army 
during the war of the Rebellion, six field-officers, eleven cn)ilains, and 
eighteen lieutenant;', — a very unusual company record. 



64 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



lished account of the proceedings of that meeting, it is men- 
tioned that "every Union .word uttered was greeted with 
thunders of applause." 

On the 23d of April the Grays met for the choice of 
oflBcers, and the following were elected to the commissioned 
grades : Captain, William R. Morse ; 1st Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam Turver ; 2d Lieutenant, James Farrand. Four ser- 
geants and four corporals were also elected, but as the non- 
commissioned list was changed soon afterwards, it is not 
given here. 

On the eve of their departure to join the 2d Regiment 
at its rendezvous the Grays paraded through the principal 
streets of Flint, and were addressed, in the presence of a great 
concourse of patriotic and admiring spectators, by Col. Fen- 
ton, whose remarks on the occasion were reported by the 
Citizen in its next issue, as follows: "The Hon. W. M. 
Fenton had been with the company for about a year, and 
constantly engaged for two weeks past in perfecting the en- 
listment, and preparing for its departure. At the request of 
Capt. Morse he now addressed the officers and men, alluding 
to the new position they were about to occupy, — its great im- 
portance ; the entire change now to take place in their habits 
of life ; the necessity for prompt obedience to the commands 
of their superiors, and of true courage, as contradistinguished 
from brutality. He exhorted them to remember that the 
eyes of the friends they were to leave behind would be con- 
stantly on them, in whatever situation they might be placed ; 
their ears open to every report of their action ; their prayers 
ascending night and morn for their welfare and success ; and 
that the fervent hope would animate them, that those who 
now went forth to stand by their country in its hour of trial 
would return with laurels honorably won in its service. 
After giving them some practical hints as to their mode of 
life, the importance of strict cleanliness, and temperance in 
both meat and drink, he asked if any one of them would 
object to take an oath, substantially as follows: 

" ' I do solemnly swear, in the presence of Almighty God, 
that I will support the constitution of the United States, 
and maintain it and my country's flag, if necessary, with my 
life ; that I will obey the commands of my superior officers 
while in service, and will defend and protect my comrades 
in battle to the best of my physical ability.' None object- 
ing, the oath was repeated aloud, with uplifted hand, by all 
the officers and members of the company. The scene was 
solemn and impressive, and was appropriately closed by a 
benediction from the Rev. Mr. Joslin." 

Another ceremony, no less interesting, was the presenta- 
tion to each member of the company of a copy of the New 
Testament. Ninety-five of these had been furnished, and 
prepared for the purpose, by the members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Sabbath-school, each book having upon its fly-leaf 
this inscription : 

" Presented 
By the Sabbath-School 

OF THE 

Methodist E. Church, Flint, Michigan, 
To _ 

OF THE 

Flint Union Grays, 

April 30, 1861. 

" ' My men, put your trust in the Lord, — and he sure you keep your 

powder dry. Oliver Cromwell.'" 



This presentation was made while the Grays stood in line, 
with open ranks, at the corner of Saginaw and Kearsley 
Streets. A number of ladies of Flint passed along the line, 
and pinned upon the breast of each soldier a tricolored 
rosette, bearing the words, " The Union and the Constitu- 
tion .'" and nearly every one of the spectators wore the red, 
white, and blue upon some part of their dress. A presen- 
tation of revolvers to the commissioned officers of the com- 
pany was made by the Hon. E. H. Thomson ; " and as he 
assigned to each pistol its particular mission, and alluded to 
their uses, the enthusiasm of the crowd around was enkindled 
anew." 

The company left Flint on the 30th of May, being trans- 
ported to Fentonville in wagons and other vehicles, of which 
a greater number than were needed for the purpose were on 
hand, furnished by the patriotic citizens. The column was 
headed by the Flint Band, and was accompanied by a large 
number of relatives and friends of the soldiers ; and the 
plank-road company passed them all toll-free. Taking the 
cars of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, at Fentonville, 
the Grays soon reached Detroit, and were reported at Fort 
Wayne, the regimental rendezvous. 

The companies volunteering for the 2d Regiment had 
done so in the supposition that it would be mustered for a 
three-months' term of service, as the first regiment had been. 
But a few days later, instructions were received from the 
War Department that no more troops be mustered or ac- 
cepted for a less term than three years ; and when this was 
announced, there were some in all the companies who 
naturally enough objected to the longer term, and declined 
to be mustered for it. This was the case in the Flint com- 
pany, as in others. The vacancies in its ranks from this 
cause, however, were not numerous, but it was necessary to 
procure recruits to fill them, and for this purpose Capt. 
Mor.se returned to Flint on the 18th of May. The alacrity 
with which this call was responded to is shown by th^fact 
that he arrived in Flint on Saturday, and on the following 
Monday he reported with the requisite number of recruits at 
Fort Wayne. On the same day — May 20th — the 2d Regi- 
ment was announced as full, and on the 25th it was must- 
ered into the United States service for three years, by Lieut.- 
Col. E. Backus, U. S. A. The field-officers of the regi- 
ment were Israel B. Richardson, Colonel ; Henry L. 
Chipman, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Adolphus W. Williams, 
Major. 

In the organization of the regiment, the company from 
Flint was designated as " F" company. A list, purporting 
to be a correct one, of the members of the company as must- 
ered at Fort Wayne is found in newspapers of that time ; 
and as it contains names which are not found on the rolls in 
the adjutant-general's office, it is given below in full, viz. : 

Captain, William R. Morse; 1st Lieutenant, William 
Turver; 2d Lieutenant, James Farrand; 1st Sergeant, 
George R. Bisbey; 2d Sergeant, William B. McCreery ; 
3d Sergeant, Sumner Howard ; 4th Sergeant, Goundry 
Hill ; 5th Sergeant, Joseph McConnell ; 1st Corporal, Ed- 
win C. Turver ; 2d Corporal, James Bradley ; 3d Corporal, 
Damon Stewart ; 4th Corporal, Joseph Van Buskirk ; 5th 
Corporal, Wm. L. Bishop ; Gth Corporal, Walter H. Wal- 
lace ; 7th Corporal, Nelson Fletcher; 8th Corporal, Walter 



SECOND INFANTRY. 



65 



E. Burnside ; Wagoner, James S. Smith ; Drummer, 
Elisha Kelley. 

Privates: Wm. H. Allen, Milton S. Benjamin, George 
L. Beamer, Joseph N. Bradley, Robert S. Bostwick, Andrew 
A. Baxter, La Fa3-ette Bostwick, Myrick S. Cooley, S. 
Bradford Cummings, Charles B. Collins, Thomas Chapin, 
Jr., Clark F. Chapman, John Cavanagh, George Carmer, 
James Coe, Edward A. Dennison, George Davis, Charles 
C. Dewstoe, Pratt Day, Cornelius D. Hart, Daniel J. En- 
sign, Orlando II. Ewer, John G. Fox, Squire E. Foster, 
Wm. F. Furgerson, Horatio Fish, Charles L. Gardner, Jos. . 
H. George, Richard II. Halsted, George Hawkins, Henry 
W. Horton, Franc-is Haver, William Houghton, Julius A. 
Hine, Charles E. Kingsbury, Philip Kelland, John Kain, 
Sheldon B. Kelley, George Lee, Harrison Lewis, Merton E. 
Leland, John B. Miller, Charles D. Moon, Delion McConnell, 
David McCornell, Chas. W. Mitchell, George L. Patterson, 
Samuel L. Ploss, Hamilton Ploss, James F. Partridge, John 
A. Palmer, Cornelius E. Rulison, Charles J. Rankin, Edwin 
Ruthruff, Andrew J. Rogers, Arba Smith, Jacob C. Sack- 
ner, Charles Sickles, James Scarr, George H. Sawyer, 
Lyman Stow, Alva L. Sawyer, Hercules Stannard, Andrew 
M. Sutton, Frederick B. Smith, Albert Schultz, Hiram 
Tinney, Franklin Thompson, Edgar Tibbets, Charles Tuttle,^ 
Cornelius Van Alstine, Richard S. Vickery, James N. Wil- 
lett, John Weller, George Walter, Emory A. Wood, and 
William E. Williams. 

In the afternoon of Thursday, June 6th, the 2d Regi- 
ment, one thousand and twenty strong, embarked on three 
steamers (one side-wheel and two propellers), and at eight 
o'clock P.M. left Detroit for Cleveland, arriving there the 
following morning. From Cleveland it proceeded by rail- 
way, via Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Baltimore, to Wash- 
ington, reaching the capital on the 10th. The following 
account of its arrival, which appeared under the head of 
" Special Dispatch to the New York Tiihune" is taken 
from that paper and given here in full, as showing the ex- 
cited state of public feeling ait that time, as well as the 
crude and peculiar ideas of military discipline and move- 
ments which then prevailed. The account, dated Wash- 
ington, June 10, 18t)l, was as follows: 

" The 2d Michigan Regiment, Col. Richardson, arrived 
at four o'clock this morning. . . . Word had come from 
the United States Marshal that an attack would be made 
on them in Baltimore, and the train halted seven miles on 
the other side of the Monumental City, where the men 
loaded their muskets. The orders were to avoid an en- 
counter if possible ; but, if unavoidable, to take no half 
measures, but for each company to fight to the death, and 
for the pioneers to make clean work with houses from 
which they were assailed. 

" In a suburb on the other side a brick was thrown at a 
private. It did not hit, but the ordeily sergeant of Com- 
pany E drew his revolver and fired at the stoncr. He was 
seen to fall, but whether killed or not is unknown. 

" At the depot a raw private accidentally discharged his 
musket, the ball from which whisked through the car, 
causing great excitement, but no harm was done. 

" Two miles this side of Baltimore a shot from behind a 
fence went through a car. The lights were extinguished, 
9 



and the men ordered to form in line of battle* if the shot 
should be followed by more. Sentinels were posted in each 
car. Near the Relay House firing was heard from one of 
our picket-guards. It was reported that they had been 
attacked, and had killed four men. The truth is not 
known. The informant adds that the regiment received 
a hearty welcome from the women in and beyond Balti- 
more, while no man, so far as he saw, greeted them. 

" The regiment is a fine-looking body, numbering ten 
hundred and twenty. Their uniforms are dark blue, like 
the 1st Michigan, and they are armed partially with new 
Minie guns and partially with the Harper's Ferry musket 
of 1846. They are well supplied with clothing and camp- 
equipage. Thirty women, who will serve as nurses and 
laundresses, accompany the regiment. This afternoon the 
regiment was received by Gen. Scott and the President at 
their residences." 

The regiment made a stay of several weeks in the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, its camp being named " Camp Winfield 
Scott." It was brigaded with the 3d Jlichigan, 1st Mas- 
sachusetts, and 12th New York, the brigade commander 
being Col. Richardson, of the 2d Michigan. When Gen. 
McDowell made his forward movement towards Manassas 
this brigade moved with the army into Virginia, and was 
engaged in the fight at Blackburn's Ford, July 18th, and 
in the battle of Bull Run, Sunday, July 21st. In the 
panic and disorder which ended that disastrous day the 2d 
Regiment behaved with great steadiness, covering the re- 
treat of the brigade towards Washington, for which it was 
warmly complimented by the heroic Richardson. 

After Bull Run the regiment was encamped for some 
weeks near Arlington, and later in the season at Fort Lyon, 
Va., where it remained during the fiill. About December 
20th substantial and comfortable winter-quarters were con- 
structed at " Camp Michigan," three miles from Alexan- 
dria, on the Acotink Road. While this camp was in 
process of construction an officer wrote that " Cabins are 
growing up on every side, adorned with doors and windows, 
procured by a process called ' cramping,' which is some- 
where on the debatable ground between buying and steal- 
ing." Here the regiment remained until March, 1862, 
when it moved with its brigade and the Army of the Po- 
tomac to Fortress Monroe, and thence, up the Peninsula, 
to Yorktown and Williamsburg, at which latter place it 
took active part in the severe engagement of Monday, May 
5th, sustaining a loss of fifty-five killed and wounded, 
among the latter being Capt. Morse, of " F" company 
(afterwards transferred to the Invalid Corps), and Capt. 
Wm. B. McCreery, an original member of " F" company, 
but who had been promoted to the command of Company 
G. He received three severe wounds, by one of which 
his left wrist was permanently disabled. Afterwards, hav- 
ing recovered suflficiently to return to the field, he was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 21st Michigan In- 
fantry, and two months later became its colonel. He led 
his regiment gallantly througii the fire and carnage of 
Stone River (Dec. 31, 1862, to Jan. 3, 1863), and fought 



* These words were not italicisei in the original Account, printed 
in the Tribune. 



66 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, ftllCHIGAN. 



at its head at Chickamauga (Sept. 20, 1863) until he had 
received three severe wounds, and was finally taken prisoner 
by the enemy, and sent to Libby Prison, Richmond, from 
which, however, he succeeded in making his escape, by 
tunneling under the walls, Feb. 19, 1864. Six days later 
he returned to Flint, where a public reception was extended 
to him by leading citizens, and a banquet was given in his 
honor at the Carlton House, March 2d. The disability 
resulting from his numerous wounds compelled his retire- 
ment from the service, and he resigned in September, 1864. 
Maj.-G-en. George H. Thomas, in reluctantly accepting his 
resignation, took occasion to compliment him highly, in 
orders, on his honorable record and the gallantry of his 
service in the Army of the Cumberland. 

The above facts relating to the military career of Col. 
McCreery have been mentioned in this place, and in con- 
nection with the battle of Williamsburg, because that fight 
virtually severed his connection with the 2d Regiment, in 
which he was among the most honored and popular of its 
officers. 

From Williamsburg the 2d moved, with the army, up 
the Peninsula to and across the Chickahominy, and fought 
in the battle of Fair Oaks, May 31 and June 1, 1862. 
Its loss in that engagement was fifty-seven killed and 
wounded, that of Company F being fourteen, or one- 
fourth the total killed and wounded of the regiment. 
Three companies of the 2d, however, were not engaged 
in the fight. 

In the retreat (or " change of base," as it has sometimes 
been called) from the York River Railroad to James River, 
the regiment fought at Glendale (or Charles City Cross- 
Roads), June 30th, and at Malvern Hill, July 1st. From the 
latter field it retired with the army, and moved to Harrison's 
Landing, on the James, where it remained until the general 
evacuation of that position, August 15th, when it marched 
down the Peninsula, and was moved thence, by way of the 
Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, with other troops, to 
the assistance of the imperiled army of Gen. Pope in the 
valley of the Rappahannock, during which campaign it took 
part in the fights of August 28th, 29th, 30th, and in the 
battle of Chantilly, September 1st. 

At Fredericksburg the 2d was not actively engaged. 
It crossed the Rappahannock on the 12th of December, 
but in the great battle of the next day was held in reserve, 
and sustained only a loss of one killed and one wounded by 
the enemy's shells, but was, with the 8th Michigan, among 
the last of the regiments of the army to recross to the 
north side of the river on the 16th. 

On the 13th of February, 1863, the regiment moved to 
Newport News, Va., and on the 19th of March took its 
route to Baltimore, and thence, by the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad and steamers on the Ohio River, to Louisville, 
Ky., with the 9th Army Corps, of which it was a part. 
The corps remained in Kentucky during the months of 
April and May, and in June was moved to Mississippi to 
reinforce the army of Gen. Grant, near Vicksburg. The 
2d went into camp at Milldale, near Vicksburg, on the 
17th, and a few days later was stationed at Flower Dale 
Church. On the 4th of July, the day of the surrender of 
Vicksburg, the regiment left Flower Dale, and moved east 



towards the capital of Mississippi, to take part in the opera- 
tions against the rebel army of Gen. Johnston. It arrived 
in front of Jackson in the evening of the lOtb, and on the 
11th advanced in skirmish line on the enemy's rifle-pits, 
which were taken and held for a time. Superior numbers, 
however, compelled the 2d to retire from the position, with 
a loss of eleven killed, forty-five wounded, and five taken 
prisoners. On the 13th and 14th of July the regiment was 
again slightly engaged. On the 17th and 18th it was en- 
gaged in destroying the Memphis and New Orleans Rail- 
road, in the vicinity of Jackson and Madison, and then moved 
through Jackson (which had been evacuated by the enemy) 
back to Milldale, where it remained till August 5th, when it 
marched to the river, and thence moved with the 9th Corps, 
by way of Cincinnati, to Kentucky, and encamped at Crab 
Orchard Springs, in that State, on the 30th of August. 
Here it remained twelve days, and September 10th broke 
camp and took the road for Cumberland Gap and Knox- 
ville, Tenn., reaching the latter place September 26th. It 
moved from the vicinity of Knoxville, October 8tli, and 
was slightly engaged at Blue Springs on the 10th. On the 
20th it was again at Knoxville, but immediately afterwards 
moved to Loudon, and thence to Lenoir, Tenn., where, on 
the 8th of November, its men commenced building winter- 
quarters. The strength of the regiment at that time was 
reported at five hundred and three, present and absent. 

The anticipation of passing the winter at Lenoir was 
soon dispelled by the intelligence that the enemy, under 
Gen. Longstreet, was moving up the valley of the Tennes- 
see in heavy force, evidently having Knoxville as his ob- 
jective point. On the 14th of November, the 2d Regiment, 
with its division (the 1st Division of the 9th Corps), was 
ordered out to meet and repel Longstreet, who was reported 
to be crossing the Tennessee, below Loudon. He was found 
in force near Hough's Ferry, on the Holston, and the di- 
vision fell back to Lenoir. Here a line of battle was 
formed, but, on the enemy coming up, the retreat towards 
Knoxville was resumed, the 2d Regiment, with its brigade, 
forming the rear guard. On the 16th it again stood in line 
at Campbell's Station to resist the advance of Longstreet, 
who was pressing up with great vigor. A sharp engage- 
ment ensued, in which the 2d lost thirty-one in killed and 
wounded. The position was stubbornly held till dark, 
when the retreat was resumed, and the regiment reached 
Knoxville at five o'clock in the morning of the 17th, after a 
march of nearly thirty miles through mud and rain, and a 
battle of several hours' duration, all without rest or food. 
It took position on a hill below the city, at Fort Saunders, 
where rifle-pits were constructed, and where the regiment 
remained during the siege which followed. On the 19th 
and 20th it was slightly engaged, and on the 24th, under 
orders to attack a line of rifle-pits, it advanced under com- 
mand of Maj. Byington, moving several hundred yards 
across an open plain swept by a front and flank fire of 
musketry and canister. The line was carried, but could 
not be held ; the attacking force was dislodged and com- 
pelled to retire, with a loss to the 2d Regiment of eighty-one 
killed and wounded, — very nearly half its whole number 
in the fight. Among the killed was Adj. William Noble, 
and Maj. Byington was mortally wounded. 



SECOND INFANTRY. 



67 



In the morning of Sunday, Nov. 29, 1863, a force of 
the enemy, consisting of two veteran Georgia brigades of 
McLaws' division, made a furious and persistent a.ssault on 
Fort Saunders, but were repelled, and finally driven back 
in disorder, with a loss of eight hundred in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners, and three stands of colors. With the force 
inside the fort during this assault were Companies A, F, G, 
and H, of the 2d Michigan. Their loss, however, was in- 
considerable, being only five killed and wounded. From 
that time the regiment saw no fighting at this place other 
than slight skirmishes, and on Friday night, December 4tb, 
the enemy withdrew from before Knoxville, after a siege of 
eighteen days' duration. 

The 2d marched from Knoxville, December Sth,aud moved 
to Rutledge. On the 16th it moved to Blain's Cross-Roads, 
which was its la!5t march in 1863. During the year that 
was then about closing, the regiment had moved a distance 
of more than two thousand five hundred miles. It remained 
at Blain's for about a month, during which time it was " vet- 
eranized," the number re-enlisting as veterans being one 
hundred and ninety-eight. About the middle of January, 
1864, it moved to Strawberry Plains, thence to Knoxville 
and to Erie Station, remaining at the latter place until 
February 4th, when it moved under orders to proceed to 
Detroit, Mich., and reached there twenty days later. Here 
the veteran furlough was given to those who had re-enlisted, 
and Mount Clemens was made the place of rendezvous. 
At this place the regiment received orders, on the 4th of 
April, to proceed to Annapolis, Md., to rejoin the 9th 
Army Corps, which had, in the mean time, moved from 
Tennessee to Virginia to reinforce the Army of the Po- 
tomac. The regiment left Annapolis on the 22d, pro- 
ceeded to Washington, and thence into Virginia, where, 
on the 5th of May, it crossed the Rapidan and joined the 
army which was then moving into the Wilderness. For 
six weeks following this time the 2d was, with its companion 
regiments of the brigade, so constantly employed in march, 
skirmish, or battle, that it is hardly practicable to follow the 
intricacies of the movements ; but the following statement 
of casualties during that time shows where and how it 
fought. The statement, which includes only the killed 
and wounded (and not the missing), is taken from the 
report of the regimental surgeon, Richard S. Vickery, viz. : 

In the Wilderness battle, May 6th, killed and 

wounded 38 

At.Spott^ylvania Court-House, .May 12th, killed and 

wounded 11 

At Oxford, Xorth Anna, May 24th, killed 1 

Skirmi.^'h of Mjiy 27th 1 

Pamunkey River, May 31st 2 

Skirmish, June 1st 5 

Skirmish, June 2<l 2 

Battle of liethesda Church, June 2d 38 

Cold Harbor and other actions, from June 4th to 

June 10th 'J 

The regiment crossed to the south side of the James 
River on the 15th, reached the enemy's works in front of 
Petersburg on the 16th, and took part in the attacks of 
the next two days with the following losses in killed and 
wounded, viz. : 

In battle of June 17th 91 

In battle of June ISth 8.3 

Recruits to the number of five hundred or more had 



joined the regiment since the veteran re-enlistment, — other- 
wise such losses would have been impossible. 

On the 3flth of July tlie 2d took part in the engage- 
ment which followed the explosion of the mine, and sus- 
tained a lo.ss of twenty killed and wounded, and thirty-seven 
missing. Having moved with the 9th Corps to the Weldon 
Railroad, it there took part in repelling the enemy's assault 
on our lines, August 19th, losing one killed and two wounded. 
On the 30th it crossed the Weldon Ritilroad, and, moving 
towards the enemy's right flank, participated in the engage- 
ment of that date at Poplar Grove Church, losing seven 
wounded and twelve missing. It was then encamped for 
about a month at Peebles' Farm, but moved, October 27th, 
in the advance on Boydton Plank-Road, losingseven wounded 
in that affair. It then remained at Peebles', engaged in 
picket duty and fortifying, till November 29th, when it moved 
to a point about ten miles farther to the right, on the City 
Point and Petersburg Railroad, and there remained in the 
trenches during the winter. On the 25th of March it 
fought at Fort Steadman, and sustained severe loss. It 
again lost slightly at the capture of Petersburg, April 3d. 
It then moved to the South Side Railroad, eighteen miles 
from Petersburg, and remained nearly two weeks, but in 
the mean time the army of Lee had surrendered, and the 
fighting days of the regiment were past. It moved to City 
Point, and, embarking there on the 18th, was transported 
to Alexandria, Va., from whence it moved to a camp at 
Tenallytown, Md. On the 27th of May it was detached 
for duty in Washington City, and remained there for about 
two months. On the 29th of July (having on the previous 
day been mustered out of the service) it left by railroad 
for Michigan, and on the 1st of August it reached Detroit, 
and was soon after paid and disbanded. In a published 
account of the regiment's return, it was stated that of all 
the original members of Company F, Orlando H. Ewer, of 
Flint, was the only one who remained in its ranks to be in- 
cluded in the final discharge " after four years and a quarter 
of honorable service." 

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE SECOND INFANTKT FBOU GENESEB 
COUNTY. 

Adj. Richard H. Mahon, Genesee Co.; private Co. K; pro. to coni.-Bergt., Nov. 

7, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. K; pro. to Ist lieut. and adj., Marcb 6, 1862 ; 

resigned Aug, .'id, 1862. 
Quar.-Master Scrgt. James Bradley, Flint; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. I; Ist lieut. and 

capt. Co. F. 
Quar.-Master Seigt. Goundry Hill, Flint; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. F; pro. to Ist 

lieut. and quar.-mastcr, Dec. 3, 1802 ; must, out Sept. 30, 1864. 
Sergt.-Maj. Joseph Van Buskirk, Flint ; pro. to_l8t lieut. Co. D. 

Comparuf F. 

Capt. Win. R. Morse, Fliut; enl. April 25, 1S61 ; wounded at Williamsburg, Va., 
May Ti, 1862 ; res, Aug, 22, 1863, to accept appointment iu Invalid Corps. 

Capt. James Bradley, Flint ; enl. Aug, 22, 1803 ; was qr,-mr,.sergt, ; pro. to 2d 
lieut, Co. I, Aug. 25, 1862; pro, to 1st lieut, Co, K; died of wounds re- 
ceived iu action near Potcreburg, Va., Juno 17, 1864 ; buried at Arlington 
National Cemetery, Va. 

1st Lieut, Wm, Furvcr, Flint; onl, April 25, 1861 ; res, July 29, 1862. 

2d Lieut. James Farrand, Flint; enl. April 25, 1861; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. Q, 
March 6, 1862; pro. to capt. Co. C, Aug. I, 1862 ; killed in action near 
SlHittaylvauia Court-House, May 12, 1864. 

2d Lieut. Gonudry Hill (qr.-mr.-sergt.) ; 2d lieut. Co. F; onl. Aug. 9, 1862; Ist 
lieut. and qr,.mr. Dec. 3, 1862 ; must, out Sept, 30, 1804, 

2d Lieut. Selsou Flctclier (sergt.), Flint; 2d lieut. Doc, 2, 1862 ; killed in action 
near Oxford, North Anna River, Va., May 24, 1864. 

Scrgt, George H. Bisbey, diid at Camp Winfleld Scott, Md., July 11, 1801. 

Sergt. Wm. B. MrCrcery, Flint ; pro, to capt. (>). G. 
I Sergt, Sumner Howard, flint ; pro, to 2d lieut. Regular Army, August, 1861. 

Sergt. Ooundry Hill, Fliut ; pro. to qr.-mr.-sergt. March 7, 1862. 



68 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Corp. Edwin C. Tunrer, onl. May 25, 1861 ; disch. for disability, Sept. 1861. 

Corp. Jamos Brmlley, mil. May 2.'), 1801 ; pro. to qr.-mr.-sergt. Aug. 1, 18l!2. 

Corp. Damon Stewart, onl. May 25, 1801 ; disch. to accept commission in 2M 
Infantry. 

Corp. Josepli Van Busliirk, enl. May 25, 1861 ; pro. to sergt.-niaj. Sept. 16, 1862. 

Corp. Wm. li. Bishop, enl. May 25, 1861; liilled in battle at Yorlitown, Va., 
April 10, 1SC2. 

Corp. Nelson Fletcher (sorgt.), enl. May 25, 1861 ; pro. to qr.-mr.-sergl. Dec. 1, 
1862. 

William H. Allen, must, out June 28, 1865. 

David .\nderson, Vienna; must, out July 28, 1865. 

William J. Allen, Vienna; must, out June 25, 1865. 

William L. Bishop, Corp.; died at Yorktown, Va., .\pril 16, 18B2. 

George R. Bisbey, scrgt.; died of disease at Camp Winticld Scott, Va., July,lS61. 

Joseph N. Bradley, disch. for disability, Dec. 2, 1SC2. 

Adiu 0. Billings, sergt., Flint Tp. ; pro. to Ist lient. Co. K. 

Andrew A. B;i.\ter, ilisch. for disability, July U, 1S02. 

James Benson, Flint Tp. ; killed at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1804. 

George Beenier, died in action at Knoxville, Tenu., Nov. 24, 1863. 

Milton S. Benjamin, Vienna; disch. for wonuds, Jan. 28, 1865. 

George Canner, died in action at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862. 

Charles B. Collitis, disch. to enlist in regular service, Dec. 5, 1862. 

S. Bradford Cummings, disch. for disability. Fob. 19, 1863. 

Thomas Cliapin, Jr., disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 

Clark F. Cbaiiman, Flint Tp. ; disch. for wounds, Feb. 26, 1865. 

James Ooe, must, ont July 28, 1865. 

John Deilz, disch. for disability, Jan. 5, 1863. 

George Davis, disch. at end of service, May 25, 1864. 

Cornelius De Hart, disch. at end of service, Dec. 25, 1864. 

Charles E. Deioster, disch. at end of service, Dec. 25, 1864. 

Daniel J. Ensign, died June 3, 1862, of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va. 

Orlando II. Ewer, Flint Tp.; must, out July 28, 18G5. 

Cliarles L. Gardner, died of disease at Camp Lyons, Va., Oct. 1861. 

Joseph H. George, disch. for disability, Sept. 1861. 

John R. Goodrich, disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1862. 

William Houghton^ disch. for disability, Sept. 1861. 

Julius Heine, disch. for disability, Jan. 5, 1863. 

Frederick Holtz, Clayton ; died at Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 12, 1803, of wounds. 

Fnincis Haven, Flint; died in action near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864. 

Virgil Hadstalt, missing in action at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 21, 1863. 

Henry W. Horton, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, March 15, 1864. 

Richard U. Ualstead, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 

Charles Hartiier, disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 31, 1863. 

James V. Hornell, absent, sick ; not must, out with company. 

Sheldon B. Kelly, died in action at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Jobii Kane, disch. for disability, Sept. 1801. 

Philip Kellnnd, disch. for disability, July 19, 1362. 

Elisha Kelly, musician; disch to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 31, 1863. 

Charles E. Kingsbury, Forest Tp.; must, out July 28, 1865. 

George Lee, Grand Blanc Tp.; must, ont July 28, 1S65. 

Cliarles D. iHoore, died June 6, 1862, of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va. 

Dellion McConnell, died in action at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1802. 

John B. Miller, died in action at Chantilly, Va., July 1, 1S62. 

David McConnell, disch. to enlist in regular service. Doc. 5, 1862. 

Peter McN'ally, Vienna Tp.; must, out May 20, 1865. 

Samuel L. Ploss, died of disease at Washington, .\ug. 29, 1861. 

Uaniiltoii I'loss, died of disease at Washington, Aug. 29, 1801. 

James F. Partridge, musician ; disch. for disability, Dec. 8, 1861. 

Wallace L. Parker, Genesee Tp. ; veteran ; must, out July 28, 1805. 

Charles Rankin, died of disease at Arlington Heights, Va., Sept. 20, 1861. 

Cornelius E. Rulison, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 

Nathan M. Richardson, Flint; must, out July 28, 1865. 

George Ruddiman, Flint; must, out July 28, 1865. 

Jacob C. Sackrier, died June 24, 1862, of wounds. 

James S. Smith, disch. fordisability, Sept. 1861. 

Arba Smith, disch. for disability, Sept. 1861. 

George Sawyer, disch. for disability, Oct. 1861. 

James Scarr, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1S64. 

Lyman Stow, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 

Albeit L. Sawyer, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 

Franklin B. Smith, disch. Jan. 27, 1863. 

Hercules Stannard, veteran ; must, out July 28, 1805. 

George Sheldon, disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 31, 1863. 

Albert Scliultz, disch. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 31, 1863. 

Charles H. Stone, Flint ; died of disease near ,\lexandria, Va., Oct. 6, 1864. 

John G. Sanford, Vienna Tp. ; died of disease near Alexandria, Va. Oct. 20 

1804. 
Mathias Scliermerhoni, must, out May 20, 1865. 
Edwin C. Turver, Corp. ; disch. for disability, Sept. 1861. 
John or Joseph W. Tompkins, must, out .\ug. 5, 1865. 
Hiram Tenney, disch. at end of service, May 25, 1864. 
Edgiir Tibbals, disch. at end of service. May 25, 1S64. 
John H. Tibbals, disch. at end of service, Nov. 9, 1864. 
John Walter, disch. at end of service, June 21, 1864. 
James Willctt, disch. at end of service. May 25, 1364. 
Williams K. Williams, disch. for disability, Oct. 1861. 
Emory A. Wood, disch. for disability, .\ug. 4, 1862. 



John Weller, trans, to Vet. Res. Chirps, Nov. 15, 1864. 

Don A. Williams, must, out July 23, 1805. 

Robert H. J. Warner, Vienna Tp. ; must, out June 19, 1865. 

Company G. 

Wm. B. McCreery, Flint ; capt. Sept. 10, 1861 ; wounded at Williamsburg, Va., 
in three places severely. May 5, 1862; pro. to lieut.-colonel 21st Regt. 
Mich. Inf., Nov. 20, 1862; colonel, Feb. 3, 1863; taken prisoner at Chicka- 
manga, Tenn., Sept. 20, 1863; wounded in three places severely; escaped 
from Libby Prison, Feb. 19, 1864; resigned on account of wounds, Sept. 
14, 1SU4. 

James Farrand, Flint ; 1st lieut. MairVO, 1802; pro. to capt. Co. C, Aug. 1, 1862; 
killed in action near Spottsylvania Court-Honse, Va., May 12, 1804. 

George Sheldon, Fenton; com.-sergt. ; sergt. Co. K; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. C; 
must, out as sergt. 

Hercules Stannard, Flint (sergt.) ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; must, out as sergt. 

Ward Berry, Argentine, Co. E; died of wounds, June 19,1304, near Petersburg, 
Va. 

Henry Dorman, Grand Blanc, Co. C; must, out July 28, 1865. 

Myron Green, Athis, Co. B ; died June 17, 1864, of wounds. 

James M. llill, Atliw, Co. B; missing in action, July 30, 1864. 

Lafayette Hill, Atlas, Co. B ; must, out Aug. 2, 1805. 

Walter P. Jones, Fenton, Co. B ; must, out July 28, 1865. 

Charles E. Lason, Atlas, Co. H; must, out July 2S, 1865. 

Read Larde, Argentine, Co. E; must, out Jnly 28, 1865. 

Robert F. Meddleworth, Argentine, Co. E ; died near Petei-sburg, Va., June 19, 
18G4, of wounds. 

Abram D. Perry, Atlas, Co. E ; died at Washington, July 17, 1864, of wounds. 

Orrin D. Putnam, Argentine, Co. C; died at Washington, June 2, 1864, of acci- 
dental wounds. 

Thomas Perry, Fulton, Co. I; must, ont July 28, 1865. 

Charles H. Snook, Argentine, Co. E; died July 6, 1864, of wounds. 

Asa Shepard, Argentine, Co. G ; must, out July 28, 1865. 

George W. Tharrett, Davison, Co. H ; must, out July 28, 1865. 

Joseph B. A'arnum, Atlas Tp., Co. H ; must, out Aug. 11, 1865. 

Charles Webber, Fenton, Co. B ; must, out Aug. 2, 1865. 



CHAPTER XI. 

EIGHTH INFANTRY. 

The Fenton Light Guard and the Excelsior Guard — They join the 
Sth Infantry — Camp .\nderson — Organization and Departure of the 
8th— The Port Royal Expedition— Battle of Port Royal Ferry- 
Fort Pulaski and M'ilmington Ishmd — Presentation of Colors — 
Terrible Battle of James Island — Campaign under Pope — South 
Mountain and Antietam — Fredericksburg — The Wandering Regi- 
ment of Michigan — Campaigns in Kentucky and Mississippi — East 
Tennessee and the Siege of Knoxville — Re-enlistment as Veterans 
— Furlough and Return to the Army of the Potomac — Campaign of 
the Wilderness — Operations round Petersburg — The Sth leads the 
Union Column into the City — Muster Out and Return to Michigan. 

This regiment was foiuied in the summer and fall of 
18G1, its organizer and commanding officer being Col. 
William M. Fenton, of Flint, previously major of the 7th 
Infantry, from which he was promoted to this. The 
nucleus of the Sth Regiment was a Genesee company 
called the " Fenton Light Guard," which had been organ- 
ized at the armory in Flint in the evening of May 10th, a 
few days after the departure of the Flint Union Grays to 
join the 2d Regiment at Detroit. It had been expected 
that the Light Guard would take the field as a part of the 
7th Regiment, and, in fact, it had been designated as " E" 
company in that organization ; but as the 7th was able to 
muster its full complement of ten companies without this, 
it was transferred to Col. Fenton's command, not only with 
the consent, but in accordance with the wishes, of the officers 
and men. Another Genesee company which entered the 
Sth was named the Excelsior Guard, and representatives 
of the county were found in all of the eight other companies 
of the regiment. These last-named companies, however, 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



69 



were principally made up of men from the counties of Shia- 
wassee, Clinton, Gratiot, Montcalm, Kent, Ingham, Jackson, 
and Barry. 

On the 12th of August the several companies were 
designated, and ordered to rendezvous at Grand Rapids on 
the 21st. Under these orders the Fcnton Light Guard, 
one hundred and seven strong, under Capt. Russell M. 
Barker, and the Excelsior Guard, Capt. Ephraim N. Lyon, 
left Flint and moved to Fentonville, and thence by the 
Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad to Grand Rapids, where 
the regimental camp was pitched in the Fair-grounds, and 
named " Camp Anderson." Here the regiment remained 
for four weeks, engaged in drill, organization, and the filling 
of its ranks to the maximum number. On the 18th of 
September it moved to Detroit, and thence to a camp at 
Fort Wayne, below the city, where, on the 23d, it was mus- 
tered into the United States service for three years by Capt. 
H. R. Mizner, U. S. A., its strength when mustered being 
nine hundred. Its field-officers, besides Col. Fenton, were 
Lieut.-Col. Frank Graves and Maj. Amasa B. Watson. 

In the organization of the regiment the Fenton Light 
Guard was designated as " A" company, and it was mus- 
tered under the following-named commissioned officers, viz. : 
Captain, Simon C. Guild (promoted to captaincy in place 
of Capt. Barker, who resigned at Camp Anderson on ac- 
count of ill-health) ; 1st Lieutenant, George E. Newell ; 
2d Lieutenant, George H. Turner. 

The Excelsior Guard was designated as " G" company, 
and its first commissioned officers were: Captain, E. N. 
Lyon; 1st Lieutenant, Horatio Belcher; 2d Lieutenant, 
N. Miner Pratt. 

Orders for the departure of the regiment were received 
on the 26th of September, and on Friday (the 27th) it 
embarked on the steamers " Ocean" and " May Queen," and 
moved down the river and lake, arriving at Cleveland the 
following morning. From there it moved by railroad 
through Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Baltimore to Wash- 
ington, where it arrived on the 30th, and encamped on 
Meridian Hill, its camp being named " Camp Williams." 
In due time the men received arms and equipments, and on 
the 9th of October the regiment moved to Annapolis, Md., 
and there occupied the grounds of the Naval Academy. 

October 19th the regiment was ordered to embark 
on board the ocean-steamer " Vanderbilt," then lying at 
Annapolis. It was evidently bound on some distant expe- 
dition, but its destination and object were unknown, and 
were matters of endless surmise and speculation among the 
officers and men during the pas.sage down the Chesapeake. 
On the " Vanderbilt" with the 8th was the 79th New York 
Regiment, called the " Highlanders," and neither regiment 
appeared to be very favorably impressed with tlie appear- 
ance or presence of the other. One who was present on 
board the ship at that time wrote afterwards concerning 
this, as follows : "The men of the 8th Michigan and 79th 
New York looked distrustfully on each other. The ship 
was rather uncomfortably crowded, having eighteen hun- 
dred persons on board, and every effort to obtain better 
storage by one party was jealously watched by the other. 
The 8th regarded the 79th as a set of foreigners and sots, 
and the latter regarded our men as a lot of undrilled bush- 



whackers, tinged with verdancy." How long this state of 
feeling continued does not appear, but it is certain that 
there was afterwards developed between the 8th and 79th a 
friendship which became absolute affiBction, — so strong and 
marked that it was proverbial among the different commands 
of the army where the two regiments were known. It was a 
chain whose links were forged under the hammers of suf- 
fering and danger, and welded in the fire of battle. 

When they arrived at Fortress Monroe they found the 
roadstead crowded with a fleet made up of war-steamers and 
transports filled with troops. This fleet, including the 
" Vanderbilt," went to sea in the morning of October 29th, 
and the sight was grand and inspiriting. For a time the 
winds favored, and the sea was comparatively smooth, but 
afterwards a heavy gale came on in which the vessels were 
scattered, and three or four of them were lost. During 
this time the troops suffered greatly from sea-sickness and 
overcrowding on the transports. The fleet had sailed under 
sealed orders, and its destination was as yet unknown ex- 
cept to the naval and military commanders. At last the 
storm abated, the vessels one by one returned within sig- 
naling distance of each other, and the low shores of South 
Carolina became visible on the starboard hand. Six days 
(which seemed as many weeks) from the time of its de- 
parture from Fortress Monroe the fleet arrived off Hilton 
Head, S. C, Nov. 4, 1861. The object of the expedition 
was now apparent, and, with a smoother sea and an enemy 
almost in sight, sea-sickness and dejection gave place to 
buoyant spirits and eager enthusiasm. 

The fleet was composed of fourteen armed vessels, twenty - 
two first-class steamers, twelve smaller steamers, and twenty- 
six sailing vessels. The commander of the fleet was 
Commodore (afterwards Admiral) S. F. Dupont, whose 
flag-ship was the splendid steam-frigate " Wabash." The 
land forces consisted of thirteen regiments of volunteers, in 
three brigades, — in all, about eleven thousand men, — under 
command of Gen. W. T. Sherman. The 2d Brigade, com- 
posed of the 50th and 100th Pennsylvania, 8th Michigan, 
and 79th New York, was under command of Brig.-Gen. 
Isaac I. Stevens. 

The channel connecting Port Royal harbor with the sea 
was guarded on either side by a strong rebel fortification. 
These were known as Forts Walker and Beauregard, and 
the reduction of these, by the navy, was the first work to 
be done. For three days after their arrival the vessels re- 
mained iu quiet, below, as the weather was not considered 
sufficiently favorable for operations ; but on the 7th the 
" Wabash" set her signal for battle, and advanced to the 
attack, followed by the other armed ships in their proper 
order. They moved in a circular line, up, past one fort, 
and down, past the other, delivering their tremendous 
broadsides into each as they came abreast of it. With the 
fire from the ships, and the responses from the forts, it was 
almost a continuous volley of artillery, which shook the 
earth, and made the very waters tremble. But at length 
the fire of the forts began to slacken, their replies grew 
more and more feeble, and finally the Stars and Bars above 
their ramparts gave place to the white flag. A little later, 
the standard of the Union floated above the captured works 
on both sides of the channel. 



70 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



On the following day the 8th landed at Hilton Head, 
and occupied Fort Walker. On the 17th of December it 
moved to Beaufort, a place of surpassing beauty, where 
many of the wealthy people of Charleston had, in the old 
days of peace, made their summer residences. It was now 
found deserted by nearly all its inhabitants except negroes. 
The camp here was made in a grove of stately and mag- 
nificent live-oaks ; and but for the losses sustained in the 
vicinity, the stay of the regiment at this place would have 
been among the most pleasing of all its experiences during 
its term of service. On the 18th, Companies A and F, 
of the 8th, were sent on a reconnoitering expedition to the 
mainland, across Coosaw River, and while engaged in this 
service David Burns Foote, of Capt. Guild's company, was 
killed by the enemy, he being the first man of the regi- 
ment who fell in his country's service. The 8th, during 
the time it was stationed at Beaufort, was engaged in other 
reconnoissances, and in picket-duty ; and detachments occu- 
pied Grey's Hill, Ladies' Island, Brickyard Point, and 
some of the neighboring plantations. 

The first battle in which the regiment was engaged was 
that of Coosaw River, or Port Royal Ferry, Jan. 1, 1SG2. 
An ofiicial report by Col. Fenton to Gen. Stevens, embrac- 
ing an account of that engagement, is here given : 

"Headquartehs Sth Michigan Regime.nt, 1 
Maislaxd, Port Roval Ferrv, Jan. 1, 1SG2. 1 

"Brig.-Ge\. Steve.vs, — Sir, I have the honor to report that in 
compliance with your order this regiment was safelj landed at the 
Adams House on the mainland, having effected the crossing in flat- 
boats from Brickyard Point, Port Royal Island, and took up its line 
of march towards the enemy's battery at this place at one o'clock p.m. 
On our approach towards the ferry wo were ordered to attack (as 
skirmishers) a masked battery which opened fire on us from the 
right. I immediately detached the first two and tenth companies, and 
directed their march to the left and front on the battery, which was 
followed by four additional companies to the right and front. The 
fire of the battery with shells continued on our lines until the skir- 
mishers reached the right, wlien it was turned on them, and on their 
approach right, left, and front to within fifty to one hundred yards of 
the enemy's position, a fire of musketry was opened upon them. The 
force of the enemy, as well as the battery, was concealed to a consider- 
able extent by trees, brush, and underwood, but appeared to consist 
of two mounted howitzers, supported by a regiment or more of in- 
fantry and some cavalry. The skirmishers were measurably protected 
by underbrush and furrows, and continued their fire upon the enemy, 
which was returned by volleys of musketry and shells from the 
battery. Our fire was well directed, and seemed to be efi'ective. 
One mounted officer, who seemed to be very active, was seen to 
fall from his horse, at which the troops on the enemy's right were 
thrown into confusion. Their position seemed to be changing- to the 
rear, and as our skirmishers were called off and the regiment formed 
in line the enemy's fire ceased. The regiment w.as then marched to 
its position in line of battle in rear of the fort at this point. 

" Licut.-Col. Graves led the left and M.ij. Watson the right of the 
skirmishers. The major, in leading on the line, received a severe 
flesh wound in the leg. I have to report that officers and men behaved 
with admirable bravery and coolness. The loss of the enemy from 
the well-directed fire of our skirmishers cannot be less than forty. 
Our loss is seven wounded, two missing. A list is appended. I have 
the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" W.1I. M. Festos, 
" Col, Sth Mk-hii^an lictfiinent." 

Among those who fell in the action at Beaufort Ferry 
was Corp. John Q. Adams, of Capt. Guild's company, 
mortally wounded, and left in the enemy's bands. Some 
negroes who came into the Union lines two or three days 
afterwards gave Col. Fenton this account of his death. 



They said they saw him after the battle in a wagon at the 
railroad suiTounded by spectators. He received water to 
drink from them, but would give them no information. 
They asked him if it was right to come into their country 
and drive them off their land. He said it was, and that 
there were those behind who would avenge his fall. He 
remained true to his flag, and was conscious until midnight, 
when he died. Upon these facts being sworn to. Col. Fen- 
ton embodied them in an official report, to which was ap- 
pended the following order : 

"Headqiarters, 8th Miibigas Regiment,) 
" Camp near Beaufort, S. C, Jan. 7, 1862. I 
" Spt:ct<il Orders, — In consideration of the noble and patriotic ac- 
tion and heroic death of John Q. Adams, corporal in Co. A, the above 
report will be entered on the regimental records, with this order. 
" By order of 

"Col. Wm. M. Fenton. 
"N. Miner Pratt, Adjtiiant." 

During the months of January, February, and JIarch 
the regiment was employed in drill and picket duty, but 
always ready to respond to marching orders, which were 
constantly expected, and were finally received on the 9th 
of April, when the Sth left Beaufort and moved to Tybee 
Island, Ga., where it was reported to Gen. Q. A. Gillmore, 
commanding the operations against Savannah. It was 
present (but not engaged) at the bombardment of Fort 
Pula.ski, on the 10th and 11th, as also at the surrender of 
that formidable work. 

On the 16th of April seven companies of the regiment 
(A, B, G, D, H, I, and K, each about forty strong) were 
detailed, with a detachment of Rhode Island artillery, as 
an escort to Lieut. C. H. Wilson, chief of the topographi- 
cal engineers, department of the South, to make a recon- 
noissance of Wilmington Island, with a view to the erection 
of fortifications upon it if found practicable. The force 
was embarked on the steamer " Honduras," and moved to 
the place designated, where it landed and proceeded to the 
execution of the duty assigned. This resulted in an en- 
gagement with a force of the enemy, consisting of the 13th 
Georgia, " Oglethorpe Light Infantry," and the " Altamaha 
Scouts," in all about eight hundred strong. A detailed 
account of this movement and battle is given in Col. 
Feuton's ofiicial report, of which the following is a copy : 

" HEADtil'AHTERS ElGHTH REGIMENT MiCH. VoLS. 

" On board steamer ' Honduras,' off Wilmington Island, Ga., April 
16, 1862, — eleven p.m. 

"LiECT. W. L. M. Burger, Acting Assinlanl Ailjulaiil-General : 
**SiR, — I have the honor to report, for the information of the gen- 
eral commanding, that in compliance with Special Orders No. 41, I 
embarked with seven companies of the Sth Michigan Regiment, as an 
escort to Lieut. C. H. Wilson, Topographical Engineer, on a recon- 
noissance of Wilmington Island. Two companies were landed at 
Scriven's plantation under command of Capt. Pratt, with orders from 
Lieut. AVilson to skirt Turner's Creek. The other five companies were 
landed at Gibson's plantation. Two of those companies were ordered 
to skirt Turner's Creek. A third was to take the road to the right, 
towards the ferry at Canan's Bluff, to protect the boat-party up Oat- 
land Creek. Owing to the small number of boats, and the distance 
from the steamer, ivhich was aground, some delay occurred in the dis- 
embarkation. I directed Lieut.-Cul. Graves to follow with the second 
company to skirt Turner's Creek; but he by misdirection took the 
road to the right, towards Canan's Bluff, and on landing with the re- 
maining companies, I received information from him that the enemy 
were in force at Flatwood's plantation, and to the left of the road. 
This made the reconnoissance with boats unsafe, and I ordered the 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



71 



companies all in and stationed the remaining companies to guard 
against an attack at our landing, and sent out strong pickets on both 
roads. I believe the advance of the company to the right, instead of 
along Turner's Creek, saved my command, as it sooner enabled mo to 
post the men to advantage, and take a position from which the en- 
emy's approach could be observed. The enemy appeared to bo the 
Georgia 13th, about eight hundred strong, armed with Enfield rifles. 
As they approached, about four p.m., witli a strong body of skirmishers 
in the skirt of woods below the road, the companies to the right and 
left of the road, in accordance with my instructions, opened fire. I 
immediately sounded the charge for an advance of the companies in 
the rear of the first line: but the first line, misunderstanding the sig- 
nal, fell back to the next company. A constjmt and cflective fire was 
kept up on both sides from the cover of the trees ami bushes. Lieut. 
AVilson, who had returned with the boat's party, here proved of great 
service to me, and took a jiarty, at my request, to the left. I ordered 
a company to the right, to flank the enemy. Both operations were 
successful, and in a few moments tlie enemy retreated in confusion, 
leaving several dead on the field, and followed by our men with loud 
cheers. It being now about sunset, I recalled our troops, and, giving 
to Lieut. Wilson the commiind of pickets stationed to guard against 
surprise, formed the comjianics into line as originally posted, sent the 
dead and wounded in boats to the ship, and gradually and very quietly, 
under cover of darkness, withdrawing the men, sent them on board 
as fast as our limited transportation would allow. At the last trip of 
the boat I embarked, accompanied by Lieut. Wilson, Lieut. -Col. 
Graves, and the remainder of the command, at about ten o'clock p.m., 
and immediately brought on board the two companies left at Scriven's 
plantation. -After the enemy retreated we were unmolested. It is 
due to the officers and men of the command to say that generally they 
behaved with cool and intrepid courage. Adj. Pratt fell dead near 
my side, gallantly fighting, musket in hand, and cheering on the men. 
Our loss, I regret to say, was comparatively large, — ten killed and 
thirty-five wounded, out of a command of three hundred men. 
Among the wounded was Acting Lieut. Badger, of Co. C, who was 
in charge of the advanced picket, and exhibited undaunted courage. 
He, with one of his men, was taken prisoner. Both escaped, and were 
brought in when the enemy retreated. The captain of the ' Hon- 
duras' is deserving of great credit for his kind attention to the 
wounded, and he afforded us every facility for the comfort of officers 
and men in his power. I respectfully refer you to Lieut. Wilson's re- 
|)Ortj which I have seen, which contains some facts not embraced in 
this "report; among others, in relation to the men detailed in charge 
of the field-piece on board ship, who were vigilant and attentive. 
Herewith I transmit a list of casualties. 

*' I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"Wii.Li.\M M. Fe.nto.v, Col, Commaudiiitj." 

The part of Lieut. Wilson's report to which Col. Fen- 
ton alluded as having reference to the detachment in charge 
of the field-piece was as follows : •' Lieut. Caldwell and 
sixteen men of the Rhode Island volunteers, with one 
light six-pounder, were left in charge of the steamer. The 
gun could not be handled on account of the inability of 
the boat to lie alongside the landing. . . . After holding 
the ground for three hours the entire force was quietly em- 
barked without further accident, though it must bo con- 
fessed that had the enemy renewed his attack while we 
were embarking we should have suffered great loss. Our 
five small boats could not move more than fifty men every 
thirty minutes, and the steamer lay in such a position that 
the six-pounder could not be brought to bear without jeop- 
ardizing the lives of our own people." 

From Wilmington Island the command returned to 
Beaufort, and the first knowledge which Gen. Stevens had 
of the battle of the IGth was conveyed by the arrival of 
the dead and wounded from that field. The dead were 
buried with all military honors, the entire brigade attending 
their funeral. 

Next came the presentation to the regiment of a beauti- 



ful flag, furnished by citizens of Genesee County, and 
forwarded by a committee composed of Hon. J. B. Walker, 
George T. Clark, and Charles P. Avery. It was of the 
richest and heaviest .silk, and fringed, tasseled, and starred 
with gold. On its stripes, in golden letters, were the words 
" One Country, One Destiny," " Eighth Michigan In- 
fantry." On its staff was a silver plate bearing the en- 
graved inscription : 

" Presented 

to 

The Officers -^nd Soldiers 

of the 

Eighth Keciment, Michigan Inf.inthv, 

by their friends and neighbors 

of Genesee County." 

It was sent by the donors " in token of their high respect 
for the 8th Regiment, on account of their gallant conduct 
at the battle of Coosaw," and it arrived at Hilton Head on 
the very day when the men of the Sth were again distin- 
guishing themselves at Wilmington Island. 

The ceremony of presentation was imposing. At evening 
parade on the 25th of April the regiment was formed on 
three sides of a hollow square, of which the fourth side 
was formed by Gen. Stevens and his staff. The color was 
in the centre. It was formally presented to the regiment 
by Gen. Stevens, who, after a few introductory remarks, 
and reading aloud the letter of the committee at Flint, 
said : 

" Soldiers of Michigan : It is gratifying to know by 
this letter from your friends that your services are appreciated 
by them ; and I, who, on the day alluded to, was your com- 
manding general, feel proud in referring to the occasion 
which calls forth from your friends at home such an ac- 
knowledgment. Your bravery and undaunted courage, 
led on by your gallant colonel in face of the enemy at the 
battle of Coosaw, deserves, as it has received, the highest 
commendation. 

" This banner comes at a propitious moment. You have 
added to the reputation already acquired another brilliant 
achievement. While this flag was consigned as it were to 
the tender mercies of the deep, and on the very day of its 
safe arrival at Hilton Head, you were testing the strength 
of your arms against overwhelming odds of the enemy on 
Wilmington Island, adding new lustre to your already bril- 
liant career, and giving new evidence of your intrepidity 
and bravery. . . . 

" Unfurl that flag ! Let it float to the breeze ! There, 
fellow-soldiers, is your banner ! Inscribed upon its ample 
folds is the motto. One Country, One Destiny ! It is 
surmounted by the eagle — emblem of strength — and bear- 
ing on its outstretched wings the prestige of victory. Like 
the eagle of Napoleon and of ancient Rome, its march is 
onward and upward. Upon the folds of that banner is the 
work of fair hands, the daughters of Michigan, your loved 
ones at home, endeared to you by the tender ties of mother 
and daughter, sister and friend. That is the flag the gal- 
lant Jackson bore aloft when he said, ' The Union : it must, 
it shall be preserved !' It is the flag Washington fought 
for and sustained. VVe are following in the footsteps of our 
brave and heroic ancestors. Let us, like them, while in the 



72 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



discharge of our duties as soldiers, and rejoicing in suc- 
cesses, remember our obligations as Christians. Commit it 
to the God of Battles. His arm will be stretched forth to 
succor and to save. Here, upon our knees, in the presence 
of Almiglity God, let us invoke His blessing. I call upon 
you, chaplain. It is fit and proper that it be consecrated 
with prayer." The chaplain responded in an earnest and 
eloquent prayer. The colors were received in due form, 
with drums beating, and arms presented. Then Col. Feuton 
spoke, thanking the general, and congratulating the officers 
and men of his regiment. In concluding, he turned towards 
the flag, as it was held aloft by the tall color-bearer, and 
said : 

" CoLOR-BEAKER AND COLOR-GUARDS : I know you all, 
and know you well. That banner in your hands will be 
proudly borne and bravely defended. And should you fall, 
you will wrap its folds around you, defending it while life 
remains. Soldiers, you may well feel proud that you have 
been honored by your general, in the presentation of that 
flag. You will stand by it to the last. I feel and know 
you will. You have been tried on the soil of both South 
Carolina and Georgia, and, one and all, you will maintain 
the character you have acquired, and do honor to the State 
which has sent you forth." The speech was followed by 
three-times-three cheers for the colonel, the color, and its 
donors, and the ceremony (which had been witnessed by a 
large number of soldiers of other commands and by many 
citizens of South Carolina) was over. 

During the month of May the 8th was engaged on picket 
duty, and other similar service, on Fort Royal Island. On 
the 2d of June it moved thence to Stone River, S. C, to 
relieve the 28th Massachusetts Regiment, on picket on 
James Island, where the 8th arrived on the day following 
its departure from Port Royal. Here it was attached to 
the 1st Brigade of the 2d Division, under Gen. Stevens j 
the brigade being placed under command of Col. Fenton, 
and Lieut.-Col. Graves succeeding to the command of the 
regiment. 

The battle of James Island (or Secessionville, as it is 
frequently called) was fought on the 16th of June. In it 
the 8th Michigan took a more prominent part, and sufiered 
more severely, than any other regiment, and its losses here 
were, taking everything into consideration, more terrible 
than it sustained on any other field during its long and 
honorable career. Secessionville, the scene of the battle, 
was described by Dr. J. C. Willson, surgeon of the 8th 
Regiment, as " a village composed of a few houses whose 
owners have seceded from them, situated on a narrow neck 
of land jutting into the stream on the east side of James 
Island, skirted by tidal marshes and swamps on either side, 
and difiicult of approach, except from the westward, where 
is a rebel fort which commands this entrance." The fort 
was a formidable earthwork, with a parapet nine feet in 
height, surrounded by a broad ditch seven feet deep, and 
protected by a broad and almost impenetrable abatis. The 
neck of dry land over which (alone) it was approachable 
was barely two hundred yards in width, and every inch of 
it could be swept at close range by canister from the six 
heavy guns of the fort and by musketry from its defenders. 
And it was over such ground, and to the assault of such a 



work, that the troops of Stevens' division moved forward 
at four o'clock in the morning of that bloody and eventful 
ICth of June, 1862. 

The attacking column was made up of Col. Fenton's 
and Col. Leasure's brigades, the former composed of the Sth 
Michigan, 7th Connecticut, and 28th Massachusetts Regi- 
ments, and the latter of the 46th and 79th New York, and 
100th Pennsylvania, with four batteries of artillery, — in all 
three thousand three hundred and thirty-seven men. The 
following account of the battle was written by the corre- 
spondent of the New York Tribune, then at James' Island, 
and published in that paper immediately after the fight : 

" The advanced regiments were the Sth Michigan, the 
79th New York, and the 7th Connecticut. There is some 
confusion as to the order in which these regiments came up 
to the fort ; it seems, however, from the best information 
within reach, that the glorious but unfortunate Sth Michi- 
gan was the firet there, led by its gallant Lieut.-Col. Graves. 
The immediate assault upon the fort was not successful, and 
the cause of its failure, as is usual in such cases, is difficult 
to determine. ... It appears, from the statements of some 
of the officers and men in these regiments, that about one 
half-mile from the fort there was a narrow pass through a 
hedge, and the men were compelled to pass through, a very 
few abreast, thus delaying their advance. The Sth Michi- 
gan got through and pushed on with great vigor up to the 
fort, which they assaulted with a shout. They were met 
with a murderous fire from the fort in front, and from flank- 
ing batteries. A few of these brave men overcame all dan- 
gers and difficulties, and, rushing over the dead bodies of 
their slaughtered comrades, actually climbed into the fort ; 
but it was impossible for them to maintain their ground 
there against the fearful odds which opposed them, the men 
who should have supported them being delayed in passing 
through the hedge. 

" The Sth was obliged to fall back as the 79th New York 
came up, led by the brave Col. Morrison, who mounted the 
walls of the fort and discharged all the barrels of his re- 
volver in the very faces of the enemy. Wounded in the 
head, and unsupported, he was obliged to retreat. About 
as far behind the 79th as that regiment was behind the Sth 
Blichigan came the 7th Connecticut, which made a spas- 
modic and almost independent efibrt against the fort, but 
was obliged to fall back. Thus the brave regiments which 
were intended to act in concert as the advance went into the 
fight one at a time, one repulsed and falling back as the 
other came up, thus creating confusion, and rendering 
abortive the charge on the fort at this time. 

" A failure like this always disheartens troops. It was 
just in front of the fort, and in the first charge, that the 
noble and brave Capt. Church [Company D, of the Sth] fell, 
pierced through the head with a musket-ball. He was a 
fine officer, and beloved by his men. I knew and admired 
his commanding person and frank and honest bearing. 
Although suffering from disease, he arose from his bed and 
led his men to the fatal ditch. 

" The Sth Michigan has been most unfortunate. For- 
ward in every skirmish and battle, always in the advance, 
it has lost a considerable number of its officers, and can 
now scarcely number three hundred men. All these regi- 



EIGUTII INFANTllY. 



73 



merits fought well, and piled their dead around the fort ; 
but it was a terrible sacrifice, and a vain one. 

" The first, as has been said, to reach the fort were the 
Michigan 8th and New York T'Jlh. This was not the 
natural order, but the TOth, hearing the cheers of the Sth, 
ran past the other regiments and joined the Sth as it 
reached the works. Both regiments suflfered terribly from 
the fire of the enemy a.s they approached, — the Sth from 
grape and canister, the TDth from musketry, as the nature 
of their wounds shows. Badly shattered, and wholly ex- 
hausted from three-fourths of a mile on the double-(|uick, 
many fell powerless on reaching the works ; while a few, 
in sufiBciently good condition, mounted the parapet, from 
which the enemy had been driven by our sharp and eflective 
fire, and called upon the others to follow them. 

"At about nine o'clock, which seemed to be the crisis of 
the battle, and when the generals seemed to be coTisulting 
whether they should again advance upon the fort, or retire, 
the gunboats decided the question by opening a heavy can- 
nonade in our rear, which, instjad of telling upon the 
rebels, threw their shot and shell into our own ranks. This 
must have resulted from ignorance on their part as to our 
precise position, owing to the rapid changes upon the field, 
and in the intervening timber. The shells fell and burst 
in the very midst of our men, — several exploding near 
the commanding general and his staff. The effect of this 
unfortunate mistake was an order for the troops to retire, 
which they did in perfect order, taking position on the old 
picket-line." 

In the Scotlixli American newspaper, of New York, there 
appeared, a few days after the battle, a communication from 
an officer of the T^th Highlanders, in which the gallantry 
of the Sth at Secessionville is thus noticed : " I should 
mention that the Sth Michigan, small in number, but every 
man a hero, had been repulsed from the fort, with terrible 
lass, just as we advanced. The Michigan men could not 
have numbered four hundred when they advanced ; when 
they retired they had one hundred and ninety killed and 
wounded. One company alone lost, I understand, no less 
than ninety-eight men. The ordeal through which they 
had passed the 79th were now experiencing. Shot down 
by unseen enemies, and without having an opportunity of 
returning the fire with any effect, the men got discouraged, 
but remained stubbornly on the ground until the order was 
given to retire, — an order, let me say, which was only ren- 
dered necessary by the shameful fact that, notwithstand- 
ing the strong force within supporting distance, no support 
came. The fort was ours had we received a.ssistance, but it 
is a fact that cannot be gainsaid that every man who fell 
around its ramparts belonged to the Sth Michigan and the 
7'Jth New I'^ork, — the two weakest regiments, in point of 
numbers, in the whole force under command of Gen. Ben- 
ham." 

The Sth regiment went into the fight with a total strength 
of five hundred and thirty-four officei-s and men, and its 
loss in the as.s;iult was, according to the surgeon's report, 
one hundred and forty-seven killed and wounded," and 
thirty-seven missing; this being more than one-third of the 
number engaged. The first report of its loss made it sonie- 
wliat greater than this. Gen. Stevens, in his " General 
10 



Order No. 2(5," dated James Island, S. C, June 18, 1862, 
mentioned the heroism of the Sth Michigan as follows : 
. . . Parties from the leading regiments of the two 
brigades, the Sth Michigan and the 79th Highlanders, 
mounted and were shot down on the parapet, officers and 
men. These two regiments especially covered themselves 
with glory, and their fearful casualties show the hot work 
in which they were engaged. Two-fifths of the Sth Michi- 
gan and nearly one-quarter of the 79th Highlandei-s were 
down, either killed or wounded, and all the remaining 
regiments had a large number of casualties. ... In 
congratulating his comrades on their heroic valor and con- 
stancy on that terrible field, the commanding general of the 
division has not words to express his and your grief at the 
sacrifices that have been made. Our best and truest men 
now sleep the sleep that knows no waking. Their dead 
bodies lie on the enemy's parapet. Church, Pratt, Cottrill, 
Guild, Morrow, Horton, Hitchcock, and many other gallant 
and noble men we shall see no more." 

Among the killed of the Sth Regiment in this action 
was Capt. S. C. Guild, of Flint, commanding Company A. 
On the 14th of June he had written a letter to friends in 
Michigan, in which he said, " I cannot but regret that I 
am so long delayed from the prosecution of my studies, but 
this war must first be settled, and the majesty of truth and 
the constitution vindicated ; and if I do nothing more in 
life, it will be sufficient service that I have been a soldier 
in this war. Yet it is needless for me to conceal my dis- 
like of this kind of life, and that my earnest desire is to 
escape from it the first opportunity. It is entirely dissonant 
with my feelings, habits, and thoughts, and can never be 
less than an unpleasant duty ; and yet, as a duty, it is, in a 
sense, a pleasure to perform it. I have learned much, how- 
ever, which will serve me in all my futjire life." Two days 
later this hero died on the hostile rampart, with his face to 
the foe. 

Col. Fcnton was relieved from the command of the bri- 
gade, at his own request, on the 21st of June. On resum- 
ing command of the Sth llegiment, he made a very earnest 
and determined effort to have it relieved for a time from 
active service, on account of the arduous service it had per- 
formed and the fearful losses it had sustained. But his 
answer was, " At present all the regiments in the Depart- 
ment of the South are needed, and more than needed, in 
the positions they now occupy." 

Gen. Stevens' command evacuated James Island on the 
5th of July, the Sth Regiment being the last to leave, as 
it had been the first in the advance. Moving to Hilton 
Head, itcmbarked there July 13th, with the79th New York, 
2Sth Mas.sachusetts, 7lh Connecticut, and other regiments, 
for Fortress Monroe, where they arrived on the Itith, and 
landed at Newport News on the following day. They 
knew they were destined to reinforce the Army of the Po- 
tomac after its disasters in the seven Days' fight, and they 
did not like the change, for they jireferred to remain in the 
South, where their laurels had been won. The Sth re- 
mained three weeks in camp at Newport News, and during 
this time Col. Feiiton left for Michigan to obtain recruits, 
leaving Lieut. -Col. Graves in charge of the regiment. 
The command left this camp, August 4th, and, moving to 



74 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the Rnppahaiinoek River, took part in the campaign of Gen. 
Pope, fighting at second Bull Run, August 29th and 30th, 
and Chantilly, Scptenihor 1st, losing considerably in both 
engagements. Soon after, it moved with the l)th Army Corps 
(to which it had been attached) into Maryland. It fought at 
South Mountain, September 14th, losing thirteen, wounded; 
and was again engaged in the great battle of Antietam, Sep- 
tember ITtli. Early in that day it formed in line, with its 
brigade, on tlie right, but about noon, when the battle be- 
came general, it was ordered to the left, and took possession 
near the historic Stone Bridge. " A more terrific fire than we 
here met with," wrote an officer of the regiment, " it has not 
been my lot to witness. It equaled, if it did not exceed, 
that of James Island. At first our men gained ground and 
drove tlie enemy half a mile, but the battery that covered 
our advance and answered to llie enemy's in front getting 
out of ammunition, together with the arrival of a fresh rebel 
brigade from Harper's Ferry, flanking our position and 
bringing our men under a crossfire, changed the fortunes 
of the day in their i'avor, and when night closed upon the 
scene of carnage the enemy reoccupied the ground wrested 
from them at such fearful sacrifice in the afternoon." The 
Dridge, however, was not letaken by tlie enemy, and, although 
the Union forces liad been driven back here on the left, 
the advantage remained with them on other ))arts of the 
field. The battle was not renewed to any extent on tlio 
following day, and the enemy, wliile keeping up the ap- 
pearance of a strong line in front, retreated from his posi- 
tion to the Potomac, preparatory to crossing back into Vir- 
ginia. 

The loss of the 8th at Antietam was twenty-seven killed 
and wounded, — a loss which appears quite severe when it is 
lemembcred that the regiment went into action with con- 
siderably less than two hundred men, having been reduced 
not only by its terrible losses in previous battles, but also 
by discharges ; more than two hundred and fifty men being 
di.scliarged from the 8th in the year 18()2, of wiioni just 
one hundred enii.sted in the regular army. Tlie places of 
these were being filled to some extent by recruits, of whom 
a number joined the regiment the day bcl'ore Antietam; 
and it was said of them that, although they had never be- 
fore heard a hostile gun, they endured the terrible initiation 
of that day with almost the steadiness of veterans. 

For about a month after the battle the regiment re- 
mained in Maryland, a short time iu the vicinity of An- 
tietam, and a longer time in Pleasant Valley. During this 
time Col. Fenton returned, and Capt. Ralph Ely was pro- 
moted to major, vice Watson, resigned. On the 2Gth of 
October the 8th marched to Weverton, and thence to Ber- 
lin, Md., where it crossed the Potomac on pontoons into 
Virginia. It passed tiirough Lovettsville, Waterford, 
Slack's Mills, Rcctortown, and Salem, to Waterloo, where, 
on the 11th of November, it received the announcement of 
Gen. Burnside's piomotion to the command of the army. 
On the 15th it was at Sulphur Springs, and moved thence, 
l)y way of FayetteviUe and Boalton Station, to a camp 
about ten miles east of the latter place, where was read the 
order forming the " riglit grand division ' of the army, by 
uniting tlie 2d and 9th Corps, under command of Gen. E. 
V. Sunmer. On the ISlh the regiment marched, leading 



the brigade, and on the 19th reached Falmouth, opposite 
Fredericksburg, where the army was rapidly concentrating. 
Here it remained (a part of it acting as provost-guard of 
the division) until the 12th of December, when it crossed 
the Rappahannock to Fredericksburg, but was not engaged 
in the great battle of the 13th. It recrossed on the 15th, 
and remained at Falmouth until Feb. 13, lSl!3, when it 
moved with the 9th Corps (which had been detached from 
the Army of Potomac) to Newport News, Va., and there 
camped, evidently waiting orders for a further movement, 
which the officers and men hoped might take them back to 
the De])artment of the Soutli. The regiment remained in 
camp at Newport News for more than a month, and during 
this time Col. Fenton resigned, on account of his health 
having become greatly impaired. Maj. Ely was promoted 
to lieutenant-colonel, and was then in command of the regi- 
ment, and Capt. E. W. Lyon, of " G" company, was made 
major. 

On the 20th of Jlarch the 8th Regiment, being again 
under marching orders, embarked at Newport News, on the 
steamer " Georgia," preparatory to the commencement of the 
long series of movements and marches in the Simthwcst 
which afterwards gave it tlie name of" the wandering regi- 
ment of Michigan." It left Newport News on the 21st, 
arrived at Baltimore on the 22d, and proceeded tlienoe by 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railioad to Parkersburg, W. Va., 
reaching there on the 24th, and embarking on the steamer 
" Majestic" for Louisville, Ky., where it arrived at noon on 
Thur.sday the 2Cth. At that time it was brigaded with the 
2d, ITtli, and 20th Michigan Regiments, under Brig.-Gen. 
Orlando JI. Poe ( formerly colonel of the 2d), as brigade con;- 
mander ; this being the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army 
Corps. This corps (then a part of the Army of the Ohio) 
had for its immediate mission in Kentucky to observe and 
hold in check the forces of the guerrilla chief, John Morgan, 
who, at that time, seemed to be omnipresent in all that re- 
gion, and whose movements were giving the government no 
little trouble and alarm. 

The Stli moved by railroad from Lmisville on the 2Sth, 
and proceeded to Lebanon, Ky., and remained stationed 
there and at Green River Ford, Ky., for .some weeks. 
While the command lay at Lebanon there was i.ssued the 
fir.st number of a paper entitled The Wo/vtrtiie, which was 
announced as ''published by members of the Sth Michigan 
Infantry, and will be issued as often as circumstances will 
permit." How many numbers of this journal were ever 
published is not known. 

About the 1st of June the 9th Corps, which had been 
scattered in detachments at various points in Kentucky, 
was ordered to move to Mississippi to reinforce the army of 
Gen. Grant, then operating against Vick.sburg. The Sth 
Regiment moved with the corps, going to Cairo, 111., by 
rail, and then, embarking on boats on the Mississippi River, 
was transported to Haynes BluflF, Miss. From there it 
moved to Milldale, Jliss., and remained there and at Flower 
Dale Church, near Vicksburg, until the operations against 
that .Stronghold ended in its capitulation, July Jth. Then 
it moved with the corps towards Jackson, 5Ii.ss., in pursuit 
of the army of Johnston, who had been hovering in Gen. 
Grant's rear, attempting to raise the siege of Vicksburg. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



In the several engagomeiits which occurred from the 10th 
to the IGth of July the Sth p;irticip;»ted, but sufforoJ little 
loss; and after the evacuation of Jackson, on the Itjth, it 
returned to its former camp at Milldale, remaining; there till 
August Gth, when it a;gain took boat on the Mississippi 
auJ moved north with the corps. It reached Memphis in 
the nii;lit of the 11th, and passed on to Cairo and thence 
to Cincinnati, where it arrived on the IStii, and, crossin;.; 
the river, camped at Covington, Ky. From Covington it 
moved by way of Nieholasvillc to Crab Orchard, Ky., 
reaching there August 27th, and remaining there in camp 
two weeks. On the IDlli of September it was again on 
the march, and moved by way of Cumberland Gap to 
Kiioxville, Tenn., reaching there on the 2iith. 

The Sth was slightly engaged with the enemy at Blue 
Springs, October lOtli, and, after considerable marching and 
countermarching, went into camp, October 20th, at Lenoir 
Station, where it remained until November 14th. It was 
then, with its divi.sion, ordered to Hough's Ferry, on the 
Holston River, to check the advance of Longstreet, who 
was reported moving up from Georgia towards Knoxvillc. 
He was found in strong force, and the Union troops retired 
before him, and, passing back through Lenoir, continued 
the retreat to Knosville. Being hard pressed, however, a 
stand was made at Cainpljell's Station on the IGth, and a 
battle ensued, lasting from about one r.Jl. until dark, and 
resulting in a loss to the Sth of eleven wounded. During 
the night the retreat was continued, and the regiment 
reached Knoxville in the morning of the 17th, after an 
almost continuous march of two days and three nights, in- 
cluding a battle of several hours' duration, moving over the 
worst of roads through mud and rain, and witli less than 
quarter rations. 

Then followed the siege of Knoxville by Longstreet, 
which continued eighteen days, during all which time the 
8tli occupied tiie front line of works, and suffered severely for 
lack of food and sufficient clothing. On Sunday, November 
29tli, two veteran Georgia brigades belonging to McLaws' 
rebel division made a furious assault on Fort Saunders (one 
of the works in the lino of fortifications inclosing Knos- 
ville), and were repulsed and driven back with a loss of 
nearly eight hundred men, the 8tli Michigan being one of 
the regiments which received and repelled the as.sault. In 
the night of the 4th and 5th of December the enemy with- 
drew from before Knoxville. In the pursuit which followed 
tiie 8th took part, but with no results, and on the IGth it 
encamped at Blain's Cro.ss-Roads. This proved to be the 
la.st camp which it occupied for any considerable length of 
time in Tennessee. It remained here about three weeks, 
during which time three hundred of its members re-enlisted 
as veterans. On the 8tli of January, 18G4, the veteranized 
command, under orders to report at Detroit, left its camp, 
and took the road across the Cumberland Mountains for 
the railroad at Nicholasvillo, Ky., nearly two hundred miles 
distant. It reached that place in ten days, iiaving nia<le an 
average of nearly twenty miles a day over niiseraiile roads 
and through the snow and ice of the niountiiin-passes. It 
reached Detroit on the 2r)th, and there received the vete- 
ran furlough. At the end of the .sjiccified time the men 
reassembled at the rendezvous (the city of Flint I, where 



Capt. Charles II. JlcCreery was in charge of a recruiting- 
station for the '■ veteran Sth." On the Sth of March they 
left again for the front, proceeding by way of Cincinnati to 
Annapolis, Md , to rejoin the ilth Corps, which had, after 
the regiment had left Tennessee, been ordered East to rein- 
force llie Army of the Potomac. 

The Sth remained at Annapolis until April 2!!d, when 
it moved to Washington, and thence across the I'otomac to 
Warrenton Junction. On the opening of the campaign of 
18G4 it moved with the army on the 4tli of May, cros.sed 
tiio Ilapidan at Germania Ford on the 5th, and on the fol- 
lowing day was hotly engaged in the Wilderness, losing 
ninety-nine in killed, wounded, and mi.ssing. Among these 
was Col. Frank Graves, who was made prisoner by tlie 
enemy, and (as was reported) shot in cold blood because he 
applied the epithet " robber" to one of his captors who was 
taking his boots from his feet. 

On the Sth of May the Sth marched over the old field 
of Chancellorsville, and on towards Spotts3'lvania Court- 
Ilouse, where, on the 12th, it took part in the assault on 
the enemy's intrenehments, losing forty-nine officers and 
men in the bloody work of that day. During the fight the 
corps commander. Gen. Burnside, rode up and called out to 
the regiment, " Boys, you must support this battery and 
hold the hill at all hazards, for it is the key to our safety," 
and a moment later inquired what regiment it was. Col. 
}i\y informed liim. " Ah !" returned the general, ''the Sth 
Michigan ! 1 know you. You'll hold it!" and rodo away. 
The regiment crossed the Pamunkey River May 28th, and 
moved towards Bethesda Church, where, in the battle of 
June 3d, it gallantly charged and carried the enemy's rifle- 
pits, sustaining a loss of fifty-nine, killed, wounded, and mi-^s- 
ing. On the 12th it was encamped near Mechanicsville, Va. 
The next day it crossed the Chickahominy, and on the 14th 
crossed the James River, from which point it moved by a 
forced march to the front of Petersburg, arriving there in 
the evening of the IGth. On the 17th and 18th it took 
part in the attacks on the enemy's works, losing forty-nine 
killed and wounded. For six weeks after that time it was 
constantly employed on the fortifications, under fire. In 
the fight at " the Crater," July 30th, it was engaged, losing 
thirteen killed and wounded. Soon after, it moved to the 
Weldon Railroad, and fought there in the action of August 
19th, lo.sing thirty in killed, wounded, and mis>ing, among 
the killed being Maj. Horatio Belcher, of Flint. It was 
again engaged, with but slight loss, on the 21st; and on 
the 30th it took part in the battle of Poplar Grove Church, 
losing eight wounded. 

The Sth remained near Peebles' Farm, engaged in forti- 
fying and picket duty, till November 29th, when it moved 
again to a position before Petersburg. It assisted in repuls- 
ing the enemy in his attack on Fort Steadman, March 25, 
1SG5, and on the 2d of April was engaged in the attack on 
Fort .Mahon, assisting in carrying the work, and being thefirst 
regiment to place its colors on the hostile ramparts. The 
next day it marched into Petensburg. After this it was em- 
ployed in guard duty on the South Side Railroad till the 20th, 
wheTi it marched to ('ity P(]int, and on the following day em- 
barked on transports and proeecded to Alexandria, \^i., from 
whieh place it moved to Tenallytown, Md , on the 2ljlli. It 



76 



HISTOKY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



moved into the city of Washington, May 9th, and was there 
engaged in guard and patrol duty until July 30, 1865, when 
it was mustered out of the service. Its strength when mus- 
tered out was six hundred and three officers and men, it hav- 
ing been quite largely augmented by recruits during the lat- 
ter part of its term of service. The regiment left Washington 
on the 1st of August, and on the 3d arrived at Detroit, where 
it was paid and disbanded, and the survivors of " the wan- 
dering regiment of Michigan" returned to their homes and 
the vocations of peaceful life. During its existence the 
regiment had moved over seven thousand miles, by land 
and sea, more than nineteen hundred men had marched in 
its ranks, and it had been engaged in thirty-seven battles 
and skirmishes, in seven different States of the Union. 

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE EIGHTH INFANTRY FROM GENESEE 
COUNTY. 

Col. Win. M. Fenton, Flint ; enl. Aug. 7, 1861 ; res. March 15, 1803. 

Miij. Ephraiin W. Lj-oll, Flint; enl. Aug. 10, 1801 ; ros. Miiich HI, 1863. 

1st Lieut, iinil Ailj. N. Miner l'r;itt, Flint; enl. Aug. 14, ISCl ; killed in liattio 

of Wilmington, Gh., April 16, 18G2. 
1st Lieut, and tir.-Mr. Asa Gregory, Flint; enl. Ang. 12, 1801; commissary of 

U. S. Vols,, Nov. 20, 1SG2; brov.-maj. U. S. Vols., April 3, 1805 ; must, out 

April 20, 18C6. 
Surg. Janies C. W'illson, Flint ; enl. Miircll 3, 1862 ; res. for disab., M.ircli 6, 1863. 
Asst. Sing. John Willett, Flint; enl. Nov. 22, 1802; surg. Sdlnf, Nov. 28, 1804, 

to June 30, 1.S05. 
Chaplain Wm. Malion, Flint ; enl. Aug. 26, 1861 ; res. June 24, 1862. 
Sergt.-Maj. Edw. R. Chase, Flint; enl. May 1, 1SG3; 2d lieut. July 5, 1804; vet. 
Sergt.-Maj. Orrin Bump, Flint; enl. Aug. 1, 1801 : 2d lieut. Co. F, March 27, 

1863. 
Sergt.-Maj. Oscar Bliss, Fenton ; enl. Aug. 25, 1802; disch. by order, May 31, 

1805. 
Sergt.-Msj. Wm. H. Ailken, Flint; enl. Dec. 18, 1801 ; must, out .July 30, 1S65; 

veteran. 
Com.-Sergt. Elias G. Williams, Flint; enl. .Vug. 12, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. ,ind 

■ir.-mr., Oct. 20, 1862. 
Com.-Selgt. Harvey J. Christian, Flint; enl. Aug. 19, 1861; 1st lieut. Co. G, 

Feb. 19, 1865. 
Com.-Sergt. Wm. J. Christian, Flint ; enl. .\ug. 12,1861; capt. 30lh Inf. Jan. 

8, 1805. 
Com.-SBigt. Ch,-is. G. Walkiii.^ Flint ; enl. Sept. 17, 1801 ; pro. 1st lieut. Co. D. 
IIosp. Steward Milton 31. F'enner, Fliut; enl. Aug. 12, 1861 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Co. I, Nov. 22, 1801. 
Band, Alva M. Rogers, enl. Aug. 14, 1861 ; must, out July 30, 1865 ; veteran. 
Band, Orville MeWilliams, enl. July 1, 1861 ; must, out July 30, 1805. 

Company A. 

Capt Simon C. Guild, Flint; enl. Sept. 21, 1861 ; killed in battle at James Isl- 
and, Va., June 16, 1862. 

Capt. Ephraini W. Lyon, Flint; pro. to ni.ij. Feb. 1, 1863; res. March 111, 1803. 

Capt. James S. Donobue, Flint ; tnins. from Co. B ; dishonorably dismissed ; re- 
stored, and trans, to Co. I a.s capt. 

Capt. Johns S. Freeman, Flint ; trans, from Co. D ; wounded at Wilderness, Va., 
May 6, 1804; must, out Oct. 18, 1864. 

Capt. Edward R. Chase, Flint; enl. April 2.>, 1865; brev. capt. U. S. Vols., April 

2, 1865, for conspicuous gallantry in assault on Fort Malione, Va. ; must. 
out July 30, 1865. 

1st Lieut. George E. Newell, Fliut; enl. Sept. 12, 1S61 ; pro. to capt. Co. I, Sept. 

HI, 1S62. 
1st Lieut. John S. Freenwu, Fliut ; enl. J,in. 1, 1803 ; pro. to capt. Co. D, May 

3, 1804. 

1st Lieut. Thomas Campbell, Goodrich ; enl. March 18, 1803 ; killed in battle 

near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1804. 
1st Lieut. Lewis M. Webster, Flint; enl. Nov. 20, 1804; res. May 20, 1805; was 

sergt. and 2d lieut. 
1st Lieut. Andrew H. Gillis, Flint; must, out July 30, 1805. 
2d Lieut. George H. Turner, Flint; enl Sept. 21, 1801; res. Sept. 25, 1862. 
2d Lieut. John S. Freeman, Flint; enl. Sept. 1, 1802; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. A, 

Jan. 1, 1803. 
2d Lieut. Charles Eddy, Flint; enl. Jan. 1, 1803; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. F, April 

10, 1803. 
2d Lieut. Harrison II. Williams, Grand Blanc ; enl. April 211, 1804; wounded in 

battle near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1804; pro. to 1st lieut. July 5, 1864; 

disch. for disability, Nov. 17, 1864. 
Sergt. James W. Page, enl. June 19, 1801 ; diseh. for disability, Jan. 10, 1862. 
Sergt. James 11. Atchiuson, enl. June 19, 1801 ; died at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 

2.'). 1801. 
Sergt. Henry Clino (veteran), enl. June 19, 1801; died July 12, 1864, of wounds 

received at Petersburg, Va. 



Sergt. John S. Freeman, enl. June 19,1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. A, Sept. 1,1862. 
Sergt. Daviil B. Foote, enl. June 19, 1861 ; killed on Cot«aw River, S. C, Dec. 18, 

1861. 
Corp. 9Iilton Harrows (sergt.), enl. June 19, 1861; died at eea on steamboat 

" Argo," July 3, 1862, of wounds received in battle. 
Corp. John (J. Adams, enl. June 19, 1801 ; killed in battle of Port I!<iyal,S. C, 

Jan. 1, 1863. 
Corp. Orville MeWilliams, cnl. June 10, 1861 ; app. chief musician, April 21, 1864. 
Corp. Charles Crapser, enl. June 19, 1801 ; disch. for disability. March 6, 18(vJ. 
Corp. Charles Eildy (sergt.), enl. June 19, 1801 ; pro. to 2d lieut. Jan. I, 1863. 
Corp. Henry \V. Caldwell, eiil. June 19, 1861 ; diseh. for ilisability, Doc. 12, 1862. 
Corp. Edwaril K. Chase, enl. June 19, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. -niaj. 
Corp. Redman I. Babcock, enl. June 19, 1.801; killed in battle of Chantilly, 

Va , Sept. 1, 1802. 
Musician Elias Parkes, died at Falmouth, Va., Jan. 11, 1863. 
Charles Howard Gardner, " the Drummer Boy of the Eighth,"* died at Kno.\- 

ville, Tenn., Dec. 2, 1803, of wounds. 
Wagoner Noinian Brown, disch. Sept. 22, 1804, end of service. 
Edward Brooks, killed in action at Port Royal Ferry, S. C, Jan. 1, 1862. 
Charles Biekford, disch. to enlist m regular service, Oct. 25, 1802. 
.'\masa Biace, disch. to euli.'^t in regular seivicc, Oct. 25, 1862. 
William Babcock, disch. for disability, Feb. 5, 1803. 
George H. liennctt, disch. for di.sabilily, Jan. 2, 1863. 
James 11. Burt, Atlas, died of wounds in Wilderness, Va., May 9, 1804. 
Abel S. Bennett, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 10, 1802. 
Alonzo Boucher, must, out July 30, 1865, 

Timothy Condon, ilied in action at Wilmington Island, Ga., April 10, 1802. 
Oliver Cone, died of disease at Hilton Head, S. C, Dec. 24, 1802. 
Monroe Cuddeback, disch. for disability, June 23, 1802. 
Barney Cullen, disch. for disability, Oct. 25, 1802. 
Henry Cartwright, disch. for disabilily, Nov. 5, 1802. 
Gustaviis Chapel, Flint, died of disease at Milldale, Miss., July 8, 1863. 
Henry W. Cadwell, disch. for disability, Dec. 12, 1862. 
Harlow Clothcr, disch. for disability, May 19, 1863. 
Edward H. Chapman, disch. for disability, Nov. 26, 1863. 
Henry Casey, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 
>Valter Clother, disch. at end of ,'iervice, Sept. 22, 1864. 
Mortimer Carter, diseh. for disability, Jan. 15, 1865. 
Levi Collins, Grand Blanc, disch. by .order, June 1, 1865. 
W'arren Cole, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 21, 1805. 
Ira Delling, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1802, 
William Delbridge, died of disease at Nicholasville, Ky,, Aug. 24, 1S63. 
James Druniond, died of wounds near Petersburg, Va,, June 17, 1S64, 
Ch.arles Dye, must, out July 30, 1S65. 
Thomas Donahue, must, out July 3U, 1^65. 
Oliver Dye, disch. for disability, Nov. 29, 1864. 
Emory Denton, disch. for disability, March 20, 1865. 
Trumbull C. Elder, disch. for disability, Jan. Ill, 1862. 
Chailncey Eggleston, disch. for disability. May 15, 1865. 
Peter A. Fritz, died of disease at Washington, D. C, Nov. 23, 1861. 
Andri'W Gillis, disch. to re-eul. as vetenn, Fi*b. 17, 1864. 
Thomas Heather, died of disease at Beaufort, S. C, Jan. 10, 1862. 
Harrison S. Hayne, died of disease at Grand Rapids, Mich,, Sept. 20, 1861. 
Bili'dett B, Hopkins, disch, for disabilit.v, April 6, 18112. 
William W. Harris, disch. to enl, in regular service, Oct. 25, 1862. 
James P. IIotTinaii, disch, to enl. in regular service, Oct, 25, 1862, 
Lyman Huestard, disch, at end of service, Sept. 22, 1804. 



* The pathetic story of this youth, who was mortally wounded at Knoxville, 
was told by hundreds of newsp:i])ers in the North, under the heading of '"The 
Driiminer Boy of the Eighth Michigan Ueginient." Its substance was as fol- 
lows; At the opening of the war Charles Howard Gardner was a schoolboy, 
thirteen and a half yeara of age, in the city of Flint. His father had enlisted 
under the first call of the President. 

" Soon there came a call for three hundred thon.sand more, when Charley's 
teacher, Simon C. Guild, to whom he was much atta' bed, jtdned the army, and 
(['apt. Guild, knowing Charley's mu-ical ability, secontied his earnest entreaties 
that he might go with him as drummer, to which his mother, who had already 
given her busliand, reluctantly consented, and Charley joined the Eighth 
Michigan Infantry. 

"Tlio regiment was ordered to Port Royal, and on their way Charley met his 
father, and, forgetting niilltary rule, he broke from the ranks and ran to his 
father's arms. It was their last earthly meeting, as his father died the Novem- 
ber following. In a letter to his mother consoling her, he promiseil to send her 
all his money, which he did every pay-day. At tlie battle of James Island 
Capt. Guild fell. Now was Charley indeed bereaved. Tlirongh all battles, all 
marches, and all campaigns he kept with the regiment, oft<-n on short ratiiuis, 
without one word of comidaint, only desiring to remain until Ihe end of tlie 
war. At the siege of Kiio.wille a chance shot struck Charley in tlie slnmhler 
and enterel his lung." Then the narrative proceeds: "That his wound seennd 
to be doing well, and the surgeon reported him as fast recovering. His mother 
was made happy by this announcement, and waited, hourly expecting Ira re- 
turn with his comrades on veteran furlough. But while she thus lovingly and 
impatiently awaited his coming, there cam- instead the In-art -breaking dispatch, 
' The reginieut has arrived, hut Ch.-irley is dead.' " — The story is taken from 
Moore's KeielUon Kecotd. 



EIGHTH INFANTRY. 



Tlioodure .Tcnninpa. died of ilisensc nt Hilton Hpiid, S. C, Nov. 14, 18G1. 

Mott Juhnslon, disch. for disnl.ililv, Oct 2;"), lbG2. 

AjlnitM- JenniiigH, ninsl. out July :i(i, 18G5. 

Tlioimis M. Kijip, died of disease at Ileinifurt, S. C, Jan. 6, 1862. 

Tlionias Kiniiiif), Tavison, must, out July ;iO, 1SG5. 

CliJirlfS D. Long, disch. for disalulity, June *2:i, 1802. 

Flftilier Lewis, disch. nt end of service, Sept. 2*2, 1864. 

Imuic Laine, di»ch. at enci of service, Sept. 2^1, 1804. 

Motitie Mnsrt, difd in aciion at Bull Uun, Va., Aug. 29, 1862. 

I'liarlos HIcKee, disch. to enl. in n'gulai- service, Oct. 24, 1862. 

Adam P. Miller, disch. for di>al.ility, Sept. i:i, ise4. 

Ileury W. Mason, discti. Jiiti. 4, 18G.'>, for promotion in TOth 3Iich. Inf. 

Abraham B. Mill.-r, disch. to re-enl. us veteran, Dec. 29, 1863. 

Addison il. Miitlice, must, out July :tO, 1865. 

Frank Xewinan, must (uit July I'.U, ISGo. 

Albert S. Newman, died of diseat^e at IMton Head, S. C, Nov. 26, 1862. 

Ransom D. OslHjrn, disch. at end of service, Sept. 27, 1864. 

Henry Odell.died of disease at Annapolis, Md., ()ct.2, 18C1. 

James W. I'age, discli. for disability, Jan. lo, 1862. 

Abrnm D. Penny, disch. for disability, Sept. 29, 1862. 

Albu Passing, di^cli. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 24, 1862. 

James M. Persons, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22. 1804. 

John D. Pattie, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 

William K. Prntl, nnist. tuit July 30, 1865. 

Daniel C. Parker, disch. to re-enl. as veteran. 

George W. Rail, disch. to re-t-nl. as vetenin, Dec. 29, 186:t. 

Fred. Shillinger, died of wounds received at Wilmington Island, Ga., April 24, 

1S62. 
Stephen Swart, disch. for disability, March 28, 1862. 
Henry M. Stores, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1SG4. 
Hiram Snylaml, trans, to Vot. Res. Corps, Jan. 21, 1865. 
Pavi.l B. T..ok. died in action nt Coosaw River, S. C., Dec. 18, 1861. 
Hanford E. Todtl, must, out July :{U, 1SG5. 

Grorge Wallace, died of .lisea^o at Beaufort, S. C, May 24. 1862. 
Jtdin A. Warner, disch. to eul. in regular service, Oct. 24, 1862. 
Warren Wilc4)x, ilied of wounds at W.i.s|iington, D. C, Oct. 2, 18G4. 
liewis M. Webster, disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 18G3. 
Harrison H. Williams, discli. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863. 
Moses Walker, Atlas, must, out July 3(i, 1865. 
Harris Witoden, must, out July 3(), 1865. 
William P. Voungs, di^ch. fur disability, Dec. 2, 18G2. 

Company F. 

lat Lieut. Charles Eddy, Flint (sergt.), 2d lient. Co, A; pro. let lieut. Co. F, 

April 16, 186:{ ; must, out Sept. 29, 1804. 
2d Lieut. Orrin Bump, Flint; enl. March 27,186:1; pro. 1st lieut. Co. G, April 

2(1, 1864. 
Jamr's Adams, Flint; disfh. for disability, Dec. 4, 1864. 
Stephen L. J. Bingham, Flint ; disch. for disability, Dec. 21, 1864. 
Charles Cartwright, Grand Blanc; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Wilhml Clemens, Richfield; must, out July 30, 1865. 

Sam|«on Doughty, Burton; died in action in Wilderness, Va., May G, 18G4. 
Charles A. Fent, Flint; disch. by order, Aug. 12, 1865. 
Nathan L. Grundy, Burton ; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Willi. ini Horton, Flint ; must, out July ;;o, 1865. 
Dand Houghton, Vienna; must, out July 30, 1865. 

William F. Met.iilf, Burttm ; died of dis'-ase at Beverly, N. J., October, 1804. 
Ji'rome II. McWayne, Atljis; must, out July 3u, 1865. 
Harrison E. Payne, Mount Slorria; died of disease at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 25, 

1864. 
William B. Pelletl, Flint ; mu«t. out July 30, 1865. 
George R. Pratt, Argentine; must, out July 30, 1865. 

William H. Sheperd, Forest ; died in action at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Daniel Shank, Argentine; died of wounds in Wii-hington, D. C, Juno 3u, 1864. 
Hiram Sturgis, Argentine; died in action near Petersburg, Va , June 18, 1864. 
Silati £. Van Schaick, Ktchfield ; died of disease near Petersburg, Va., July lU, 

1864. 
Stacey B. Warford, Flint ; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Charles R. Warren, Flint ; must, out July 30, 1865. 

Company G. 

Capt. Ephraim W. Lyon, Flint; enl. Aug. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Co. A, Sept. 1, 1862. 
Capt. Homtio Belcher, Flint ; enl. Sept. 1, 1862; pro. to major, June .1, 18C4. 
Capt. Harvey J. Cltri.^ti.ln, Flint; enl. April 25, 186.t; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Ist Lieut. Horatio Belcher, Flint; enl. Aug. 10,1861; pro. to capt. Sept. 1,1862. 
l«t Lieut. Orrin Bump, Flint; enl. Apill 20, 1864; pro. to ndj. July 5, 1864. 
1st Lieut. Harvey J. Chri'^tian, Flint ; enl. Jan. 8, 1805; pro. U» capt. April 25, 

1865. 
Sergt.John I. Philips, Flint ; erd. Jan. 1, 1863; pro. to 2d lieut; res. Doc. 15, 

186;i. 
Sergt. Nathan M. ILaley, Flint ; disch. for disability, Oct. 18, 1862. 
Corp. Wm. E Christian, Flint (sergt. >; pio. to com. -sergt. Sept. 24, 1864. 
Corp. John E. (iilmou, Flint; diseh. to enlist in regular army, Oct. 2.», 1862. 
Oirp. Seymour Hill, Flint ; disch. at Beaufort, S. C, March 4, 1862. 
Ojrp. Harvey J. Christian, Flint; pro. to com -sergt. Sept. 24, 1861. 
Corp. Fntncts Hopkins, Flint ; trans, to Invalid Cor|w, Nov. 1, 1863. 



Corp. Eliel E. Miller, Flint ; disch. at New York, Feb. 14, 1863. 

Uusician Jo8<'ph Davis, Flint; died March 26, 18G2. 

Muttician Alva M. Rogers, Flmt; app. principal musician, Feb. 10, 18G4. 

Cassander Acklcy, died Dec. 3, 1862, at Annapolis, Md., of wounds received in 

action. 
Jamen E. Armstrong, died Dec. 5, 1864, at Kuoxvillo, Teun., of wounds. 
Ilirnm Applebee, veteran ; must, out Jtily 30, 1865. 
Phineae Allen, disch. by order, May 31, 1865. 
William Austin, must, out July 30, 1865. 

Daniid S. Boyer, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
Albert M. Bratinick, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
Junius Beebe, disch. for disability, Aug. 18, 1862. 
John li.iwles, disch. to enter regular service, Oct. 24, 1862. 
Alfred Benton, veteran ; missing in action in Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
George Ilcebe, veteran ; must, out July 3o, 18(15. 
John R. Benjamin, veteran ; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Wilson Baldwin, disch. to re-enl. as vetorau. 
William Burger, must, out July 30, 1865. 

James Carmen, dred in action at James Island, S. C., June IG, 1862. 
Emory R. Curtis, dioil in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
M'illiam ('apron, died in action at .James Island, 3. C, Juno 16, 1862.; 
John Cuinmiugs, disch. for disability, March 4, 1862. 
Luther C. Clevi'laiul, disch. to enlist in p'gular service, Oct. 21, 1862. 
Van Wert Ctmlton, Fenton ; disch. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 25, 1862. 
Charles Colton, Mount Monis ; died of disease at Falmouth, Va., Jan. 16, 1803. 
Sidney B. Castle, died of disease at Washington, D. C, June 27, 1864. 
Qlarcus Curtis, died of disease at Andersonville, Ga., Sept. 17, 1864. 
Edson Conrad, dieil of disease at Andersonville, Ga., May 12, 1864. 
Milvenus Colby, disch, at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 

George B. Games, Fenton ; died in action near Petersburg, Va., June 8, 1864. 
William M. Ch ippel, must, out July 3o, 1865. 
William Cannon, nuist. out July 3it, 1865. 
William II. Cesler, Gaines; must, out July 30, 1805. 
Edward S. Dart, disch. for disibilily, Oct. 18, 1862. 
Robert Dixon, missing in action in Wllde^ne^^8, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Franklin J. Denill, disch. for dsabilily, April 6, 18G4. 
Clark Dibble, disch. by order. May 31, 1865. 
Sylvester Ecleston, disch. for liisability, June IJ, 1863. 
Homtio M. Flint, must, out July 30, 1865. 
George W. Foot, disch. for wounds, May 18, 1865. 
Horatio W. Kelt, dipch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 
John Ganson, disch. at end of service. Sept. 22, 1864. 
William II. Granger, disch. for disability, Sept. 25, 1861. 
George D. Geary, disch. to re-enl. in regular service, Oct. 25, 1862. 
Theodore GaTison, disch. by order, Aug 4, 1805. 
William M. Gage, disch. to re-enl. as veteran. 
Nathan Ganson, disch. by ordi-r, July 10, 1865. 
William Hamilton, died June 23, 1862, from wounds received at James Island, 

S. C. 
Franklin B. Howland, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1802. 
Seymour llill, di-cli. for disability, March 4, 1862. 
Halzy M. Ilenstrcet, <lisch. to enl, in regular service, Oct. 24, 1862. 
I. R. Hamilton, disch. for disability, Dec. 11, 1862. 
Ansel L. Hamilton, died of dis'-ase at Newport News, Feb. 24, 1863. 
Framis H.-pkins, trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 1, 1863. 
Charles Hibbard, disch. at end of service, Oct. 10,1804. 
Hiram Hibbard, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 
Cornelius Hays, disch. at end of service, Sept. 22, 1864. 
Walter Il'ilnies, discli. to re enl. us veteran. 
Miles P. Hall. <iied of dis.-aae at Detroit. Mi.li., Nov. 17, 18G4. 
William E. Iliimilton, disch. by order, May 31, 1865, 
Ira Ingalls, disch. for wounds, April 18, 1865. 

Alvin Y. Jones, d ed in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
Elihu W. Judd, disch. for disability, Apiil 17, 1861. 
John Kidsnr.tn, died in action at James Island, S. C, June 16, 1862. 
William Kinsman, disch. for disa'dlity, Nov. 20, 1862, 
Isaac R. Kidney, ilied of wounds near Pelerhburg, Va., Sept. 30, 1864. 
Theodore F. Looker, diseh, to re-eiil. in regular service, Oct. 24, 1862. 
Edson Lanyh-y, must, out July 30, 1S65. 
Mathews Lafayette, must, out July 3o, 1865. 
Oren B. McNitt, disch. for disability, Jan. 7, 1862. 
Nelson Meaker, disch. for disability, March 4, 1862. 
Joshua Meaker, disch. for disability, March 4, 1862. 
John W. Moon.di'ch. for disability, Nov. 19, 1862. 
Lyman Marion, disch. to enl. in regular service, Oct, 25, 1862. 
George Miu-se, died of diseiwo at LebaiKui, Ky., April 15, 1863. 
Benjamin F. Marsh, Fenton; disch. by onler, June 20, 1865. 
Henry Nichols, disch. for disability, N.-v. 2, 1S62. 

Adelbert V. Ovi-rton. ilied in action at Jauu-.s Island, S. C, June 16, 1802. 
Myron Odell, dim h. to enl. in n-giilar service, Oct, 25, 1862. 
John Owens, trans, to Vot. Res. Corps, Dec. t, 1863. 

George W. Phillipi, died at Washington, I). C, of wounds. June 13, 1864. 
Benjamin F. Pease, disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1863. 
William Palmer, disch. by order, June V», 1S6.>. 
William Park-*, disch, by order, Juno 28, 1865. 
Osmer I'atks, Mundy, disch. by order. May 31, 1866. 
George W. Perkini*. dlech. for disobility, Jan. 4, 1865. 



78 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Samupl Rceil, d'scli. f iv disability, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Julin Itiimi., rli,.,l iit Cold Ilarlxir, Va., Juno 13, 18G4. 

Ji.hn H. K.W, must, out July 30, 1805. 

Walter S. Savage, died at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1802. 

Peter U. Sinionsun, died iu action at James Island, S. C, June IG, 1802. 

Alinon Sherwof'd, discli. ftir disability, Sept. G, 18G2. 

Amos Stark, ilisch. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 23, 1802. 

Kjinsom .^tepliens, diseh. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 2.'), 1S02. 

Burton F. Sawyer, Fenton, disch. for disability, Jlay, ISOj. 

Dewitt C. Spaiilding, must, out July 30, 1805. 

William H. Shaw, discli. by order, June 2", 1801. 

KIbert H. Sawyer, Fentttn, disch. for disa^'ility, Feb. 4, 18G5. 

William Tracy, disih. for wounds, March, 18C5. 

James 51. Wright, died in action at James Island, S. C, June IG, 1802. 

Charles A. Wing, disch. for disability, Nov. 20, 18GI. 

William Wilson, discli. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 24, 1801. 

Japhet T. Willower, disch. to enl. in regular service, Oct. 25, 1802. 

Byroii Wright, died at Washington, D. C, of wounds, June 11, 1804. 

Caleb B. Wright, died at Washington, P. C, of wounds, July .5, 1804. 

William A. Wiight, died of disease at Annapolis, Md., March 4, 1863. 

Charles C,. Walkins, disch, to re-eiil. as veteran, Dec. 29, 1803. 

Williaiu Wheeler, mu-t. out July 30, 1866. 

OTHER COMPANIES. 

J.ames S. Donahue, Flint ; 2d Lieut. Co. B, enl. Sept. 24, 1801 ; 1st lieut. Co. B, 

May 14, 1802 ; pro. to capt. Co. A ; ilisniissed, then rcston^d ; trans, c.ipt. 

Co. I. Jan. 1, 1803; diFcli. for wounds, Sept. 24, 1804. 
J. Brush Fenton, Flint; 2d lieut. Co. B, enl. April 21, 1802; pro. to 1st lieut. 

Co. C, .Sept. 1, 1802; res. March 15, 18G3. 
Edwin M. Hovcy, Fenton ; 2d lieut. Co. B, enl. Sept. 1, 1802; l^t lieut. Co. B, 

Jan. 1, 1803; wounded at W.lderness, Va., May 0, 1804; pro. to rapt. Co. 

C, June 3, 1804 ; must, out July 30, 1805. 

Millon M. Feuner, Flint; 2il lieut. Co. C, enl. Nov. 22, 1801 ; pro. to 1st lient. 

Co. K, Oct. 1, 1802; res. Nov. 25, I8C3. 
Martin L. Wiley, Flint; 2d lieut. Co. C, enl. Dec. 1, 1SC2; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. 

E, March 27, 1803 ; hrev.-i-apt. V. S. Vols. April 2, 1805 ; capt. Co. II, April 

25, 1805 ; must, out July 30, 1805. 
John S. Freeman, Flint; sergt. Co. A; 2d lieut. and 1st lieut. Co. A; capt. Co. 

D, May 3, 1804; wounded at WilderiieS', V,a., May 0, 1804; must, out 
Oct. 18, 1804. 

Charles II. McCreery, Flint; 2(1 lieut. Co. K, enl. .Sept. 3, 1802; Ist lieut. and 

ailj. Sept. 21, 1802; capt. Co. F, March 27, 1803; brev.-nia.ior C. S. Vols. 

April 2, 1865; must, out Oct. 7, 1805. 
Charles Eddy, Flint (sergt.); 2d lieut. Co. A; ]u-o. to 1st lieut. Co. F, April 10, 

1803 ; iiiust. out Sept. 20, 1804. 
Orrin Bump, Flint; 2d lieut. Co. F; enl. March 27, 1.803; pro to 1st lieut. Co. 

G, April 20, 1804 ; ad.i. July 5, 1804 ; must, out Oct. 18, 1804. 
Geo. E. Newell, Flii.t; 1st bent. Co. A ; enl. Sept. 21,1801; pro. to capt. Co. I, 

Sei.t. 10, 1802; res. March 10, 1803. 
\Vm. Tracy, Flint (sergt ); 2d lieut. C.i. B; trans. 2d lieut. to Co. K, May 3, 

1804; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. K, April 25, 1805; must, out July 3(i, 1805. 
John M. Bell, Grand Blanc, Co. B; disch. by order, Juno 13, 1805. 
George M. Billings, Co. I ; disch. by order, July 28, 1805. 
Alva Blood, Argentine, Co. E ; killed in action at Grove Church, A'a., June 3, 

1804. 
Taliuai M. Barnunl, Co. E; must, out July 30, 1805. 
James Chase, Flint, Co. I; disch. for ilisability, Dec. 14, 1802. 
Thomas Campbell, Flint, Co. C; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1804. 
William II. Cole, Fenton, Co. B; disch. by order, June 3, 1805. 
Blark 1£. Chamberlain, Fenton, Co. I ; must, out June 1, 1805. 
Lewis Close, Miindy, Co. I; disch. at end of service, Aug. 15, 1805. 
John 11. Covert, Gaines, Co. I; must. out July 3(1, 1805. 
Thomas Clayton, Grand Blanc, Co. K ; disch. by orditr, March 3, 1805. 
Erasliis Dickinson, musician, Co. II ; disch at end of service, Sept. 27, 1801. 
Franklin Eblridge, Fenton, Co. B; disch. by order, June 1, 1805. 
Benjamin B. Eddy, Co. 11 ; d sell, by order, June 1, 1805. 
Lambert S. Foster, Corp., Co. I ; disch. for disability, April 24, 18C3. 
David M. tlrooins, Fenton, Co B; discli. by order, .(line 1, 15G5. 
McDowell Griswold, Co. I; disch. by order, .\ug. 0, 1805. 
Gilbert 0. Hinckley, musician, Co. B; dieil of disease, Oct. 22, 1801. 
John linger, Co. C; diseh. by order, June 1, 1805. 
Truman llinmau, Co. H; di>ch. by order. May 20, 1865. 
James lions. dander, Mt. .Morris, Co. E; must, out July 30, 180.'). 
William S. Jewell, mnsiiiau, Co. II; diseh. April 7, 1«G3. 
Lyman F. Knapp, Vienna, Co. K ; died of dise.ise at Annapolis, Md., April ,5, 

1804. 
William Miller, Co. K ; died of disease at Barbonrsville, Ky., May 1, 1,S04. 
Orvillo McWillianis, band; must, out .July 30, 1805. 
Asa Parshall, Paishallville, Co. I; diseh. for disability, Dec. 14, 1802. 
William L. Perkins, Athis, Co. E; died of disease at Annapolis, Md., April 2, 

1804. 
James W. Rich, Gaines, Co. I; sergt.; diseh. for disability, .Sept. 12, 1802. 
Beblin Rubiuson, Fenton, Co. K ; diseh. for disability, Aug. 13, lao.i. 
Alva M. Rogers, band ; must, out July 30, 1865. 
Tlaeblens Rogois, Fenton, Co. B; diseh. by order, June 1, 1805. 
Daniel Shank, Argentine, Co. II; died July .5, 1804, ol woiin Is received at 

Grove Chiucli, \'a.. June 3, ISIU. 



John Tallman, Fenton, Co. 11; disch. by order, June 1, 1805, 

Austin R. Terry, Grand Blanc, Co. II ; must, out July 3n, 1805. 

Frank A. Taylor, Mnudy, I'o. D; must, out July 3il, 1805. 

Joseph 1). Thomas, RiclitieM, C<). 11 ; died of disease at City Point, Va., Feb. 0, 
1805. 

Augustus II. A'iekery, Fenton, Co. B ; disch. by order, June 1, 1805. 

Hannibal Vickery, Fenton, Co. II; disch. by order, Aug. 3, 1805. 

John C. WolvertoTi, sergt., Co. B; trans, to Signal Corps, Oct. 13, 1803. 

Seth B. Watson, Flint, Co. I; died of diseitse at Flint, Mich., Feb. 28, 1804. 

William Woodbury, N. C. .S. ; must, out July 31), 1805. 

Devillous Wilbcr, Co. II; diseh. by order. May 2a, 1803. 

Juntos A. Williams, Feutou, Co. B ; absent, wounded ; not must, out with com- 
pany. 



CHAPTER XII. 

TENTH INFANTRY. 

Organization of the 10th at Ciimi) Thomson — Presentation of Colors 
anil Departure for the Front — Campaigns ami Marches iu Missis- 
sippi, Tennessee, and Ahibaiua — In Garrison at Nashville — Con- 
tinuous JIarching through Three States — Pursuit of Longstreet — 
M'inter-Quurters in Oeorgia — Fight at Buzzard's Roost — Veteran 
Furh:tugli — Rendezvous at Flint and Return to Georgia — Atlant.a 
Campaign — Mareli to the Sea — Carolina Campaign — Battles of 
Averysboro' and Bcntunville — Tlie Grand Review at Wasliiugtou-s- 
Mustcr (!lut and Return to Alicliigan. 

This regiment was recruited and organized in the autumn 
of 1801 and the following winter, its rendezvous being es- 
tablished at the city of Flint, through the efforts of the 
Hon. Edward H. Tliomson, then president of the State 
Military Board. The rule had been adopted (and, up to 
that time, closely adhered to) by Governor Blair to estab- 
li.sh no regimental rendezvous in places inaccessible by rail- 
road, and, as Flint had then no railway communieatiiin, it 
renuired all the influence and energy of the patriotic presi- 
dent of the board to procure the order designating his own 
city of Flint as the headquarters of the 10th during its 
organization. But the order was finally obtained, and the 
camp of instruction — of which he was made provisional com- 
mandant — was named by the officers " Camp Thomson," 
in his honor. 

This camp was situated near the eastern limits of the 
city, on the left bank of Flint River, " on a piece of un- 
dulating ground, including a small pit!ce of woods, separated 
from the drill-grounds by a low marsh, which, in the spring 
time, was overflowed by the higii water of the river." Com- 
fortable barracks, mass- and cook-rooms were erected, and 
here the men of the 10th made winter-quarters and their 
home for a period of nearly six months, — a period which, 
during its continuance, they thought to be one of consider- 
able hardship, but to which, from their later camps and 
bivouacs, they often looked back as a season of comfort and 
pleasant as.sociations. 

The several companies composing the regiment were re- 
cruited under the following names: 

" Byron Guard," tifterwards designated as " A" company. 

" Saginaw Rangers," afterwards designated as " B" com- 
p my. 

"Orion Union Guard," afterwards designated as " C" 
company. 

"Sanilac Pioneers," afterwards designated as " D" com- 
pany. 

" Scarritt Guard," afterwards designated as " E" com- 
pany. 



TENTH INFANTRY. 



" Holt Guard," afterwards designated as " F" conipanj. 
" Lum Guiird," afterwards designated as " G" companj'. 
" McClellaii Guard," afterwards designated as " 11" com- 



pany. 



" Genesee Rangers," afterwards designated as " 1" com- 



pany. 

" Dickerson Guard," afterwards designated as " K' com- 
pany. 

The 6rst, third, and ninth of the above-named companies 
(especially the ninth) were largely made up of men from 
Genesee, and the county was represented in nearly all the 
other companies. 

The " Byron Guard" reported at the rendezvous eighty- 
six strong, Nov. 5, ISGl, being the second company in camp 
(the first being the " Saginaw Rangers," who arrived No- 
vember 1st). The first commissioned officers of the"' Guard" 
were Henry 8. Burnett, captain ; Robert F. Gulick, first 
lieutenant; Bradford Cook, second lieutenant. 

The " Orion Union Guard" reported at Camp Thomson, 
November lltli, with the minimum number of men. The 
nucleus of this company was formed at Orion, Oakland Co., 
by B. B. Redfield, but it was afterwards moved to Good- 
rich, Genesee Co., and con.solidated with a company being 
raised at the latter place by Myron Bunnell, the consoli- 
dated company retaining the name which had been adopted 
by the Orion recruits. The company was mustered under 
the following commissioned officers: Myron Bunnell, tap- 
tain ; Benjamin B. Redfield, first lieutenant ; Alvah A. 
Collins, second lieutenant. 

The " Genesee Rangers" joined the regiment at Camp 
Thomson, November ;50th, only thirty-one strong, under 
Capt. Barker, wlio had previously resigned his captaincy of 
a company which had been raised for the 7th Infantry, and 
afterwards transferred to the 8th, under Col. Fenlon. A 
part of a company which had been raised in Lapeer County 
by P. S. Titus, and which had reported at the camp of 
the regiment November 20tli, was consolidated with the 
" Rangers," and the company received the designating 
letter" I," under the following officers : Russell M. Barker, 
captain ; Piatt S. Titus, first lieutenant ; John Algoe, second 
lieutenant. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 18(52, the regiment was re- 
viewed by Governor Blair, at Cam]) Thomson, and on that 
and the following day it was mustered into the I'nited 
States service by Col. Wright, U. S. A. The 10th was now 
an organized regiment in the service of tlie government, 
under the following field-officers, viz. : ('olonel, Charles M. 
Luni ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Christopher J. Dickerson ; Major, 
Jamas J. Scarritt. 

The ceremony of presentation of a national flag to the 
regiment was performed on Friday, the 1 Ith of April. The 
event is mentioned in Gen. Robertson's " Flags of Michi- 
gan," as follows : " The Hon. E. H. Thomson, in one of 
his eminently patriotic speeches, presented, on behalf of the 
citizens of Flint, a very elegant flag, made of the best roll 
(iilk, on which was inscribed the name of the regiment, and 
tlie word ' Tucbor ;' on a silver band on the staff the 
words, 'Prftsented to the Tenth RcgimcMit Michigan In- 
fantry by the Citizens of Flint.' A response in good spirit 
and taste by Col."C. M. Lum, commanding the regiment. 



with a prayer by the Rev. J. S. Boyden. Judge Avery, 
of Flint, and Professor Siddons followed with brief and 
appropriate speeches. After the speeches Col. Lum de- 
livered the color into the hands of the color-sergeant, who 
was said to be six feet seven inches in stature. On this 
occasion the men of the 10th paraded in their new regula- 
tion uniforms, and were armed with ' Au.strian rifles, just 
received,' which in their inexperience they then believed 
to be a reliable and effective weapon.~ While they stood in 
hollow square, Mrs. Fenton and other ladies of Flint dis- 
tributed to each member of the regiment a copy of the 
New Testament." 

The regiment, nine hundred and ninety-seven strong, 
took its departure from Camp Thomson on Tuesday, the 
22d of April, its first destination being known to be St. 
Louis, Mo. There was then no railroad from Flint to the 
line of the Detroit and Milwaukee road, and therefore the 
men were moved to Holly Station on wagons and other 
vehicles furnished by patriotic citizens of Genesee and Oak- 
land Counties. This first stage of their long journey was 
accomplished in a snow-storm, which gave additional sad- 
ness to partings, many of which proved to be final. At 
Holly, after abundant feasting, the command took the 
train for Detroit, and after marching through the city to 
tlie Michigan Central depot, escorted by the " Lyon 
Guard" and Detroit "Light Guard," embarked on a train 
consisting of twenty-three passenger and five freight cais, 
drawn by two locomotives, and at a little before midnight 
left for the West. Michigan City was reached at two 
o'clock P.M. on Wednesday, and at six p.m. on Thursday 
the regiment was at East St. Louis. On the following day 
it embarked on the steamer " Gladiator," and at four P.M. 
on Friday moved down the Mississippi. Cairo was reached, 
and during the short stop which was made there the most 
Bjnsational rumors were circulated, — that desperate fighting 
was then in progress at Pittsburg Landing, on the Tennes- 
see (the known destination of the regiment), that the river 
at Paducah was filled with dead floating down from the 
battle-field above, and many other stories of similar import. 
But the '• Gladiator ' moved on up the Ohio on Saturday 
afternoon, passed Fort Henry on Sunday, and on Monday 
night reached Pittsburg Landing, but was ordered to pro- 
ceed four miles farther up the Tennessee, to Hamburg, 
which place was reached on Tues<lay, the 27th, just one 
week after the departure from Camp Tliomson. Here the 
regiment was disembarked on the 28th, and on the 29th 
was assigned to duty in Col. James D. Morgan's briga<le, 
Payne's divi.sion, left wing Army of Mississippi. On its 
first advent among the veterans of Shiluh the regiment 
received the usual attentions which old soldiers pay to fresh 
troops, such as sneering allusions to the cleanness of uni- 
forms and the size of knapsacks, with frequent applications 
of the epithets "paper-collar soldiers," "band-box regi- 
ment," and many similar compliments; but all this was 
given and received in good-humor, for all knew that a few 
days of marching would lighten the knapsacks and remedy 
the objeclionable brightness of uniforms, and after the first 
action all would be old soldiers together. 

The first march of the regiment in the enemy's countiy 
was made on the 2'Jth, when it moved up about five miles 



80 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and bivouacked for the nii^ht in the woods. On the 1st of 
May it again advanced towards Farmington, Miss., and re- 
mained in the vicinity of that village until the enemy's 
evacuation of Corinth, Jlay 30th. During this time it was 
several times slightly engaged in .skirmishing, but sustained 
no loss except on the 26th, when the adjutant, Lieut. Syl- 
vester D. Cowles, was instantly killed by the bullet of a 
sharpshooter while on picket. 

Tlie entire summer of 1862 was pas.sed by the regiment 
in marching, camping, picketing, and similar duties in the 
north part of the States of Mississippi and Alabama, but 
without any notable event (more than occasional skirmish) 
occurring in its experience. On the 1st of June it was at 
Rienzi, Miss., and from the 2d to the 11th was at Boone- 
ville and in its vicinity. About June 15th it encamped at 
Big Springs, sis miles from Corinth, and remained there 
five weeks. At this place a Fourthof July celebration was 
held, and the stay at this camp was regarded by all as among 
the most agreeable of all the regiment's sojournings during 
the war. On the 27th of July the headquarters of the regi- 
ment were at Camp Leighton, Tuscumbia, Ala., but the 
several companies were posted at different places for a dis- 
tance of twenty miles along the Memphis and Charleston 
Railroad, engaged in guarding that line. Lieut.-Col. Dick- 
erson, who was at Town Creek, Ala., with a part of the 
regiment, evacuated that place in haste in the night of the 
31st on account of the (reported) advance of a heavy force 
of the enemy. The camp was reoccupied the next day, as 
the enemy (if there had been any in the vicinity) had 
moved in another direction. 

About the last of August it was announced that the 
command was to move to Na.shville, Tenn., and on the 1st 
of September the several detachments of the regiment con-, 
centrated at the military ferry on the Tennessee River and 
awaited orders to move. The orders were received on the 
following day, and the command moved northward. The 
march occupied nine days, during which the regiment 
passed through Rogersville, Athens, Elkton, Pulaski, Lynn- 
ville, Columbia, Spring Hill, and Franklin, and in the even- 
ing of the 11th bivouacked two miles from Nashville. 
Here it remained on picket till the 15th, when it moved 
through the city and camped in the southern suburbs. 

The labor demanded of the regiment during its stay at 
Nashville was severe, consisting of work on the extensive 
fortifications which had been laid out by Gen. Negley, the 
commandant of the post, besides constant picketing and 
guarding of forage-parties, which were continually sent out 
into the surrounding country, this being the only means of 
subsisting the forces in Nashville, as all communication with 
the city, by rail or river, was destroyed. This state of af- 
fairs continued for about two months, Nashville being held 
by the divisions of Negley and Palmer, but out of commu- 
nication with the outside world, and surrounded on every 
side by troops of the enemy, principally cavalry. The 
Army of the Cumberland, however, having defeated the 
army of Bragg at Perryvillo, Ky., was marching south- 
ward from Bowling Green, under Gen. Rosecrans, to the 
relief of the beleaguered force, and on the 6th of November 
liis advance guard reached the river at Edgefield, opposite 
Nashville. Railroad communication was now open to 



Mitchelville, thirty-five miles north of Nashville, and soon 
after it was opened to the city. This gave relief in the 
matter of rations to the troops who had been so long im- 
prisoned there, and liglitened the forage and picket duty, 
but the labor on the defensive works of the town was still 
continued, and a great amount of work was to be done in 
repairing roads and bridges for the advance of the army 
southward. 

The 10th did not move forward with the Army of the 
Cumberland on the 26th of December in the advance on 
Murfreesboro', but remained nearly seven months after that 
time at Nashville, engaged in provost, grand guard, and 
fatigue duty, and in protecting communication between 
Nashville and Murfreesboro' and other points. Upon one 
occasion (April 10, 1S63) a detail of men from " H" and 
" E" companies, forty-four in number, under command of 
Lieut. Francis W. Vanderberg, were sent to guard a rail- 
way train to and from Murfreesboro', and on their return 
were attacked by a body of the enemy's cavalry in ambush 
at Antioch Station, three miles north of Lavergne, — the 
train having been stopped for some cause when the attack 
was made. Lieut. Vanderberg fell mortally wounded at the 
first or second fire, and five of his men were killed, ten 
wounded, and three taken prisoners, making a total loss 
of nineteen, or two-fifths of the force engaged. This 
(with the exception of the loss of its adjutant, killed on 
picket in Mississippi) was the first loss inflicted on the 
regiment in action by the enemy. 

The men and officers of the lOth had begun to regard 
Nashville as their permanent camping-place, and some of 
them had formed such strong attachments there that when, 
on the 10th of July, orders were received to move south- 
ward, they were welcomed with very little of the enthusiasm 
which similar orders would have produced a few months 
earlier. But the regiment moved in the morning of the 
20th, and reached Murfreesboro' at noon of the 21st. Here 
it remained on picket and guard duty till August 19th, when 
it again marched southward. 

The history of the regiment during the four months 
next succeeding its departure from Murfreesboro' is that of 
an almost continuous march through the States of Tennes- 
see, Alabama, and Georgia. It passed south through Foster- 
ville, Shelbyville, Farmington (Tenn.), and Lewisburg to 
Columbia ; remained there on provost duty from the 23d 
to the 26th of Augu.st ; moved on through Pulaski and 
Lynnville to Athens, Ala. ; remained there from August 
29th to September 1st; thence passed through Huntsville, 
Brownsville, on Flint River, Ala., Larkinville, Scottsboro', 
and Bellefonte to Stevenson, Ala., remaining at the last- 
named place on provost duty from the 7th to the 21st of 
September ; moved to Bridgeport, Ala. ; remained, there till 
October 1st ; moved at midnight, through dense darkness and 
fathomless mud, on the road to Jasper, Tenn. ; passed that 
place, and moved to Anderson's Cross-Roads ; remained 
there picketing from the 3d to the 18th of October ; 
moved to Dallas, Tenn., thirteen miles above Chattanooga, 
on the north side of the Tennessee River ; remained there 
three days within hearing of the cannonading between the 
hostile armies at Chattanooga ; moved again October 24th, 
passed through Washington, Tenn., and arrived on the 



TKNTH INFANTRY. 



81 



26th at Smith's Ferry over the Tennessee, fifty-five miles 
above Chatt.iiiooj;:i. There the rejiiment remained for 
nearly four weeks, during wliieli time the men had con- 
structed comfortable quarter with fireplaces and other 
conveniences, believing that this would be their camping- 
place f(n- the winter which was then approaching. But on 
the 20lh of November marching orders came, and on 
Saturday, tiie 21st, the 10th Micliigan was again on the 
march. In the evening of the 22d it was once more 
witliin hearing of the cannonade from the batteries on 
Lookout Mountain, and on the 2od it reached Camp Cald- 
well, on the right bank of the Tennessee, four miles above 
Chattanooga. 

Cro.ssing to the south side of the river on the 24th, 
the lOtli stood in lino during the progress of the great 
contiicts at Lookout and Mission Ridge, but was not en- 
gaged in either of those battles. Soon after midnight, in 
the morning of the 26th, it moved up the Tennessee, 
crossed Chickamauga Creek on a pontoon-bridge, and 
marched up the right bank of that stream, where a part of 
the brigade met a small force of the retreating enemy, and 
a skirmish ensued in which one man of the regiment was 
slightly wounded by a spent ball. The enemy's evacuated 
works at Chickamauga Station were occupied on the same 
day, the 10th being the first to enter the works. Qn the 
27th the regiment entered Georgia for the first time, p;iss- 
ing through Grayville and camping near Ringgold. On 
the 28th orders were received to march in pursuit of Long- 
street, who was known to be in the vicinity of Knoxville. 
Under these orders the regiment marched with its brigade 
on the 2thh, and continued to move rapidly up the valley 
of the Tennessee until December titli, when it had reached 
a point some fifteen miles above Loudon, where the intelli- 
gence was received that Longstreet had withdrawn from 
Knoxville and retreated into Virginia. Then the column 
was ordered to return to Chattanooga. The 10th pas.scd 
through Madisonville to Columbus, Tenn. (remaining at 
the latter place from the 9th to the l.^th of December, 
during which time the bridge across the Hiawassee River 
was constructed by Company I), and on the IStli reached 
its old camp, four miles above Chattanooga Here it 
remained till the 2(5th, when it moved to near Rossville, 
Ga., and prepared to go into winter-quarters after a march- 
ing campaign of more than four months' duration. The 
men had come in from the East Tennessee march worn 
out, famished, and tattered, many of them having no shoes, 
having been compelled to cut up their ragged blankets into 
wrappings for their feet. Certainly no men ever stood more 
in need of rest and recuperation. 

At the Rossville camp the men built tight and comfort- 
able log cabins, each containing a fireplace, and in these 
(when not out on picket duty) the two remaining months 
of winter were spent in a very agreeable manner. The 
Georgia climate WiLS found to be quite different from that 
of Michigan, the month of February being (|nite as warm 
and plea.sant as the Northern April. 

On the 28th and 20th of January the 10th was out on 
a rccoiinois.«ancc to Ringgold, and the march proved <piile 
oppressive on account of the heat. 

Preparations were now made for mustering as veterans, 
11 



and nearly all the companies had the requisite three-fourths 
of tlieir number re-enlisted, when, in the evening of Feb- 
ruary lid, the regiment was ordered out on picket to (."hicka- 
mauga Station, eight miles away. It retnained out till the 
14th, when it was marched back to camp, and the veteran 
muster was completed on the Itith, three hundred and 
eighty men .signing the veteran enlistment for three years, 
dating from February (itli. The number of veterans was 
afterwards increased to over four hundred. The re-enlist- 
ment an<l muster being perfected, the men were waiting 
impatiently for the veteran furlough (which some of them 
were destined never to receive), when, in the morning of Feb- 
ruary 2.'!d, the regiuiLMit had orders to march immediately, 
with three days' rations and si.vty rounds of ammunition. 
The men could hardly believe that they were again to 
march to the front before making the long-anticipated 
visit to their homes, but the}' fell in without much audi- 
ble complaint, and marched away on the road which was 
to lead them to their first battle-field. The regiment 
moved to within a mile of Ringgold, and camped for the 
night. In the morning of the 24th it moved to a point 
between that town and Tunnel Hill, where the brigade 
joined the forces which had moved out from Chattanooga 
to make a reconnois.sance in force of the enemy's positions 
in the direction of Dalton and Lafayette, Ga. The enemy 
were flanked out of their works at Tunnel Hill, and re- 
tired towards Dalton. The 10th (with other commands) 
followed in pursuit, and at about five o'clock P..M. arrived 
at Buzzard's Roost, — a rocky stronghold of the rebels, situ- 
ated in a pass of the mountains known as Kenyon's Gap, — 
three miles from Dalton. The works were in the rear of 
Rocky-Face Ridge, and fully commanded the Gap. Some 
skirmishing was done in the afternoon and evening of the 
24th, and the regiment took position for the night between 
two spurs of Rocky-Face Ridge. 

On the 25th the early part of the day was consumed in 
skirmishing, but about two o'clock p .y. the 10th, with the 
GOth Illinois, were ordered forward in line over the ridges 
to attack the enemy and carry his position if possible. 
They moved forward gallantly into a very hot artillery 
and musketry fire from greatly superior numbers of the 
enemy. They remained under this terrible enfilading fire 
for about forty minutes, and did what men could do to 
carry the position, but were at last forced back by superior 
numbers, and at the end of one hour and ten minutes the 
regiment reoccupied the position from which it had ad- 
vanced to the charge. In this brief time it had lost forty- 
nine killed and wounded and seventeen missing, among the 
latter being Lieut. -Col. Dickerson, who was wounded and 
made prisoner by the enemy. 

A characteristic account of the battle given by a rebel 
paper (the Atlanta livgisier of Feb. 29, 18G4) was as fol- 
lows : " On Thursday, the 25th, the enemy commenced, 
about nine A.M., to skirmish with our pickets and sharp- 
shooters. At one P.M. the Federal general, Morgan, ad- 
vanced on our right centre to force the Gap. They were 
gallantly met by Reynolds' brigade, of Stevenson's division, 
(jiaylon's brigade, of Walker's division, and Stavall's bri- 
gailc, of Stewart's division, when a lively fight took place. 
The enemy made three desperate a.ssaults to take the Gap, 



82 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and were repulsed each time with great slaughter, heing 
enfiladed at the same time by our artillery. We captured 
some twenty prisoners, among them Lient.-Col. C. J. Dick- 
erson, of the lOtli Michigan, which regiment alone lost two 
hundred and fifty killed and wounded. That night the 
enemy fell back behind their intrenchmenfs, — some three 
or four miles from our front line, — and a portion of their 
forces moved over to our left, and .succeeded in taking a 
gap leading to the Lafayette road, through Sugar Valley, 
three miles south of Dalton." 

It will be noticed that while this account makes the loss 
of the lOlh more than five times what it really was in 
killed and wounded, it admits that the two regiments which 
formed the Union attacking column encountered a rebel 
force of three brigades in a strongly-fortified position. In 
fact, neither the 10th nor the GOlh Illinois had all its 
strength present in the fight, — only eight companies of 
each, making a total of about nine hundred men, being 
engaged. 

On the 2Gth the regiment with its brigade was relieved, 
and marched to Ringgold, from which place it retuincd to 
camp at Rossville, on the 27th. About the 5th of March, 
the veterans of the 10th left the Rossville camp, and moved 
to Chattanooga en roiifc for Michigan, and arrived at De- 
troit on the 11th. There they received the veteran fur- 
lough, with orders to' reassemble at its expiration at the 
rendezvous, — the city of Flint. Upon reassembling they 
remained in Flint for .some days, — a visit which was long 
remembered by both soldiers and citizens. The veterans 
and recruits left Flint on the 20th of April, and moved by 
way of Fentonville to Detroit, thence by way of Kalamazoo 
and Ltifayettc to Jeffersonville, Ind., Louisville, Ky., and 
Nashville, arriving at the latter city April 24th. They left 
Nashville on the 27th, and marched to Chattanooga, where 
they arrived on the 11th of l^Liy, and on the 12th marched 
to their old winter-quarters at Rossville, which were found 
undisturbed and in good condition. On the loth they 
marched in search of the brigade (which had moved for- 
ward with the army May 2d), and overtook it in the morn- 
ing of the ItJth, marching nineteen miles farther the same 
day, with Gen. Jeff. C. Davis' division, which was moving 
towards Rome. On the 17th the regiment took part in the 
fight at Oostanaula River, and in the capture of Rome on 
the following day, both without loss. Then followed a 
series of marches and manojuvres by which the 10th moved 
to Dallas, to Ackworth, Ga., and to near Lost Mountain, 
and reached the base of Kenesaw Mountain on the lUth of 
June. On the 27th, it formed part of the reserve of the 
charging column at Kenesaw. Its losses during June were 
fourteen killed and wounded. 

The enemy having evacuated his works at Kenesaw, the 
10th took part in the pursuit, marching on the 3d of July, 
and reaching the Chattahoochee River on the 17th. On the 
19th it advanced to Durant's Mill, on Peachtree Creek, and 
took part in the actions of that and the following day, losing 
twenty-three killed and wounded. Through the remainder 
of July, and nearly all August, it lay in the lines of invest- 
ment before Atlanta. August 30th it moved with a recon- 
noitering column to Jonesboro', and took part in the battle 
at that place on the 1st of September, charging across an 



open field on the enemy's works, and losing thirty killed 
and forty-seven wounded, among the former being the com- 
manding officer of the regiment, Maj. Burnett. It was 
claimed for the 10th that in this action it took more 
prisoner than the number of men which it carried into the 
fight. For its conduct on this occasion it was compli- 
mented by Gens. Thomas, Davis, and Morgan, the corps, 
division, and brigade commanders. 

On the 28th of September the 10th left Atlanta and 
moved by rail to Cliattanooga, Stevenson, Huntsville, 
Athens, and Florence, Ala., tearing up the Memphis and 
Charleston Railroad. For several days it was in pursuit of 
Wheeler's and Forrest's cavalry, but did not overtake them. 
On the 13th of October the regiment moved by rail back to 
Chattanooga, where it remained five days, and on the ISth 
again took the road, moving to Lee and Gordon's Mills, 
Ga., to Lafayette, to Sumraerville, up Duck Creek, through 
Broomtown Valley, and Alpine, Ga., across the mountains 
into Alabama, to Gaylesville (October 22d), and then back 
to Rome, Ga., where it was in camp November 1st. On the 
9th it was at Etowah, Ga., and on the 13th at Cartersville, 
where, at six o'clock A.M. on that day, it " bade good-by 
to the cracker line, and to all communications, and plunged 
into the Confederacy with four days' rations, marching south 
and tearing up the railroad as we moved." On the 13th it 
made fifteen miles, on the 14th twenty-five miles, and on 
the 15th fifteen miles, burning the bridge over the Chatta- 
hoochee, and reaching Atlanta at two o'clock in the after- 
noon of that day. 

" As we approached Atlanta," wrote an officer of the 
10th, "a huge column of black smoke was seen, and soon 
we found the railroad depots and buildings, with the foun- 
dries and manufactories, a burning mass." When night 
closed in the whole heavens were illuminated by the glare 
of the conflagration, ^and the innumerable camp-fires of the 
Union hosts which lay encircling the conquered city, busy 
with their final preparations for the stoned March to the 
Sea. 

The forces composing the great army which Sherman 
had concentrated here for the mysterious expedition, whose 
destination was then only a matter of conjecture, were com- 
posed of four corps d'armce — the 17th (a consolidation of 
the old 16tli and 17th) and the 15th forming his right 
wing, and the 14ih and 20th forming the left wing of his 
grand army of invasion. In that army the position of the 
10th Michigan was with the 1st Brigade, 2d Division of 
the 11th Corps. The other regiments of the brigade were 
the 14th Michigan, the Itith and tiOlh Illinois, and the 
17th New York, all under Col. Robert P. Smith as brigade 
commander. 

The right wing was the fir.st to move out ; then came the 
20th Corps, and lastly the 14th, and with this corps the 
10th Regiment marched away at noon on the 16th of No- 
vember. A distance of eleven miles was made during the 
aflernoon, and at night the brigade bivouacked near the 
celebrated Stone Mountain, a round-tcppped knob of .solid 
limestone about one mile in diameter at the base, and rising 
bare and gray from the level plain to a height of about 
thirteen hundred feet. From this halting-place the regi- 
ment set out at six o'clock in the morning of the 17th, and, 



TENTH liNFAxNTRY. 



83 



with fine weather ;iii J a good road, made a march of fifteen 
miles, passiiii; through the decaying settleuient.s of Lxssonia 
and Conyers' Station. On tlie ISth the Yellow and Alcova 
Rivers, tributaries of the Okmulgee, were crossed on pon- 
toons, and the tired men of the 10th lighted their bivouac 
fires in the vicinity of Covington, the seat of justice of 
Newton County. During this day they had marched as 
train-guard, and made a distance of ten miles. 

In the morning of the 19th they resumed their journey 
at six o'clock, in a drizzling rain, and at night found them- 
selves twenty miles from Covington, and twice that distance 
from each of the towns of Macon and Milledgeyille. The 
evening of the 20th saw them encamped three miles from 
Katonton and fifteen from Milledgcville. Here the dull 
boom of distant artillery was heard ; this being the first 
hostile sound which they had heard since their departure 
from Atlanta. Their march of the 21st wa.s commenced at 
ten A.M. and was continued until three p.m., at wliieh time 
twelve miles had been accomplished, and they went into 
Ciimp for the night. 

No move was made on the 22d. Orders were here read 
to the regiment, giving the liberty to forage on the country, 
and to ajiproprlate anything necessary for the sustenance of 
man or beast. " These orders [said a letter written by a 
soldier of the 10th] are generally lived up to, and often ex- 
ceeded. The citizens, on hearing of our approach, take 
everything of value to the woods and swamps and cover 
them with bru.sh, or bury them in the ground. But the 
' Yanks' were not long in discovering this, and but little 
is presumed to have escaped their notice. Sweet potatoes, 
meal, flour, various kinds of licjuor, tobacco, silk, and even 
coin, were thus unearthed from their hiding-places, and 
many a frolic was had by the blue-coats at the Confederates' 
expense. 

" It was truly amusing to go ahead of the army proper 
and see the foragers" jiroceedings. They weie as good as 
skirmishers and advance guards, and often were the only 
ones we had. Tliey never failed to rout the rebels when- 
ever and wherever found. Citizens could tell our approach 
long before the army came along, by the popping of guns, 
si|uealing of hogs, and the noises of various farm fowls. 
Nothing escaped the foragers' notice, and but little that w;is 
serviceable to us eluded their grasp. When they came to 
a plantation they generally separated into small squads, 
each squad hunting for some special thing. As if taught 
by instinct that we meant them harm, all animals and fowls 
tried to .secrete themselves or get out of reach of u.s. Hogs, 
sheep, and cattle wcmld take to the woods, fowls to tlie 
outbuildings, and turkeys to the trees. But it wils all 
of no avail. The enterprising and persi.stent Yankees, 
prompted by hunger and the thought^) of a savory di.>h, 
were sure to liiint them out and bring them to. We iiad 
orders not to tire our guns to procure food, but that order 
was only ])artially lived up to. Any animal which we could 
not corner and catch wc shot, and when the fowls took to 
the trees or the tops of buildings the Enfield rifle was sure 
to bring them down. Often would the fat turkeys take 
shelter in the trees, and cry qiitl, quit! -but there was no 
quit. Occasionally the foragers would find a lot of tobacco, 
honey, or sorghum molasses. Then there was a rusli and 



scramble. To many, a swarm of bees was no more an im- 
pediment to the getting of the honey than if they had been 
so many blue-flies. A crowd of soldiers might be seen 
around a barrel of molasses, the head knocked in, and they 
with their cups filling their canteens, coffee pots, little pails, 
and every available kind of vessel that would hold the sweet 
fluid. At all hours of the day tliey might be seen coming 
in and taking their places in the ranks with face, hands, 
and clothes besmeared with molasses and honey. To see 
them, one might think they would stick to the Union, or 
to anything else ; and they would, too. Such was foraging 
in Georgia, and even more than can be described with the 
pen. Imagination must supply the rest." 

In the morning of November 23d, at sis o'clock, the 
regiment was again on the road, and marched leisurely to 
within two miles of Milledgeville, where it rested for the 
night. About noon of the 24th it passed through Slilledge- 
ville, and at night the meu built their fires eight luiles be- 
yond the town. Here the foragers brought in a ton and a 
half of captured flour found secreted in a swamp. On the 
25th a distance of eleven miles was made, and in tlie after- 
noon of the 2Gth the brigade reached Sandersville, the 
county-scat of Washington County. The marches of the 
27th and 2Sth brought the regiment to a camjiing-place 
one mile south of Louisville, the county-seat of Jefferson, 
where it remained for three days picketing and foraging. 

In the first five days of December the men of the lOtli 
marched sixty-three miles, and camped on the night of the 
5th at Briar Creek, sixty miles from Savannah. During 
the Gth and 7tli they made thirtj'-six miles, though contin- 
ually impeded by timber felled across the road and bridges 
destroyed by the enemy. They had now entered the 
marshy country lying along the south side of the Suvamiah 
lliver. Their march of the Sth was uneventful, but on 
the 9th they came upon a hostile battery of three guns, so 
posted as to command a road or causeway over which they 
were compelled to pass through one of the swamps which 
were numerous in that region. The 2d Illinois Battery 
was ordered into position, and soon cleared the road, but 
with the loss of one of its lieutenants killed. The rebel 
battery on its retreat encountered the 20th Army Corps, 
and was captured. On the 10th, the regiment with its 
brigade moved southward to the crossing of the Savannah 
and Charleston Railroad, and went on ])ickct in that vicinity. 
In the morning of the following day they marched nine 
miles south, and took position in the Union line of invest- 
ment fouratid a half miles from Savannah, — one line being 
formed to face the city, and another facing towards the 
country through which they had just pa.ssed. Tliey had 
completed a distance of nine hundred and forty miles, 
marched since the 2Sth of September, and now sat down 
to the siege of Savannah. 

The city was defended by fifteen thousand to twenty 
thousand men behind exceedingly strong ftntificalions, and 
the artillery fire under which the 10th in common with 
other regiments lay was unintermitting day and night. On 
the 14tli news was received of the capture and occupation 
of Fort iMc.Vllister, south of the city. The first mail re- 
ceived by the regiment in a period of six weeks came to it 
here on the 17th. Finally, in the night of December 20th- 



84 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



21st, the enemy evacuated the city, .ind on the 21st the 10th 
inarched in. 

The regiment remained a little more than four weeks in 
Savannah, and on the 20th of January, 1865, it nn)ved 
with the army up the rij^ht bank of the Savannali River, 
bound north. It reached Sister's Ferry, on the Savannah, 
January 28th, and remained there until the night of Sunday, 
February 5th, when, with the other troops of the command, 
it crossed to the north side of the river. " Shouts and 
wild hurrahs rent the welkin as the feet of each successive 
regiment touched the soil of Carolina," — so wrote an officer 
of the 10th who was present at this memorable crossing. 
The regiment remained here two days before moving north, 
and while here (February 6th) the non-veterans of the 10th 
were mustered out of the service, just three years having 
expired since the completion of the original muster at 
Camp Thomson. 

The regiment moved on the 8th, and passed through 
South Carolina without the occurrence of any especially 
notable event in its own immediate experience. The 
march through this State was much the .same as it had 
been through Georgia, excepting that here the foragers 
found a far less productive field, and the track of the army 
was marked by a far more general destruction of property 
than in Georgia, nearly all the buildings being burned, and 
only the tall, naked chimney-stacks being left standing; 
while all along the western and northwestern horizon great 
columns of smoke by day, and the red glow of conflagra- 
tions by night, told how the cavalry of Kilpatrick were 
wreaking their treasured vengeance against the Palmetto 
State. 

The 10th Regiment reached Fayetteville, N. C, March 
11th, and was there slightly engaged in a skirmish with the 
enemy. On the 12th it cros.sed the Cape Fear River, 
skirmishing at Averysboro', and on the 16th was again en- 
gaged at the same place, losing three men killed. Moving 
in advance of the corps on the 18th, six companies being 
deployed as skirmishers, they struck the cncmv about noon, 
and a lively skirmish ensued. The regiment was ordered 
to take position at the junction of the Smithfield and 
Goldsbnro' roads, and during the night it was attacked, but 
repulsed the enemy, and held its position until relieved by 
troops of the 20th Corps, on the 19th, when it moved 
and formed on the right of the second line of battle at 
Bentonville. About four p.m. the enemy moved up in 
heavy masses, and charged the first line, but was repulsed. 
Then the 10th, with its brigade, moved forward to the first 
line, and in a few minutes the enemy Wiis discovered coming 
in on tlie left flank. The line was at once changed to the 
opposite side of the works, and, al'ter pouring a volley into 
the ranks of the rebels, they were charged and driven with 
the bayonet, many prisoners and arms being taken. On 
the 20th the regiment skirmished during the entire day 
and night, and on the 21st moved towards Goldsboro', 
reaching there on the 23d. Moving from Gold.sboro', 
it reached Smithfield April 10th and Raleigh April 13th. 
From Raleigh it moved to Avery's Ferry, forty-five miles 
above Fayetteville, and lay there from the 15th to the 21st 
of April, when it moved to Holly Springs, on the road to 
Raleigh. On the 28th it was at Morseville, N. C, and there 



received the announcement that its campaigning was over 
and the war ended by the surrender of Johnston. In its 
passage through the two Carolinas the regiment had sus- 
tained a loss of fifteen, killed, wounded, and missing. 

Moving north on the 30th of April, the lOtli arrived at 
Richmond, Va., May 7th, and remained there till the lOth, 
when it marched on towards Wa.shington, reaching there 
about the 16th._ It took part in the grand review of Gen. 
Sherman's army at the capitfil on the 24th. It moved on 
the 13th of June, and proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where 
it was mustered out of the service July lOth, and ordered 
to Michigan. It reached Jackson on the 22d, and was paid 
off and discharged Aug. 1, 1865. 

The length and severity of this regiment's marches 
during its terra of service were remarkable. It is shown 
that during 1862 and 1863 its fuot-marches aggregated 
sixteen hundred miles ; that its marches in 1864 amounted 
to thirteen hundred and seventy-five miles, and those in 
1865 to six hundred and twenty miles, — a total of three 
thousand five hundred and ninety-five miles, this being 
exclusive of the distances accomplished by railroad and 
steamer. There were few, if any, regiments in the service 
who.se marching lecord surpassed this. The brigade to 
which the 10th was attached during the period of its re- 
markable marchings through Tennessee, Georgia, and Ala- 
bama was quite generally known among the men of the 
Southwestern army as " Morgan's brigade of Davis' foot- 
cavalry," the division being that commanded by Gen. Jeflf. 
C. Davis. 

MEMBERS OF THE TENTH INF.VNTRY FROM GENESEE COUNTV. 
Maj. Iletiry S. liiiriiett, Gomiricli ; pnl. Nov. 16, ISlJiJ ; killed io battlf ut Junes- 

l.oiV, lia., Sejit. 1, 1SG4. 
.\ilj. Etlwiii F. Iluliiii'S, Fciitoii ; eiil. M.iy S, 1SG5 ; pro. lo capt. June 7, ISGo ; 

mil St. out ns adj. 
Surg. J.(nics C. WiUiun, Flint ; eiil. Dec. 7, IStJl ; tnins. surg. sth Regl. Mielii- 

gau Vol. Inf. Mareli :i, 1SC.2. 
Chap. Rev. Jesse S. Bo.vJen, Flint; oiil. April 10, 1802; res. Aug. 31, 1SC2. 
Sergt.-Maj Edwin F. IluUneti, Fetiton; pro. to adj. 
tinar.-Mas. Sergt. Gle:isun ¥. I'eny, Flint ; pro. to 2d lient. Co. G. 

Compauij A. 
Capt. Uenry S. Ilnrnetl, Goodricli ; enl. Oct. 4, 18C1 ; pro. lo maj. Nov. IC, lSli.1. 
Capt. John Algue, Flint; eiil. Aug. 'iC,, 1864; tliseli. fur wounds, Jlarch 8, 1865. 
2d Lieut. MaxweW G. (_'ool.y, Flint (scrgt.); 2d lieul. Co. A, March 31,1803; 

res. Dec. 28, 1863. 
James Atlierton, Argentine; mubt. out July 19, 18ti5. 
Jacob 0. Bentley, Mundy; discli. at end of service, April 4, 18*>5. 
Lampson Condon, .Argentine; veteran ; must, out July in, 1865. 
Joliu Damon, Flint ; d.sch. for disability, Sept. 20, 18U2. 
Charles Darby, disch. to re-eul. nB veteran, Feb. 6, 1864. 
Judsou Eiicy, must, out July 19, 1S65. 
Albert Ervy, Argentine ; disch. by order. May 20, 1SC5. 
Andrew Etleits, disch. at end of service, Feb. 6, 186.^. 
Edward F. Fuller, discli. at end of sci vice, Feb. 6, 1805. 
Wiliiani Gove, must, out July 19, ISGo. 

Elbert Ilawley, .lied of disiiise at Deerfield, Mich., March 20, 1SC3. 
Daniel B. Lacey, trans, lo Vet. lies. Corps, April 10, I.S04. 
Charles Miggleswortli, died of diseiuse at Cincinnati, 0., July 2, 1862. 
Ethan Blai-sh, d.sch. for minority, March 10, 1862. 
George Minor, Flint ; disch. for di^abillty, Sept. 24, 1862. 
Allen Nor ris, Argentine; died of disi-a-se at Flint, Mich., March 9, 1802. 
Alexander U'Konrke, Burton; veteran ; disch. for diKibility, July 22, 186.'>. 
Monroe Putnam, Argentine ; veteran; must, out July 19,1865. 
Philip Kicliardson, died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Alarch 13, 18G3. 
Miles J, Rood, disch. for disability, March 17, 1863. 
Charles It^mbenger, disch. at eud of service, April 22, 1803. 
Manly Witteni, discharged. 
Marion Witteni, Mundy; disch. for disability, Dec. 23, 1802. 

Compmiy C. 
Capt. Myron Bunnell, Goodrich; cnl. Sept. 24, 1861; res. Nov. 18, IS62. 
2d Lient. George A. Allen, Flint; must, out Feb. 6, I860, at end of service. 
2d Lieut. James R. Kipp.Goodrich ; enl. May20, 18C5; must, out July 10,1865. 



SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. 



85 



Corp. Jas. R. Kipp, veteran, Goodrich (serpt.) ; pro. to 2d lieut. 

Corp. Milo Swpnrs, velenin, GuuJricli (s»>rgt.) ; nni3t. uiii Jiil>' 19, 1865. 

Corp. JiiiiK's Lacy, Flint ; imisiiiiiti ; iinist. out at end of tervite, Fell. G, 18C5. 

Eliliii Aiiiion, Flint; iliscli. tu rc-enl. its vetHtnn, Fell. G, ^»^'A. 

Julin IJu>ii, Giiodrii-h; disrli. to rc-i-nl. as vt-tenui, Feb. C, 1S04. 

George Bnsb, Goodrieli ; di^rll. to re-enl. as vel«'r:ui, Feb. 6, lSti4. 

Blurviit C. Barney, Gootlrich ; discli. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. fi, I8C4. 

Ilt-nry S. Bidwell, lioudricli ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, F*:b. G, 18C4. 

Juhn E. Beech, Goo.lrich ; died of disease, July 2.1, 18G2. 

George W. Bidwell, Forest ; diseh. for disaliliry, Sept. 12, 1S62. 

AVilliiini Barilett, died of disease at XaslivilU-, Tenn., Jan. 5, 18G3. 

£li Ba.\ter, AlliU>; died of disease at Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Sept. 11, 18C4. 

Knislus Corwin, Kithfield; died in action near Pultun, Ga., Feb. 25, 18t>4. 

Oscar Cumuiings, Goodrich ; died in action at Jonesboro', Ga., Sept. 1, 18G4. 

Frank Ci illcnderi, Fore&t ; discli. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. G, 18G4. 

NeNon Confer, Atlas; must, out July 19, I8Co. 

Tbonuts Downer, Guodrick ; dit-d of disease at Camp Denniiion, Ohio, Aug. 2, 

18G2. 
Benjnmiii Frick, Gooilri* h ; disch. at end of service, Feb. G, 18C5. 
Mephen Ilustead, Atla.s ; died in action near Dalton, Ga., Feb. 2o, 18G4. 
llarker llibbard, Flint ; ilisch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 0, 1804. 
Kilniuml K. Iled^lin, Flint; must, out July 19, 18G5. 
Secley S. Hedgiin, Flint; nnist.out July 19, 18G.\ 
Sylvester Ilaynes, Atlas; disch. at end or service, Feb. G, 1SG5. 
Prenti&s C. Iliirri^, Flint ; discli. at end of si rviee, Feb. G, 1SG5. 
Harrison Ilaynes, Flint; di-scli. at end of service, Feb. G, 1805. 
CI arles W. Juhubon, (ioidriih; dii-d of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 24, 

1802. 
Benjamin Overbol^cr, Ki. bfii Id ; disch. Dec. I.">, 1802. 
Onicr I'mtt, Goodrich ; ditd of disease, June 10, 1802. 
Henry IV-nnell, (Goodrich ; ilrowned. 

Cliai les II. Itiinilen, Flint ; veteran ; must, out July 10, 1805. 
Keuben L. Suiith, must, out July 19, 18Go. 

George N. Schilhngcr, Gomiricli ; disch. at cud of Service, Feb. 0, 1SC5. 
Gciirge Stowe, Flint ; disch. to re enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 18G4. 
John \V. Saundei'R, Goodrich ; died of disease at Atlanta, tia., Oct. 31, 1804. 
Nelson Swears, Flint ; tUed of disejisLt at Loiii^viUe, Ky., April 6, 1802. 
James Vansickles, Gnuid Blanc; disch. for »lisability, S'pt. 20, 18G2. 
Asa Volentine, Goodrich; vctei-an ; must, out July i;i, 1805. 
Ini Wood, Flint; died of disease at Keokuk, lowa, Aug. 21, 1802. 

Cvmpaiiy I. 
Capt. Russell M. Rjirker, Flint ; enl. Oct. 1, ISOl ; resigned Nov. 29, 1802. 
1st Lieut. George A. Aplin, Flint ; enl. May 8, 1805; must, out July 19, 18G5. 
2d Lieut. Thomas Branch F'lint; enl. March 31, 1SG3; must, out Feb. G, 1865, 

at end of service. 
Sergt. licnry R. Cbiitendt-n Flint; disch. for disability, Feb. 9, 1SG3. 
Sergt. George A. .Xidin, Flint ; ptoniottd to Ul licnt. 
Sergt, Ji>s< pli E. Tapper, Flint ; promoted to sergt.-maj. 
Seigt. '1)k-ui:is Branch, Klinl ; proniole<J to 2d lieut. 

Coip. William II. Pavie, Flint (sergt.); must, out by geuenil oilier, July 3, 18G5. 
Citrp. Arba Smith, Flint ; died of disejiso at Nashville, March 4, 1HG3. 
Corp. Lyman E. Davie, Flint ; pro. to 1-t lieut. T. S. C. Inf., Nov. 9, 1863. 
Corp. Benjamin Bradsliaw, Flint; disch. for disability, Apiil 1(», 1802. 
Tbtxidore Armstrong, Flint; dietl of disease at Farmington, Miss., June 3, 1802. 
Jason L. Austin, F'lint ; disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1862. 

George Aplin, Flint (fergt.); ve'eran ; tlisch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb, 0, 1804. 
David J. Amlrews, (bed in action at Bcntonville, N. C, March 19, 1805. 
Chiules W. Brewer, ilied of disease at Camp Dennison, Ohio, June 2(i, 1802. 
Uilluim II. Biwlgley, Flint ; disch. for tlisability, April 9, 1802. 
Josiah N. Barklex, Flint; disch. f-r tiisiibility, Apii! 17, 1802. 
Benjamin M. Brad-^haw (corp.); disch. for (Lsability, April 10,1802. 
John Brown, discli. fur di-abilily.Scpt. 2o, 1802. 
Joseph Barton, Flint ; diseh. for ilis:il.ility, July 1ft, 18C2. 

Thomas E. Bmbaz»»n, veteran ; died of Mound^ at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 3, 1864. 
John Chadbonrn, Goodiicb ; died of disease at Camp Dennison, Ohio, Aug. 1, 

18G2. 
Abnliam Cb;ise, disch. for di^^abibty, Dec. 10, 1802. 
Kduin Crittenden, must, out July 11*, 1805. 
Janu-s W. Crittenden, must, out July 19, 1865. 
John \V. Cutrin, Gnodrich; must, out July 19, 18C5. 
William II. Davie, must, out July 19, 1805. 

Lynmn E. Davie, Corp.. pro. to Ist lieut. U. S. C. T., Nov. 0, 1863. 
Che^tiT Farrar.ilisch. for disabjily, Oct. 22, 1802. 
Mortimer B. Gillman, disch. for disi^bility, Sept. 26, 1862. 
lleiiiy II. Griftin, di-.ch. at enrl of service, Feb. 6, 1805. 
Franklin H. Hopkins, died of dist-jise at Farmington, Miss., June 29, 1802. 
Abram <). Harrison, disch. Blarch 27, 1801. 
Newton I>. Hodge, discb. to re-enl. iis veteran, Feb. 6, 1804. 
Abnihaiii G. Iluiighlon. musician, veteran, must, out July 19, 18C5. 
Himm K. Howell, uiuat. out July I'J, I8G5. 
Roswell N. Ilillon, must, out July 19, 1805. 
Wm. McCuinb, di«-di. for disibility.Oct. 20, 1802. 
Will. O. Moise, must, out .Inly 19. i860. 
Isaac Meserranll, must, out July 19, 1865. 
Gt'orge .Marshall, must, out July 19, 180.J. 
IMiilip Marshall, Tlio:foi>!, must. out. July 19, 18C5. 



"Worthey E. Millard, disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1864. 

Benjamin Alcott, Burton ; must, out July 19, 18G5. 

James Alcott, Burton ; must, out July 19, 1805. 

Hezekiah I'ierce, must, out July 19, l!SG5, 

Mi ron IVtiitt, Tbetl«»rd ; must, out July 19. 1865. 

Jfimes S. Tettitt, Thetford ; must, out July 19, 1805. 

Lewis Raisin, must, out July 19,1865. 

John Shalto, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., June 14, 1862. 

Arba Smith, died <.f disease at Na.-ihville, Tenn., March 4, 1863. 

Nathaniel Taylor, trans, to C. S. Engineers, July, 1804. 

Henry Vantassel, disch. to re-etil. as vetenin, Feb. 0, 1804. 

Augustus Welch, disch. for disability, April 2H, 1802. 

Henry C. Webster, died of disease at Henderson, Ky., May 30, 1862. 

OTHER COMPANIES. 

Ist Lieut. John Aluoe, Flint, Co. G ; enl. March 31. 18fi:i: pro. to capt. Co. A. 

2d Lieut. Jos. E. Tnp|.er, Flint, Co. G; pro. to maj. 17th U. S. C. T., Nov. 180:J. 

2d Lieut. Gleason F. Terry, Flint, Co. G ; enl. June 7, 1865 ; must, out July 19, 
1805. 

1st Lieut. Newton D. Hodge, Flint, Co. H (seigt) ; 2d lieut.; enl. May 20,1865; 
1st lieut. June 7, 1805 ; must, out July 19, 18G5. 

1st Lieut. John R. Thom-son, Flint, Co. K ; enl. Juno 23, 1802 {2d lieut. Feb. 22, 
1SG:J). 

Miles Allen, Berlin, Co. G.; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 17,1804. 

AIe.\ander Allen, Co. U; disch. to re-eul. as veteran, Feb. 6, 1804. 

Levi Allen, Vienna. Co. H ; must, out July 19. ISOo. 

John G. Allport, N. f'. S.; must, out July 19, 1805. 

Abner B. Clark, Gnuid Blanc, Co. K ; disch. for di ability. 

Fi-ank M. Cunmiings, Co. B; disch. for disability, Feb. 14, 1803. 

George A. Fi>hell, Co. K ; disch. to re-eul. as veteran, F'eb. 18, 18G4. 

James II. Finn, Co. K ; disch. for disjibility. 

Josejdi Huister, Flint, Co. H; disch. for disability. 

Hiram Howbmd, Flint, Co. II ; died at Smith's Ferry, Nov. 13, 1803, of acci- 
dental wounds. 

Edwin F. Holmes, Flint, Co. II ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 10, 1864. 

Alvarns F. Ilosner, Flint, Co.G ; absent on furlough; not must, out with CO. 

Myron M. Huug^rfonl, Flint, Co. H; must, out July 19,1865. 

James Ingb-s, Flint, Co. G; must, out July 19, 1805. 

David D. Inglo*, F'lint, Co. H; disch. at end of service, March 18, 1865. 

Lewis Kelsey, Co. B; must, out July 19, 1865. 

O-cjir D. Lason, Co. K ; disch. at end of seivice, Feb. 0, 1865. 

Lewis Meeker, Fenton, Co. H ; must, out July 19, 1805. 

Gerry A. Necomb, Co. II; must, out July 19, 1SC5. 

Levi Ovid, Co. II ; disch. at end of service, March 28,1805. 

Lewis Parri-h, Co. II; disch. lor disability, July 19, 1S02. 

Ira E. Payson, Flint, t'o. K ; died in action near Dal ton, Ga.,Feb,25, 1«04. 

Roswell Pettingill, Forest, Co. G ; died of disease at Nashville, Teuu., Sept. 9, 
1801. 

George W. Peasley, Gaines, Co. G; must, out July 19, 18G5. 

Chester Roy, Gaines, Co. G ; must, out July 19, 1805. 

Nelson Ripb-y, Mimdy, Co. H; must, out July 19, 1865. 

0. B. l^»gt•l■8, CIo. B; disch. for disability, April 20, ISG2. 

Hirnm Slociim, Co. II; disch. for di.-ability, Oct. 11, 1802. 

Richard S ewart. Flint, Co. G; died at Joiiesbt.ro', Ga., Sept. 1, 1804, of wounds. 

Henry i^hipnian, Co. G ; died at Nashville, Tenn.. Stjit. 12, 1864, of wounds. 

Samuel Van Every, Co. B; disch. for disability, .\ug.25, 1862. 

C. B. Wingert. F'enton, Co. K ; disch. for disjibilily. 

Allen E. Wisner, Co. B; disch. for disibility, June 17, 1865. 

Myron C. Woodard, Corp., Co. H ; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Feb. 0, 18(>4. 

Lewis B. Wells, sergt.. Grand Blanc; veteran; absent, sick ; not must, out with 
coiui'any- 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. 

"Stockton's InJc|ioiiclent Regiincnl"— Orgiiniziilion .-it Oaiiip Backus 
— Wintur-Qciiirturs at H.ill'.s Hill, Va.— I'diiusula Campaign — 
Dusignatiim as the Si.\toeutli Inf.mtry — D^ittlcs ol' Hanover Court- 
lIiMise anl (Jaincs' Mill— .M.vhcrn Hill — Harrison's I-anding— 
Campaign of SwonJ liull Run — Anticlani — FrL-acrickfbiirg — 
Chanccllorsville — (Jfttysljurg — Rc-cnli.stniLnt — Campaign of the 
WiMcTncss— In Front of Pitursburg— Closing Campaign of ls>l>,i 
— .Muster Out an'l Return to iMiehigan. 

Tmk Sixtociith UL'.niiDCiit of Jlicliigan Infantry was 
(3esi<inatcil, at tlu' lime of its organization, and for more 
than eight nionlhs after its muster into the United Stales 
service, as " Stoeii ton's Independent Uei:imciit," heeausc 
raised under authority given for that purpo.Hc hy the War 



86 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Department to Col. T. B. W. Stockton, of the city of 
Flint. 

Under the first call for volunteers from Michigan, Col. 
Stockton had tendered his services to Governor Blair to 
or<;anize and command a regiment, and had received some 
encouragement that he should receive the command of the 
2d Infantry Regiment, which was then forming.* This, 
however, was afterwards given to Col. Richardson ; but on 
the organization of the 5th Regiment, it was understood 
(though whether promised or not is not knownj that Col. 
Stockton was to be its commander ; but this also proved to 
be a premature announcement, and the command was given 
to Col. Terry. Upon this, Col. Stockton repaired to Wash- 
ington, and, in an interview with President Lincoln, made 
the request for authority to raise a regiment in Michigan, 
and was by the President referred to the Secretary of War, 
who thereupon gave the desired permission, upon the con- 
dition that Governor Blair's acquiescence should first be 
obtained. But the Governor would consent only on con- 
dition that security should be given for the necessary ex- 
penses of the organiz;ifion and subsistence of the proposed 
regiment until it should be mustered into the service of the 
United States. Col. Stockton was not prepared to comply 
with this condition, and it seemed as if his plan was des- 
tined to failure; but just at this time occurred the battle 
and defeat of Bull Run, and upon this he again went to 
Washington, and obtained a second interview with Secre- 
tary Cameron, whom he found fully alive to the necessity 
for more troops to avert the peril in which the capital and 
the country stood in consequence of the then late disaster. 
This consideration overshadowed all others, and induced 
the Secretary to grant the colonel's re(|ucst, free from the 
condition which he had before imposed. The necessary 
order was issued by the department, and Col. Stockton 
returned without delay to Detroit. 

Immediately upon it becoming known that he had been 
authorized to raise a regiment, a number of applications 
were made to him by persons desiring authority to recruit 
companies for the new organization. Among the fir.st of 
these was Capt. Stephen Martin, who, in making his re- 
quest, inquired what was to be the name of the regiment. 
In answer, the colonel said that he (Martin) should have 
the privilege of giving a name to the organization as well 
as of raising a company for it. " Then," replied the cap- 
tain, " it shall be ' Stockton's Independent Regiment,' " 
which designation was at once adopted. Recruiting was 
immediately commenced at several points in the State, 
and though it proceeded under some discouragements, the 
progress made was so rapid that the regiment was ready 
for muster in less than five weeks from the issuance of the 
War Department order authorizing the organization. 

* The Cttizeii, of Flint, in its issue of April 20, 1861, siiid : " Col. 
Stockton, in anticipntion of a call from the Oovermir, and that a 
regiment would be raised by companies from all parts of the State, 
has tendered his services as colonel of said regiment. Wc feel sure 
there is no one in the State more capable or competent or who has 
seen more service. He is a graduate of West Point, served over ten 
;vcars in the regular service, was colonel of the 1st Michigan volun- 
teer regiment in the Mexican war, and for the past two years has 
been intimately connected with our volunteer company," the Flint 
I'nion Grays, who went into .'■erviee with the 2d Int'antrv Regiment. 



In nine of the companies of this regiment there were 
officers or enlisted men, or both, from Genesee County. 
There was one company however, which ( particularly during 
the raising and organizing of the regiment) was generally 
known as " the Genesee company," because it was very 
largely composed of men from this county. This was the 
company raised by Cajit. Thomas C. Carr, whose recruiting- 
station was at the city of Flint. The recruiting-name of 
the company was the " Genesee Light Guard," though its 
nucleus was an organization which had been earlier known 
as the " Flushing Light Artillery." Capt. Carr's company 
filled up rapidly, and on the 7th of August, 1861, it left 
Flint under his command, and proceeded to the regimental 
rendezvous, which had been established at Dotroit, the camp 
being naiued " Camp Backus," in honor of Lieut.-Col. E. 
Backus, U. S. A., by whom the regiment was mustered into 
the United States service, Sept. 7-13, 1861. The field- and 
staff-officers of the regiment were: Colonel, Thomas B. W. 
Stockton; Lieutenant-Colonel, John V. Reuhle ; Major, 
Norval E. Welch ; Adjutant, T. E. Morris; Surgeon, Lsaac 
Wixom ; Assistant Surgeon, William H. Butler; Chaplain, 
Rev, W. H. Brockway ; Quartermaster, F. H. Elder. 

The officers of the " Genesee Light Guard" (designated 
in the organization as " C" company) were : Captain, Thos. 
C. Carr ; First Lieutenant, Miner S. Newell ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Randolph W. Ransom. 

On Saturday, September 14tli, orders were received from 
the War Department directing Col. Stockton to proceed 
with his regiment to Washington, D. C. Preparations were 
at once commenced, and on the following Monday the com- 
mand was ready to take its departure. At four o'clock in 
the afternoon of that day the companies marched out upon 
the parade-ground at Camp Backus, and formed in a hollow 
square, i'or the ceremony of the presentation of a flag, the 
srift of the ladies of Detroit — through Mrs. Charles H. 
Dunks — to Stockton's Independent Regiiuent. The flag 
was of heavy blue silk, six by six and one-half feet in di- 
mensions, bearing on one side the arms of the State, with 
the words " Stockton's Regiment"' underneath, and on the 
reverse the national emblems — the eagle and shield — and 
the words " Stand by the Union" upon a scroll. The pre- 
sentation address was made by Judge Wilkins, and was re- 
sponded to by Col. Stockton, both speeches being applauded 
most enthusiastically. The color was received from the 
hand of Mrs. Dunks by. Col. Stockton, and by him handed 
to Sergt. C. McDowell, of the " Genesee Light Guard," 
which was the color company. 

At six o'clock the regiment — numbering seven hundred 
and sixty-one enlisted men — inarched to the river, where 
Companies A, B, and F embarked on the steamer " City of 
Cleveland," and the other companies, with the field and 
staff, on the " May Queen," bound for Cleveland. They 
arrived at that city in the following morning, and proceeded 
thence by rail, (•/(( Pittsburgh, Ilarrisburg, and Baltimore, to 
Washington, which city was reached on 'J'hursday, Sep- 
tember 19lh. There the regiment remained in camp till the 
28th, when it crcssed the Potomac into Virginia, and moved 
to Fort Corcoran. After a three days' stay at that place it 
was moved to Hall's Hill, Va., where it was assigned to the 
3d (Butterfield's) Brigade, in Gen. Fitz-John Porter's di- 



SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. 



87 



vision. The iiifiintry rosriuionts, besides Col. Stockton's, 
conipo.sinL; tlio od Uri-iade were the 8::5d Pennsylvania, Col. 
MeLane; the 17th New York, Col. Lansing; and the 
I'eoiiic's Ellsworth Regiment f44ih New York), Col. Ste- 
phen Stryker. 

Here was regularly laid out a uanip, which became the 
winter-([uarti'i-s of the regiment and tiio home of" its officers 
and men for a period of nearly six months, wliich time was 
devoted mainly to the attainment of military discipline, 
]>roticiency in drill, and to the transformation of a body of 
brave and patriotic citizL'iis into an efficient regiment of sol- 
diers. In effecting this the military education and experi- 
ence of Col. Stockton was invaluable; his success was com- 
plete, and univei'sally acknowledged. Es])eeiallj' were the 
benefit.s of his oversight and ex|ierienee di.seernible in the 
superior sanitary condition of the regiment during its stay 
at Hall's Hill, and in the campaign which fiillowed. 

Before the earliest streakings of daylight in the morning 
of March 10, 1802, the 3d Brigade struck cauip, and 
uiarchcd from its winter-quartei's to Fairfax Court-IIouse, 
where the 44tli New York was temporarily detached, and, 
in company with Averill's Sth Pennsylvania Cavalry, ad- 
vanced on Centreville, the troops fully believing at that time 
that a direct movement was to be made on Richmond. But 
the enemy's works at Centrevilh; and Manas.sas were found 
deserted, the detachment returned, and the entire brigade 
marched through drenching rain, over most wretched roads, 
and in a state of gluom and disappointment, to Alexandria, 
where it embarked on steamers on the 21st of March, and 
on the following day proceeded down the Potomac and the 
Chesapeake Bay to Fortre-ss IMonroe, ai-riving there on the 
24th, and marching thence, on the 25th, to a can)p in the 
vicinity of Hampton. This was a Virginian village which 
had then recently been destroyed by fire by order of the 
Confederate general, JIagruder, — a place which nature had 
made beautiful, which its inhabitants had embellished and 
embowered with roses and woodbine, but now only a waste 
of bare chimneys and blackened walls. The camp of the 
regiment was located about two miles from the village, and 
was named " Camp Wide Awake." Here the command re- 
mained until the 27th, when, with the brigade, it took part 
in a recoil noissance in force, moving as far up the Penin- 
sula as Big Bethel, but, encountering no serious opposition, 
returned to the camp near Hampton. 

On the morning of the 4th of April the Army of the 
Potomac, more than one hundred thousand strong, moved 
up the Peninsula by the difTerent roads, and, in the after- 
noon of the Sth, Stockton's regiment, with the 3d Brigade, 
stood before the enemy's intrenchments at Yorktown. Here 
Gen. ButtcrGeld called the officers of his brigade together, 
and gave ordei'S fur eacli regiment to leave ail knapsacks 
under charge of oeie man, and to be ready in two minutes 
to charge the rebel works. It was rumored, and was prob- 
ably true, that the general had asked permission to make 
the assault with his brigade. Had he done so, with such 
support as might easily have been furnislicd, there is little 
doubt that tlie fading daylight of that Saturday aflernoon 
Would have seen the Stars and Stripes floating over the lio.s- 
tile rainjiarts ; but the desired peiinission was nut given, and 
that night the great army lighted its camplires in IVont of 



the fortiQed line, and sat down to a four weeks' siege of 
Yorktown. 

While at this place the regiment was engaged in the 
usual routine duty and drill, interspersed with labor upon 
the earthworks and parallels which were constructed in 
pursuance of the plan of the commanding general to cap- 
ture the place by regular apiiroacli. During this time the 
strength of the regiment had been augmented to one thou- 
sand men by enlistments, and by the addition of two new 
companies from Detroit. The health of the command also 
remained good, in consequence of the strict sanitary rules 
of Col. Stockton, and in marked contrast to that of many 
other regiments, notable among which was its companion 
in the brigade, the 44th New York, whose men suffered so 
severely from sickness that when the advance was made 
they were left as a garrison at Yorktown. 

Early in the morning of Sunday, May 4th, it became 
known that the hostile fortifications were evacuated, and 
soon the troops were in motion in pursuit of the retiring 
enemy. Col. Stockton s command remaiiu'd within the 
captured works until the Sih of May, when it embarked 
and proceeded thence up the York River to West Point, 
Va., reaching there on the following day. While at this 
place the regiment received its designating number, which 
the colonel (though on .some accounts unwilling to do so) 
was induced to accept in view of possible future advantages 
which might accrue to his officers and men. From this 
time it was no longer known as " Stockton's Inde])endent 
Regiment," but as the IGth Michigan Infantry, in the 3d 
Brigade, 1st Division (Morell's) of the 5tli Provisional 
Army Corps, which was formed at that time (May 10th) and 
j)laced under command of Gen. Fitz-John Porter. 

On the 13th of May the ICith marched with its brigade 
from West Point to Cumberland, on the Pamunkey River. 
Thence it moved by way of White Hou.se and Tunstall's 
Station to Gaines' Mills, where it arrived on the 2Glh, 
having advanced forty miles from Yorktown in eighteen 
days ! Before daybreak on the 27tli of May the division 
of Gen. Morell moved from Gaines', and marched rapidly 
through rain and mud towards Hanover Court-House for 
the purpose of destroying tlie railroad at that point, in 
which vicinity there was known to be a considerable force 
of the enemy, which proved to be Branch's rebel division, 
consisting of seven regiments, with artillery. A part of 
Morell s division, — the 2d Maine and the 25th and 44th 
New York, — under command of Gen. Martindale, was left 
by the way to hold an important position, while the re- 
mainder of the division went forward to capture the station 
at Hanover, and to destroy the railway track, which service 
was successfully accomplished, while Martindale bravely 
held his ground against the determined attack of Branch. 
If iMartindale could have been forced from his position the 
advanced troops of Morell would have been left in a most 
perilous situation, but in this attempt the rebels failed, and 
after a hot engagement of more than an hour's duration 
were compelled to retire with a heavy loss in killed, woundi'il, 
and prisoners. On the Union side the lu.ss, in the 41th 
New York alone, was twenty-seven killed and tilly-scvcn 
woundi^d. ''Gen. Butterfield, hearing firing in llie rear, 
moved his command at once to the jioint of attack. Few 



88 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of the 16th who were present will ever forget that march 
in line of battle across wheat-fields, through swamps and 
ravines, cheering as they advanced, impetuous to strike 
their first great blow for freedom. The enemy, seeing that 
to remain was to be captured or killed, flod in dismay, 
leaving their dead, wounded, and many prisoners on our 
hands. The day's work was a complete triumph, and that 
night we bivouacked for the first time on the field we had 
won. . . . Here for the fir.st time the regiment had a taste 
of living on the enemy. Through some strange freak, the 
commanding officers winked at it. Beef, pork, dried fruits, 
and preserves — in fact, everything that an epicure could 
crave— were procured in abundance, and indulged in with 
apparent emotions of pleasure. That day was never for- 
gotten by the IGth during its entire service thereafter; its 
members ever after repeated the operation whenever the 
country afforded the material."* The division having 
successfully accomplished its mission, returned to its camp 
on the north side of the Chickahominy, near Gaines' IMills, 
on the 29th of May. At about one I'.M. on the 31st the 
crash of artillery and the incessant roar of musketry were 
lieard coming from the woods and thickets on the opposite 
side of the river, and the infernal uproar continued during 
most of the afternoon. It was the battle of Fair Oaks. 
The men of the 16lh stood with their brigade in line ready 
to cross the stream to the as.sistancc of their comrades, but 
they were not ordered in on this or the following da}', when 
the fight was renewed. 

With but one change of camp the IGth rem.iined near 
Gaines' Jlill until the first day of the Seven Day.s' battles, 
— Thursday, June 2Gth, — when it was moved in haste 
towards Mechanicsville to support the right of the Union 
Hue against the assault of the redoubt;ible Stonewall Jack- 
son, but it was not engaged in the fi'jrce battle tliat ensued. 
Before daylight on the following morning it retired with 
other regiments (though not unmolested by the enemy) 
from the position held during the night to Gaines' Mill 
where a line of battle was formed with Butterfield's brigade 
on the extreme left, Sykes' division of regulars on the 
right, and McCall's Pennsylvania Reserve division in the 
second line. Approaching them were the rebel commands 
of Generals A. P. Hill, Longstreet, D. H. Hill, and the 
dreaded Jackson, in all more than fifty thousand men, 
against half that number on the Union side. The battle 
was opened by a furious attack on Porter's right. Hei'e 
the enemy was at first repulsed, but renewed the assault 
and turned the Union right, which retreated in disorder 
and caused the whole line to give way, which resulted in 
Col. Stockton being made prisoner by the enemy. Sick 
and unfit for duty, he had insisted on entering the field at 
the head of his regiment, though against the expostulations 
and earnest protest of his surgeon, and now, dismounted 
and weak from illness, he became separated from his com- 
mand in the turmoil and disorder of the retreat, and was 
afterwards captured and taken to Richmond. The hard- 
ships which he was compelled to endure during his subse- 
quent captivity wrought injury to his health from which 
he has never recovered. 

* From a sketch Vrilten by Capt. T. Frank Powers, of the ICth 
Ile;riment. 



The retreating line was finally rallied, and the 16th, now 
under command of Maj. Welch, with other troops charged 
on the defiant foe, but only to be decimated and hurled 
back in utter rout, leaving their dead and wounded on the 
crimson field. This closed the disasters of the day for the 
IGlh, and a bloody day it had been for this regiment. Its 
losses had been forty-nine killed, one hundred and sixteen 
wounded, and fifty-five missing. Of the killed, three were 
officers, and among these was Capt. Thomas C. Carr, of the 
Genesee company, he being the first member of the regi- 
ment who died on the battle-field. 

The day of Gaines' Mill had closed in blood and defeat, 
and during the succeeding night the Union forces, includ- 
ing the remnant of the IGlh Michigan, succeeded in cross- 
ing the swollen Chickahominy and destroying the bridges 
behind them, though two bridges farther down the stream 
(Bottom's and Long Bridges) still remained, and it was 
not long after sunrise on Saturday morning when the rebel 
force under the indomitable Jackson was massed at the 
upper one of these and making preparations to cross to the 
south side. Other hostile forces were also advancing from 
Richmond direct on McClellan's left wing, and in view of 
this rather alarming situation of affairs the general had, as 
early as Friday evening, decided on a retreat b)' the whole 
army to the James River, where a base of supplies could 
be held and communication on the river kept open by the 
co-operation of the Union gunboats. The troops were 
informed of the proposed change by an apparently trium- 
phant announcement (intended merely to encourage the 
soldiers and lighten in some degree the gloom of the great 
disaster) that a new and mysterious flank movement was 
about to be executed which would surely and swiftly result 
in the capture of Richmond. No such assurance, however, 
could conceal from the intelligent men who formed the 
Army of the Potomac that their backs and not their faces 
were now turned towards the rebel capital, and that the 
much vaunted change of base was made from necessity 
rather than choice. 

During the four days succeeding the battle of Gaines' 
Mill the men of the IGth took part in the daily fight, 
skirmish, and march, which brought them on Tuesday, 
July 1st, to the heights of Malvern. On that field the 
reiiiment lost thirty-nine killed and wounded and three 
missing, but it held the position assigned it, repulsing the 
repeated attacks of the enemy with unsurpassed bravery, 
and strewed the ground thickly with his dead and wounded. 
The battle was opened at this point at about four o'clock 
P.M.. and from that time until darkness closed, the roar of 
musketry was unintermitting. Finally the carnage ceased, 
and the men of the North laid themselves down (victors, 
they believed) to rest on the blood-soaked field. But at 
about one o'clock in the morning of July 2d orders were 
given to fill in for a march, and the regiment moved 
silently down the hill, and away on the road to Berkeley 
(or Harrison's Landing), leaving their dead and wounded 
behind. 

No one who was not present can ever realize the bitter- 
ness of humiliation and despair that pervaded the rank and 
file of the army as they turned their backs upon a victori- 
ous field, and marched away in the gloom of the night, and 



SIXTEENTH INFANTRY. 



89 



through the mud and pouring rain of the succeeding morn- 
ing, to seek tiie protection of the gunboats in the river 
against a beaten foe, who was at the same time retreating 
in an opposite direction. I5ut tlic woaiied and dispirited 
men struggled on, some in sullen silence, some cursing, and 
some actually weeping in the iigony of their shame, until 
at hist they rested on the banks of the James under the 
friendly guns of the Union fleet. 

Four days after the arrival of the army at Harrison's 
Landing, the commander of the 5th Corps (Gen. Porter) 
issued a general order congratulating the oflicers and men 
of his command " on the perils through which they have 
so honorably passed, and the successes they have added 
by their valor to the glory of our arms,"' and mentioning 
especially their gallantry at Vorktuwii, April 5th ; New 
Bridge, May 24th ; Ilanuvcr Court-IIousc, May 27th ; Mc- 
chanicsville, June 2Ctli ; Gaines' Mill, June 27th; New 
Market, June 30th ; and Malvern Hill, July 1st. A com- 
plimentary order was issued by the commander of the 3d 
Brigade (in which was the IGth Michigan), as follows: 

" IlEADQCAUTEnS BlTTEIIFIELD'S BRIGADE, MOBEI.b'S DlVlSIO.V. 

" Cii'cuttn\ 
"Brave Soldiers of the 3n Biiigade: 

*' It is with no ordinary itride thnt your general promulgates to you 
general orders No. 4, from the heoilquaitor.s of the urniy corps. Your 
bravery and galhintry have won my love, and you are as dear to me 
as brothers. Let the enpi it and the pride which have always di^tin- 
guished you be reneweil and redoubled. Your eliililren's children 
will be jH'oud of your noble act^, and your country will love you. Let 
every one, oiRcers and men, make renewed exertions, an 1 let the ne.\t 
call to arms find the brigade, as it always has been heretofore, unflinch- 
ing, unfaltering, devoted to the country and the honor of its flag. 
Let the proud recollections of the glorious names your banner will 
bear redouble your strength and zeal, so that, as heretofore, you will 
e({ual twice your numbers of the enemy. 

*' By command of 

*• Buig.-Gen. Buttkrfiei.d, 
(Signed) " Tuos. J. Hovt, Ahu'c Ailj'l-deii." 

During the night of the 31st of July the enemy on the 
south side of the river suddenly opened fire from more than 
fifty pieces of artillery on the Union army lying on the north 
side, the camp of Butterfield's brigade being fairly within 
their range. The scene was a grand and exciting one, and 
the wildest commotion ensued, the great guns of the fleet in 
the river adding their thunders to the roar of the cannonade. 
Very little injury was inflicted, however, on either side. 
On the following day the 3d Brigade crossed the river, 
burned the plantation buildings, near which the hostile bat- 
teries had been placed, and then made a reconnois.saiice to- 
wards Petersburg, but, finding no enemy, returned to the 
liver and bivouacked on the Uuffin plantation, where it re- 
mained five days, foraging on the country, and at the end 
of tliat time recrosscd the river to its former position. Alter 
this, few, if any, noteworthy events occurred in the expe- 
rience of the 10th during the remainder of its stay at Har- 
rison's Landing. 

In the night of the 14th of August the regiment struck 
Ciimp, and, with its corps, took the advance in the march 
of the army dowu the Peninsula, reaching Hampton after 
three days' and one night's march. There was a striking 
contrast between the appearance of tiie haggard and tat- 
tered remnant of the IGth Michigan, who now returned to 
12 



their old camping-place, and that of Stockton's Independent 
Regiment of well-led and healthy men, as they had marched 
away from the same place a little more than four months 
before, but their hope and courage were still high, and none 
were doubtful of ultimate triumph. On the 19th they took 
transports for Acquia Creek, and arrived there the follow- 
ing morning, proceeding thence by railroad to Fredericks- 
burg. Remaining there until the evening of the 23d, the 
line of march was then taken northwestwardly along the 
left bank of the Rappahannock, and after an eventless 
march, and some countermarching, reached Kelley's Ford 
on the 2Gth. During the night orders were received to 
burn such regimental and company property as could not be 
carried, and to be ready to march at daybreak for the line 
of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. On arriving at 
Bealton Station, it was reported that the enemy had de- 
stroyed a portion of the railroad between that place and 
Alexandria, and had captured and burned a large amount 
of property. Rations had become very low, and a forced 
march was necessary to make a junction with the Army of 
Virginia, under Gen. Pope, which was effected by the corps 
at Groveton, August 21)th. While at this place tlie troops 
were formed in line of battle, but no engagement occurred. 
For his failure to engage the enemy. Gen. Porter was 
severely censured by Gen. Pope. 

The command then moved towards Manassas, and on the 
30th a new position was taken near Bull Run. The bri- 
gade lay for hours under a heavy artillery fire, until 
about the middle of the afternoon, when the regiments 
were formed in column by division, and ordered to advance. 
The infantry of the enemy lay well protected in a deep 
railroad excavation, and a large number of artillery pieces 
were posted in the rear of the infantry and on higher 
ground. When the 3d Brigade had reached an open field, 
the enemy poured into its ranks an infernal fire of artillery 
and musketry. The brigtide advanced most gallantly to 
within a few yards of the enemy's infantry, and on that 
spot the bones of its brave men who fell on that d;iy were 
Ibund when the survivors again inarched over the field 
months afterwards. While the brigade was engaged at this 
point a force of the enemy attacked in flank, and they were 
thus forced back in disorder and with severe loss. No 
troops ever better deserved victory than did the Union 
forces on that day, and that they did not obtain it was no 
fault of theirs. It was because " some one had blundered." 
The lo.ss of the regiment in this battle was seventy-nine 
killed and wounded (among whom were three color-bear- 
ers) and seventeen missing. Capt. Randolph W. Ransom, 
of Flint, was also among the killed. 

After this crowning di.saster the command fell back, by 
way of Centreville and Hall's Hill (their winter-camp of 
18G1-G2), to Arlington, where a rest of ten days was had, 
during which time Col. Stockton returned from his cap- 
tivity in Richmond, and the regiment received considerable 
accessions to its numbers from hospitals and other sources. 
On the 12th of September the brigade, under command 
of Col. Stockton, moved, with the 5th Corps, on the Mary- 
land campaign, which culminated in the bloody battle of 
Anlietam, September 17lli. On that day the 5th Corps 
was not engaged, though towards evening the 3d Brigade 



90 



HISTORY OF GKNESEK COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



was ordered first to the right and then back to the left, but 
sustained no loss. 

On tlie 20lh the 5lh Corps — the IGth iMithi^an in ad- 
vance — started in pursuit of the retreating columns of Lee, 
and engaged his rear guard at Shepherdstown Ford, after 
wliiLJi the regiment and brigade returned, and camped near 
Siunpsburg, on Antietaui Creek, where tlio 2Ulh Maine 
llegiuiont was added to the brigade. 

On the oUtii of Oeluber the 5th Corps broke camp, and 
marched, bj- way of Harper's Ferry {id which point the 
Potomac River was crossed), to Warrenton, Va. This 
march occupied ten days, and during its continuance the 
men of the IGth, in common with those of other regi- 
ments, foraged almost at will in the country through which 
they passed, the result of which was that their commis- 
sariat was abundantly su]>plicd with rations of the best 
quality. "So well," says Capt. Powers, "wa.s the regiment 
supplied with poultry, fresh meats, honey, and jireserves 
that the commanding officer of the division made a sly 
insinuation to Col. Stockton that the IGth must have had 
a lax training in its youth to so soon forget that high moral 
culture that had made the Ainiy of the Potomac so I'ond 
of furnishing food for the jiowder of rebel bushwhackers." 

On the arrival of the 3th Corps at Warrenton, the regi- 
ment found itself under a new commander of the Army of 
the Potomac, — Gen. Rurnside, — who had super-sedtd Gen. 
McClellan in that command on the 5th of November, and 
at about the same time Gen. Porter was relieved of the 
command of his corps. Gen. Burnside, on assuming com- 
mand of the army, reorganized it into three grand divisions 
of two corps each, the 5tli and 3d Corps, forming the centre 
grand division, being placed under command of " Fighting 
Joe Hooker." 

The army, resuming its march, reached the Acrpiia Creek 
Railroad on the 2Gth of November, and the brigade of 
which the IGth Micliigan formed a part encamped in the vi- 
cinity of what was afterwards known as Stoneman's Switch. 

On the 12tli of December the 5th Corps moved to the 
Rappahannock River, opposite Frederiek.sburg, where the 
commander of the army was preparing for the great battle 
which was fought on the following day. During the prog- 
ress of that unequal 6ght theod Brigade remained quies- 
cent until about four p.m , when it was ordered across the 
river. It crossed, and formed line in the outskirts of the 
town, tlun advanced under a heavy fire of musketry and 
canister, halting near the front, at a point which w,is 
slightly protected by the ctniformalion of the field. This 
position was held, but with some loss, until darkness closed 
the contest for the day. The fight was renewed on the 
14th, but the results were far less sanguinary, and both 
sides held their ground, though the general result was 
most di.-astrous to the Union arms. 

At midnight of the 15th the brigade went to the front 
and withdrew all the jiickcts on that part of the field, and 
shortlv after daylight crossed to the north side of the Rap- 
pahannock, as the main body of the army had done during 
the night. 

The IGth Regiment cannot be said to have participated 
prominently in the battle of Fredericksburg, but it per- 
formed all that was rei|uired of it, and in doing so sus- 



tained a loss of twenty-three killed and wounded. After tlie 
battle it went into winter-quarters at Stoneman's Switch. 

In the spring, after Gen. Hooker had been placed in 
command of the army, and was making preparations for that 
forward movement which ended at Chanccllorsville, the IGth 
moved, with the other regiments of the command, to the 
Rappahannock, and passed up on the left bank of the river 
April 2~th. It crossed to the south side of the stream ou 
the 28th, and was jire.sent on the field of Chancellorsvillc 
during all of the throe bloody days succeeding Bltiy 1st, 
taking part in the fight at Hookers headquarters on Sun- 
day, but sustaining no heavy attack.', and losing only one 
killed and six wounded. At the close of the campaign it 
recrosscd the river with the armj', and returned to camp at 
Falmouth, where, on the ISlli of May at evening parade. 
Col. Stockton took leave of the regiment, having resigned 
for the purpose of raising a brigade of Tennessee troops, 
under authority conferred by Gov. Andrew Johnson, and 
sanctioned by the War Department. This resignation gave 
the command of the regiment to Lieut. -Col. Norval E. 
Welch, who was afterwards killed in an as.'-ault upon the 
enemy's works at Poplar Grove Chinch, in the Petersbui'g 
campaign. 

Early in June it was learned that the enemy was moving 
towards the Shenaiiduali ^'alley. and the Army of the Poto- 
mac was put in motion to meet and oi)pose him. On the 
2()th, at Aldie, the od Brigade joined Gen. Pleasonton on 
an expedition to disperse Stuart's Cavalry, which resulted 
in a fight at Middleburg (June 21st), in which the loss of 
the IGth was nine wounded, this being one-half the lo.'^s of 
the whole brigade. The command then returned to Aldie, 
where it remained till the 25th, when it commenced a forced 
march to Slaryland and Pennsylvania, and reached Gettys- 
burg in the morning of July 2d, when the great conflict 
had already commenced. The 3d Biigadc was detached 
from the remainder of the division, and about three r.M. was 
posted on the Little Round Top, forming the extreme lel't 
of the Union line, the order of the brigade line being as 
follows: on the lel't the 20th Maine, Col. Chamberlain; 
next, the ood PeniL^jylvania, Capt. Woodward ; next the 44th 
New York, Col. Rice; and ou the right, the IGth Mich- 
igan, Col. Welch ; the brigade being uuder command of 
Col. Vincent, who on that day fell mortally wounded. In 
this position the brigade was soon attacked by Hood's di- 
vision of Longstreet's corps. The enemy came on impetu- 
ously, and with great confidence, ou account of superiority 
in numbers [being a division against a single brigade), but 
his repeated assaults were successfully repelled. His last 
attack was made .simultaneousl3' on the front and flank of 
the brigade, so that the JIaine regiment was compelled to 
change face to repel the flanking column. But the work 
was bravely and successfully done, and then, when ammu- 
nition was well-nigh exhausted, and no reinforcements near, 
Col. Rice (who succeeded to the command of the brigade 
when Vincent fell) sent word to each of the regimental 
commanders to fix bayonets, and, on a signal from him, to 
charge. The enemy received the charge steadily at first, 
then wavered, rallied, wavered again, and at last broke in 
confusion, with a loss of five hundred prisoners, and over 
one thousand stand of arms. The brigade pressed on 



SIXTEENTH IxNFANTllY. 



91 



tl)rou<;li the valle}', and halted with its left resting; on Bi^ 
Hound Top, on wliich its line was soon after established. 
The fi;;htin,i; at Little Round Top-was nearly all in which 
the IGth took active part at (u'ttysburir, and in it the loss 
of the regiment was sixty, in killed and wounded. In the 
nioniinp; of the 3d the brifjade was relieved, and took posi- 
tion in the rear of the main line. On the morninu; of July 
5tli it was discovered that the enemy had retreated, and the 
l.")th marched with the army in ]iursuit. Slight collisions 
were had with Lee's rear guard, at Jones' Cross-Koads, on 
the lOtli, and at Wiiliamsport, Md., on the ]2lh of July. 
Oil the ITth the regiment cro.ssed the I'litcjuiac at Berlin, 
and was almost constantly on the lunreh from that time 
until September IGth, when it reached Culpep(U\ There it 
remained till October 7th, when it moved to Raccoon Ford, 
and crossed the Rapidan. It crij.s.sed the Rappahannock on 
the lOtli, recrossed on the 11th, and moved to Brandy Sta- 
tion, where tlie enemy was attacked by a portion of the 
corps, but the IGth Regiment was not engaged. Another 
period then ensued of marching and countermarching (with 
a stay of a week in camp on the Orange and Alexandria 
Railroad) until the 7lh of November, when the IGth was 
slightly engaged, and lost three wounded in the capture of 
a rebel work near Rappahannock Station. It moved with 
the army, November 2Gth, on the Jline Run campaign, 
which ended without results on the 2d of December, when 
the regiment went into camp on the north bank of the Rap- 
pahannock, near the railway-station. 

At this place nearly three luindred members of the regi- 
ment re-enlisted as veterans, were mustered as such on the 
24th of December, and about a week later left for Michi- 
gan on furlough, reaching Detroit on the 9th of January. 
At the expiration of their furlougli, February 9th, they re- 
assembled at Saginaw City, and on the 17th left that place 
to rejoin the army. On their return the regiment made 
winter-quarters at Bcalton Station, and remained there till 
April 30, 18G4, when they moved to Brandy Station, pre- 
paratory to commencing the eaui]iaign of the Wilderness. 

In that campaign the movements of the IGth were too 
numerous to follow in detail. It moved aeioss the Rapidan 
at Germania Ford, May 4lli, and on the Gth and 7th took 
jiart in the battles of the Wilderness, sustaining no lo.ss on 
the Cth, but losing on the following day thirty-five in killed 
and wounded. On the 8th it made a forced march to 
Laurel Hill, near Spott-sylvania Court-House, and in the 
evening of that day was attacked by the enemy in an almost 
impassable swamp, but its loss was inconsiderable, while a 
considerable number of the enemy were taken prisoners. 
May 22d the IGth moved from Spottsylvaniu towards the 
North Anna River, and, being the advance guard of the 
corps, it encountered the rear guard of the enemy at Polecat 
Creek, and captured a considerable number of prisoners. 
The next day it was engaged at North .\nna River, where 
it charged successfully, and drove the enemy. It crossed 
the I'anuinkey River at Hanover Town, in the morning of 
tile 2Sih, and assisted in throwing up works on South Creek. 
On the 29th it moved to Tolojwtonioy Creek, and crossed 
it just before evening. 3lay 30th, moved forward and 
became engaged with the cneniy, losing the major, Robert 
T. Elliott, who was killed at the head of the reLriment. On 



June 1st the brigade was ordered to advance its line, and in 
doing so was brought under a raking cross-fire. The IGth 
advanced, and drove the enemy from their rifle-pits, and 
held the position thus .secured. The next day the corps 
took up a new jiosition, and while the movement was in 
progress the enemy attacked in heavy force, but a heavy 
storm came up and stop]ied the battle, which, however, was 
renewed on the .'jd of June, and again on the 4th. This 
three days tight was near Bethesda Church, and in it the 
Kith Regiment was engaged during each day. From this 
point it moved by way of Cohl Harbor and Disjiatch Sta- 
tion to the left hank of the Cliickahominy, and there re- 
mained until the 12th, this being its fir.st rest since crossing 
the Rapidan on the 4th of Jlay ; the intervening time having 
been constantly employed in march, skirmi.sh, or battle. 

On the 13th of June the regiment crossed the Cliicka- 
hominy by the Long Bridge, and marched to the James 
River, which it crossed on the IGlh, and arrived in front of 
Petersburg on the 17tli. Then followed a month of severe 
labor in the trenches, from which the regiment was relieved 
and placed in reserve August 15th. Three days later it 
moved to the Wcldon Railroad, and was there engaged in 
the construction and occupation ol' defenses until September 
30th, when it formed part of the force which stormed and 
carried the enemy's fortifications ne.ir Poplar Grove Church, 
in whi<-h desperate assault the IGth lost fifty-two killed and 
wounded, among the former being the commanding officer 
of the regini'.!nt. Col. Weluh, who died on the parapet. 

For more than two months after this battle the regiment 
lay most of the time in the trenches at Poplar Grove 
Church. In December it accompanied the corps on a raid 
to Bellefield, Va., on which about sixteen miles of railroad 
was destroyed. It was in the trenches before Petersburg 
during January, 18G5, and on the Cth and 7th of February 
took part in the battle of Dabney's Jlills, losing heavily. It 
fought at Hatcher's Run, March 25th ; at White Oak Road, 
IMarch 29th ; at Quaker Road, March 31st ; at Five Forks, 
April 1st ; at Amelia Court-House, April 5th ; and at High 
Bridge, April Gth. After Jjce's surrender it nuirched to Suth- 
erland Station, where it remained stationed <luring April, and 
early in May it marched to Washington, I). C., arriving there 
on the 12lh and taking pait in the grand review of the Army 
of the Potomac, May 23d. It was encamped near Washing- 
ton until the IGth of Juno, when it moved under orders 
for Louisville, Ky., arriving there on the 21st. Thence it 
moved across the river to Jeff'ersonville, Ind., and was there 
mustered out of service July 8th. The men and officers left 
on the 10th for Michigan, and on the 12th arrived at Jack- 
son, where, on the 25th of July, 1SG5, they received their 
pay and were disbanded. 

OrKlelCRS AND ENI.ISTKI) H ICX OV THE SIXTEKNTII INt'AXTKY 
FROM CENKSEE COIKTY. 
Col. Tlioni:\» B, W. Slocktim, Kliiil ; Aug. '22. ISIil ; res. Miiy 18, 180:!. 
Stnm'iMi I-auc Wi.\otii, .ArKeiitirif ; Aug. 19, ISljI. 

tli.-Mu«t. Si-rgt. Ileiiry II. Aplili, Klint; piu. tu 2ilIicul.,Jilly 7, ISC'); must, out 
as Boi-gt. 

Cfrnjiattrj C 
Cnpt. Tliiimiui O.Ciirr, Flint ; .luly :i(i, l«r,l ; kill.'.l in liiitllu uf G.iin.'.i' Mill, Vu., 

.Iiini'U", l»c!i. 
Capt. living M. Ili-lrlii-r, Flint ; .Inly In, ISO! ; li.inonil.ly iliscli. fur .liiiil.ility, 

May 1.5, 1«(m. 
1st I.irnt. MiniT S. Newell, I'.int; July 30, l.sci ; app. qi-.-nvisl.; must, ont of 
tirviccSepl. 7, 1804. 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



l8t Liont. Randolpli W.Riinsoin, Flint; Aug. 9. ISGl; killpcl in batlle at Bull 
Kiiti, V;i,, Aug. :iO, 1S(V2, \va8 2a lieiit. from July ;10, 18G1, to Aug. U, 1861. 

2<) Litjiit. Zibii B. Graliani. Flint ; Aug. 30, 18G2; Uuu^. t<i Co. G. 

2U Lieut. Monzo Swarlz, Fliisliing ; Ainil 27, 1S63; wounded in nctjoii at Tol- 
opi>tomoy, Va., June 1, 1864 ; pro. to 1st lieut. Aug. 3, 1864 ; must, out as 
2(1 lieur. at end uf service, Sept. 2G, 18G4. 

Sergt. Irving M. Belcher, Flint; pro. to coni.sergt. Sept. 22, ISCl. 

Sergt. Harrison Wiiy, Flint ; discli. for d:s;»biliiy ; died Dec. 2, 18G1. 

Corp. Arzii M. Niles, Flint (st-rgt.); discli. for wounds, Sept. y, 1SG2. 

Muaiiinn lUnry Duvia. Flint ; diach. Oct. 25, 1802. 

AVagoner Tlinnuis Belili-n, Flint (corp.) ; must, out July 8, 18G5. 

51erritt Avery, disch, liy order, Aug. 12, 1861. 

J;unes Aiijih-bee, discli. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 24, 1863. 

Nathaniel N. Andt-i-aon, died March 31, 1SG5. 

Edward Bigg.dit-d in riiiliidelpbia, Pa., Nov. 2S,i8G2, of Wounds rcc'd in action. 

Fdward Hritton, disch. fur disability, Oct. 1, 1802. 

Kdwin Biirlow, discli. for disability, Nov. 13, 1802. 

\Villiiim Bagg, dis^ch. Sept. 7, 1804. 

Kdwiird V. Brigg, disch. 

I'.itii.k Ilr;ulb-y, died of disoa.se at City Point, Va., Sept. 10, 1804. 

Keuben Biadish, nui-'t. ont July 8, 1805. 

John S. Copp, must, out July 8, 1865. 

Boyd Culver, disch. for di-sability. Not. 13, 18C2. 

John Conquest, disch. t>T wounds, Nov. 28, 1862. 

Augnstns Chapel, disch. May 8, 18G2. 

James Cniwforti, died of wonnds at I'liiladolpliia, Pa., June 4, 1864. 

lliiain G. Darting, died of wounds at New York Harbor, Sept. 1864. 

Eli Devoe, disch. for disability, Nov. l:i, 1802. 

Alber t Doan, died »)f disease in hospital. 

Edwanl Davis, dir^cii. to re-eul. as veteran, Dec. 24, 1863. 

Dennis Fiilby, di>cli. by order of surgeon, Feb. 2, 1862. 

Smith Forsyth, disch. for di-ahility, Feb. 25, 1862. 

S.inford Guthrie, died of wounds at Wasliiugton, D. C, May 20, 1S64. 

Kicliard C. Guyer, disch. by order. May 18, l80o. 

James Ilenipstcd, veteran , must, out July 8, lSG.'i. 

George \V. Hilton, disch. for disability, April 6, 1804. 

George Handy, dieil in action at Spt.>lt-ylvania, Va., May 8, 1864. 

lU.s«ell Hilton, di-cb. fur disability, Nov. 13, 1862. 

Arthur M. HiMlges, veteran ; altsent on furlough ; not must, out with company. 

Orrin Juhnsoii, disch. for disability, May 2ii, 1802. 

diaries Knapiw, di>ch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 24, 18C3. 

Georgf Mohan, disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 24, 1863. 

James McKec, discli. to re-enl. as veteian, Dec. 24, 186^1. 

Andrew J. McDowell, discli. for disj\bility, June 17, 1SG2. 

Albert E. M»Clellan, disch. for disability, April 21, 1802. 

Charles Martin, died of wounds at Gettysburg, I'a., July 21, 1863. 

Getirge W. Munroe, died of disease in hospital. 

Bnssell C. Moon, discharged. 

El sba Moses, disch. April 1, 1863. 

Charles Marion, disch. Feb. 20, 1803. 

Blilion C. Miller, died In action at Siwltsylvania, Va., May 8, 1864. 

Patrick Murphy, must, out July 8, 1865. 

Ebas Palmer, disch. for disaldtity, Feb. 25, 1862. 

Philander Payne, disch. Sept. 7, 1804. 

Ger-ihoni Palmer, died of disease at Gaines' Mil!, Va., June 11, 1862. 

Abram Parsons, died of disease at Georgetown, J>. C, April 15, 1862. 

Ira Patlei^.ii, diiil of disease, Aug. 18G2. 

James Uichard-^, died of disease at Annaiwlis, Md., Aug. 31, 1SC2. 

James Kipley, disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 186:J. 

Charles H. l^lot, disch. for disability. 

Jidin Shout, disch. for disability, Feb. 24, 180-3. 

t'barles Starks, died of disease, Sept. 1802. 

Samuel P. Sinilh, disch. to re-enl. as veieran, Dec. 24, 1863. 

Natiian Small, must, tuit July 8, 18G5. 

James Sbo\iks, disch. by onler, May 24, 18G5. 
George Turner, disch. Dec. 26, 1862. 

Garwood Tnpper, must, out July 8, 1865. 

George Tower, disch. for disaldlity, Dec. 26, 18C2. 

Tliouias Tbonii«on, uuist. out July 8, I860. 

William Teachout, must, out July 8, 1865. 

Mrtrion Van Itiper, disch. for disability. 

Harri^i)n Way, disch. for dis.ibility, Dec. 19, 1862. 

David S. Weaver, disch. for disability, April 19, 1S62. 

Hurry Wibler, disch. to re-«nl. as veteniu. 

Adoniram A. Worth, died of disease at Yorktown, Va., May 1, 1862. 

Abnim Way, ilied May 12, 1864, of wounds rec'd in action at Spottsylvauia, Va. 

Dcwitl Williams, disch. Sept. 7, 1SG4. 

OTHER COMPANIES. 
E. Frank Eddy, Flint; 2d lieut., Co. G, Aug. 9,1861; wonnilcd in battle of 

Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 18G2; prx>. to 1st lieut., Co. G, Nov. 3, 1802; 

capt., Co. G.Aug. 11, 1SG3; pro. to Iieut -col., 29ih Mich. Inf., July 29, 

1SG4. 
T Frank Powers. Fenton; sergt., Co. K; 2d licut., Co. A, Not. 3, 1862; 1st 

lieut., Co. B, June 21, 1864: capt., Co. B, Aug. 3, 1SC4 ; must, out July 8, 

1865. 
Gilbert K. Chandler, Forest; 2d lieut., Co. D, July 21, 1861 ; Ist lieut., Sept. 



3862; capt., April, 1863 ; lest his left arm in action at Gaines' Mill, Juno 

27, 1802; was afterwards in battles of Cbancelluraville and Gettysburg; 

trans, to Vet. Ke.«*. Corps, Aug. 11, 1863; must, out of service, Oct. ID, 18G7. 
Irving M. B.-lcher, Flint; sergt., Cu. C; 2d lieut., Co. B, Aug. 3<i, 18G2 ; 1st 

lieut., Co. K, April 17,1861; pro. to capt Co. C. 
Charles Veeder, Genesee; sergt., Co.G; 1st lieut., Co. E; must, out July 8, 1865. 
Ziba B. Gniham, Flint ; sergt., Co. C; 2d lieut., Cos. C and G; Ist lieni., Co. T, 

April 23, 1803; wounded at North Anna liiver, Va., May 2:1, 1804 ; must. 

out at end of service, Sept. 7, 18G4. 
James L. Tupping, Fentun , 2d lieut., Co. I, Sept. 4, 18C2; resigned March 28, 

18G3. 
liloyd G. Streever, Flint; sergt.; pro. to 2d lieut.; must, ont as sergt. 
Patrick Murphy, Flint ; sergt. ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; must, ont a-s sergt. 
Samuel .\tIicrton, Argentine, G>. A ; must, out July 8, 1803. 
William ,\Ilierton, Argentine, Co. I; disch. from Vet. Ucs. Corps by order, July 

m, isG,-!. 

Natlianie] Austin, Argentine, Co. K ; disch. by oi-der, May 30,1805. 

Corp. Ji'hn .1. Bustwick, Aigentiue, Co. K ; died of disease near Falniouth, Va., 

Nov. 2G, 1802. 
Nathan Barton, .\rgentine, Co. I ; died at Laurel Hill, Va., May 1", ISGt. 
Geo. S. B.tiley, Fenton, Co. D; died of disease at City Point, Va., July 28,1864. 
Sanniel D. Bustwick, Aigentine, Co. K ; died of disea-^e, Dec. 8, 18G2. 
James Bnidy, Argentine, Co. A ; must, out July 8, 18G5. 
G<-orge W. Chase, Argentine, Co. A; must, out July 8, ISCo. 
Jacob A. Clark, Argentine, C^>. A ; disch. for disability. Dec. 16, 1863. 
Lewi-. Case, veteran, Argentiii'-, Co. A; must, out July 8,1865. 
Jacob W, Craw, ArgeTitine, Co. I; died of disease, Nov. 25, 1864. 
John Coles, Argentitie, Co. I ; diacli. by order. May 30, 1865. 
Dennis Falbey, Flu-hing, Co. G ; disch. at end of service, Nov. 21, 1863. 
Lambert Foster, Gaines, Co. B; must, out July 8, 1865. 
George Garner, Fenton, Co. B; must, out July 8, 18G5. 
Edgar G. Hicks, Argentine, Co. I.; disch. Jan. 15, 180.3. 
Thomas Hopkins, Jr., .\rgentiue, Co. I ; disch. March 5, 1863. 
Joseph H. Hough, Flint ; Co. B; disch. by order, July 0, 1865. 
David Hnbl.anI, Montro<e. Co. H; disch. by order, June l-t, 1865. 
William Ilaidick, Argentine, Co. I ; disch. by onler, May 30, 1805. 
William E. Jacobs, Flu-bing, Co. K ; disch. March 2.1, 1863. 
John Knight, Flint, Co.G; di^ch. March 17. 180:t. 
Stephen M. Kent (corp., sergt.), Co. K ; disth. to re-enlist as veteran, Dec. 23, 

186;i. 
Albert L. Metz, Argentine, Co. I; di.^ch. by order, May 30, 1805. 
James A. McKnight, Argentine, Co. I ; disch. for promotion, Dec. 8, 1863. 
George W. Nuyes, Fenton, Co. I); disch. f>r disability. 
Elin Stukd, Arirentine, Co. I; dieil of di;ie;ise in Imsp tal, April 18,1863. 
Theodore Sternhardt, Flint, Co. G ; trans, to Vet. Ites. Corps, Sept. 30, 1863. 
Alfred Staiks, Argentine, Co. I; disch. by order, May 30, 1805. 
George Seymour, Argentine, Co. I; disch. by order, May 30, 1865. 
William Tillman, Argentine, Co. I ; disch. Feb. 9. 186:J. 
Pbilo White, Argentine. Co. K ; disch. by order. May 29, 1865. 
Ethan H. Wrght, Mount Morris, Co. K; disch. by order, July 10, 18G5. 



CHAPTER XIV, 

TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY. 

Competition of the 23il Regiment — The Thomson Light Guard and 
the Wolverine Guard — The "Fighting Parson" — Rendezvous and 
Organization of the Regiment at East Saginaw — Muster In and 
Departure — Reception of Companies at Flint — Departure from De- 
troit, and Arrival at Jeffcrsonville, Ind. — "Camp Gilbert" and Ihe 
*' Brick-Yard Camp" — Meeting Buell's Veterans — Movement to- 
wards Shelbjville — Arrival at Frankfort — Pursuit of John Morgan 
— Movement through Perryville to New Market — March to Bowling 
Green, and Long Stay nt that Place — Death of Lieut. -Col. Pratt — 
Pursuit of Guerrillas through Kentucky, up the Ohio River, and into 
Ohio — Return to Cincinnati, and Movement to Paris, Ky. — Move- 
ment to Lebanon and I^ew Market — March to East Tennessee — 
Col. Chapin's Speech — Arrival at Loudon — March to Knoxville — 
Back to Loudon — Movement to Lenoir — Fight at Huff's Ferry — 
Battle at Campbell's Station — Siege of Kno.wille — Blain's Cross- 
Koads and Strawberry Plains — Morristown and Charleston — Down 
the Tennessee Valley — The Georgia Campaign — Resaca — Dallas^ 
Lost Mountain and Kenesaw — Atlanta- — Pursuit of Hood — Battles 
of Columbia, Franklin, and Nashville — Transfer to the East — Bat- 
tles at Fort Anderson and Town Creek, N. C— March to Kinston 
— Movement to Goldsboro' and Raleigh — End of the War — Muster 
Out and Return Uome. 

Tins regiment, which was raised and organized in the 
summer of 1SG2, under the President's call for volunteers 



TWENTY-TniRD INFANTRY. 



93 



issued July 2d, immediately after the close of the Seven 
Days' battles on the A'ir<:inia peninsula, was rendezvoused 
at East Saginaw, under D. II. Jerome, Esq., as commandant 
of the camp of instruction and orsanization. It was com- 
posed of volunteers from the Sixth Conjjrcssional District, 
and contained two companies raised in Genesee, as well as 
a considenible number of men from the county serving in 
several of its other companies. 

The Genesee companies, while recruiting, and until tlic 
organization of the regiment was completed, were known as 
the "Thomson Li^ht Guard" (in honor of Col. E. II. 
Thomson) and the " Wolverine Guard." The former was 
recruited to more than the maximum strength* by Capt. 
Charles E. McAlester and Lieut. Stewart in about three 
weeks' time, and the latter, recruited principally by the 
Rev. J. S. Smart, filled its ranks in about two weeks from 
the beginning of enlistment. The Wolverine Citizen of 
Aug. 9, 1802, mentioned that " Col. Tliom.son and the 
Rev. J. S. Smart are addr&ssing the people at different 
places in the county, to raise the quota of Genesee for the 
23d Regiment," and about the same time a Flint cor- 
respondent of the Detroit Free Press said, " The Rev. J. 
S. Smart, presiding elder of this district, lately felt it his 
duty to go to the wars, so he told his family and friends to 
' stand clear,' for he was going that way. He immediately 
started a recruiting-office, and, the fact soon spreading 
through the city and county, in four days after, the elder 
had a full company of one hundred men on his rolls. He 
then posted oiF to Detroit, got his commission as captain, 
and is now here, organizing and straightening out matters 
preparatory to leaving for the camp of the 23d at Saginaw. 
The new captain is very popular, and could have had another 
hundred men if he had been authorized to accept them. 
He is now called here the ' Fighting Parson.' " This corre- 
spondent was decidedly in error as to the time in which 
the company's ranks were filled, and other portions of his 
communication were too highly colored ; but it was not an 
exaggeration as to the height of the patriotic enthusiasm 
which then existed among the people of the county in re- 
gard to the furnishing of their full quota, and the promo- 
tion of enlistments, particularly in the companies that were 
to join the 23d Regiment. 

The two Genesee companies left Flint early in August, 
and proceeded to the rendezvous at East Saginaw, where, 
on the 30th of that month, they were reported respectively 
as one hundred and nine and one hundred and twelve strong, 
the former number representing the strength of Capt. Mc- 
Alester's company. The Rev. Mr. Smart, after seeing his 
company filled, retired from it, and accepted the chaplaincy 
of the regiment. The command of the company tlion de- 
volved on Capt. Damon Stewart, previously first lieutenant 
and adjutant of the regiment, and still earlier a non-com- 
missioned officer in the 2d Jlicliigan Infantry, serving with 
that regiment in the campaign of the Peninsula. 

In the organization of the regiment, the " Thomson 

• This company was recruitcil, in the time incntiunc.l, to a strength 
of one hundred ancl twcniy-six men, and it contiiinel one hundred 
an<l 8i.xtcen men wlien it joined the regiment at Eiu-tt Saginaw (ijeing 
the strongest of all the companies reporting). A number of these 
men were aft?rwards rejected for non-age, physical disabi'ity, etc. 



Light Guard" was designated as " C" company, under the 
following commissioned officers: Captain, Charles E. JIc- 
Alestcr ; 1st Lieutenant, George AV. Buckingham ; 2d Lieu- 
tenant, William C. Stewart ; and the " Wolverine Guard" 
was designated as " K" company, its commissioned officers 
being: Captain, Damon Stewart; 1st Lieutenant, Samuel 
C. Randall ; 2d Lieutenant, John Rea. 

The field-officers of the 23d at its organization were: 
Marshall W. Chapin, colonel; Gilbert E. Pratt, lieutenant- 
colonel ; Benjamin F. Fisher, major; dating from Aug. 
23, 18G2. The regiment (nine hundred and eighty-three 
strong) was mustered into the service of the United Stales, 
at the rendezvous, on the 11th and 12th of September, and, 
it being \inderstood that the command would be immediately 
ordered to the front, preparations for the movement were 
at once commenced. 

On the ItJth of September orders were is.sucd for Com- 
panies C, H, and K to take up their line of march for De- 
troit, prepai'.itory to departure for the theatre of war. Pur- 
suant to these orders, they broke camp in the morning of 
the 17th, and were transported on the cars of the Flint and 
Perc JIaniuctte Railway to Mount Morris, which was then 
the southern terminus of the road ; and thence were moved 
across the country, by way of Flint, to the Detroit and Mil- 
waukee Railroad, over which they proceeded by train to 
their destination. At Flint, a bountiful repast had been 
provided for them, and they were received bj' the citizens 
with great enthusiasm, — the more so, no doubt, because this 
first detachment included the two Genesee companies ; and 
for the same rea.son the adicux which were waved to them 
here, and everywhere in their passage through the county, 
were the more sad and tearful. The moniory of that occa- 
sion is still fresh and vivid in the minds of surviving 
soldiers, and of relatives and friends of those who never re- 
turned. " The incidents of that first movement," wrote an 
officer of the regiment, " were no doubt similar to those of 
the remaining companies over the same route, — flat cars, 
rain, sunshine, tears, smiles, feasting at Flint, transportation 
by variety of vehicles, hilarity, airs, boisterous mirth, and 
much good cheer." 

On the following day, the remaining companies left the 
rendezvous, and moved by the same route to Detroit, whore 
they arrived in the evening, and all were hospitably enter- 
tained by the patriotic citizens. With but little delay, the 
ten companies were embarked on steamers, which landed 
them at Cleveland the next morning ; the weather being 
rainy and dismal, and the condition of the men anything 
but comfortable. From Cleveland, the regiment moved by 
rail across the State of Oliio, to Cincinnati, whence, after a 
stop of some hours, it again proceeded by railroad, and on 
Sunday morning, September 21st, reached Jeffersonville, 
Ind., on the north bank of the Ohio River, opposite Louis- 
ville, Ky. In the afternoon of the same day the command 
moved to " Camp Gilbert," near by, and that night, for the 
first time, the tired men of the 23d slept upon the soldier's 
bed, — the bosom of mother earth. 

At this time the Southern general, Buckncr, was reported 
to be approaching Louisville, and, in consequence of the 
panic thus caused, many of the people were crossing to the 
north side of the river. Large quantities of government 



di 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



stores were also being transferred to the Indiana side, by 
order of the general then in command at Louisville. The 
23d was placed on duty, guarding the public property and 
ferry landings at Jcffer.sonville, and remained so employed 
for two days and nights, at the end of which time it crossed 
the river and camped in the southwestern suburbs of Louis- 
ville. Here the situation of the men was not the most 
comfortable, and it was made worse by their almost complete 
ignorance iif the methods by which veteran soldiers manage 
to force something like comfort out of the most unfivorablc 
surroundings. A few hours later they were ordered to 
move to another camping-place, and while on their way 
thither they pa.ssed a brigade or division of the army of 
Gen. Biiell, which had then just entered the city after a 
fatiguing forced march from Nashville in pursuit of the 
Southern army under Gen. Bragg. As the 23d marched 
past the dusty and battle-scarred veterans of Shiloh, and 
Farmington, and luka, the latter indulged (as veterans are 
apt to do) in many a sneer at the expense of the fresh 
troops, few of whom had yet heard the whistle of a hostile 
bullet. The officer before quoted* sa3's of this incident, 
"The contrast of their dirty, tattered, and torn garments 
with our men was a matter of much comment. We were 
surprised that they jceringly liiiited at our greenness and 
inferiority, which a i'^v; months' experience in marches and 
on battle-fields would change. In time we learned that 
they had not been mistaken in their estimate of our rela- 
tive merits as soldiers." 

The camp to which the regiment was moved at this time 
will be well recollected by those who occuiiied it, as "the 
Brick-yard Camp," a dreary and comfortless place, where 
the command remained without tents or other shelter until 
the afternoon of the 3d of October, when the 38th Brigade 
(Army of the Ohio), composed of the 102d and 111th 
Ohio, 129th Illinois, and 23d Michigan, all under command 
of Gen. Dumont, marched away from Louisville, on the 
road to Shelbyville, Ky. The weather was very hot, the 
road dusty, water almost impossible to obtain, and the men, 
not having yet learned the meaning of " light marching 
order," were overloaded with the cumbrous outfits which 
they brought from home; so that when, late at night, they 
halted on the bank of a muddy stream known as " Floyd's 
Fork," the exhausted and foot,sorc troops were glad enough 
to lie down upon the ground, with no shelter but their 
blankets, and no thought but that of rest from the fatigues 
of this, their first severe march. 

Late the next morning they arose stiff and sore in every 
joint, and soaked with the rain which was still falling. 
Coffee was made from the muddy water of the stream, in 
which hundreds of mules were stamping and wallowing. 
The rations were neither very good nor plentiful, but these 
were on this occasion supplemented by supplies taken from 
a mansion which stood near by, and from which the occu- 
pants had fled on the approach of the troops. " The sol- 
diers, impressed with the idea that all food, raiment, and 
other movables found in the enemy's country belonged to 
Uncle Sam's elect, proceeded to ransack the premises, 



" Ciipt. W. A. I.owis, of the 2:!.l, from whyin all the iiiio:!itioii5 in 
this sketch (unless olherwise uolc.l) are nunle. 



bringing off meat, meal, vegetables, .sauces, honey, jellies, 
preserves, and some pretty good stock for the stable, — a 
portion of which we recognized the next spring grazing in 
the valley of the Saginaw." 

Early in the day the rain ceased, and the command 
moved out towards Shelbyville, which was reached the 
same evening, and the 23d encamped in the vicinity of the 
village. Here the brigade remained until the morning of 
October 9th, when it moved through the village and on 
towards Frankfort, arriving in the neighborhood of that 
town the same night, the advance guard of tlic force having 
already entered the city after a skirmish with the cavalry 
of the enemy, who had succeeded in destroying the fine 
bridge of the Lexington and Frankfort Railroad, and had 
attempted the destruction of the turnpike-bridge, but had 
been driven away before accomplishing it. 

On the march from Louisville to Frankfort, large num- 
bers of negroes had fallen in with the column i^.some engag- 
ing as servants to the officers, but more accompanying the 
force without any definite object), until there were found 
among the dusky crowd '' the names or lineal descendants of 
every prominent general in the rebel army." A considera- 
ble number of Kentucky horses had also " fallen in" on the 
line of march, and were being ridden by officers and privates ; 
but on arrival at Frankfort there came for these a host of 
claimants, and the day was one of reckoning for those in 
whose possession they were found. "A court-martial was 
instituted, and iield a protracted session at Frankfort. It 
must have made sad havoc among the Wolverines but for 
the fact that our fighting companion, Capt. Walbridge, who 
rode the best captured steed into the town on that eventful 
morning (October 10th), was the honored juilge advocate of 
the court." 

With the exception of an expedition in pursuit of the 
guerrilla chief, John Morgan, the 23d remained at Frank- 
fort, thirteen days. It was at this time under command of 
Maj. B. F. Fisher, the colonel being in command of the 
brigade, and Lieut. -Col. Pratt being absent. It was while 
the regiment lay at this place that the death occurred of 
Lieut. John Earle, of " E" company, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 
1862. His remains were sent home to Jlichigan in charge 
of Sergt. Lyons, and at about the same time the regiment 
received the sad news of the death of Capt. Norville, of 
fever, at Saginaw City, October 3d. 

At a little past midnight in the morning of the day of 
Lieut. Earle's death, the men of the 23d were startled from 
their sleep by the thrilling sound of the " long roll," and 
at one o'clock a.m. they were marching ra[)idly away in 
pursuit of the redoubtable Morgan, who was reported to be 
at Lawrenccburg. Two companies of the regiment, how- 
ever (" K " and " G "), were left as a guard at Frankfort. 
The pursuing column was, almost as a matter of course, 
a little too late to overtake the main body of Morgan's 
force, but succeeded in capturing a few men and hor.scs be- 
longing to his rearguard, and with those trophies the com- 
mand returned the .same evening to the camp at Frankl'ort, 
having inarched twenty-six miles under tlu' usual disadvan- 
tages of choking dust and great scarcity of water. 

The regiment took its final departure from Frankfort late 
in the afternoon of the 21st of October, and encamped that 



TWENTY-THIKD INFANTRY. 



95 



iiiglit in an oak p;rove, a few miles down the road towards 
Lawrcneeburg. On the following day it passed through 
that town, and made its camp for the night at Big Spring, 
some miles farther on. The weather had suddenly grown 
cold, and many of the men suffered for need of the blankets, 
which had been foolishly thrown away as incumbrances in 
the heat and dust of previous marches. In the morning 
of the 23d the Kentucky hills and vales were white with 
hoarfrost. The regiment was eaily in line, and during 
this day's march passed through Ilarmd^burg. Here the 
men were not permitted to make a free expioraliun of the 
town, on account of tlieir rather damaging record as indis- 
criminate foragers. About noon of the 24th they passed 
through tlie little village of Perryville, in the outskirts of 
which the armies of Buell and Bragg had fuught the battle 
of Chaplin Hills, sixteen days before, many of the Union 
and Confederate wounded from that engagement being still 
in the village, and in the farm-house hospitals of the 
vicinity. That night the weary men <if the 2.'>d made tlicir 
bivouac on the banks of an abundnnt and tolerably clear 
stream of water, called the Bulling Fork. 

In the march of the following dtiy, this stream was 
crossed and recrossed many times in its mranderings, and 
late in the day the regiment reached the little hall-burned 
village of Bradl'ordsville. The hitter part of the day's 
march had been made in a cold, drenching rain, wliicli, as 
night fell, turned to snow, and on tlie following morning 
(Sunday, October 2Cth) the arctic covering lay six inches 
deep over the ground. This was considered a remarkable 
event for that latitude, and it brought remembrances of 
their Northern homes to the minds of many whose eyes 
would never again look upon the whitened expanse of the 
Michigan hills and vallej-s. During all that Sabbath day 
the tired men enjoyed a season of rest and recreation around 
their coml'ortable camp-fires, and while they rested the snow 
disappeared, so that their march of the following day was 
over bare roads, but free from tormenting dust. In the 
evening of the 2Tth the brigade arrived at Newmarket, 
Ky., where several commands of the rear guard of Buell's 
army were found encamped, and where the 23d and its com- 
paniiin regiments also went into camp and remained for 
eight days, engaged in recuperation, drill, and the prepara- 
tion of muster-rolls, to be used upon a pay-day wIulIi all 
hoped might come in the near future. 

On the 4th of November the brigade again moved for- 
ward, and on the 5th passed through Munfordsville, where 
a Union force of ten thousand men la)' encamped. On the 
tith it reached Dripping Springs, where it remained one day, 
and in the afternoon of the 8th arrived at Bowling Green, 
Ky., a town which " had the appearance of having been 
visited by pestilence, famine, and the besom of destruction," 
as was remarked by some of the officers of the 2i'd. " A 
large rebel force had wintered there, and remained until 
driven out by the Union forces under Gen. Mitchell, and 
they had made of the whole visible eieatio!i one common 
camping-ground." This place was destined to be the home 
of the 23d Ilegiment for a period of more than six months. 
Its camp ( wliich was afterwards transformed into substan- 
tial and comfortable winter-tjuartcrs) was pitched near the 
magiiifivent railroad-bridge crossing the Biir BarrcD Biver, 



and the guarding of this bridge formed a part of the duty 
of the regiment during the winter of 18G2-G3; its other 
duties being camp routine, drill, picket, provost, and rail- 
way guard, and the convoying of railroad trains of stores 
over the road from Bowling Green to Nashville. While 
here, the 23d, with it3 brigade, formed part of the lUth Di- 
vision of the Army of the Cumberland, and they were suc- 
ce.ssivelv under command of Gens. Granger, JIanson, and 
Judah, as commandants of the post, during the six months 
that they remained here. 

The period of the regiment's stay at Bowling Green was 
marked by many notable events, .some pleasant, some pain- 
ful, and others ludicrous. Near the town was a pleasure- 
ground, many acres in extent, with a magnificent spring of 
clear cold water in its centre. This seems to have been a 
favorite resort for both citizens and soldiers, and we are told 
that " here, upon many a happy occasion, the beauty and 
the chivalry of Bowling Green, and many inveterate Yan- 
kees, assembled to enjoy the scene of unequaled hilarity and 
iiiirlh." It was several times the case that snow fell to a 
sufficient depth for sleighing, and these opportunities for 
pleasure were improved to the utmost. Private entertain- 
ments, too, were sometimes given by the citizens, and " there 
were, in several instances, strong indications of attachments 
between some of the boys in blue and the fair damsels of 
Bowling Green. . . . These were oases in the dreary Sa- 
hara of the war. " On the morning of the momentous 1st 
of January, 18(j3, the artillery on College Hill fired a salute, 
which was afterwards changed to target practice; and 
during a part of the time of its continuance the camp of 
the 23d Jliehigan seems to have been the target, for .several 
solid shots were thrown into it, doing some damage to fpiar- 
tei-s, and creating no little consternation. This was the first 
time the regiment had been actually under fire. 

On the Gth of April, 1853, occurred one of the most dis- 
tressing events in the experience of the regiment at Bow- 
ling Green. This was the sudden death of Lieut. -Col. 
Pratt. He had mounted a powerful and restive horse, hut 
was scarcely seated in the saddle when the fiery animal 
plunged and reared so violently as to fall backwards u])oii 
the colonel, crushing and killing him instantly. Ho was a 
good and popiilar officer, and was sincerely mourned by the 
men and officers of the regiment. 

When spring had fairly opened, it began to bo rumored 
that the troops occupying Bowling Green would .soon be 
moved from there and enter active service. The men of 
the 23d Michigan did not regret this probability of a 
change, for although their experience had been in some 
respects as pleasant as any which soldiers in rime of war 
have a right to expect, yet they had been terribly re- 
duced in numbers by sickness while there, and it was be- 
lieved that this evil would be aggravated by the coming of 
warm weather. Besides, they had grown tired of the mo- 
notonous duty which they were called on to perform, and 
were, as soldiers almost always are, inclined to wish for a 
change. About the 20th of May, orders were received to 
make all preparations for a movement, and to hold the com- 
mands in readiness for the march ; and on the 20th of the 
same month the regiment broke camp, and moved with its 
brigade on the road to (!!asL'<nv, Ky., which point was 



96 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



reached on the 30th, and here the 23d remained until the 
13th of June, when it was ordered in pursuit of a force of 
guerrillas, said to be at Randolph, about twelve miles dis- 
tant. Almost as a matter of course notliing resulted from 
this expedition, and the regiment returned to Glasgow on 
the 16th, after a most severe and exhausting march. On 
the 22d it again moved, with Hanson's brigade, to Scotts- 
ville; thence, on the 26th, to Tompkinsville; and, July 4th, 
back to Glasgow. Here, however, it made little stay, but 
niarclied out (now in full pursuit of John Morgan) to 
Munfordsville, reaching there July 7th, then to Elizabeth- 
town and Louisville by rail, reaching the latter city on the 
11th. Morgan was now reported across the Ohio River, iu 
Indiana. The 23d, as part of the command of Gen. Judah, 
crossed to New Albany, Ind., but, making little stop there, 
proceeded to Jeffcrsonville, and thence up the river by 
steamer to Madison, Ind., arriving there on the 12th, and 
passing on to Cincinnati, which was reached in the evening 
of the 13th. From that city, the fleet (on which was the 
23d, with the other regiments under command of Gen. 
Judah) passed up the river to Maysville, Concord, and 
Portsmouth, 0., at which latter place they reinained until 
July 20tli, when they returned to Cincinnati, and dis- 
embarked the troops. From there the 23d was transported 
by railroad to Chiliicothe, and thence to Hamden Junction, 
where it encamped for a few days. Within the camp- 
ground of the regiment at this place there remained a rude 
rostrum, from which, on a previous occasion, the notorious 
Vallaiidigham had set forth his peculiar views to the popu- 
lace of Southern Ohio. But now the same rostrum was 
occupied by the chaplain of the 23d, the Rev. J. S. Smart, 
who most eloquently " con.secrated it to the cause of free- 
dom, wliilc the regiment made the welkin ring with shouts 
for liberty and the Union." 

Tiiere was no occiisiou to continue longer in the pursuit 
of Morgan, for that daring leader and his band had already 
been destroyed or captured. The regiment then returned 
to Cincinnati, crossed the Ohio to Covington, and moved 
thence by rail to Paris, Ky., arriving there on the 2Sth, 
just in time to a.ssist the small Union force stationed there 
in protecting the town and an important railway-bridge at 
that point against an attack made by I'egram's rebel cav- 
alry. This affair occurred on the 29th, and in it (the first 
actual engagement in which the 23d took part) the conduct 
of the regiment was most creditable. It remained here 
until the 4th of August, when it moved, by way of Lex- 
ington and Louisville, to Lebanon, Ky., and thence to New 
IMarket, where it arrived on the 8th of August, and was 
incorporated with the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, of the 23d 
Army Corps, then organizing at that point. 

On the 16th, marching orders were received, and on the 
17lh of August, at two o'clock p.m., the regiment, with its 
division, moved out and took up the long and wearisome 
march for East Tennessee. The camp of that night was 
only seven miles out from New Market, on Owl Creek, 
where the command rested during all of the following day 
and night, but moved forward again at daybreak in the 
n)orning of the 19th, and camped that night on Green 
River. The march was resumed on the fullowing morning, 
and two days later (August 22d) the regiment forded the 



Cumberland River and began to ascend the foot-hills of 
the Cumberland Mountains. In the evening of the 25th 
it made its camp at Jamestown, the county-seat of Fentress 
County, Tenn. 

On the 30th the command reached Montgomery, Tenn., 
where were Gens. Burn.side and Ilartsuff, with the main 
body of the army, commanded by the former officer. In 
passing through this little settlement " an enthusiastic old 
lady harangued the corps upon the glory of its mission, 
alternately weeping and shouting, invoking the blessings 
of Heaven upon the troops, and pouring out volleys of 
anathemas upon the enemies of the country." 

On the 1st of September the men of the 23d had passed 
the gorges of the mountains, descended their southeastern 
slope to the valley of the Tennessee, and camped late at 
night on the right bank of the Clinch River, a tributary 
of the larger stream. Fording the Clinch in the forenoon 
of the 2d of September, the corps marched forward and 
passed through Kingston, a considerable town of East Ten- 
nessee, near which the waters of the Clinch join those of 
the Holston and form the Tennessee River. The camp of 
the 23d was pitched for the night about two miles beyond 
Kingston. 

At five o'clock in the morning of the 3d the troops were 
in line ready for the march, and then, for eight long weary 
hours, the 23d Michigan and its companion regiments of the 
brigade waited for the order to move. At nine o'clock in 
the forenoon the biigade was formed in square four lines 
deep, and while standing in that formation was addressed 
by its commander, Gen. White, who read a dispatch just 
received from Gen. Burnside, announcing the capture of 
Knoxville by the Union forces. Gen. White then con- 
gratulated his command, and called on Col. Cliapin of the 
23d for a speech. The colonel responded in an address, 
which, being brief and comprehensive, is given here entire. 
He said, " Boys, the general calls on me to make a speech. 
You know that I am not much of a speaker, and all I 

have to say is, that you've done d d well ! Keep on 

doing so ! " 

Long and loud acclamations greeted this vigorous ha- 
rangue ; then the brigade resumed its previous formation, 
and, after another tedious delay, moved out on the road to 
Loudon, which was reached early in the afternoon of Friday, 
September 4th. The enemy had hastily evacuated all tbe 
strong works which they had built at this place, but had 
succeeded in destroying the great and important railroad- 
bridge across the river. Here the brigade remained ibr 
about ten days. 

During the latter part of the march across the moun- 
tains, supplies had become so much reduced that rations of 
corn in the ear were issued to some of the troops, and 
after their arrival at Loudon this situation of aflairs was 
but little improved until Tuesday, the 8th of September, 
when the first railroad-train reached the town from Knox- 
ville, and was hailed with wild delight by the weary and 
hungry soldiers. Before this, however, their necessities had 
been partially relieved by repairing and putting in running 
order a grist-mill which the enemy had dismantled before his 
evacuation. Tlie advance of the wagon-trains also came up 
at about the same time that the railroad was opened for use. 



TWENTY-TUIRD INFANTRY. 



97 



At two o'clock Iq the morning of September 15th the 
men of tlie 23d were roused from their slumbers to pre- 
pare for a march, and one hour later they were moving on 
the road to Knoxville, twenty-eight miles distant. This 
march was performed with all possible speed, and late in 
the afternoon the regiment bivouacked within a short dis- 
tance of the capital of East Tennessee. The next morn- 
ing it entered the city, but soon after proceeded b}' rail to 
Morristown, a distance of about forty miles. Only a short 
stay was made here, and on the 19th it returned to Knox- 
ville, and went into camp at the railroad depot. The next 
day was the Sabbath, and here, for the first time in months, 
the ears of the men were greeted by the sound of church 
bells, and they passed the day in rest and fjuiet, little 
dreaming of the furious battle that was tlien raging, away 
to the southward, upon the field of Chickaniauga, or of the 
rout and disaster to the Union arms which that day's sun- 
set was to witness. 

At four o'clock Monday morning the brigade took the 
road towards Loudon, and arrived there the same night. 
Here the 2.3d occupied a pleasant and elevated camp in a 
chestnut grove, and remained stationed at Loudon for about 
five weeks, engaged in picket duty and scouting, and dur- 
ing the latter part of the time frequently ordered into line 
of battle, and continually harassed by reports of the near 
approach of the enemy under Longstreet, who had been 
detached from the army of Bragg in Georgia, and was 
pressing nortl.ward with a heavy force towards Knoxville. 

This advance of Long.street decided Gen. Burnside to 
retire his forces from Loudon, and on the 28th of October 
the place was evacuated ; the 23d Michigan being the last 
regiment to cross the pontoon-bridge, which was then im- 
mediately swung to the shore, and the boats loaded upon 
ears and sent to Knoxville. All this being accomplished, 
the army moved to Lenoir, Tenn., and camped beyond the 
town, the line of encampments extending many miles. The 
same night the camp-fires of the enemy blazed upon the 
hills of Loudon, which the Union forces had just evacu- 
ated. 

At the new camp on the Lenoir road the 23d Regiment 
remained until the 14th of November, when it moved with 
the army back in the direction of Hough's Ferry, where a 
sharp engagement ensued, and the enemy was driven sev- 
eral miles southward. The army returned to Lenoir on the 
15th, and on the following day commenced its retreat to 
Knoxville, having destroyed its transportation and camp 
eiiuipagc, and turued all the teams over to the several bat- 
teries. At Campbell's Station the enemy came up and at- 
tacked repeatedly and with great energy; these attacks 
were successfully repelled, but the retreat was continued 
with all practicable speed to Knoxville, where the 23d 
arrived at four ,\.M. \m the 17th, after a march of twenty- 
eight miles without rest or food, and having fimglit for five 
hours, losing thirty-one killed and wounded, and eight 
missing. 

Then followed the memorable siege of Knoxville, which 
continued until the 5th of December, when the enemy re- 
treated. Li the operations of this siege the regiment took 
active and creditable part, and on the withdrawal of the 
forces <if Longstreet it joined in the pursuit, though no 
13 



important results were secured. The encni}' having passed 
beyond reach, the regiment camped at Blain's Cross- 
Roads, December 13th, and remained until the 25th, when 
it was moved to Strawberry Plains. From the commence- 
ment of the retreat to Knoxville, until its arrival at the 
Plains, the situation and condition of the regiment had been 
deplorable, for many of its men had been without blankets, 
shoes, or overcoats, and in this condition (being almost 
entirely without tents) they had been compelled to sleep in 
unsheltered bivouac in the storms and cold of the inclement 
season, and, at the same time, to subsist on ijuarter-rations 
of meal, eked out by such meagre supplies as could be for- 
aged from the country. The command remained at Straw- 
berry I'lains about four weeks, engaged upon the construc- 
tion of fortifications, and on the 21st of January, 18G4, 
marched to the vicinity of Knoxville, where it was employed 
in picket and outpost duty until the middle of February, hav- 
ing during that time had three quite sharp affairs with the 
enemy's cavalry (January 14th, 22d, and 27tlij, in the last 
of which seven men were taken prisoners, and one mortally 
wounded. From this time until the opening of the spring 
campaign it was chiefly engaged in scouting, picket, and 
outpost duly, ill which it was moved to several diiferent 
points, among which wore Strawberry Plains, New Market, 
Mossy Creek, Morristown, and Charleston, Tenn., at which 
last-named place it was stationed on the 1st of May, 1864. 

The Atlanta campaign of Gen. Sherman being now about 
to open, and the 23d Michigan being destined to take part 
in it, the regiment left Charleston on the 2d of May, and 
took the road to Georgia. Passing down the valley of the 
Tennessee, and thence up Cliickamauga Creek, it reached 
the vicinity of Tunnel Hill on the 7th, and confronted the 
enemy at Rocky-Face Ridge, Ga., on the 8th of May, 
opening the fight on that day by advancing in skirmish line, 
and taking possession of a commanding crest in front of the 
hostile works. In the advance from Hocky-Face, the regi- 
ment, with its brigade, passed through Snake Creek Gap, 
arrived in front of Resaca on the 13th, and on the following 
day took part in the assault on the enemy's strong works 
at that place. The result of this attack was a repulse of 
the attacking column, and a loss to the 23d of sixt^'-two 
in killed and wounded ; all of which was incurred in a few 
minutes of desperate fighting. The enemy, though suc- 
cessful in repelling the assault, evacuated his position at 
Resaca, and moved to the Etowah River, where his rear 
guard was overtaken and slightly engaged by the Union 
pursuing force, of which the 23d Michigan formed a pait. 
From this point the regiment moved on to Dallas and took 
a position in front of the rebel works at that jilace, where it 
remained from the 27lh of May until the 1st of June, and 
during this time was almost constantly engaged day and 
night in skirmishing with the advanced lines of the enemy. 
Again the rebel i'orces evacuated their strong position and 
moved south towards Atlanta, the Union troops pressing on 
in close and constant pursuit, in which service the 23d 
Regiment participated and took part in the engagements at 
Lost Mountain, Ga., Kenesaw Mountain, and Chattahoochee 
River, and, later, fought in front of Atlanta until the capitu- 
lation of that stronghold. On the 1st of October it was at 
Decatur, Ga., and on the 3d of that month moved from 



98 



HISTORY OF GP:NESEE county, MICHIGAN. 



tliere, northward, in pursuit of the rebel general. Hood, 
who was then uiarehiii^ towards Nashville. 

Wiiilo cngajred in this service the 23d niaiched with its 
division (it was then in the 2d Brigade, 2d Division of the 
2:Jd Army Corpi) to Mirietta, New Hops Cliuriih, Bii; 
Slianty, All.itoona, Cartorsvillo, Kin^^^ston, and Rome, Ua., 
and from the last-named plaee, thruuj;h Snake Creek Gap, 
to Vilhinon, Summorsville, Tenn., and Cedar Bkiff, Ala , 
and thence back to Rome, where it remained a short time, 
and early in November again moved through Alabama into 
Tennessee, and was stationed at Johnsonville, employed in 
garrison duty and the construction of defensive works until 
the 2-ltli. It was then moved by rail to Columbia, Tenn , 
where it arrived on the 25th, while a heavy skirmish, 
amounting to almost a general engagement, was in progress 
near that place between the armies of Thomas and Hood. 
A part of the regiment was immediately advanced upon 
the skirmish line, wliile the remainder of the command 
went into position. At midnight it was withdrawn and 
ordered to the line of Duck River, where it lay on the 
south side of the stream, throwing up defenses and fre- 
quently skirmishing with the enemy; being constantly on 
duty day and night until near daylight in the morning of 
the 28th, when it retired across the river to the north 
bank, where it held position, and keeping up an almost con- 
tinual skirmish with Hood's advance till noon of the 2!)lh, 
when it fell back with the army to the vicinity of Spring 
Hill, Tenn., about ten miles north of Duck River. Here, 
at about dark on the same day, the enemy was found in 
force occupying the road. An attack was made, and after 
a short fight the Confederates were driven from their posi- 
tion. The Union forces then resumed the march to 
Franklin, Tenn., and, arriving there in the morning of the 
3Uth, iiumediately took position and commenced throwing 
up temporary defenses. At four o'clock p.m. the enemy 
attacked in four strong lines and with great desperation, 
but was repulsed with heavy lo.ss. The attack was several 
times renewed, but unsuccessfully until about ten P.M., 
when a still more furious assault was made by the enemy, 
who succeeded in planting his colors on the works in front 
of the 23d Regiment, but was again forced back after a 
hand-to-hand fight. At eleven p.m. the regiment with the 
other Union troops withdrew, and, crossing the river, 
moved on the road to Nashville, arriving there at two P.M. 
on December 1st, having marched fifty miles in forty-eight 
hours, sis hours of which lime had been passed under fire 
iti the desperate battle of Franklin. During the week 
which had elapsed since the arrival of the 23d at Colum- 
bia the men had suffered severely Irom scarcity of provisions, 
and in the last two days of the movement had subsisted on 
less than quarter-rations. 

The regiment lay within the works at Nashville for two 
weeks, and then iu the morning of the 15th of December 
it moved out with its division and the other commands 
under Gen. Thomas to attack the Confederate army, which 
liad iu the mean time concentrated in their front just south 
of Nashville. In the great battles of the 15th and IGth 
of December, which resulted in the defeat and complete 
rout of Hood's army, the 23d took an active part. " On 
the 15th, while the regiment was making a charge on a 



position occupied by a portion of the enemy behind a stone 
wall, its flag-staff was shot in two and the color-sergeant 
severely wounded, but before the colors fell to the ground 
thej' were grasped by the corporal of the color-guard and 
gallantly carried to the front. On the 17th the pursuit of 
the enemy commenced, and during the first three days of 
the march the r.iin fell in torrents, the mud being i'uUy 
six inches deep, which, with the swollen streams, rendered 
progress extremely diflieult and tedious. The pursuit was 
continued until Columbia was reached, where a halt was 
made and the movement ended." 

Soon after this utter rout of Hood's army and its expul- 
sion from Tennessee, the 23d Army Corps received orders 
to move east to the city of Washington, and on the 1st of 
January, 1805, the 23d Michigan, as part of this corps, 
left Columbia and took up its line of march for Clifton, 
one hundred and fifty miles distant, on the Tennessee 
River, at which point it arrived on the Sth of the month. 
On the lOth it embarked at that jlacc and proceeded 
thence by steamer, on the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, to 
Cincinnati, whore it arrived on the 22d, and immediately 
left there by railroad fur Washington. Reaching that city 
on the 2i)lh, it Avcnt into camp at "Camp Stoneman," 
D. C, and remained until the 9th of February. At that 
time the regiment moved to Alexandria, Ya., where, on the 
11th, it embarked with its corps on transports bound for 
Smithville, N. C, at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, 
and reached that point of destination after a pa.ssage of four 
days. On the ITth it moved with the otlier forces in the 
movement against Fort Anderson, taking position before it 
on the 18ih, under a furious fire of artillery and musketry. 
Upon the capitulation of the fort and its occupation by the 
Union forces on the morning of the U)lh of February, the 
23d iMichigan Infantry was the first regiment to enter the 
captured work. The regiment was again engaged at Town 
Creek, N. C, on the 2Uih, taking three hundred and fifty 
prisoners and two pieces of artillery. In the morning of the 
23d the Union force crossed the Cape Fear River to its 
north bank, and fuuod that the city of Wilmington had been 
evacuated by the enemy during the previous iiight. The 
corps moved up the coast on the Gth of 3Iarch,and reached 
Kinston, N. C, just at the close of the severe engagement 
at that place. In this movement the 23d marched one 
hundred and twenty-five miles in six days, and during the 
last twenty-four hours moved constantly without halting, 
except long enough to draw rations and to issue thirty 
additional rounds of ammunition to the men. 

The corps left Kinston March 20th, and on the 22d 
reached and occupied Guld.sboro', where, on the following day, 
tlie advance of Gen. ShenlJan's army made its appearance, 
coming in from the south. The 23d Regiment was then 
ordered back ten miles to Mosely Hall, to guard the rail- 
road at that point while the army was receiving its supplies. 
On the 0th of .-Vpril the regiment moved with the army on 
the road to Raleigh, which was reached and occupied by 
the advance on the 13th, the 23d Michigan entering the 
city on the following day and receiving the welcome news 
of IjCc's surrender at Appomattox. The regiment re- 
mained at Raleigh until after the war had been closed by 
the surrender of the Confederate armv under Johnston. 



TWENXr-TUIRD INFANTRY. 



99 



Its figlitiiig days were over, but its men Iiad yet to experi- 
ence a little more of the fatigues of niarcliins. On tlic 3J 
of May it moved on the road, by way of Cliapol Hill, to 
Greensboro', ninety miles distant, and reaehed that town 
on the 7tli. Two days later it left by rail for Salisbury, 
N. C., and remained there until the 2Stli of June, when it 
w:is mustered out of service. All that now remained of 
military life to the men of the 2od was the homeward 
journcj' to Michigan and tlii'ir final payment ami diseharirc. 
They were transported by railroad through Danville and 
Petersburg to City Point, Va., and thence by steamer to 
Baltimore, Md., where they again took railway transporta- 
tion for the West, and arrived at Detroit July 7, 18(i5. On 
the 2(lth of the same month they were paid and disbanded, 
and each went his wa^-, to know no more of march and 
bivouac and battle, except as cherished memories of the 
eventful past. 

OFFHEltS AND MEN OF THE TWENTT-TIIIRD IXFANTIIV FltOM 
CEXESEE COUNTY. 
Field and Stiff. 
CMIicrl Bopirt, Jr.. Flint, assl. sing.; Sipl. IC, IS62; re<. Apiil 20,180*. 
J. S. Siiiiirt, Film, clja(>l;iiii ; 16'. July :)1, IKO I. 

Clmilc" A. Miiiiin, Flint, .-iTgt.-mnjor; pro. to 2il liout. To. I, Miirili R, 1801. 
llcv. BLlijaniili M. Fay, Flint, cliapliiin ; Nov. 11, 1801 ; ns. Maicli 4, 1805. 

Company C. 

Capt. Cliarlcl E. McAlort.T, Flint; Aug. 1, 1802; trans, to Ist U. S. Vet. Vol. 

Engineers, .\iig. 13, 1801. 
l9t Lieut. George W liuckinghini, F'liiit; .\ng. 1, 1802; pro. to rapt. Co. A. 
2il Lieut. Wul. C. Stewart. F.int; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. E, Dec. 17, 1802; k Med 

in b.ittle at Ue.iaci, G.i., May 14, 1804. 
2J Lieut. Jarvis E. Alliro, Mount M..rris; pro. to Isl lieut. Oet. C, ISC4; to capt. 

Co. K, Slarcli 4, ISfi-'i; must, out June 28,180-1. 
2'l Lieut. Castle L. Newell, i;la)'ton ; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Scrgt. Alliert A. Elmore, Itichlield; pro. to 2il lieut. (Jo. K, Dec. l:i, 1802; 1st 

lieut. Co. D, Jan. 3, 1804; capt. O-t. 0, 1804; must, out June 28, 180.5. 
Sergt. Jolui I>. Ligljt, Grand lllanc; must, out at Salisbury, N. C, June 28, 

180.5. 
Scrgt. Kgl-ert It. Knowlton, FIii>^liing; discli. for disaldlity, June 10, 1801. 
Sergt. Levi Well-, Jr.. Montmse; died at Uowling Green, Ky., Dec. 3, 1802. 
Sergt. Slerrilt W. Elmore, Flint; pro. to sergl.-inajor; 2d lieut. Co. I, Oct. 0, 

1804; 1st lieut. Co. E, Nov. 3IJ, 1804 ; must, out June 28, 180.5. 
Corp. Ciwtle L. Newell, CIa.^ ton ; pni. to sergt. -major, Nov. 20,1804; 21 lieut. 

Nov. 3U. 1804. 
Corp. James M. Wdl.ins, Kii liticM ; must, out by order, July 11, 1805. 
Corp. Wm. S. Caldwell, Genesee; died at Bowling Green, Ky., Fidi, 22, 1803. 
Corji. diaries F. Itainlow, Flint; must, out June 28. 18(m. 
Corp. John E. Turner, Flusliing; died at Howling Green, Ky., Feb. 28, 18G.I. 
Corp. Harmon Van Hitskirk, Vienna; absent on furlough, not must, out with 

com|iany, 
Corp. Andrew J. Ho ie, Flrishing; killed in battle at Iti'Saca,Oa., May 14, 1804. 
Blu.-'ician Sainuel It. Wycoff, (Jiand Blanc; trans, to Invalid Corps; must, out 

July 14, 1S05. 
Musx-i.in Forbes D. Ewer, Flint ; discli. for disability, March 14, lSG.'i. 
Wagoner Reuben toige, Mundy; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Jaines Beiijaniin, Davison; discli. for disability, J. in. 311, 1803. 
S.tndford 31. Badgley, Mniidy ; died at Burnt Hickory, Ga., of wounds, May 2'.), 

1805. 
William M. Beshcror, Forest; must, out .luuo 28, 1805. 
Henry II. Beebe, Forest; discli. for wounds, Nov. 3, 1804. 
George W. Brov^n, Vienna; must, out June 15, 1805. 
James Baldwin, Clayton; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Ewin ('. Bingham, Vienna ; must, out Juno 28, ISh!). 
Wdliam Barber, Genesoe; must, out June 12, 1805. 

Martin V. Ca-tle, Vicuna ; died of disease at Na-hville, Tcnn., July 1, 1SG4. 
John Coniiell, tians. to28tli Michigan Infantry. 
Levi Craig, Fliisliing; must, out M.iy 2!), 1805. 
Andrew S. (.'lark, Fl nt; must, out June 28, 1805. 

George W. Cooley, Flint; must, out J 28, 180.5. 

Nallian J. Conni'l, Vienna; must, out June 28, ISG>. 
Patrick Clancy, .M.iUnt Morris; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Warren I. Davis, died of discjiso lit Louisville, Ky., Nov. 2'J, 1802. 
John N. Dnniond, Flint ; died in action at Uesaca, Ga,, ULiy 14, l.S(;4. 

Alon/'i D.ckins Flint; must, out June 28, 1805. 

Melvin W*. Drake, Linden; must, out June 28, 1805. 
James D.ivis, Flint ; must, vnit June 2S, 1805. 
.\si .M. Divis, Uiihriel.l; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Edniinl FIckles, Flint; must, out June 28, 1805. 



Wiiram II. Eagle, Flint; must, out June 28, 1805. 

George II. Eciles, Flint; must, out May 13,1805. 

D.ivid Foot, Vienna; did of disease at B.iuling Green, Ky , Jan. 0, 1803. 

P'-rry Flemings, Flint ; tliscli. f.ir di-ability, Oct. 3, 1802. 

Cliri.ter Feltoii, .Ir., Flint ; must, out June 28, 1805, 

William L. F.irrand, Vienna; must, out July. 5, 180.5. 

Cliarles S. Freeman, Flint ; St. out June 28, 1805. 

Salem C. Glea-on, F"lii-hiiig; discli. for disabilily, Dec. I!), 1802. 

Clia' les K. Green, (Mayton ; disch. for ilisability, Jan. Id, ISO I. 

Ilivid W Gilbert, Flint; discli. for disability, Dec. 211, 180.5. 

James II. Gilbert, Thelford ; discli. at Detroit, Mich. 

George Hawlcy, Fore,-t; dieil of di-ease at Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 24, 1802. 

Barney Harper, Flint; iliseh. for disability, Dec. 17, 1802. 

Marshall 1!. Howe, Flnsliing ; died of d'scase at Lotiisville, Ky., Dec. 1.5. 1802. 

Isaac M. Howell, Flint; died at Chattanooga, Tetin,, of wounds received May 

II, 1804. 
John Ilosie, Flnsliing; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn. 
TlioiiiiLs Hough, Flushing; died of disease at Chattanoiiga, Tenn., Sept. 11, '04. 
It diert S. Ilamill, Forest; must, out June 28, 1805. 
John Hughes, Flint; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Wdliam llawley, Forest; must, out June 21, 1805. 
Albert Iliiwley, Forest; must, out June 15, 1805. 
Jes-e W. Hicks, Tlo-tfoid; innst.out June 1.5, lJ-0.5. 
Strphcn Hovey, Vii-nna; miisl. cut May 24, 1805. 
Itielcird .51, Jolin-on, Flint; ninst. out May 30,1805. 

Ui'uben N. Lucas, Flint; died of disease at B twiing Green, Ky., March 5, '03. 
Legraiid Lanpliere, Flint ; disch. for disability, Feb. 20, 1803. 
George F. Lewis, Miiiidy ; iliscli. for disability, Slay II , 1803. 
John D. Light, ninsl. out June 28, 1805. 

John MiDiinabl. Vii una ; died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 24,1.802. 
Charles It, Jlaconib, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 7, 1802. " 
James A. Mdls, Kiehli.-bl ; trans, to Vet. Ues. Corps, May 1, 1804. 
Walter .Maxwell, Genesee ; disch. by order, Oct. 24, 1801. 

Morris A. .Miller, Richfield ; died of dise ise at -V.usliville, Toall., Dec. 3, 1801. 
Westel Mildge, Fore-t; disch. for disab.lily, .luiio 4, 1805. 
Samuel Nelson, Burton; must, out Juno 2(1, 1805. 

George W, Ottway, Clayton; died ol" disease at Saginavr, Jtich., Oct. 3, 1802. 
Edgar A. Pilton, Riclifield ; died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., March 1,'0.'J. 
AVilliain Puliiain, Muicly; must, out June 28, 1805. 
(icorge I'ailthorp, Vienna; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Irving Rogers, Flint ; died in action at Rcsaca, Ga., May 14, 1804. 
Cliarles Rice, Fliiil ; died of disease at Hiehinond, Va., April 4, 1804. 
James Robert-s, liiebheld: must, out May 2!l, 180.5. 
Wdliam K. Itanney, F'orcst ; liiilst. out .Inne 28, ISGo. 
Kufus Raniiey, Forest; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Will, ml Rauiiey, Ftirest ; must, out June 28, 1805. 
.lames A. Rosi-, Genesee; must, out Juno 28, 1805. 
George A. Robinson, Fliishiiig; must, out June 5, 1805. 
riiauncey Rhyno, Gaines; must, out Juno ii, 1805. 
Itenben W, Sage, niu-t. out June 28, 1805. 
Theodore W. Sellick, Flint ; must, out June '28, 1805. 
Henry D. Sleeper, Flint ; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Andrew S. Smith, Flushing; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Willi. ini W. Stevens, died of di.seiLSu at Bowling Green, Ky., Dec. 20, 1802. 
George Shippy. died of disease at Lebanon, Ky., Dec. 4, 1802. 
Eb.n F. Thompson, Kichfield ; died of di.sease at Klioxv.lle, Tenn., F'ch. .5, '04. 
William Trninbnll, Flint; must, out June '28, 1805. 
Charles F, Tibbies, Flushing; must, out June 28, 180.5. 
Theodore M. Tupper, Flint ; must, out Juno '28, 1805. 
Saninel I*. Tiibbs, Rirhtield ; mn^t. out June 28, 1805. 
William II, Under hill, Vienna; must, out June '28, I8C5. 
Enoch Vernon, Flushing; trans, to Vet. Ues. Corps, Dec. 1.5, 1803. 
Will, am Warren, Forest; disch. for di-ability, Nov. 12, 1802. 
Frodeliek N. Walker, Mount Morr.s; died of diseasir at Howling Green, Ky,, 

JIarch 4, 1801. 
Ephraiin Wright, Flint; disch, ford sahil ty. 
Joshu.i Wilherall, Vienna; must out June 28, 1805. 
Willaid 8, Willi, ims Flushing ; must, out Juno '28, 1805. 
James 51. Williams, Flushing; must, out July 24, 1805. 

('intipatiy A*. 

Capt, Damon Stewart, Flint; Aug, 1, 1802; must, out March 4, 180.5. 
Capt. Jai VIS K. .\lbro. Mount Morris, March 4, 1805; milst.ont June '28. 1805. 
1st Lieut. Saiul. C. ftandall, l-'liut; Aug. 1, 1802; pro. to capt,; must, out as 1st 

lieut. June 28, 1805. 
2d Lieut. John K a, Flint ; Aug. 1, 18C2; res. Dec. 1.3, 1802. 
2d Lieut. Albert A. Elinore, Ri.liHeld, pr.i. to capt. C.>, D; mn^t, nut Juno 28, 

1805; was sergt. Co. C; then 2d lieut, C^i. Iv ; then Ist lieut. Co. I), Jan. 

3,1804; woiindedat Res.ica, Ga , May 14, 1804 ; pro. to capt, Oct. 0, 1,804. 
2d Lieut, John V. .\tcliiiiSoii, Hititoii; Oct. 0, 1804; liinst. out June 28, 1805. 
Sergt. Wm. M. Beagle, Flint; pro. to 2.1 lieut. Co. A, FVb. 0, 18U:i; 1st lienf. 

June 20, 1804 ; died of wounds received at Lost iMoniitaiti,4;a , June 10, 

1804. 
Sci'gt. Jonathan .\. Owen, F'iat; died of disease at Wilmington, N. C, April 1, 

1805. 
Sergt. Ch irles A. Minna, Flint ; sorgt.-mnj. ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. I, Mar. h 8, 

1801 ; 1st lieut. C^^ II ; must, out Jiiuc i'*, 1805. 



100 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Sergt. Robert L. Wurien, Flint ; diBcli. F.'li. 2, 1863. 

Sergt. Jas. (i. VinUor, Flint ; trans, to 2Stli Inf. June 2S. ISGo. 

Corp. M'm, J. McAlTster, Bnrlon ; jibsent, sick : not must, out witli coiiix>i»ny. 

Corp. Nelson A.Clm^p, Atlaa; died in Florence pri.-^on-pen, Oct. 21, 18G4. 

Corp. George Brossean, Fhislijng; trani. to Inv. Corps; must, out June 30,1805. 

Corp. Tlienin E. Huskins. Flui^liing; ninst. out June 28, 18U-5. 

Corp. John Gregory, Vienna, must, out l>y order, May 30, 18G5. 

Corp. Pwiglit Biil.cork. Burton ; disch. Nov. 21, 1802. 

Corp. Trnnmn S. Alexiinder, Buitnn ; dietl at New Alliany, Dec. 20, 1802. 

MnsiL-ian Br-nj. Long, Thetford ; must, nut June 28, ISGo, 

Musician Geo. Freeman, Flint ; must, out June 28, ISGo. 

M'ngoner Almon Kggleslon, Flint ; ilisdi. for disability, Ott. G, 1801. 

Delno AtctiiiiB, Flint; died in action at Jtesitca, Ga., May 14, 180i. 

Siimuel W, Alk-n, Miindy ; must, out June 28, 1805. 

Brackett J. Allen, Mundy ; must, out June 28, 1865. 

AVm. B. Allen, Mundy ; must, out June 28, lSG.'i. 

Henry C. Boyer, Flint : died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., Pec. 20, 18G2. 

Kdmond L. Beach, Genesee ; died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Ni>v. 9, 1802. 

Mortimer C. Uodine, Vienna; died of disease at Lebiuiun, Ky., Nov. 12, 1802. 

Charles Best. Atlas; discli. lor disability, Feb. 5, 186X 

Hiram Barber, Burton ; disch. for disability, March 20, 1863. 

Geo. W. Bunce, Atlas; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Feb. 15, 1804. 

llimni II. Baidwfll, Burton ; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps, May 1, 1864. 

Marion Bniinard, Gi'and Blanc; must, out June 28, 1SG5. 

Clarence Barrows, Genesee ; must, out June 28, 1805. 

James Crane, Fentnti ; disrh. fur disability, Jan. 23, 18G3. 

\Villaid Cinthers, Atlas; must, out Dec. 2, 1805. 

Noah CrittL-ndrn, Genesee ; died of disease at Louisville, Ky., Dec. 3, 1804. 

John W. Clevebmd, Flint ; must, out BLiy 12, 1805. 

Silas Collins, Gnind Blanc ; must, out June 28, 1805. 

Wm. L. Demer, Uicbfield; trans, to 28th Midi. Inf. 

Elijah Beeter, Fenton ; must, out June D, 18)>5. 

Eli:is Doty, Fenton ; mu>t. out June 20, 1805. 

James Dunn, Argentine ; must, out June 20, 1865, 

Nelson J. Dunn, Genesee; must, out June 28, 1805. 

John C. Flint, Davison ; disch. f..r di-ability, I'Vb. 23, 1S63. 

Orick J. Fales, Vienna; die 1 of disease at JetTei-sonville, Iiid., Oct. 15, 1864. 

Kdwaitl Fales, Flint ; must, out June 28, 1805. 

William J. Fales, Mundy ; uiust. out June 28, 1865. 

James Vi. Fisb, Flint ; must, out June 28, 1805. 

George M. Gt)rden(tugh, Davison ; died of disease at Columbus, Ga., April 14, 

1864, while prisoner of war, 
"Warren Gustin, Daviaon ; must, out Juno 17, 18C5. 
Enos Golden, Grand Blanc; mu'^t. out June 9, 1805, 
Jerry Hoffman, Grand Blaiic; died of disease at Mumfordsville, Ky., Dec. 15, 

1802. 
Albert llerrick, Genesee; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tonn., Sept, 9, 1864. 
Justin Hewitt, Davison; missing in action near Knuxville, Tenn., Jan. 27, 1864. 
James E. Howe, Davison ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Israel Hdl, Davisun ; must, out June 7, 1865. 
Hiram D. Herric-k, Vienna ; must, out Jiine 28, 1865. 
Sylvester C. Hicks, Vienna; ninst. out June 28, 1865. 
Laftyette Hathaway, Davi--on ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Ricliai'd H. Hughes, Mount Moiris; must, out May 29, 1865, 
Conrad HutVman, Flint; must, out June 28,1865. 
Henry Ingalls, Flint; must, out June 28, 180.5. 
Horace Jewell, dieil of dise.ise at Glasgow, Ky., June 16, 18G:J. 
AValier I*. Jones Fenton ; dscli, for disability, Feb. 2, 1863. 
Nathan H. Johnson, Mount Morris; died in action at Campbell's Station, Tenn., 

Nov. 16, 186;t. 
Joseph H. King, Hazb-ton; must, out June 28, 1S(>5. 
H. D. Liudsley, must, out June 28, 18IV>. 
Itobert McCunisey, Tlietford; died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., March 17, 

1863. 
Jnbii M. Mynds, disch. for disability, Jan. 2. 1863. 
John McCumsey, Thotford ; disi-li. for disaidlity, Jan. 12, 1863. 
Arllnir Morehouse. Genesee; die 1 in aciioii at Kesaca, Ga,, May 14, 1SG4. 
Angus MclMiei>on, Kichfiehl ; died of diaease, June 5, 1861. 
Lester S. McAllister. Davisun ; must, out June 28, 1865, 
"Wm, J. Mi>ntg"mery, Burton ; must, out June 7, 1805, 
Thomiis McCumsey, Thetford; must, out June 28, 1865. 
A. W. Mathews, Uichtield ; must, out Aug. 12, 1805. 
Daniel S. Potter, Flint ; detl of disease at Louisville, Ky., Nov. 22, 1862. 
James Porter, aiundy ; died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., April 23, 1S63. 
Henry C. Phelps, Atlas ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Andrew V. Bouse, Mundy ; must, out May 15, 1865. 
Caleb A, Kicliardson, Genesee; disch. by order, April 2, 1865, 
Andrew J. Sumner, Vienna ; disch, for disability, Dec, 27, 1862. 
Mathew Smith, Flint; must, out June US, 1865. 
John Sinnott, iienesee ; must, out Juno 2S, 186.5. 
Calvin Staftord, Thetford ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Samuel Siters, Thetf.nd; must, out Juno 28, 1865. 
Shannon \V. Scott, Thetford; must, out June 28, 1805. 
Harvey Stephens, Genesee ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Irwin StiitTord, Tlietf..rd; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Parker Scott, Tlietford ; must, out July 3, 1865. 
William B. Tliuraton, died of disease at Bowling Green, Ky., .Tan, 19,1803. 



James N. Tower, Richfield; tran*. to 28th Michigan Infantry. 

Ambrose Thonia?, Flint; must, out June 2S, 1S05, 

William H. Thorp, Fenton ; must, out June 2s, 1805. 

Wm. A, Van Tuyl, Genesee; di.-d of disease at Cincinnati, Oliio, Oct, 18, 1862. 

Alfretl B. Vorce, died near Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 28, l8f)4, of wounds, 

George Van Valkenburgh, Davison; died in a'^tion at Rcsaca, Ga., May 14, 

1 S(A. 
Albert Van Vleit, G.iines; must, out June 2'*, 180.5. 

Wm, H. Wheeler, Flint; died nf d sense at Ghu^gow, Ky., July 11, 1863. 
Charle* S, Warner, Vienna; disch. fur disability, .\pril 27, 1863. 
Hamilton S. Wdder, Davison ; died of disease at Andersonvilte, Ga., Sept. 1,1864. 
Henry Winkloy, Flint; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Li'Ster N. Withers, Atlas; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Deloss Worden, Mundy ; must, out June 28, 1865. 

OTHER COMPANIES. 

Capt. Geo. W. Buckingham, Flint, Co. A ; pro. from 1st linut. Co. C, Feb. 13, 

1863; woniulcd in battle at Campbell's Station, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1863; res. 

Sept. 29, 1864. 
Wm. M. Begole, Flint, 2d lieut Co. A ; enl. (sorgt, Co. K) ; Feb. 6, 1863 ; pro. to 

ciipt. June 20, 1864; dieil Oct. 15, 1864, of wounds received in action at 

Lost Mountain, Ga., Juno 16, 1864, 
Albert A. Ehnure, Richfield, capt, Co. D; pro, from 1st lieut. Co. D, Oct. C, 1864; 

wounded at Resaca, Ga,. May 14,1804; must, out June 28,1865. 
Wm. C, Stewart, Flint, l^t lieut. Co. E; Oct. 3, 186:1; killed at Resaca, Ga., 

May 14,1804. 
Merr:tt W. Elmore, Flint, 1st lieut. Co. E, Nov. 30, 1804; must, out June 28, 

1805 
Charles A. Muma, FUnt, 1st lieut. Co. H ; must, out June 28, 1865, 
James Austin, Vienna, Co. D; must, out June 2S, 1SG5. 
Juseph Billings, Thetford, Co, H ; trans, to 28tli Michigan Infantry. 
John Burlison, Gaines, Co. E, one year; must, out June 0, 1865. 
John T Barnum, Alias, Co. I; must, out June 28, 1865. 
John M. Childs. Gaines, Co. E, one year; must, out Juno 28, 18G5, 
George Crow, Genesee, Co. I ; must, out Juno 2**, 1865. 
William Dneltgen, Burton, Co. G, musician; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 

15,1803. 
Madison Fisher, Mundy, Co. D ; must, cuit Aug. 12, 18G5. 
Heiny Giddiiigs, Gaines, (.'o. H ; mast, out June 5, 1865. 
Charles M. Huyck, Vienna, Co, B; died of disease at Andersonville, Ga., March 

23,1801. 
Theodore llelmer, Thetford, Co. B ; must, out June 28, 18G5. 
Benjamin U. Hewitt, Genesee, Co. E, one year; nnist. out June 28, 1865, 
Carlos E. Hall, Gaine.<s, Co. G ; must, out June 28, 18G5. 
Sumner W, Howard, Flint, Co. I; must, out May 19, IS65. 
Charles A. NefT, Vienna, Co. B; must, out Feb. 2.5, 1805. 
James Parmelee, Vienna, Co. B (corp ) ; died of disease at Andersonville, Ga., 

Sept. 8, 1804. 
Homer D. Penoyer, Flushing, Co. E (wagoner) ; must, out June 2S, 1865. 
Otis H. Reed, Fenton, Co. G ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Ervin D. Savage, Clayton, Vo. I ; died of disease at Jeffcrsonville, Ind., Jan. 1, 

1865. 
John C. C. Stephens, Genesee, Co. H; must, out June 10, 18G5. 
Hiram Towsley, Fenton, Co. G; died of ilisease at Louisville, Ky. 
Charles Walner, Flint, Co. G ; trans, to 2sth Michigan Infintry. 
Philo Wheaton, Forest, Co. G ; must, out June 14, 1865, 
James Young, Vienna, Co. It ; must, out May 30, 1865. 
Charles H. Penoyer, Mount Mori is, Co. E (corp,) ; absent on detached service. 



C II APT Ell XV. 

TWENTY-NINTa AND TaiRTIETH INFANT RVT, 
AND FIRST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. 

Organization of tlie 29tli ill S:iginaw — Campaign in Tennessee — Fight 
at Decatur, Muifreesb.iru', an J WinstcJ Chureh— Railroad Duty — 
Muster Out — The Sdth Infantry — Service in Michigan— Engineers 
and Mechanics — Rendezvous at Marshall — Its varied Services in 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama — -Fight at Lavcrgne 
— Services in Georgia— March to the Sea and through the Carolin;i8 
— (iarrisjn Duty at Nashville in ISOo— Muster Out and Disband- 
ment. 

TWENTV-NlNTn INFANTRY. 

Akout one liundred and fifty men of Genesee County — 
oflfK-ors and private soIdiLM-s — served in the war of the Rebel- 
lion witli the 29th Jlichi^an Infantry. This regiment was 
organized at Saginaw in the autumn of 1864, its muster 
into the United States service being completsd on the 3d of 



TWENTY-NINTH INFANTRY. 



101 



October in that year. Three days hiter it left the rendez- 
vous for Nashville, Tenn., where it arrived October 12th, and 
soon after moved to Decatur, Ala., reaching there on the 
2Glh. On the day of its arrival at Decatur that place was 
attacked by the army of the Confederate Gen. Hood, and 
the 29th took part in the defense of the position until the 
30th, when the enemy retired. From that time the regi- 
ment garrisoned Decatur until the 24th of November, when 
it marched to Murfreesboro', and, reaching there on the 
26th, composed a part of the defending force at that jioint 
during the siege of Nashville and Murfreesboro' by Hood, 
being engaged with a part of the enemy's forces at Overall 
Creek, December 7th. Having been sent out to escort a rail- 
way-train on the 13th, it was attacked at Winsted Church 
by a superior force of the enemy, — infantry and artillery, 
— and in the severe action which ensued it sustained a loss 
of seventeen, in killed, wounded, and missing. The track 
was relaid under a brisk fire, and the regiment brought the 
train safely back to Murfreesboro' by hand, the locomotive 
having been disabled by a shell. On the 15th and IGth it 
was attacked by two brigades of the enemy's cavalry on the 
Shelbyviile turnpike, south of Murfreesboro', while guard- 
ing a forage-train, and was again slightly engaged at Nolans- 
ville on the 17th. On the 27th it moved by rail to Ander- 
son, and was assigned to the duty of guarding the Nashville 
and Chattanooga Railroad. It remained on this duty till 
July,18G3, when it moved to Decherd, Tenn., and thence 
to Murfreesboro', arriving there on the 19th. It was em- 
ployed there on garrison duty till September 6tli, when it 
was mustered out of the service, and on the 8th left Ten- 
nessee for Michigan, and was disbanded at Detroit about 
the 13th of September. 

OFFICERS AND MKN' OF THE TWESTT-SIXTIX TSF.4NTKY 
FROM GENESEE COUNTY. 

Fiilil and Staff. 
Lieul.-fol. E. Frank EiM.v, Flint ; cnl. Sept. 5, 18C4 ; must, nut Sipt. 6, l.«65. 
let Sergt. nnd Adj. lU-iiry P. Seymour, Liudeu ; enl. July 2!), 1864 ; pro. to rtiiit. 

Co. F. 
Adj. Cli.l<. S. Cunimings, Flusliing; ciil. Sept. 2:i, 1804 ; must, out Sept. 6, ISCo. 
Surg, Titus Human, Uiclifield ; enl. Sept. 29, 1604 ; res. Jiin. 8, 1805. 

1st Lieut. Trnioaii W. Ilawloy, Kclifleld ; enl. Sept. 10, 1S04 ; must, out Sept. 

25, ISO.). 
2d Lieut. Charles S. Cummings, Flushing; enl. Aug. 21, 1804: pro. to 1st lieut. 

Co. K. 
Scrgt. Cortliindt R. Dcmaree, Flint; must, out Sept. G, 1803. 
Sergt. G. E, Towiiseud, Flint ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Sei'gt, F, II. Towsley, Vienna ; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Sergt. Jo-'iali Uock, FInnliing ; must, out Sept. 0, 1SG5. 
Corp. IMiilip My<'rs, Uni ton (eergt.) ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Corp. I>:ivid S. iinloii, Flint ; absent ; siek ; not mustered out with eomp:uiy. 
Corp. J. dm (Jay, Argentine; must, out .^ept. 0, 1805. 
(>)rp. Mieha'd Uoi>ney, Mount .Mori'is ; must, out Sept. 0, ISOo. 
C-'H' Silonie Plew, Mount Morris; must, out Sept. C, 1805. 
Channc4-y Itacon, wagoner, Flint ; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
Itieliaid Copland, private ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
James Coiley, Iticlilleld , must, out Sept. 0. 1805. 
C. C. Fennur, UieliBeld ; must, out Sept. fi, 1S65. 
Wm. Coddard, Flu.'iliing; died of disease, Jan. 12, 1805. 

Henry N. f^ty, KInsliing; st, out Sept, 0, 1805. 

Eli/.ur Hunt, Flushing, niMst. out Sept. 0, 1805. 

A, J. Knickerboekei', Mount Morris; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 

Kirh ml M. Kelrh, Davi ; must, out Sept. 0, 186.5. 

rii'tip M.w;rs, must, out Sept. 0, 180.',. 

Charles II. Mitts, Vienna; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 

San I H. Milts, Flnshtng; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 

John 31uiTay, Unrtoii ; must, out Sept, 0, 1805. 

John MeCulloch, must, out Sept. 6, 1865. 

Wni, II, .Moore, Mount M.irri^ died ..f di-cise, Apiil 10, 1805, 

James Mahoney, must, out May \f*, 181>5. 



George Nahors, Corp., Grand Diane ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 

Hugh NI,\on, must, out July IS, 1805. 

Homer Parsell, Corp., ,\rgentine; must, oat Sept. 6, 1805. 

Georg.' Patrick, liniton; nuiat. out Sept. 6, 1805. 

William liiley, Flint ; must, out Sept, 0, 180.5. 

Allen M. Town, linrton ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 

Francis M. Town, Flushing; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 

Compaiiti 11. 
Capt. La Hue Schram, linrton; enl. Sept,!", 1804; hon, disch, March 22, 1805. 
1st Lieut, Geo, J. Hill, Richlield ; enl. Sept, 17, 1804 ; must, out Sept, 0, 1865. 
2d Lieut, G.o, Keed, Forest ; enl Se|it. 17, 1S04 ; must, out SepI, 0, 1805. 
Sergt. Peter McKinney. Flint ; diseh. for disability. Jan. 14, 1805. 
Sergt. George Smith, Burton ; must, out Sept, 0, 1805, 
Sergt. James 1*. Glover, Grand Blanc; must, out Sept, 6, 1805. 
Sergt. Mortimer Bf. Olds, Itichlield : must, out by order, June 2, 1805. 
Corp. Chal-les Smith, Forest ; died of disease at Blurfreesboro', Tenn., Jan. 19, 

l.'iOS. 
Corp. John Reigle, Grand Rhine; must, out hy ord<-r. May 17, 1805. 
Corp. John Kickler, Grand Blanc ; died of disease at Muifreesboro', Tenn, Jan. 

P.), 1805. 
Corp. Jason P. Odridge, GrancI Blanc (sergt.); must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Corp. Daviil Dickinson, Riclitield; must, out by order, May 17, 1805. 
Corp. Edward Carley, Davison ; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
MusiciaTi Edgar .\nnibal, .\Ila3; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Coip, Samuel S. Clemons, Richfield ; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
William Beagle, Vienna; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Peter Baker, Forest ; must, out. Sept, 0, 1805. 
Walter Briggs, Graml Blanc ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Charles Best, Mumiy; must, out May 10, 1805. 
Edward .\. Baruard, Grand Blanc; died of disease at Aliders'JU, Tenn., Jan. 14, 

1S05. 
Thomas Cane, Richfield, must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Albert Cane, Clayton ; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
William Davis, Burton ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Charles P. Day, Clayton ; must, out Sejit. 6, 1869. 
.lames Fowniug, Grand Blanc ; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
Phiiieas II. Flint, Claytcm ; must, out Se]i|. 0, 180.5. 
Christopher Glover, Grand Blanc; must, out .^ept. 0, 1805. 
James D. Glynn, Vienna ; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Daniel llimebach, Burton ; must, out Sept. 0, 1S05. 
Andoniram J. Hart. Biirton ; must, out May 18, 18C5. 
Elliott J. Horlon, Richfield ; must, out May 10, 1805. 
Noll A. Lent, Flusliing; must, out Sept. 0, 180,i. 
Isaac Philips, Grand Blanc ; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
Zebulon Parker, Richfield; min^l. out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Wari'cn Preston, Genesee ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Mart Robinson, Burton, must, out Sept, 0, 1805. 
Jiathcw Hoot, Itichfleld; must. out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Henry H. Shotto, Grand Blanc; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Thomas Sheltz, di.sch. for di.-ability, April 2i, 1805. 
Justice Stevens, must, out Sept. 0, lf^05. 
Cliri-topher Shaw, Mundy; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Christopher Wagoner, Fenton ; must, out Sept. 6, 1803. 
Theroli Woodruff, Forest; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
William D. Wallace, Flint; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 

OTHER COMPANIES. 

JefTei-son J. Wilder, Vienna; 1st lient. Co. A; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 

Henry P. Seymour, Linden; capt. Co. F, March 27,1865; must, out Sept. 6, 

1805. 
John Branch, Forest: 2d lieut. Co. F, July 2,<, 1804; res. Jan. 24, 1805. 
Emerson Aids, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Elliott It. Burnett, Atlas, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Edward L. Baker, Genesee, Co. F; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Edward II. Carson, Mount Morris, Co. E; died of disease at Murfreesboro', 

Tcun., Dec. 24, 1861. 
Samuel H. t.'rawl, Foresr, Co, ,\ ; must. out. Sept. 6, 1S05. 
George Clark, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
George Dunn, Vienna, Co. C; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Andrew Daly, Flushing, Co. E; must, out Sept. 6, 1865. 
Chai les Dibble, Co. K ; must, out SepI. 6, 1805. 
Samuel A. Dickson, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 0. 1805. 
Aaron Finehout, Gmnd Blanc, Co. A ; must, out Si'pt, 6, 1805. 
Dolman Finehout, Grand Blanc, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
Elmore Ferris, Davison, Co. F; must, out .Sept. 0, 1805. 

William lioddard, Co. F; died of disea<e at JelTersonvHle, InJ., Jan. 12, 1864. 
John L. Griinuei, Burton, Co. F; must, out .Sept. 0, 1805. 
Jllines (iilnian, Mount Morris, Co. C; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Thomas L. Hunt, Birch Run, Co. F; must, out Sept. 6, 1865. 
Henry W. Ilowland. Atlas, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
Nathan A. Jenks, Clayton, Co. C; must, out Sept. 0, 1865. 
Henry Kineade, Atlas, Co. A ; must, out Sept 0, 1805. 
Henry II. King, Genesee, Co. F; sergt.; must, out May 2:!, 1805. 
William B. Kent, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 0, 18r,5. 
Joseph Lynch, Burton, Co. C; must, out Sept. 6, 1805. 
David Lowe, Flushing, Cu. C ; nnisl. out Sept. 0, 1865. 



102 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUiNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Dettloff lioclip. Clayton, Co. D ; must out Sopt. G, 1805. 

C'liiiiU-s W. I-aniont, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 0, 1S05. 

WilliHin II. Moon, Co, F; ilicil of diaiaso iit S.islivillc, Tunn., Apiil IC, ISCo. 

.\iiclif\v J, Jliutin, Iturton, Co. F ; must, out Miij 18, ISCj. 

I-!i;io Miiiliii, Burton, Co. F; uuist. out .lunc I'.l, \SCu'>. 

J..hn Mnlluiy, liuit.m, Co. F; must, out May i4, 1805. 

Vt-rry E. Xewniari, Davison, 0>. K; must, out Sept. G, l&Oo. 

Frank F. Osburn, Vienna, Co. E ; must, ont Marcll 0, ISGJ. 

Jacolj Pliillips, Co. K ; must, out Sept. G, IStio. 

'I'lieoilore Poqviette, Co. K ; must, out Sept. fi, 18Gr». 

Daniel K. Rol.crts, Forest, Co. A : must, out Sept. Ifi, 180,-.. 

George Sliarpsteiu, Co. K ; diet! of disease at Hilton lleail, N. C, May 10, 1805. 

George W. Snnnner, Vienna, Co. C; muBt. out Sept. 0, ISG.'). 

.lames Sineaton, Flusliing, Co. C; must, out Sept. 0, 180.5. 

Charles S. Smith, Mount Morris, Co. E; must, coit June 2:{, 1805. 

Andrew Sheperd, 3Ionnt Slorris, Co. F; must, out June 2-'., 1805. 

Joshua Wetherbee, Vienna, Co. E; died of disease .-it Faiilield, Mich., Sept. 29, 

1804. 
William C. Wither, Athvs, Co. A ; must, out Sept. 0, 1805. 
William W. Whipple, Grand Blanc, Co. A ; must, out Sept. G, 1805. 
Wdliam Wooden, Burton, Co. F ; must, out Sept. C, ISG5. 
Alhei t Johnson, Genesee, Co. F ; Corp. ; ahsent,sick ; not must, out with company. 

THIRTIETH INFANTllY. 

On account of the numerous attempts made by the enemy 
to organize in Canada plundering raids against our northern 
border, autluirity was given by the War Department to the 
Governor of JMiehigan, in the autumn of ]8t)4, to raise a 
regiment of infantry for one year's service, and especially 
dosi^'ned to guard the Michigan frontier. Its formation, 
under the name of the 30th Michigan Infantry, was begun 
at Jackson in November, 18(54, and completed at Detroit 
on the 9ih of January, 18G5. To this regiment Genesee 
County furnished between sixty atid seventy men, most of 
whom served in Company I. 

When the organization was completed the regiment was 
stationed in companies at various points, one company being 
placed at Fort Gratiot, one at St. Clair, one at Wyandotte, 
one at Jack.son, one at Fentnn, throe in Detroit barracks, 
and one on duty in the city. But the speedy collap.se of 
thellebellion put an end to Canadian raids, and the regiment, 
although the men were willing for service, had no active 
duty to perform. It remained on duty until the 30th of 
Juno, 1SG5, and was then mu.stcred out. 

OFFICERS AND MEX OF THE THIRTIETH REGIMENT MICHIGAN 
VOLUXTICER INFANTUY Fit >.M GEXKSEE COi:NTV. 
One tjear, 
John Wilhtl, Flint; surgcm ; enl. Jan. it, 1805; must, out June 3n, IS05. 
Capt. Wm. E. Christian, Flint ; enl. June il, 1805 ; most, out June 30, 1805. 
2d Lieut. Henry M. Mason, Flint ; enl. June 9, 18G5 ; must, out June 30,180.5. 
Sorgt. Henry C. Fuller. Flint ; must, out Jnne 30, 1805. 
Sergt. Wm. L. Sjyer, Flint ; must, out June 3(t, 1805. 
Sei-gt. John B. Taylor, Flint ; must, out June 30, 18G5. 
Sergt. Atnlirosp Merrllt, Gnind Blane ; must, out June 30, 186.5. 
Coi-p. Jos ah P. Hackett, Flint ; must, out Jnne .30, 1805. 
Corp. Sidney J. Reynolds, Flint ; must, out Jnne 30. 1805. 
Col p. Gilbert Chambeilain, Flint; must, out June 30, 18G5. 
Corp. M. V. B Clark, Flint ; must, out June 30, 18G5. 

Coinptiiiij I, 

Leonard J. Adams, Davison ; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Oliver Ba^sett, Flint; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Amerce J. Richelder, Flint; mn<t. out .\ug. 18, 1805. 
Amos Butler, Flint ; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Thomas II. Beamisli, Flint ; mu-t. out June 30, 18r>5. 
Daniel 11. Camptiell, Flint ; must, out Jnne 30, 18G5. 
William F. Clapsaddle, Davison ; must, out Jnne .30, 180.5. 
Hiram II. Clapsaddle, D.ivjson ; must, out June 30, lsi;5. 
Adoniram J. Conger, Davison ; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Melvin E. Cran.lall, Alias; must, out June .30, 1805. 
Edward Cummings, Atlas; must, out June .3t), I8G.5. 
It.bert M. Dalley, Atlas; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Mark El well, Gr.iiid Blanc; must, out June 30, 1805. 
IDnry H. Grisw.dd, Flint; must, out June 30, 1805. 
Charles Gunn, Flint ; mn-^t. out Jnne 30, 1SG5. 
Frank II. Hniigerford, Flint ; urist. out June 30, 1805. 



William V. Hilton, Flint; must, out Jnne 30, If 05. 

Il'iijanon Ililker, Flint ; must, out June 30, 1805. 

William Ilurd, Gnuid Blanc; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Henry O. llaidy, Flint ; must. «jnt June 30, 1SG5.- 

Williani H. .lones, Genesee ; must, out .Iiino 30, 18G5. 

Loren/.o Johnsnn, Atlas; must, out Juno 3U. 1805. 

Francis Keeiio, Flint ; must, out Jnne 30, 180-5. 

Juhn P. Kore, Atlas ; must, out Juno 30, ISG5. 

Robeit Knowles, Davison; must, out Jniio 30, 18G5. 

Harrison T. Kipp, Athis ; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

llyman Lee, .\tlas; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Web-ter W. M ckle, Flint; must. out Jnne 30, ISG5. 

Alfred McMichael, Flint; must, out Jnne 30, 65. 

Sanford McTaggei't, Davison ; mirst. out June 30, 1805. 

(Iscir B. Moss, Flint; must, out Jnne .30, 1865. 

Luther Miller, .\Ilas; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

Fr.ink Myers, .\Ilas; must, out June 30, 1805. 

William Odell, Genesee ; must, out June 30, 1805, 

Spencer W. Pierce, Flint : must, out Jnne 30, 1.S05. 

Eugene Phelps, Grand Blanc; must, out June .30, 180.5. 

3Iartiu M. Porter, Flint; died of disease at Detnu't, Midi., JIarch 7, 1805. 

James W. Ripley, Flint ; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

Knos D, Stilson, Flint ; must, out June 30, 1805. 

William Snyder, Clayton ; mu-t. out June 30, 1805. 

William H, Seymour, Burton ; must, out June 30, 1805. 

S iiiinel Spicer, .\tlas ; must. (Ult June 30, 18G5. 

Thomas Saddington, Flint ; must, out June 30, 18G5. 

Andrew Seeley, Davison ; must, out June 30, 1865. 

Cyrus T.ttsworth, Atlas; must, out Jnne 30. 1865. 

Clark Tiltsworlh, Atlas ; mast, out Juno 30, 180.5. 

Walter E. Vandnse'i, .\tla< ; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Gardner White, Flint; must, out June 30, 1SG5. 



William D. Gilbert, Flint ; 



Compinti K. 
ist. out July 3", 1865. 



FIRST ENGI.VEEIIS AND MECHANICS. 

The regiment bearing this name was raised in the summer 
and autumn of ISGl, under Col. William P. Iiines as com- 
manding officer, and having its rendezvous at Marshall, Cal- 
houn Co. " It was intended, as its name implies, to be prin- 
cipally employed in the numerous kinds of mechanical and 
engineering work incident to the operations of an army, 
and, unlike many other special organizations, it was largely 
used for the pur|iose originally designed. It was also armed 
with infantry weapons, and, whenever called on, its mem- 
bers showed themselves as prempt in battle as they were 
skillful in labor. The regiment contained a considerable 
number of men from Genesee County. At a meeting held 
in Flint, Sept. 17, 1861, and compo.sed largely of eligible 
men, it was resolved to form a company to join the Engi- 
neers and Mechanics, and George T. Clark was elected 
captain of the propt)sed organization. But for some cause 
the project failed, and no company distinctively of Genesee 
County material was formed, though the county contrib- 
uted about one-third to the formation of Company B, nearly 
one-fuurth its members to Company F, and slightly to sis 
other companies of the regiment. 

The Engineers and Jlechanics were mustered into the 
service of the United States, at the rendezvous, by Capt. 
H. E. Mizner, U. S. A., Oct. 28 to Dec. C, 18G1, and on 
the 21st of the latter month, left Marshall, about one thou- 
sand and thirty strong, tor Louisville. Ky. On account of 
the peculiar nature of the service required of them, they 
were employed in detachments, and thus it would be imprac- 
ticable to trace them thnmgh all, or half, their numerous 
marchings and labors. One of the detachments was under 
Gen. O. 51. Mitchell in his advance on Bowling Green, 
and among the first Union troops to enter that town after 
its evacuation by the enemy. After the capture of Fort 
Donelson opened Teniiessco to the Union forces, the Engi- 



FIllST ENGINEERS AND MECHANICS. 



103 



neers and Mechanics were speedily at work in that State 
repairin;^ bridijes and railroads and opcnin;^ lines of com- 
munication. For eiiilit weeks immediately followini; 
the battle of Sliiioh tlioy were engaged in constructing 
steamboat-landings. In June, lS(i2, they built seven 
bridges on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, ranging 
from eighty to three hundred and fifty feet in length, and 
were also engaged throughout the season in opening and re- 
pairing railroads in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern 
Alabama and Misi^i.ssippi. 

While at Lavergne, Teiin., on the 1st of January, 1SG3, 
a part of the regiment was attacked by two brigades of the 
enemy's cavalry, under Gens. Wheeler and Wharton, with 
two pieces of artillery; but succeeded in defeating them 
witli serious loss. During the year the regiment, divided 
into detachments, was almost constantly engaged in building 
bridges, making pontoon-boats, and other similar work in 
Tennessee and North Alabama. One of these bridges 
(over the Elk River, Tenn.) was four hundred and sixty 
feet long. The same work was continued through the 
greater part of 18G4; mostly in the vicinity of Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn., Decatur, Bridgeport, and Stevenson, Ala. 
The men whose terras had expired were mustered out in 
October, 18G4, but there wore enough re-cnlistcd men and 
recruits to keep the command up to its original strength. 

About the 1st of November the regiment, except two 
companies, was transferred to Atlanta, Ga., where it de- 
stroyed an immense number of rebel foundries, roliing- 
luills, and other similar works, and then marched wiih 
Sherman's army to Savannah ; being obliged to keep up 
with the columns, and to perform an immense amount of 
labor in destroying railroads and bridges at the same time. 
After sevend weeks' labor in fortifying Savannah, the Engi- 
neers proceeded with Sherman through the CaroHnas, and 
thence to Washington. In June, l&Oo, the regiment was 
sent to Nashville, where it was employed on the defenses 
until the latter part of September, when it was mustered 
out of the service and ordered to Michigan. It was dis- 
banded at Jacksonville on the 1st of October, 1SG5. 

HEUBERS OF THE FIRST ENGINEERS AND MKCII.VNIUS FROM 

GENESEE COUNTV. 

Oniijiany B. 

Clinrlcs II. Cilclnoy, Flint; scrgt.; pro. to Isl. liput. Co. E, Nov. 3, 1SC4; must. 

out Si"l>t. '.ii, 1865. 
OTicar F. AUi-ii, Itiii-toii ; dlsch. at end of sovvici-, Oi-t. 1.1, 1804. 
John Arnot, (}rHn<l Itluitr; ilincli. \>y orili'r, Jnno C, 18G5. 
Gi-orgo R. ItoyiT, Riclifi -1,1 ; di«,li. fur dlsiliilily, Due. 9, 18C2. 
Wunen llni.kli-y, Flint; dincli. for disidiility, Feb.", ISOt. 
KiUvin lUilij, FIusiiiiiK; di:.cli. for ilisiiliilitv, April 25, 18C3. 
Sliiliii'd Hrowii, Flint; died of ilinciise. Miinli '.'(I, ISC-.i. 
Miiynard Curtur, Flint ; di<-d of d.«tMSr', April ;{, IKlJi. 
llinim F. Cltiipni.in, Flint ; dist-Ii. for diHiil.ilily, Jnly -^t, 1SG2. 
Joniilliitii Cudlicy, Flint; dist-li. for il s.ildtity, Miiy 17, l.sO'i. 
J.icol> I>. C.irpeiiter, DHvinun; iniiat. out Ht X.islivillf, Toriii., Si'pt. 22, 18G.'». 
Edward FnnclK-on, Flint ; diseli. at cud of servii-i-. Oct, ;il, lStJ4. 
Ami II. Firld, Flint ; distil. 10 4*0-01)1. as votonin, Jan. 1, ISO!. 
Henry E. Gidloy, D.ivit^on ; disch. l>y ordoi', Oct. 4, ISr^j. 
Jalno^ Groonalch, Flint ; tlistli. Iiy order, Juno C, ISfij. 
Julius Gordon, >luii<ly ; ilisrli l.y order, Ort. 4, 18G5. 
I'hilo Gill.ort, Flint ; dincli. at end of mrviie, Oct. :)l, 1804. 
Guy K. Gilheit, Flint ; d mh. at end of service, Oct. :il, 1801. 
Uonjiimiu F. Gilbert, Flint ; died of dirtease at Nashville, Tenn , Oct. 1, 1802. 
Albert S. ILirt, Geui-see; died of disease, Mareli '^n, 1K02. 
l.i;u»c llouell, Flint ; disch, for di-aldlity, April 10, 180J. 



.lamo* Hill, Vienna; diacli. for di-aliility, Fob. 7, 1801. 

Frederii-k N. Hopkins, Flushing; disch. for dsability, June lit. 180't. 

Ilii-am Howe, Davison ; must, out at Nasltvillo, Tonn., Sept. 22, 18G5. 

.loliri Link, Jr., Flint ; disch. by order, June 0, 1SG5. 

Jtdin MeKerclier, Flint; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 

David F. Nelson, Slutuly; veteran; luust. out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 

ISO.".. 
Fayette B. Nelson. Mundy ; must, out at Na.«hville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1865. 
Fernando C. Petty, FlusliinK; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1805. 
Willurd Petty, Flushing; disch. by order, June 0, ISC'i. 
Poll C. Petty, Flushing; disch. for disability. May G, 1802. 
Daniel J. Randall. Flint ; Corp. ; disch. for disability, March 0, 18G2. 
Judson A. Stone, Clayton ; disch. by order, June 0, ISGo. 
Theodore Siannard, Flint ; disch. by order, Juno 0, 1805. 
Fredorick A. Sniitli, Flushing; must, out at Nashv.lle, Tenn,, Sept. 22, 1805. 
Cliailes K. Welch, Davison ; vcter.m ; must, out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 22, 

1805. 
Henry R. Wallace, Flint ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 

Cinnjiainj F. 

Alton Campbell, Davison ; qr.-mr. scrgt. Co. F; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. D, Nov. 23, 

1864 ; must t Sept. 22, 18G.">. 

George W. White, Fenton ; sergt.; |iro. to 2d lieut. Aug. 18, 1802 ; to 1st lieut. 

Jan. 1, 1804 ; must. <)Ut Oct. 20, 1801, end of service. 
S'dney .Vrrowsniith, Genesee ; disch. for dis:ibility, June 28, 1802. 
William M. IJarney, Fenlon; disch. for disability. May 5, IS02. 
Erastns Cill. Flint; disch. by order, Juno 0, 18i;.->. 
Eraslus Call, Jr., Fenton ; diseh. l.y order, June C, 1805. 
Alfred Call, Genesee; iliscli. by order, June 0, ISG,). 
James Cartvvriglit, Vienna ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 
Ale.x. Canipbell, Davis^ni ; veteran ; disch. to rc-enl. as veteran, Jan. 1, 1864. 
Delavon Heath, Vienna; disch. at e[id of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 
Philip Housinger, Vienna; Corp. ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 
Norwin C. Johnstin, di^cli. for disability, July .5, 1802. 
&ilomon S. Miles, Richfield ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 18M. 
llugli M.Donald, must, ont at Niishvilb-, Tenn , S.pt. 22, 1805. 
(i.'orge Phelps, Grand lil.inc; disch. l.y or.ler, June G, IStVi. 
Benjamin Paine, Vienna; di.sch. f.n- disability. May 14, 1802. 
Henry S. IVtlingill, Vienna; disch. for d sabil ty, Sept. 1, 1802. 
William Shorl, Uurton ; diseh. by order, July 17, 180"). 
Lewis A. Scott, Kenton ; di>cli. for il s;d.ilily, July 15, 1802. 
Cirns J. Sillsby, Vienna. 

John Scriven, Fent..n ; must, out at Naslivill.-, Tenn., Sept. 22, 1805. 
Daniel W. Turner, diseh. by order, June 0, 1805. 
Martin C. Tapper, Gran.l Itlanc ; ilisch. l.y order, July I", 1S&5. 

IN OTHER COMPANIES. 

Thaihlcus S. lleeis, Co. 1 ; died of disease at Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 24, 1802. 

Joseph llellinger, Th.tf.jrd, Co. G ; disch. for disability, March 2. 1802. 

John Untlei-, Forest, Co. G ; disch. al end of service, (.tct. 31, 1804. 

Theo.lt(ro E Reei-s, (Vj. 1 ; .iisch. at end of seivice, Oct. ill, ISOl. 

Lorenzo Colby, For.-st, Co. G; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1801. 

Jonatlcin Cooiner, Co. G ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 18G4. 

Martin L. Cuddeback, Flint, Co. D ; must, out at Nashville, Sept. 22, 18C."i. 

Abraham F. Conant, Flint, Co. H; dio.lof disease at Nashville, Fob. 12, 1803. 

John S. Docker, Forest, Co. G ; disch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 

Joel li. Fairchibl, Flint, Co. H ; diseh. by order, Juno 0, 1865. 

George D. Gerry. Riolitiel.l, Co. G ; ilisch. at end of service, Oct. 31, 1804. 

Peter Gord.in, Flint, Co. H ; disch. for pr.iniotion, Feb. 13, 1804. 

Henry C. Hackett, Co. I ; disch. by or.ler, June 0, 1805. 

George L. Ju.l.-vine. Flint ; coi-p., Co. K ; veteran ; traus. to 5th Biittery, Mich. 

Light Artillery, Dec. 2, 1802. 
Harris Marsh, I)avison, Co. G; died of di8e;tse at Louisville, Ky., Blarcli 15, 

1802. 
Kellbon S. McCormick, Forest, Co. G ; ilicd of ilisease at Bardstown, Ky., April 

10, 1862. 
Wju. Miller, Davison, Co. L ; died of dis.-a.se at N.ashville, Tenn., S.'pt. 25, ISO:!. 
Oren McCimb, Forest, Cu. G; diM-h. f .r disibdity, Jnly 17, ISO.). 
AilelI.ert Pursell, Flint, Co. H ; disch. by ord.r, June 0, l80.j. 
Wm. IS. Parker, Flint, CI; trans, t.i Vet. R..8. Corps, May 1, 18W. 
G.rorge W. Sweet, Burton, Co. I ; disch. by or.ler, June 0, 180;'>. 
Charles Saunders, Forest, Co. G ; disch. for iiromoti .n, Aug. 17, 1803. 
Abel C. Smith, Forest, Co. G ; cnl. Nov. 21, 1801 ; discli. at end of service, Oct. 

31, 1804. 
Dennison W. Spencer, (.'o. L; must, .nit at N islivillo, Tenn , Sept. 22. 18fs'). 
Wellington Teaehout, Itichtield, Co. f. ; ilisch. al end of servic.-, Oct. 31, ISOl. 
Enoch II. Woodman. Forest, Co. G ; diich. for il sabil ty, April 21, 181)2. 

Sal r Wood, Co. I ; died of disease at Nashville, Tenn , Oct 2'J, 1802. 

Jacob W. M'liile,Thelford, Co. G ; .Iisch. to re-eiil. as vetoian. Jan. 1, 1801. 
Calvin Wakelield, Davison, Co. L; must, ont at Nashville, Tenn., S pt. 22, 180.1. 
Charles h. Packard, Flint, Co. F; eiil. one year; ilisch. by G. O., June C, lsft5. 
Duvid M. Tninir, Flint, Co. F; enl. one year; disch. by G. O., June 0, 1805. 



104 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

FIRST, THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH, AND SIXTH 
CAVALRY, AND THIRTEENTH BATTERY. 

Character of Cavalry Service — First Cavalry — Service in Virginia in 
]8ti2 — Campaigning in 1863 — Raids and other Movements in 186i 
and 1865 — Muster Out — Third Cavalry — Rendezvous at Grand 
Kapids — Winter-Quarters in Missouri — Campaigns of 1862 — Win- 
ter-Quarters in Mississippi — Marching and Fighting in Missis- 
sippi and Tennessee in 1863 — Winter-Quarters at La Grange, 
Tenn. — Veteran Furlough — At St. Louis in Spring of 1804 — Cam- 
paign in Arkansas — At Mobile — Services in Texas — Muster Out 
and Return Home — Fourth Cavalry — Pursuit of John Morgan in 
Kentucky — Fight at Franklin, Tenn. — Advance with Army of the 
Cumberland iu 1863— The Atlanta Campaign of 1S64— Fight at 
Lattimorc's Mill — Pursuit of Gen. Hood — Raid through Alabama in 
Spring of 1865 — Capture of Jefi'erson Davis — Fifth Cavalry — Ren- 
dezvous at Detroit — Winter-Quarters near Washington — Engage- 
ments in 1863 — Winter-Quarters at Stovensburg — Campaigns and 
Battles in 186f — Winter-Quarters at Camp Russell — Spring Cam- 
paign of 1865 — In North Carolina — Movement to Fort Leavenworth, 
Kan. — Muster Out — Sixth Cavalry — Winter-Quarters at Washing- 
ton — Services and Fights in 1863 — Winter-Quarters at Stevensburg 
— Its Numerous Fights and Skirmishes in 1864 and 1865 — Service 
in North Carolina — Fort Leavenworth and the Plains — Muster Out 
and Return — The Tliirtcenth Battery — Its Services at AVashingtjn 
and in Maryland. 

Although the cavaliy branch of the army was not 
broutrht into a.s many general engagements as the infantry, 
and consequently sufl'ered less in killed and wounded, yet its 
service was of an extremely arduous nature, compelling men 
to be almost constantly in the saddle, riding day and night 
for hundreds, and sometimes fur a thousand, miles in a single 
expedition. But the character of this service, being that of 
almost constant marching and change of station and duty, 
renders it impracticable to follow and trace the movements 
of cavalry with as much of precision and detail as can be 
done in the case of infantry regiments. 

FIRST CAVALRY. 

This regiment, which contained a considerable number of 
men from Genesee County, was organized in the summer of 
1861, under Col. T. F. Brodhead. It left its rendezvous 
at Detroit, about eleven hundred strong, September 29tli 
in that year, and proceeded to Washington, and thence to 
Frederick, Md., where it passed most of tiie winter. In the 
spring of 1862 it entered Virginia, and during the year was 
engaged in service on the Upper Potomac, in the Shenandoah 
Valley, and along the east slope of the Blue Ridge, being 
engaged at Winchester, Middletown, Strasburg, Harrison- 
burg, Orange Court-House, Cedar Mountain, and second 
Bull Run, losing in these actions thirty killed or died of 
wounds, and fifty-eight wounded. It passed most of the 
winter at Frederick, Md. 

In the early part of 18G3, it was engaged in grand guard 
duty along the front line of the Washington defen.ses in 
Virginia. On the 27tli of June it moved towards Gettys- 
burg, and on the 3d of J uly , at tliat place, it met and charged 
Hampton's legion of three regiments Virginia cavalry, 
and beat it in six minutes, losing eighty men and eleven 
officers out of three hundred who went into action. It was 
again engaged at Fairfield Gap on the 4tli, and lost consid- 
erably. Again, at Falling Waters, Va., it was severely 
engaged, and captured five hundred of the enemy, with the 



standards of the 40th and 47th Virginia Infantry. It was 
in Kilpatrick's division, and took part in all the movements 
and actions of that general during the summer and fall 
of 1863. In December nearly four hundred of the men 
re-enlisted as veterans, and received the veteran furlough. 
On their return, the regiment rendezvoused at Camp Stone- 
man, near AVashington, and was there newly equipped, and 
was joined by a new battalion which had been mustered at 
Mount Clemens in December, 1863. It took part in the 
movements of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac, 
from the crossing of the Rapidan in May, 1864, to the 
early part of August, when it was moved to the Shenandoah 
Valley, and joined to the army of Sheridan, taking part in 
the .subsequent movements of that army, except the battle 
of Fisher's Hill, losing during the year, up to the 1st of 
November, eighty-two killed in battle or died of wounds, 
and one hundred and two wounded in action. It remained 
near Winchester, Va., till the 27th of February, 1863, 
when it fell in with the other cavalry of Sheridan to move 
on the great raid to the James River. It reached White 
House on JIarch 19th, and soon after joined the Army of 
the Potomac before Petersburg, and remained with that 
army till the surrender of Lee, taking part in many engage- 
ments, among which were those at Five Forks and Appo- 
mattox. After the surrender it moved to Petersburg, and 
a little later to North Carolina with the other forces. From 
there it returned to Washington, took part in the great 
review of the army, Jlay 23d, and soon after was moved, 
via Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the Ohio, Mississippi, 
and Missouri Rivers, to Fort Leavenworth. Then followed 
seven months of duty on the Plains as far west as the base 
of the Rocky Mountains, during which the regiment was 
engaged in some skirmishing with Indians, and lost .slightly 
in killed and wounded. It was con.solidated at Fort Bridger 
with the 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry, forming an organ- 
ization known as the 1st Michigan Veteran Cavalry. It 
was paid off and disbanded March 10, 1866. 

MEJIBERS OF THE FIliST C.WALRV FllOM GENESEE COUNTY. 

Wainei- II. rierson, Flint; sirgt. in Co. G; 2.1 licut. Co. B, May 18, 18C:i ; 1st 
lieul. Co. H, June 14, lfeG4; cajit. Co. U, Oct. '.iS, 18M; must, out Nov. 
7, 1S6\ 

Cliauncy T. Aail.le, Genesee, Co. D ; discli. at end of serviti', Feb. 17, 1860. 

Augustus A. Allen, Genesee, Co. D; must, out fllarch 10, 18(;G. 

.lames C. Bingham, Genesee, Co. D ; mnat. out June 30, 18GG. 

K.il.prt Bultou, Co. C; (liach. for diialolity, Manli 11, 180:1. 

Williaiu Boiitiher, Genesee, Co. II; disch. at end of tervice, Aug. 22, 18C4. 

diaries Beeuiiin, Cu. C; discli. to re-eril. as veteran, Dec. 21, 18&1. 

Charles t'roli', Co. H - discli. fur disability. 

Wilson P. Dunaldson, Featon, Co. G ; must, out March ID, 1.SC6. 

William F. Eaton, Feuton, Co. U ; d.ed of disease at Alexandria, Va., Oct. 28, 
1SC2. 

William P. Eddy, Fenton, Co. G ; dis( h. by or.ler, June 7, 1SC5. 

Janu'S Furlong, Co. II ; disch. at end of service, Aug. 22, 1804. 

Frc.derick Faro, Cu. C; diseh. to re-eid. iig vetei-in, Dec. 21, l»0:i. 

G.le« E. Fellows, Genesee, Co. I); mast, out Maicli 10, ISOO. 

Isaac Gilbert, Tlielford, Co. A ; must, out March 10, 18UG. 

James B. Gallup, Flushing, Co. C; must, out Ma(;eh C, 18GG. 

Riiln'rl Gai'hei', Fenton, Co. F; niu.t. out March 25, 1806. 

Aliiioa Gage, Co. M; must, out Aug. 25, 18th'>. 

Thoin.as I'. Hill, Co. F; nuist. out July 1, 1805. 

Anihew A. Hobday, Co. C; discli. for wounds, May 23, 1864. 

Beujaiiiiii V. Ilicks, Co C ; discli. to re-eul. as veteran, Dec. 21, 1863. 

U..l.ert Jackson, Co. C; disch. lor dirabllily, Sept. 27, 1802. 

Jeieiiiiah L. Kn:ip|>, Fenton, Co. D; disch. t>y order. May 3, 1805. 

Fr.nik Keferly, Co. H; died in action at Ball Kan, Va., Aug. 311, 1SG2. 

Henry J. Lartied, ('o. C; tiuna. to Co. II. 

Joseph BIcComI', Forest, Co. A ; must, out March 10, 18GC. 

Ib.i vey M. MeCasliny, Co. F; must, out Slareh 25, 1800. 

John O'Hani, Mount Morris, Co. D ; must, out March 111, ISCO. 



THIRD CAVALRY. 



105 



William Perkins, Co. H; (iisch. for ilisaliility. 

George Pri<ltjiore, Flusliing, Co. C; died of disease ftt Fort Collins, C 

2>, 1865. 
Felix F. Bandall, Co. H ; discli. for disabii:iy. 
AniiLsa Rogers, Co. C; discli. to re-i-iil. iis veteran. Per. 21. 186."i. 
Austin .Slow, C<). C; missing in action at Fairfielil (lap, Jnly 4, 1803. 
Itobert Sackner, Fenton, Co. G ; ninst. out fllanli 111, 18GG. 
Seynionr P. TIioni|t8on, Co. C; disch. for disability. 
Orange Tlionias, Co. H ; disch. to re-cnl. as veteran, Dec. 21, 1863, 
W. C. Tlumias, Co. C; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Feb. l.'>, 1804. 
William II. Teeplea, Co. (;; died of wounds at Brontsville, Va., Jan. 9, 
Sainnel H. Tlioma", Co. C ; died of wounds iit Gettysburg, Pa., Aug. .5, 
Charles Waldo, Co. H; must, out March H), 18110. 
John Waldo, Co. B; must, onl JIarcli 10, 1800. 
William K. Walcott, Genesee, Co. 11; must, out March .11, 186G. 
Louis S. We.^Sitn, Fenton, Co. K ; must, out June ;10, 1800. 
Henry Yates, »nton, Co. A ; ninst. out Maicli 10, 1800. 
Tracy G. Merrill, Riclifield, Co. A ; trans, from Co. II, 7th Cav.; mus 

Salt Lake, JIarch In, 1800. 
Alcxion Th.ayer, Flushing, Co. A ; trans, from Co. II ; must, out Juno 
Ilortea Blrdsiill, Co. C, coi'li. ; must, out May 2, 1802. 
binieon P. McFarlan<I, Gaines, Co. K ; tr^ns. from Co. G ; must, out 1 

July 12, 180,1. 
Tliaddciis W. I.ockwood, Cu. C; trans, to Mulligan's Brigade. 



T., Dec. 



1SC3. 
18C:i. 



t. out lit 
20, 180.'>. 
ly order. 



THIRD C.VVALUY. 

This regiment w;is raised in the summer and fall of 
18G1, liaving its rendezvou.s at Grand Kapids. The Gene- 
sec County men serving in its ranks were sufficient iti aggre- 
gate number to make up the majority of a full company, 
but tlicy were distributed among several companies of the 
regiment, tiiough most numerous in Company I. 

The 3d Cavalry left Grand Rapids more than a thousand 
strong, Nov. 18, 18(31, and proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., 
where it remained in winterf(uarters at the Benton Bar- 
racks. In 1862 it moved south, and participated in the 
operations at New Madrid and Island No. 10, also in the 
siege of Corinth, and the subsequent campaign in Northern 
Mississippi, where it remained during tlic entire season, 
capturing in tliat scries of operations twelve hundred and 
eighty-six prisoners of the eiieuiy, among whom were five 
field- and thirty-two line-officers. It pa.ssed the winter in 
Northern Mississippi, and in 1SG3 was again employed in 
that State and Western Tennessee, in almost continuous 
luarcliing, fighting, and raiding, and by the 1st of Novem- 
ber in that year liad taken an additional number of prison- 
ers, sufficient to make the whole iiuinber captured by it since 
its commencement of service two thousand one hundred, of 
wiiom about fifty were officers. " During the year [from 
Jan. 1 to Nov. 1, 1863] the regiment marclied a distance 
of ten thousand eight hundred miles, exclusive of marches 
by separate companies and detachments." Accompanying 
the 3d in its movements was a light battery of 12pound 
liowilzers. On the 1st of January, 1864, the regiment 
arrived at La Grange, Tenn., where it prepared winter- 
(|uartcrs, and where, during January, nearly six hundred of 
its members rc-eiili»tcd as veterans, and received tlio usual 
furlough — to rendezvous at Kalamazoo. From tliat place 
the)' moved, with tjieir numbers largely augmented by re- 
cruits, to St. Ijouis, where they remained about two months 
on provost duty in the city, while awaiting the arrival of 
new hoi-scs and e(|uipmcnts. Still dismounted, the regi- 
ment moved May ISth, and proceeded to Arkansas, there 
joining the army of Gen. Steele. It was mounted and 
armed with the Spencer repeating-caibine on the 1st of 
August, and from that lime until winter was engaged in 
sconii:!g and outpost duly in that State. Its wintertiuar- 



ters were at Brownsville Station, on the Mempliis and Little 
Hock Railroad. On the 14th of March it was transferred 
from Arkansas to the military division of West Mississippi, 
under Gen. Canby, to move with the forces designed to 
operate against Mobile. After the fall of that city the regi- 
ment was employed on outpost duty till after the surrender 
of Lee and Johnston, and was then detailed as the escort of 
Gen. Canby, on the occasion of his receiving the surrender 
of the Confederate Gen. Taylor and his army. It moved 
across the country from Mobile to Baton Rouge, La., 
arriving there May 22, 18G5. On Sheridan's as.suming 
command of the Division of the Southwest, the 3d was 
ordered to join troops destined for Texas, and left Baton 
Rouge June 10th, moving by way of Shrcveport, and across 
Texas to San Antonio, where it remained, employed in gar- 
rison duty, scouting expeditions for the protection of the 
frontier, and other similar duty till Feb. 15, 1866, when it 
was dismounted and mustered out of service. The men 
returned via Victoria, Indianola, New Orleans, and Cairo, 
111., to Jackson, Mich., and there received their final pay- 
ment, March 15, 1866. 

MEMBF-RS OF TlIK THIRD CAVALIiV FROM GENESEE COUNTY. 

Officera. 

Wni. Dunham, Fenton ; cipl. Co. I ; cnl. Sept. 7, 18G1 ; res. May 11, 1802. 

Orrin W. Rowland, Fenton; sorgt. Co. C; 2d lieut. Co. E, April 29, 18G:i; 1st 

lieut. Co. I, Oct. 24, 1864 ; capt. Co. C, Nov. 17, 1804 ; hon. disch. June 0, 1805. 

Jacob W. Miller, Fenton ; sergt. Co. I ; 2d lieut. Co. K, Sept. 18, 1804 ; hon. disch. 

June 6, 1805. 
Andrew llickey, 2d lieut. ; pro. to 1st lieut. Co. I; died of disease, Feb. 10, '03. 
Clarence I-. Miles, Fenton, qr.-mr. Berj;t. ; pro. to Ist lieut. Co. — , 9tli Cav. 

Conipamj I. — Eiitisted Men. 
David S. Anderson, disch. for disability, Oct. 10, 1802. 
Charles 0. Adams, sergt., Fenton ; discli. for disability, Feb. 12, 1802. 
George Borden, disch. for disability, Feb. 14, 1802 ; must, out Sept. 14, 1805. 
William Battay, died of disease at New Madrid, Mo., March 14, 1802. 
George Borden, must, out Sept. 14, ISO-'i. 
MerrdI Cherry, Fenton ; veteran ; must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 
William Chestnut, Fenton ; must, out Jan. 2:!, 1860. 
Slcplien II. Calkins, veteran ; disch. for ilisability, Sept. 25, ISM. 
Ilar ry B. ('amp. Hint; d ed of tliseaseat Brownsville, Ark., Sept. 3, ISOl. 
liarnaril Duff, died of disease at Dnvall's BlulT, Ark., Oct. U, 1804. 
Carlton F.i»ket, .Ib'd of iliseasc at JacksoTi, Sept. 22, 1862. 
Rensselaer C. Fuller, must, out Feb. 12, 1806. 
John Huntley, died of disease at St. Louis, Mo., April 28, 18G2. 
George U. Ilorton, mubician, Fenton ; disch. to re-enl. us vet. Jan. 19, 18G4. 
Jidin W Kipp, Fenton ; <lied of disease at Corinth, Miss. 
Edward L. M.itl, .liscli. July 21, 1802. 

Cornelius Quick, died of d sease at Benton Ban-.icks, Dec. 25, 1801. 
.I.din W. Snell, must, out Feb. 12, 1800. 
Guy Shaw, must, out Feb. 12, 18U0. 
Ilariiscui Tiaphagan, Fenton, Corp.; died of disease at New BLidrid, Mo , .\pril 

0, 1802. 
Levi W. Thatcher, disch. for disability, March 25, 1S&4. 
George Tanner, disch. .lune 21. 1H02. 

Legiand P. Williams, disch. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1804. 
Edward Welh.ver, died of disease at Memphis, Tenn, Jnly 20, 1804. 
Jonathan M. Willovcr, died of disease at Holly, Mich., Dec. 10, 1801. 

OUter Companies. 
George Baine, Co. D; died of disc.ise at Kalamazoo, Mich., April 17, 1804. 
James Bnell, Co. M ; disch. to re-enl. as vet. Jan. 19, l.SCI ; must, out Feb. 12, 

I8(;0. 
William II. Burnt, Co. B; must, out June 21, ISRI. 
Charles M. Br.>wn, Co. B; mn-t. out Feb. 12, 1806. 
George Buell, Co. M ; must, out Feb. 12, 1860. 
David Buell, Co. M; must, out Aug. 180.5. 
Jesse Cooper, t^i. I) ; must, out Feb. 12, 18G6. 

Andrew J. tiliappell, Co. M : dieil of ilisea-se at St. Louis, Mo , Jan. 5, 1802. 
Kilward C. Fiero, Co. E ; died of disease at Brownsville, Ark,, Sept. fi, 180*. 
William W. Flowers, Co. F, Genesee; died ofdisea.se at Jelferson Barracks, Mo., 

Nov. 18, 1804. 
.John W. Fouls, Co. C; di-ch, Dec. 7, 1804. 

Wallace Gilbert, Co. F, Thetford ; disch. for disability, Nov. 0, 18M. 
Nelson B. Hicks, Co. M ; diiil of disease at Jackson, Oct. 19, 1802. 
Robert llacket, Co. L, Flint; Diust. out Fob. 12, I860. 



100 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Jnnica L. I,cc, Co. H ; discli. Aug. 20, 1S05. 

Jlenry Marvin, Co. 51 ; (ii-cli. to re-eiil. us vpt. Jan. 10, 18C-I. 

Cliurlfs SLi^i'ninn, Co. A ; mnst. out .\iig. 2:1. ISO."). 

GooiKi' W. Sniilh, Co. M ; ili^ch. for ilisuliility, .Ian. 3, ISO:!. 

Linus B. Sinilh, vvasoncr, Co. .M ; ilidch. for ili.*jilii!ily, April 10, 18C4. 

Willinni Sljli'ii, Co. K; ilii-il of ilisrasc iit Cliinigo, 111., An;;. 12. 18C4. 

C.'cngi' W. Swain, Co. M ; ili.scli. to rc-enl. iw vi't. Jun. 10, 1804. 

Calvin II. Swain, Co. A ; innst. out Fub. 12, 1800. 

Mallnnv Wh te, Co. M ; llieil of disease at New Sladriil, Mo., March 8, 1802. 

Francis Wait, Co. M ; diacli. at end of service, Oct. 24, 1804. 

FOURTH CAVALllV. 

Tlio raising of this regiment was authorized in the early 
part of July, 1862, as a part of Michigan's quota of eleven 
thousand six hundred and eighty-six men to be furnished 
under the I'resident's call for troops to retrieve the disasters 
of the Seven Days' battles before Riclmiond. The rendez- 
vous of the 4th was cstabliah'jd at Diitroit, and the regi- 
ment, having its ranks filled to the maximum, was there 
mustered for three years' service, on the 21Uh of August. 
Its colonel was Robert G. 5Iinty, promoted from the lieu- 
.tenantcolonelcy of the 3d Cavalry. The surgeon of the 
regiment was Dr. George W. Fish, of Flint, and about 
eighty other residents of Genesee County were found in its 
ranks, distributed among nearly all its companies. 

The 4th left Detroit, Sept. 2G, 1862, and moved to the 
seat of war in Kentucky, by way of Louisville. Being 
fully armed, mounted, and equipped, it was placed in active 
.service without much delay. It was in the advance in the 
attack on the guenillas of John Morgan, at Slanloid, Ky., 
and joined in the pursuit of those raiders to Crab Orchard. 
In the attack on Lebanon, Ky., November 9tli, it also led 
the advance, charging into the town two miles ahead of 
the infantrv, driving out IMorgan with an equal or superior 
force, and capturing a large quantity of stores. On the 18th 
of December, by a forced march, the regiment surprised 
and captured the enemy's pickets at Franklin, Tenn., 
driving out a large rebel force with heavy lass. It led the 
advance on iMurfreesboro', and, after the capture of that 
place, was engaged in nuin^>rous expeditions, driving back 
the enemy's cavalry which infested the country, and cap- 
turing several hundred prisoners. 

In May, 1863, followed by detachments of other regi- 
ments, tiie 4th led a gallant charge into the camps of three 
Confederate regiments of cavalry, routed them, and took 
iil'ty-five prisoners and the colors of the 1st Alabam.i. 
When the Army of the Cumberland advanced south from 
Murfreesboro' in June, 1863, the 4th Cavalry was again in 
the lead, and repeatedly engaged with the enemy. In these 
fights and skirmishes it was always successful until it reached 
the vicinity of Chattanooga, where it was .several times rc- 
jiulscd. The .season's .service was so severe that on the 1st 
of November only about three hundred of the men re- 
mained mounted. 

After constant service through the winter — mounted and 
dismounted — among the niouutains of Southciustcrn Tennes- 
see, the regiment returned about the last of March, 1864, to 
Na.shvillc, where it received fresh hor.ses, and was newly 
equipped. It then returned to Sherman's army, which it 
accompanied in the Georgia campaign, constantly engaged 
in the same kind of arduous service before described. Its 
hardest CMifiict w.is on the 23th of June, at Latttinore's 
Mills, when, with the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalrj', it engaged 



three cavalry brigades of the enemy, twice charging with 
the sabre, and repelling several determined assaults on its 
own line. Having finally fallen back on its supports, it 
aided in repelling an attack by Gen. Wheeler's whole force, 
which was driven back with heavy loss. In this fight the 
regiment, which had about three hundred men present, lost 
thirty-seven in killed and wounded. 

Aftqr the capture of Atlanta the mounted men of the 
regiment followed Hood's army northward nearly to the 
Tennessee River, harassing his rear and taking many pris- 
oners. By this time only about one hundred of their 
horses remained fit for service. They were turned over to 
another command, and the 4th, dismounted, concentrated at 
Nashville in Oetober. It was remounted at Louisville, Ky. 
and by the last of January, 1865, was back on duty at 
Gravelly Spring, Ala. 

Leaving there March 12tli, it joined with other regi- 
ments in a long raid through Alabama, swimming rivers, 
building corduroy-roads, fighting the rebel cavalry general 
Forrest, and finally capturing the city of Selma, Ala., which 
was defended by at least seven thousand of Forrest's men, 
behind very strong fortifications. At one point fifteen 
hundred dismounted cavalry, of which the 4th formed a 
part, charged the intrcnchments and captured them in 
twenty minutes, having had three hundred and twenty-four 
men killed and wounded. This was on the 2d of April. 
On the 2Utli, after numerous adventures, the command 
reached Macon, Ga , where the news of the surrender of 
Lee was the signal to cease fighting. 

The 4th, however, gained still another title to renown, 
by the capture of Jefferson D.ivis, near Abbeville, G.i., 
April It), 1865. The regiment soon after miu'clied to 
N.isliville, wliei'c it was mustered out on the 1st of July, 
and nine d.iys later was disbanded at Detroit. The list 
of the battles and skirmishes of the 4lh llegiment num- 
bered ninety-lour. Few of tluni, it is true, were very 
severe, but their number sli.)\vs that the ivgimeut was full 
of energy and valor. 

OFFICKltS AND MKN OF THE FOURTH CAVALUY FROM (U'-NESEE 
COUNTY. 

Ceo. W. Fish, Flint, sin;;. ; enl. July 20, 1802 ; mist, ont Ang. V>, 1805. 

Jacob Budtelyon, All.l'. sergt. ; 2d lieut. Co. K, Feb. IS, 1801; 1st lieilt. Si-pt. 

11, I.SOI; w.mndeil in action at ClevelanJ.Toun., Doc. 9, ISO! ; unit. Aug. 

14, 1804 ; res. J.m. S, 1805. 
Goo. F. Fish, Flint, st-riCt. C). F; 2d lieut. Oo. L, Jnly 21, ISGl ; 1st lieut. Co. F, 

Dec. 10, 1S04 ; must, ont Aug. 1.5, ISO.i. 
An>el Adani^, Atlas, cun.-sergt.; nnnt. tult July 1, 1805. 
Ira F. Austin, Co I.; dieil of disease at Sew .Vlbany, lad., Nov. 17, 1SC2. 
Alliert .\ lani', F,.re<t, Co. 1); must, out .\ug. 1.5, l.so-i. 
J. dm C. Itr.iwu, Flint, C >. K ; must, ont Ang. 15, I8G5. 
Henry M. Urown, Forest, Co. H; must, out Aug. 15, 1805. 
Abel 11. Berry, Klnsliing. Cu. U ; must, ont Ang, 15, 180,5. 
Ilenj iniin F. linni|i, Claybm. Co. II ; inu«l. out Ang. 1.5, 1.S05. 
Henry K. II irnliart, Flushing, Co. M ; must, out Ang. 15, 1805. 
G. Ur,.wn, Flint, C.i. B; discli. lor dis ibility, Nov. II, 1801. 
Almol Birrow, Atl.is, Co K; ilis di. lor dis ibility, Sjpt. II, 1801. 
John W. Cilkins, Fl.ishing, Co. 11; died of disease at Cartersville, Ga, July 

31, 1804. 
Fr.inklin .\. C'aritn, Flint, Co. B; must, out .\ng. 15, 1805. 
.Mori/.) Curtis, Fenton, Co. C ; disch. by or.ler, .\ug. 20, ISOo. 
Win. H. Conuver, Forest, Co. H; disch. by order, .Vug. 20, 1805. 
John I> ingbiss, Co. B; disch. by ord -r, June 27, 180.5. 
Orrin l>iinniiig. Atlas, Co. II ; inu.t. i>ul Aug. 15. 1865. 
Unfiis N. O.ivison, G.iines, Co. L; must, ont Aug. 15, 1SG5. 
Francis M. Kddy, Flint, Co. L ; iiiiist. out Aug. 15, 1805. 
Herbert O. F.irnirn, Flint, Co. \ ; must, out .\ug. 15, 18G5. 
Dennis Fally, Flushing, C,i. K ; must, out Ang. 15, 1805. 
Nathaniel Gallagher, Fenton, Co. B; nuist. ont .\iig. 15, 1£C5. 
J. Hues A. Giles, Fenton, Co. B; must, out Oct. 7, 1*05. 



FIFTH CAVALRV. 



107 



Gnranl A. Gfntl.in, Flint, Co. I ; must. out. Aug. la, 1865. 

Juhn I., (in'm, Klnslihlir, C.i. D; ilisch. Ip.v ord.r, .Icily 10, 18C.5. 

Triitiiiiu IIcii<l.T«i.ii. All:i», Co. K ; ilisch. l.y or.l.-r, July '27, IXCI. 

John .\. ll.|'kins. Kliiil, Oo. 1!; .li«tli. for .li^iil.il ly, Jiinu l.">, ISO*. 

,lo9'|>li lli-r^hvy, Flint, Co. li ; .lisrh. fir .li.*ih lily, Dec. 10, ISOt. 

Ilonivi'd. Ilazli'toii, riiiit, Co. F; ninsl.uni An^. I.^, IXU'i. 

Iamim 1!. Ilopkin:^, Flint, Oo. II ; nuMt. out An^. I.i, I80o. 

AVilliiini S. Ilerriclc, All*-*, Co. 11 ; lilnsl. out An^. 1*», 18G5. 

Silns J. Ilni-IKT, Flint, Co. M ; ninsl. ont Aug. l.», ISGi. 

l»i-i-:itiir Jiico.v, Atlim, Co. K ; must, ont .\iitf. I.'i, 180.1. 

Kli Jinnin^, Alius, Ci. K; iliscli. fonlisiiliility, .Vpt. 18, 1801. 

Sli-.-iMi.* LiiK', Atl.is, Co. K ; ili'ch. I.y .inU'V M.iy 'JT, Isii.'i. 

K I'viii l.nrv'-y, Fi-nton, Co. \ ; ilii-J of ilisiMSi' iit Niislivilli., 'rcnii. 

Niuholiis Muus in, Fon-ut, l.'o. L; ilii'il of disease nl Colninbia, Teiiti., July 21, 

ISM. 
Dnnjnniin .Mclllroy, Flusliins, Co. C; must, ont \-Vi. 15, 1805. 
Ilriiry .slurry, <:iiuu'.^, Oj.C; must, out Atti;. l.'i, 18li'i. 
Williiiin II. 11. Martin, Flusliing, Co, 1> ; ntiiiit. unt Ang. I.'i, 1803. 
Jji -.ill K. .Mifiu, Flushing, Cii. II ; must, out .-Vug. lo, 18()-j. 
Juhn Sl.-Illi-oy, Fliisliing, Co. K ; must, out An;.;, l.'i, 1805. 
John Bloni-li, Clnylon, Co. K ; innst. ont .\ug. 1.% 1805. 
Oi-orK" M. Milvs, Flint, Co. F; mn-t. ont Slay 2.'i, ISO,"), 
llurlan I'. Nik's, Unshni;;, i'o. K ; iliscli. hy onliT, Juno 2.^, 1805. 
Willon (thlfifl'l, Atlas, Co. K ; ilim-h. by onlcr, JuuhO, 1805. 
Charles W. Petleugill, Flushing, Vo. K ; ilieil ofilisease at Cliatlanoogn, Tcnn., 

Aug. 1,1804. 
Barrett I'iei-s-.ii, (leue-fee, Co. F ; must, ont .\uj;. 15, 18C5. 
George Kitili, Flint, Co. F; mu>t. ont Aug. l.'i, l.%.'i. 
llansler llausom, Flnshiiig, Co. K ; must, ont Aug. 1.5, 1805. 
Charles Slark, Fentoii, Co. B ; liinsI. ont Aug. 15, 1805. 
Fr.iucis St. .lohn, Flusliing, Co. K j jnnst. ont .\ng. 15, 18G5. 
Gngeuc 51. Seeley, Foi-esf, t^i. M ; must, out .\ug. 15, 1805. 
llarlun Si ke-s, Co. A ; tliscli. by or.lur, Aug. -21, 1805. 
R..'ubou C. Stern, Vienna, Co. K ; dieJ at U ime, G.i., after bo'ng captured. May 

1.5, 1804. 
Henry Trickey, Flint, Co. F; ninst. out Aug. 1.5. 1805. 
George K. Vantine, Atlas, Co. K ; must, ont July 1, 1805. 
John B. Van Hinsteu, Clayton, Co. 51; (lied otdiseaseat Na-hville, Tenn., April 

2il, 1804. 
R^iliert Van Titlln, K-.irton, Co. M ; disch.irged by oriler, Aug. 25, 1805. 
Levi S. Warren, Flint, Co. F; disoli.for promotion, Dec. II), 1804. 
Kdivaril A. Wliitinnn, Flint, Co. F; must, ont Aug. 15, 1805. 
Andrew J. W'apl. Flint, Co. F; must, ont Aug. 1.5, 1805. 
M'illiam C. Whitman, Flint, Co. F ; must, ont Aug. 1.5, 1805. 
Samuel Whitman. Grand Ul.iUC, Co. F ; must, ont .\ug. 15, 18G5. 
W.lliam Woo I, D.ivisoTl, Co. K ; mtl-it. out July 1, 1805. 
Juniej I). Ilaight, Flint, ('o. 11; must, out oii di^tHchod service. 
Cliai. I>. Summers, Flint, C i. F ; killed in bartle at Xoonday Creek, Ga., Juno 

20, 1804. 
Bufiis A. Stacy, Flint, Co. F ; must, ont Aug. 1.5, 180.5. 
Charles A. Ward, Flint, Co. F; mu-t. out Aug. 15, 1805. 
Geo. B. Walker, Flint. Co. I; on detached sci-vice with S. C. Troops. 
David K. Cranston, Co. I; on detached service. 

Alvin Fox, Atlas, Co. K ; died of ibse ise at Mnrfreeslinro', Tcnn.. May 10, 1803. 
John Iticliard-i, -\tlas,Oo. K; Iran.-, to Invalid Corps, Sept. 1, 180:t. 
(Miarles .\. I'elty, Flushing, Co. K ; absent, sirk; nut must, ont with company. 
Seymour Lewis, Co. K ; must, ont Aug. 15, 1805. 
Mailin Wilcox, Co. M ; absent, sick ; not must, ont with company. 
Martin L. Harper, Flint, Co. M ; must, out Aug. 15, 1805, 

FIFTH CAVALRV. 

Tliis regiment of cavalry wa.s raised in the sumnior of 
18G2, untlcr authority fniiii the War Department and the 
Governor of the State to Jo.seph T. CopehinJ, then lic'u- 
tenant-colonei of the Isl Cavahy. Tiiu rendezvous of the 
5th was at Detroit, where it was mustered into tlie service 
of the United States, under Col. Copeland, on the 30th of 
August in tlie year nainud. About seventy men of Genesee 
County served in the ranks of its several companies, more 
of these being in " K" company than in any of the others. 

For about three months after mu.ster the yth remained 
at the hcadijuarters wailing for arms, and at the time of 
its departure — December 4lli — the men had been but par- 
tially armed, though fully e(|uippiHl. From Detroit the 
command moved to Washington, D. C., and remained there 
through the winter. In the spring of ISljii, after being 
fully armed, it was attached to tlic 2d Brigade of the 3d 
Division of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the I'otomac. 



As it is impracticable to furni.sh a detailed account of 
its almost iiiiiuiiieiMble inarches and cniistaiilly changing 
movcini^nls and eouiiter-niovemeiits duiiiig the campaign 
of 1S(!;>. we give in brief a list of the engagements with 
tlie enemy in which the regiment took ]iart during that 
eventful year, nani-jly, — Hanover, Va., June ;iOlh ; IIuii- 
terstown, Pa., July 2d; Gettysburg, July 3d ; Monterey, 
Mil., July -1th; Cavetowii, Md., July Sth ; Smithtown, 
Md., July (Ilh; iioon.-iboro', Md., July (itli ; Ilagoistown, 
51d., July Ttli ; Williamsport, Md., July Till ; Buon.sboro' 
(2d), JulySth; Ilager.stown (2d), July lOtli ; Wiiliam.sport, 
July 10th ; Falling Waters, Va.. July Htli ; Snirker's Gap, 
Va., July I'Jtli; Kelly's Ford, Va., S.-ptcmber 13lh; Cul- 
peper Court-IIou.se, Va., September 14tli ; Raccoon Ford, 
Va., September lOlh ; White's Ford, Va., September 21st; 
Jack's Shop, Va., September 2t;th ; James City, Va., Oc- 
tober 12th; Brandy Station, Va., October IStli ; Buck- 
land's Mills, Va., October 19th ; Stevensbuig, Va., No- 
vember 19th; Slorton's Ford, Va., November 2Gtli. 

At the close of the active operations of 18G3 the 5th 
went into camp at Steveiisburg, Va., passing the winter 
there and along the line of the llaiiidan. About the 1st 
of March it took part in the raid of Gen. Kilpatrick to 
the defenses of Richmond, where it was attacked, March 
2d, by the enemy in large force, and obliged to retire to 
New Kent Court-House, where it joined Gen. Butler. 

A detachment of the regiment had accompanied Cul. 
Dahlgren in the famous raid in wliich he lost his life. It 
advanced to within five miles of Richmond, and drove the 
enemy from his fir.st and second lines of defense, but was 
filially compelled to retretit behind the Chickatiiiniiny. At 
Old Church the body containing the detachment of the 
5th was attacked, and compelled to cut its way to While 
House Landing, which was reached on the following day. 
On the 11th it embarked at Yorktown, moved by the York 
and Potomac Rivers to Alexandria, and thence to the 
camp at Steveiisburg. It was then transferred from the 
3d to the 1st Cavalry Division at Culpcper Cuurt-llouse. 

The 5tli took active part in the memorable campaign of 
Gen. Grant in 1SU4. It crossed the Rapidaii May 5lh, 
and on the Gth and 7tli was hotly engaged with the enemy 
in the Wilderness. It was in Sheridan's great cavalry ex- 
pedition against the rebel coiiimuiiicatiiiiis, fighting at Bea- 
ver D.im Staliiin, JMay 9tli, at Yellow Tavern, May llUh 
and 11th, and at i^Ieadow Bridge on the 12lh. On the 
14th it crossed the Chickahominy at Bultoni's Bridge, 
marched thence to Malvern Hill, and I'miu tlicic to Hano- 
ver Court-House, destroying laiiroad track and bridges. 
It crossed the Pamunkey River at White Hou-^c on the 
22d, and, marching by waj' of Aylett's and Concord 
Church, rejoined the Army of the Potomac near Chester- 
field on the 25th. 

It was in the action at Hawes' Shop, Mtiy 2Sth, at 
Baltimore Cross-Roads on the 29th, and at Cold Harlmr 
and Old Church Tavern on the 3l)th. Again, on the raid 
along the line of the Virginia Central Railroad, it fought 
at Trcvillian Station, June 11th, where the enemy were 
driven several miles, leaving in the hands of the Union 
troops about six hundred prisonere, fifteen hundred horses, 
one stand of colors, six caissons, forty ambulances, and fifty 



108 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



■wagons. On the 12th it was engaged a few miles nearer 
Louisa Court-House, on tlie Gortlonsville Ruad, and, pass- 
ing thence towards the James River, crossed tliat stream 
and marched to Jerusalem Plank-Road, south of Peters- 
burg. On the 4th of August it embarked for Washing- 
ton, and moved thence, through Maryland and across the 
Potomac, to Halltown and Berryville, Va. It fought at 
Winchester on the 11th and at Front Royal on the 16th 
of August. On the 1 9th a sfjuadron of the regiment was 
attacked by Mo.sby's guerrillas, and was driven to the 
7nain body, with a loss of sixteen killed and mortally 
wounded. 

Among the subsequent engagements of the regiment 
during the Valley campaign of 18G1: wore Leetown and 
Shepardstown, August 25th ; Opequan Creek, August 
28th; Smithfield, August 29th; Berry villc, September 3d; 
Summit, September 4th ; Opequan, September 19th (where 
it routed the enemy's cavalry, broke his infantry lines, and 
captured two battle-flags and four hundred prisoners) ; 
Mount Crawford, Va., October 2d ; Woodstock, October 
9lh; Cedar Creek, October 19th (capturing a great num- 
ber of prisoners and driving the enemy in great confusion) ; 
and Newtown, November 12th, where it fought an entire 
brigade of the enemy. 

After the last named action the regiment returned to 
Camp Russell, near Winchester, where it remained until 
Feb. 27, 1865, when it moved southeast, as part of Sheri- 
dan's force, on the famous raid of that general to the James 
River. It was engaged in action at Louisa Court-House, 
March 18, 1865, and joining the Army of the Potomac 
before Petersburg, fought under Sheridan at Five Forks, 
Va., March 30th and 31st and April 1st. On the 2d of 
April it was engaged with the enemy on the Southside 
Railroad; on the 4th, at Duck Pond Mills; on the 6th, at 
Sailor's Creek ; and then took part in the closing events at 
Appomattox Court-House, from the 6th to the 9th of 
April, 1865. 

After the surrender of Lee the 5th moved with the 
Cavalry Corps to Petersburg, and was ordered thence shortly 
afterwards to North Carolina. It returned to Washington, 
D. C, in time to participate in the grand review of the 
veteran armies of Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan, in the 
latter part of May. Immediately after this it was moved 
West with the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, by the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad and the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, to 
St. Louis; thence by steamer on the Missouri River to 
Fort Leavenworth, Kan. There the men having two years 
or more to serve were transferred to the 1st and 7th Michi- 
gan Cavalry ; and then, on the 22d of June, the 5th was 
mustered out of service. The regiment reached Detroit 
on the 1st of July, where the men received their pay and 
dispersed. 

OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIFTH CAVALKY FaOJI GENESEE 
COUNTY. 

llcnry n. PcttGo, Flint, 1st lieut. Co. — ; onl. Aug. 14, 1802; (Hl-cI at Detroit, 

Mich., fri'in injurips received \>y fail from a tiorso. 
John B. B.>nleii, Linden, sei-gt. Co. G ; 'M lieut. April 14, ISGo; mu.st. out as 

sergt. 

Compnntj K. 
,Tohn Biiell, died in action at Gettysburg, P.i., .July 3, 186 J. 
Stewart Curie, clisch. for disability, Nov. G, ISO:!. 
Nathan Davis, d sch. for disaliility, Nov. 2, ISO:!. 



George S. Decker (sergt.), gained from missing in action. 

Henry D. Howes (corp), disch. by orler, Sept. Ti, 180 1. 

Curtis H. Higley, missing in action at Bucklan I's M ils, Oct. 19, 1804. 

Noah W. Halcoinb, must, out June 23, 180.">. 

John B. Looker, must, out June 2:1, ISG."). 

Abram Lewis, disch. f.ir di-nbility, Sept. 28, 1804. 

Warren A. Marshall (corp.>. iliseh. for disability, Sept. 10, 1862. 

.T.iuig; Newberry, died of disease at Ande:s uivillc, G i., .Sept. l:i, 1804. 

Luther Rabble, must, out June 21, 180,1. 

Daniel I. Randall, disch. by order, .May 17, laG.>. 

Trum in D. SpauMing, disch. for disab:lity, Sept. 1, 1802. 

Oliver Stewart, disch. for ilisability, Oct. 20, 1S02. 

Oscar Shittuck, died in action at Boonsboro', Md., July 8, 1SG3. 

Leo Thayer, must, out June 23, 1805. 

George W. Thorp, must, out June 2:i, ISCi. 

William Wheeler (corp ), sergt. ; must, out Juno 23, 180.>. 

J.unes I!. W.irnor, il-cd of diso.ise at Anders mville, Ga, Oct. 18, 18G4, 

Alva Br.ice, tr.ins. to luv.ilid Corps, March 10, 1804. 

Adam D.dl, mis-iin,^ in action at Newc.istlo Feixy, Va., June 4, 1804. 

William S. P.iiltltor{>, sick in hospitil ; not must, out with company. 

John F. Patten, sick in hospital ; not must, out with company. 

William Wa'tier, trans, to Invalid Corps, May 5,1804, 

OTIIEK COMPANIES. 
Henry S. Beebe, Fenton, Co. G : diel of dis^.ase at Ricltmond, Va., Dec. 1863. 
D.ivid F. Biird, Fenton, Co. G; disch. for dis ability. June 2!, 1864. 
Aaron J. Crossnian, Flint, Co. A ; must, out .liine 22, I8G.3. 
As<i L. Grossman, Flint, Co. A ; disch. fir disability, April 12, 1804. , 

Andrew Cole, Flint, Co. C; d sell, for wounds, Feb. 9, ISr.i. 
Orlando Croff, Flint, Co. I (wag.uler); must, out June 2.3, 1805. 
J.diu Day, Co. G; gained from missing in action. 
Henry R.itou, Flint, Co. .\ ; mist, out June 11, 1805. 
Henry Forsyth, Grand Blanc, Co. F (musician); died of disease at Anlcrson- 

ville, Ga., Aug. 2.«, 1804. 
Joel K. Fairbanks, Fenton, C ». C; died of disease at Andor3)nviIle, Ga., May 

20, 1804. 
Ward A. Fielil, Fenton, Co.O; diedof dise.ise at Riclimond, Va., Marvh 15, 1804. 
John B. Iletcheler, Fento t, Co. G; died of dise:i8e at Stevensburg, Va., Jan. 

24, 1S04. 
Francis P. Kent, Fenton, Co. G ; died in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1803. 
Simon Kinney, Uiclifield. Co. E ; must, out June 21, 1805. 
Cyrenuts Lucjts, Flint, Co. A; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan. 15, 1804. 
Milo A. Lucas, Flint, Co. A; disch. for disability, Oct. 23, 1802. 
Salmon G. Lacey, Co. C; died of disease at W.i-shington, D C, Dec. 2.'), 1802. 
Simon P. McFarland, G lines, Co. G; trans, to 1st Michigan Cavtilry. 
James Miller, Grand Blanc, C<>. A; disch. by order. May 3, 1805. 
GricH ]\Iatliewson, Flint, Co. C; must, out June 22, 1805, 

Pula.ski Pierce, Fenlon, Co. G; died of iliseaae at Richmond, Va,, Dec. 2.5, 1803. 
Harry N. Sh mnon, Linden, Co. M ; died of diso:ise at Wiushington, D. C, Fob. 

2i, ISO!. 
Wm. E. Smith, Co. F; died of disease at Washington, D. C, Aug. 21, 1863. 
Charles H. Shepard, Fenton, Co. G; diseli. for disability, Nov. 21, 180!. 
WnvT D Sweet, Fenton, Co. G; disch. for disibility, Nov. 12, ISGL 
Win. P. Suo%v, Co. C; disch. for wounds. May 2i, 180.5. 
Pliineas I. Tucker, Co. A ; disch. by order, .Inne 0, 18G5. 
Ethan A.' Wrisht, Mount Morris. Co. G; disch. for disability, Oct. 5, 1863. 
James H. Webster, Flint, Co. C; must, out June 22, 1805. 
Myr.m F. Harris, Fenton, Co. G (corp.) ; must, out June 22, 1805. 
Amos B. Lobdell. Fenton, Co. G (bLicksniitli) ; must, out June 22, 1805. 
Wm E. Ale.vander, Genesee, Co. C (corp.) ; must, out June 29, ISGo. 
Lyvester D. Broford, Gaines. 
Richard Heriington, Forest. 
NewcU Miller, Grand Blanc. 

SIXTH CAVALRY. 

The Sixth Michig:in Cavalry, which was organized at 
Grand Rjpids in the autumn of 1862, carried on its rolls 
the names of between forty and fifty men from Genesee 
County. It was mustered into the United States service 
with twelve hundred men, under Col. George Gray, on the 
13th of October in that year, and on the 10th of Decem- 
ber, following, left the rendezvous for Washington, D. C., 
mounted and equipped, but not armed. It remained in the 
vicinity of Washington through the winter, and on the 
opening of the campaign of 1863 joined the Cavaliy Corps 
of the Army of the Potomac, being assigned to the 2d Bri- 
gade of the 3d Division. During the campaign of that 
year it experienced much of active service in Virginia, 
Maryland, and Pennsylvania, taking part in engagements 
and skirmishes as follows : Hanover, Va., June 30th ; Hun- 



THIRTEENTH MICHIGAN BATTERY. 



109 



tcrstown, Pa., July 2d ; Gettysburg, July 3d ; Monterey, 
Md., July 4th; Cavetown, JId., July 5tli ; Suiitlitowii, 
Booiisboro', Ilagerstown, and Willianisport, Md., July Gth ; 
Hagerstown and Willianisport, July 10th; Falling Waters, 
A''a. (where, according to official reports, it was highly dis- 
tinguished for gallant behavior), July 14th; Snicker's Gap, 
July 10th ; Kelly's Ford, September Kith ; Culpcper Court- 
Ilouse, Septeiubcr 14th ; Ilaccoon Ford, September 10th; 
White's Ford, September 21st; Jack's Shop, September 
2Cth ; James City, October 12th; Brandy Station, Octo- 
ber i;Uh ; Buekland's Mills, October 10th; Stevcnsburg, 
November 10th; and Morton's Ford, November 2(jlh. 
From the latter date it remained in winter-quarters at Ste- 
vcnsburg until the 28th of February, 1804, when it joined 
the cavalry column of Kilpatriek, on his great raid to the 
vicinity of llichmond. lleturning from that expedition to 
camp at Stevensburg, it was transferred to the 1st Cavalry 
Division, and soon after moved camp to Culpopcr. It was 
engaged, and fought bravely, nearChancellorsville, Slay Gth, 
and skirmished on the 7th and 8th. On the morning of 
the 0th it moved with Gen. Sheridan's command on the 
raid to the rear of the Confederate army, holding the ad- 
vance. From this time until the close of the year its his- 
tory is one of almost continuous movement, which may be 
pummcd up by the enumeration of the Oghts and skirm- 
ishes in which it took part, as follows: Beaver Dam, Va., 
May 0th; Yellow Tavern, iM ay Ulth and 11th; Meadow 
Bridge, May 12th ; Hanover Court- House, Va., Slay 27th ; 
Hawes' Shop, May 28th ; Baltimore Cross Roads, May 20th; 
Cold Harbor, May 30th and June 1st; Trevillian Station, 
June 11th and 12th ; Cold Harbor, July 21st; Winches- 
ter, August 11th; Front Royal, Auirust IGth; Leetown, 
August 25th; Shopherdstown, Va., August 2Glh ; Smith- 
field, August 29th ; Berryville, September 3d ; Summit, Sep- 
tember 4th ; Ope(|uan, September 10th ; Luray, September 
24th ; Port Republic, September 2Gth, 27th, and 28th ; 
Mount Crawford, Va., October 2d ; Woodstock, October 
9th; Cedar Creek, October lOlh; JIadison Court-IIouse, 
December 24th. 

On the opening of the spring campaign it moved with the 
other cavalry forces of Sheridan, Feb. 27, 1S(>5, towards 
Gordonsvillc, and fought at Louisa Court-House, March 
8th. Then the command moved by way of White House 
Landing to and across the James River, and joined the 
Army of the Potomac in time to take part in the final bat- 
tles of the war, being engaged at Five Forks, Va., March 
30th, 31st, and April 1st; at Southside Railroad, April 
2d ; Duck Pond Mills, April 4th ; Sailor's Creek, April 
6th ; and Appomattox, April 0th. In one of these engage- 
lucnts the rebel general Pickett was captured, and he after- 
wards spoke of the charge of the Gth on that occasion as 
" the bravest charge he ever had seen." 

After Lee's surrender the regiment moved to Petersburg, 
thence to North Carolina, and then north to Washington, 
D. C., where it marched in the great review of May 23d. 
Imnu'diatcly after it was ordered West, and moved with 
the Jliehigan Cavalry Brigade, vlit Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, and the Ohio, Mississijipi, and Jli.s.souri Rivers, 
to Fort Leavenworth. There it received orders to move 
over the Plains, westward, on duty in the Indian country. 



The officers and men were greatly di.sgusted at this, but 
they would not soil their noble record by disobedience, and 
so they moved unhesitatingly to the performance of the dis- 
agreeable duty, on which they remained till the ]7lh of Sep- 
tember, 18G5, when the men of the regiment whose term 
did not expire before Feb. 1, 1866, were consolidated with 
the 1st IMichigan Cavalry, and the remainder of the com- 
mand was ordered back to Fort Leavenworth, where it was 
mustered out of service, Nov. 24, 1805. Returning to 
Michigan, it arrived at Jackson, November 30th, and was 
there disbanded. 

MEMnERS OF THE SIXTH C.\V.\l,nY FltOM GENESEE COUNTY. 

George W. Bnrbour, Fenton, sergt. ; 2il lieiit. Cu. D; enl. Jiiiio 18, 181J4 ; must. 

out at end of nervice, Jutie '20, 1865. 
Jolin ToiTc')-, Flint, Ciipt. ; clil. Aug. 15, 1S02 ; resigned Feb. 18, 18C3, 
Tlionias It. ,\rnistrong, Co. G; dieil of disease at City Point, Va,, .Inly 11, 1804. 
George W. lliirbour, Fenton, Co. I), qr.ni.-aergt.; discli. by order, July 1, 1804. 
Etiwin Becltwilh, Co, I ; died of disease at Anderson \iiie, Ga,, May 31, 181U. 
E. E. Covert, Iliirton, Co, I'; died of disease at Andorsonvilie, Ga,, .Ian. 17, 1805. 
D.ivid Case, Tlietford, Co, I, farrier; disrli. May, 18C:i, 
Albert Casli, Flint, Co, L, coni,.sergt, ; must, ont Nov. 24, 18G5. 
Jonas P. Clarii, Linden, Co, I; must, out June 30, 18G5. 
D. Cli.ose, Co. I; .lisili. for disability. Maivli 1, 18C:i. 
Augustus Derby, Flint, Co, L; must, out Nov, 24, 18G.">. 
Garrett Pewstoe, Rnrton, Co. C; trans, to Signal Corps, April, 1804. 
lilankin \\. Davis, Co. C; trans, to 1st Midi. Cav., Nov. 17, 1804. 
Marion Eldridge, Flint, Co. C; died of wounds at Trevillian, Va,, June 11, 1804. 
Martin Foote, Co. C; died of wounds at Trevillian, Va., June 11, 1S04. 
Reuben P. Forbes, Fenton, Co. I ; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, July 1, 1803. 
Augustus 11. Holmes, Fenton, Co. I; discli. by order, ,\ng. 17, 1805, 
Theodore Kress, Burton, Co, C; must, out July 27, 1805. 
James A, MeClint.iek. Mount Morris, Co. C ; must, out July 27, 1805. 
Win. Martin, Flint, Co. L; died of disease at Wa.sliington, D, C, Jan, 10,1803. 
Herman W. Merrill. Linden, Co. T; discli. for promotion, Feb, 24, 1804, 
Albert Moultlirop, Tlietftji-d, Co, I ; inisging in action at Woodstock, Va,, Oct. 

9, 1804. 
llylen K. Ilorton, Co, I ; ninst, ont June 30, 1805. 
Edwin Niehols, Argentine, Co. D; died of disease at Kicbniond, Va,, Dec, 14, 

1803, while prisoner. 
Levi Onier, Grand Blanc, Co. I; died of disease at Richmond, Va, Feb. 23,1804. 
Samuel J. Peek, Fenton, Co, C; died of disease at City Point, Va,, Aug, 1, 1804. 
James C. Parsons, Grand Blanc, Co. I ; must, out Nov, 24, 1805. 
Morlimer Jlapplege, Flint, Co. C, qr.m.-sergt. ; died at Hanover, Ya., May 28, 

1804. 
H. II. Slippnrd, Linden, Co. I; discharged. 
John Snook, Argentine, Co. D ; must, ont Nov. 24, 1805. 
Willis Skinner, Argentine, Co. D ; must, ont July 10, 1805. 
John H. Sheldon, Miindy, Co. L; must, ont July 1, 1801), 
John Speean, Gaines, Co, L ; must, ont July 111, 1805. 
Cliznr H, Thatcher, Fenton, Co, I; died of disease at Andersonville, Ga,, July 

18, 1804, while prisoner. 
William M. Voorhies, Co. I ; must, ont Aug, 8, 1805, 
Hiram .\. Wlialen, Fenton, Co. I, com.-sergl, ; died of disease at Andersonville, 

Ga., Aug. 20, 1804, while prisoner. 
John I>. Williams, Grand Blanc, Co. 1 ; missing in action at Trevillian Station, 

Va., Juno 11. 1804, 
CliarloJ 0, Stowc, Co. C; disch. for disability, Oct, 9, 1803, 

James C, Bingham, Genesee, Co. C; trans, to Co. D, Ist Mich, (^av,, Nov, 17, 1805. 
Geerge Beckwith, Burton, Co. C; died of wounds, July 10, 1804; prisoner wlien 

he died. 
Giles E. Fellows, Gene«oe, Co. C ; trans, to Co. D, Ist Mich. Cav., Nov. 17, 1805. 
Augustus A. Allen, Genesee, Co. C; trans, to Co. D, Ist Mich. Cav., Nov. 17, 1805. 
Thomas W'. Hill, Genesee, Co. C; must, ont July 1, 1805, 
George Telling, Argentine, Co, D; killed in batlle at Hoon^boro', Md , July 8, 

180:|. 

THIRTEENTH MICHIGAN BATTERY. 
This battery was organized at Grand Rapids, and was 
mustered into the United States service one hundred and 
sixty strong, Jan. 20, 1804. Its rolls show tlmt about 
thirty men froin Genesee County served in its ranks. It 
left (iiiinil Rapids February 3d, and reached Washiiigltm 
on the 7th. It was engaged in drill in that city till May 
14th, when it was ordered to Fort Slemincr, D. C, and ro- 
niained there and in other of the Washington defciists 
through the year, assisting in the defense of Fort Stevens 



110 



HISTORY OF GEXESEE COUx\TY, MICHIGAN. 



against tlio attack of the rebel general Early on the 11th 
and 12th of July, 18G4. It remained at Fort lleno (being 
attached to Harden's Division, 22d Army Corps) until Feb. 
27, 1S()5, when it was mounted as cavalry and detailed for 
duty in Maryland, assisting tlie lotli New York Cavalry in 
sujipressiiig guerrillas, and otlier similar duty. Immedi- 
ately after the assassination of President Lincoln it was on 
duty with the 13th New York Cavalry in Maryland, pur- 
suing tlie fugitive conspirators, and assisting in capturing 
two of their number, — Arnold and Mudd. The battery 
was dismounted June IGth, and again ordered to garrison 
duty in Fort Keno, whore it remained till the I'Jlli, when it 
left for Jliehigan, and was mustered out of service and dis- 
banded at Jackso-j, July 1, 1865. 

MEMBERS OK THE TUIRTEENTII BATTERT FROM GENESEE COCNTr. 
Rahard C. WclheraW, Flint, 2d licut., oiil. Dec. 12, 1SG3; must, out Feb. M, 

ISCl. 
William Ceazar, Flint; died of disease at Washington, Marcli 17, 18G4. 
William ir. CInise, Flushing; must, out July 1, 1803. 
E/ra S. Clevflarul, fienesce ; must, out Jnly 1, 1SG5. 
Knilianifl Call, Flushing; must, out July 1, 1805. 
(Je<M-ge Cunningham, Burton; must, out July 1,1805. 
Jlyrou II. Gr Bin, Flint; mu«t. out July 1, 1S0.3. 
Charles II. Guyc-r, Flint ; disdi. by older, May 0, 180o. 
Thnnms llainault, Flint; must, out July 1, 180-i. 
Joyle Herri iigton. Forest ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
John Hunter, Flint; must, nut July 1, 1805. 
Alplionzo Jack, Flint; nmst. out July 1, 1805. 
Reuben Johnson, Vienna; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Alnnzo Lanifried, Genesee ; mu'Jt. out July 1, 1805. 
James II. Trail. Flint; must, out July I, 180.5. 
Elias Palmer, Flushing; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Slephen Russell, Flint ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
John Sinclair, Flint; nnist. out July 1, 1805. 
Mieliael Shea, Montrose ; must, out July 1. 1805. 
David rtley, Flint ; must, out July 1, 1S05. 
Joseph U ley, Flint; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Henry Van Biiien, Flint ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
Blillon Van Buren, Flint; must, out July 1,1805. 
Melvin Van Buren, Flint ; must, out July 1, 1805. 
David T, Weaver, Montrose; discli. for disability, Aug. 2, 1864. 

Jer iah M. White, Alias; must, nut July 1, 1805. 

.lolin Zeiter, Vienna; must, out July 1, l!<05. 
George Wood, Flint ; must, out Jnly 1, 1805. 
Wm. F. Thompson, Flushing; must, out July 1, 1805. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

OTHER GENESEE COUNTY SOLDIEES. 

Sidilicrs of the First Infantry — Fifth Infiintry — Seventh Infanli-y 

Ninlh and Eleventh Infantry — Twelfth, Thirtccnih, Fourteenth 
and Fifteenth Infantry — Twentieth, Twenty-iirst, Twenty-second 

T>venly-fouith, Twinty-seventh, and Twenty-eighth Infantry 

First Light Artillery — Second, .Seventh, Eiglilh, Ninth, nnJ Tenth 
Cavalry — First Shnr|ishooters — Soldiers iu Regiments of Other 
States — Brigade liands — .\[>|>oiiitments from Genesee County. 

Besides the regiments which have been mentioned above 
there were several otiiers wliich contained soldiers from 
Genesee County. Of the men serving in those regiments 
a list is given in this chapter. 

FIRST INFANTRY. 
S. N. Androns, eiil. at Cold W.iter, Mich., April 18,1801, Co. C; served with 

ri'gt. at Bull Run, July 21, 1801 ; relinned and must, out at end of llireo 

m.iiith.s' term of service; afterwards served as Istlieiil. in 44tli Illinuis 

Inf. and in 5lh U. S Inf. 
Darius C. Bnidish, Flint, Co. E; 2d l:eut. Aug. 22, 1801 ; 1st lieut. Co. D, July 

U, ISG2; Capt. Co. F, Aug. 30, 1802; killed in aclion at Wilderness, Va., 

May 5, 1804. 
ThomasMarr, Flint, sergt. Co. B; 2d lieut. May 30, 180.5; must, out »s sergt. 
William O. Rongbton, Flint, Co. B; must, out Jnly 9, 1805. 



Sylvester D. Brayford, Flint. Co. D; disch. for disability, April IS, 1802. 
Alon/.o Bulbr, Flint, Co. B; died of disease at Old I'oint Comfort, Vil., Apiil 

2i, 1S02. 
David Brown, t'o. B; must, out July 9, 1805. 

George W. Coinford, Flint, corp. Co. B, veter.in; must, out July 0, 1805. 
Henry C. Egglosloii, Flint, Co. B; died in action at Wilderness, Way 5, I8GI, 
Ilimm D. Jennings, Flint, Co. B; ilisch. f..r wounds, .\ug. 8, 1802. 
Thomas Lane, Flint, Co. B; died in action at Gaines' Mill, Va., June 27, 1802. 
Thomas Moran, Linden, Co. F; died in aclion at Bull Run, Va., Aug. 3U, 1802. 
Thomius Blarr, Flint, coip. Co. B, vetemn ; mint, out July '.1, 1SG5, 
I'atrick O'Brien, Co, A; trans, to U. S. .\rt. December, IS02, 
Porter Snow, Flint, Co, B; diseli. for disability. May S, 1802, 
William Stiinnard, niu.<iciiin, Co, B, veteran; must, out July 9, 18G5, 
Alonzo Smith, Flint, Co, B, veteran ; must, out July 5, 1805, 
Gilliert Snzor, Mount Morris, Co. C; di>cli, for wounds. May 1, 1805, 
Henry Van Viitkenbnrg, Flint, Co, F; discli, for wounds at Fort Corcoran, A'a,, 

Jan, 311, 1803, 
George Van Wert, Flint, Co. B, veteran ; liiiist, out July 0, 1805, 
Zacli, Wisner, Fenton, Co, K ; trans, to Vet, Res. Corps, March 15, 1SG4. 

FIFTH INFANTRY, 
Phineas D. Belden, Co. D ; died in action at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1802, 
Michael Bolger, Co. C; ilisoh, to rc-enl, as veteran, Dec, 15, 18GJ. 
William Edwards, (3o. F; disch, for disab , Jan, 17, 186:1. 
Milo Foster, Flint, Co, C; must, out July 2", 1805, 
Charles D, Harper, Fenton, Co, F; died May 17, 1802, of wounds received at 

W'illiainst.urg, \a. 
Irwin Humphrey, Co O ; disch. for disah,, Dec, G, 1802, 
Minor L, Haminoinl, Co, G ; ilisch, to ro-enl, as veteran, Dec, 15, 1S03, 
■Warren F. Harris, Fenton, Co, D ; died at Fredericksburg, Va., May, 1804, of 

woiimls, 
Gilinan F, Holmes, Co. F ; discli. for disab., Oct. 3, 1801, 
Ransom Ha/leton, Fenton, Co, F; discli, for disah , Feb. 11, 1803. 
Isaac Leech, Co. G ; died in action at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1802, 
Cbrisloi her G, Mitchell, Fenton, Co, F ; died of disease at Yorktown, Va., May 

12, 18G2, 
Albert Middleworlli, Co, II; disch, at Detroit, Mich., Jnly 31, 1S02, 

SEVENTH INKANTRY. 
Joshua P, Sutton, Flint, capt, Co. H ; onl, June 10, 1801 ; res, Jan, 17, 1802, 
Alinon S. Matlicws, Flint, Ist lieut, Co, H; enl, June 21, 1861 ; res, Dec, 11, '01, 
Chas. \V. Hariis, Flint, 'id lieut. Co. H ; enl. June 24, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieilt., Jan, 

1, 1802; wounded in action at Spottsylvania C.-II,, May 11, 1804; must, 

out Not, 4, 1804. 
John G. McMillen, Fenton, sergt. ; pro, to 1st sergt., Aug. 18, 18G4; must, out 

as sergt, 
Orin Beldin, Co. II; died of disease at Camp Benton, Md,, June 7, 18G1, 
Morris Birdsall, Co. F; discli, for d s ib., Dec, 12, 1802, 
Francis Brown, Co, F ; disch. at end of service, Aug, 22, 1804. 
Edwin Bradley, Co. II ; disch. for disab,, Dec, 7, 1803, 
James Brooks, Co. II ; discli. to re-eiil. as veteran. Doc, 18, 1803, 
Henry A, Borden, Co. A, veteran; must, out July 5, ISG5. 
Ransom Brown, Co, F; died of disease at Harrison's Landing, Aug. 0, 1802. 
Jonathan Chrysler, Co. E; died at Fairfax Seminary ho-pitti, Va., Oct, 7, 1802. 
James J, Carmer, Co, E; d^seli, to re-eiil, as veteran, Dec. 18, 1SG3. 
Albert H. Dickinson, Co. F; died of disease at Cimp Benton, Md., Nov. 20, '61. 
Francis Dubois, Co. .\ ; disch. to re-eiil. as veteran, Dec, 18, 1803, 
Mathew Daley, Co, A ; disch. for disab,, Aug. 22, 1802, 

Newell N. Farnham, Co. II ; died in action at .^ntictam, Md., Sept, 17, 1662. 
Ilimm W, Flint, Co, F, vetertin ; must, out July 5, 1805, 
Fi ank Flint, Co. II ; must, out July 5, 1805, 

Samuel W, Ilarback, sergt,, Co, F; disch. for disab., March 4, 180-3. 
Joseph Ilariiing, Co. F; died of wounds. Sept, 22, 1S62, 
Eliziir B, Holmes, Co, F; disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec, 18, 18G3. 
Isaac B. Ilaniia, Co, F; disch, for disab., Jan. 1, 1803. 
Allan McLain, Co. F ; disch. at cud of service, Aug. 22, ISO I. 
Thoma-s M. Roliinson, musician, Co. F ; disch. to re-eiil. as veteran, Dec. IS, '63, 
Christian Sliler, Co, F; disch. at end of service, Aug, '28, 1804, 
Whitman D, Soiithwoitli, Co, F; disch, for disiili,, Sept. 28, 18G'2. 
John J. Thorp, Co. F; disch. to re-enl. in Gth U. S, Cav,, Oct, 1, 1802, 
Liinnin P, Vanwert, sergt., Co, F; died of disease at Camp Benton, Md., Nov. 

20, 1801. 
William Vaness, Fenton, Co. F, veteran ; must, out July 5, 18G5. 
Frank Wheeler, Co. F ; disch, for disab., July 6, 1802, 

NINTH INFANTRY, 
Cyprian H, Millard, Liinlen, capt. Co, E ; res, Dec, 10, 1801, 
John D, Williams, .\rgentine, 2d lieut, Co, II; eul, Nov, 5, 1862; must, out 

Sept, 15, 1805, 
Stephen X. Mother, Richfield, sorgt. Co. I ; pro. to 1st lieut. May 10, 1S05; 

must, out as sergt. 
Albert Adams, Co. I, di<ch. for dis iliility, Dec, 13, 1802, 
James Allen, Co. F, disch. to re-enl. as veteran, Dec. 7, 18Gi. 
Darvin A. Buchanan, Linden, C... E ; disch, for disability, Dec. 1, 1,'^62, 
Lafayette D.ivis, Co. F, must, out Sept. 15, ISG'i, 
Lncien L, Davis, Co, F; must, out Sept. 15, 1805, 
Wiushington Davis, Vienna, Co, F; must, out Sejit, 15, 1SC5. 



GENESEE COUNTY SOLDIERS. 



Ill 



Orhinclo B. Duris, Viniinn, Co. F; miHt. out Si>i)l. IS, 1805. 

Ainlrrw J. .Joliiison, Co. F; disclj. to re-eiil. sia vi'tt^nin, Dec. 7, 18C:J. 

Bliirliii >I iliar, Co. G; must, out Si'pf. 1.5, ISGo. 

Piiliiski I'icrw, I.iiuloti, d. E; iliiili. for disa' ililj-, Feb. 27, 1802. 

Cliiitlcs rt-ttf!*, Co. H; liisclijirgfii. 

George V. Fi-ntoti, t-orli. Co. E ; inu>t. out Sept. 15, 1S(>'», 

Jothaiu Wbite, Liuilcu, Co. E; discli. to ru-i-til. as vetuniu, Dec. 10, ISGJ. 

ELEVENTH IXF.VNTUY. 

nirani S. Gi-iswoM, Flint, asit. surg. ; eul. 5I;iy 7, I SO I; must, out at end of ser- 
vice. Sept. :ill, 18C4. 

Wui. II. Nelson, Fonton, hosp. surg. U.S. A.; enl. asst. aiirg Aug. 1, 1805; nillst. 
out Sept. IG, 1805. 

ELEVKXTII I.NFAXTKY (N'KW). 

AVilliam Alexander, Genesee, Co. F; mn.it. out .\ii^. 1, I8<w. 

Gt'orge W. .Vloxiuider, Gcuosee, Co. F; muit. out .\ug. 4, 18G.>. 

Edward N. Albn, Fenton, Corp. Co. II ; must, out Sept. 10, 180.5. 

Henry O. Clark, Fenton, Co. II ; must, out Sept. 10, l.SOo. 

Lawrence Crouan, Fenton, Co. K ; must, out Sept. 10, 180.5. 

Joel Dilible, Fenton, Ciu-p. Co. II ; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 

John \V. Deilrick, Fenton, Corp. Co. II ; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 

Leroy Ellis. Burton, Co. B ; must, out Sept. 10, 180.5. 

Albert E. Fund)-, .5Iuiuly, Co. II ; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 

Orner E. Hall, Genesee, Co. II ; died of disease at Cbattanooga, Tenn., Juno i, 

1805. 
diaries II. JelTfrs. Fenton, C >. II ; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 
Slflviu K, Keilli, Genesee, Co. B; must- out Sept. 10. 1805. 
Uilliam Moody, Fenton, Corp. Co. II (sergl.) ; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 
James McGinnigal, Fenton, Co. H; must, out Sept. 10, 1805. 
diaries E. Stevens, Genesee, Oo. H ; must, out Sept. 10, 1S05. 
Keuben S. Ferry, Fenton, sergt. Co. II ; died of disease iit Jackson, Midi., March 

0, 1805. 
Henry T. Stevens, Flint, Corp. Co. II ; d.ed of disease, March 17, 1805. 

TWELFTU INFANTIiY. 

Eldriilgo Austin, Co. G; disch. for ilinbility, Sept. 15, 1802. 

H. J Andrews, Genesee, Co. K ; diseli, at end of service. Nuv. 20, 1803. 

Orvill llennett, Tlielford, Co. G ; discb. at end <if service, Nov. 211, 180:). 

William F. Clopscudder, Davison, Co. G ; disrb. at end of service, Nov. 20, 1803. 

Geor^^e Crow, Genesee, Co. Iv ; tliscli. at end of service, Nov. 20, 1863. 

Is.aac It. Hunt, Co. F ; diaeli. at eiid of service, Sept. D, 1SC5. 

Kubert Know les, Davison, Co. li ; di>cli. at end of service, Nov. 20, 1803. 

TIIIKTEENTII INFANTRY. 

Kev. Henry H. Norlhrup, Flint, cliiiplain; cnl. March 21, 1S02; must, out Oct. 

20, 1802. 
Silas Ausliii, Flint, velenvn (ser«l.); 2d lieni. Co. D, April 25,1805; 1st jieut. 

July 5, l.-^Oo : must, out as 2d lii'Ut., .Inly 25, 180.5. 
James D. llai;;lit. FiinI, Co. D ; discli. fur disibility, Aug. 0. 180-1. 
Delien Hill, Richfield, Co. V; missing in haltlo of Chiekamauga, Tenn., Sept. 

IV), 186:!. 
Augustus Tibals, Flint, Co. D; di^ch. for ilisability, July 18, 1803. 
George D. Toin-y, Flint, Co. A; died of disease on Ihe field of Shiluli, April 

27, 1802. 

FOUItTEEXTII INFANTUY. 

Ist L^uut. and Adjt. George Vi'. C. Smith, Montrose ; enl. Slarcli 14, 1805 ; pro. 
to capt. July 7, 18(i5 ; must, out as adjt. ; was sergt. Co. A, 2d lieiit. Co. 
A ; pro. to 1st lieut. and adjt. 

Cfimjxnttf A . 

1st Lieut. Aliram C. Speer, disch. for wounds, Oct. 25, 18C1 ; was sergt. of Co. 

A,-2d lieut. C). A. 
Eilwaril .\kin, Montrose, Co. A, veteran ; must, out July 18, 1805. 
Warren Ihill, Montrose, Co. A ; disch. to re-elil. as v.-tenin, Jan. 4. 1804. 
GiMirge F. flliner, Corp. Co. A ; died of disease at Keokuk, Iowa, Nov. 27, 1802. 
Orlando Itusebiook, Co. K ; must, out July 18, 1805. 

FIFTKEXTII INFANTRY. 
Waller Crow n, Co. I) ; diinl iif d.sease at rilubnrg I.anding, Tenn., Juno 4, 

1802. 
Abiier Cooper, Linden, Co. D ; disch. at enil of service, Dec. 24, 180-1. 
Wm. H. (Jorey, Gaine-, Co. F; must, out .\ug. 13, 180.5. 
John |lel,iiii,<:aiil'-8, C„. I) ; niust. out Aug. 13, 1S0.5. 
Edward Kd^oii, tiaiues, (Jn. D ; dis b. by order, Jiiiiir 22, 1805. 
Jiimes K. Fairbanks, Linden, Co. D, s<^rgt. ; disch. for disability, Aug. 11, 1803. 
Wi-lliiigton G. Haider, Gaines, Co. E; disch. by order. May 3ii, 1805. 
Newton A. l.oid, Tbetfoid, Co. II; disch. by onler. May :)n, 180.5. 
Charles Mablev, Linden, Co. D; disch. fur disability, June 20, 1803. 
J..sep!i It. mington, Gaines, Co. F; must, out Aug. 13, 180^5. 
Orren Sage, Liinlen, (,'o. D ; died of disease. Juno 20, 1802. 
Jae.ib Shuler, C... I> ; nin«t. out Aug. 13, 1805. 
A-a White, Tlielford, Co. F; disch. by order, July 21, 1805. 
Jidin Siiii|isoii, Fenton, Co. F, veteniii ; must, out by order, Aug. 1:'., 1805. 
Ilicbard Carl, Linden, Co. D ; killed at Shiloli, Teno., April 0, 1802. 



SEVENTEENTH INFANTUY. 

Tliomns Mathews, Flint, 1st lieut. Co. F, Jniio 17,1802; cipt. Co. A, May 13, 

1803; maj. Oct. 14, ISO! ; must, out June 3, 1805. 
Win. II. Urierly, Flint, Co. E ; must, out June 3, 1805. 
Austin Herrick, (Jenesee, Co. E; mu>t. out June 3, 1805. 
George I). Herrick, (ienesee, Co. E ; must, out June 3, 1805. 
Squire Mathews, Flint, Co. E; died of disease at Covington, Ky., April 17,1804. 
Jacob Sutton, Gaines, Co, B ; died of disease at Cincinnati, Ohio, Aug. 30, 1803. 

TWENTIETH INFANTRY. 
Andrew- Granger, Atlas, Co. D ; trans, to 2d Jlich. Inf. 

TWENTY FIRST INFANTRY. 

Clias. D. Brown, Flint, 1st lieut. and adjt. ; enl. Sept. 1, 1804; must, out June 

8,1805. 
Joseph H. CanfiebJ, Argentine, Co. D; must, cut June 8, 1805. 
Win. H. Nelson, Fenton, Co. .\ ; iliscb. for proundiun, April 211, 1805. 
Hurton S. Speriy, Gi-and Blanc, Co. D ; must, out June 8, 1805. 

TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY. 
Gilbert E. Watei-s, Fenton, asst.-surg., enl. June 18, 1803; not mu^tc-red. 
John Baxter, Fenton, Co. G ; trans, to 20tli Mich. Infantry. 
Richard Towell, Fenton, Co. B ; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 20, 

ISM. 
William Wood, Muiidy, Co. IX ; must, out Juno 20, 1805. 

TWENTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. 

MoiitviUe Benjamin, Clayton, Co. H, one year : must, out June 3(1, 1805. 
Clarence I). Case, Tlielford, Co. E, "lie year; must, out June 3(1, 1SC,5. 
Henry H. Connor, Feu ton, Co. H, one year; must, out June 30, 18(>5. 
Edward Calkins, Clayton, Co. II, one year ; must, out June 3(1, 1805, 
Day C'liddelpjick, Flint, Co. I, one year; must, out June 30, 1805. 

John 51. Cliaj in, Flint, Co. I, one year ; must, out June iin, lFa5. 

William Deal, Fenton, Co. E, one year; must, out June 30, 1K05. 

John M. Davis, Fenton, Co. E, one year; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

James Fancher, Flint, Co. I, one year; must, out June 3(1, 180;5. 

William II. Giles, Fenton, Co. E,one year; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

William Gr.ihani, Flint, Co. I; must, out June 30, 1805. 

James A. (Juiibl, must, out June 28, 1805. 

Jubn Ilolingwoith, Flint, Co.I; must, out June 30, 1SC5. 

George S. Juhiison, must, out June 30. 1805. 

John .Iniies, must, out June .30, 1805. 

Lestci- 51cK night, Fenton, Co. A, one year; must, out June 30,1865. 

John MeGieinby, Flint, Co. I, one year; must, out June 30, 18(55, 

Amos II. Palmer, Flint, Co. I, one year; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Richard Rone, Vienna, ('u. I, one year; must, out June 30, 18155. 

J.imes Thomas, iliii-t. out June 3(1, 18(i.5. 

William Uttl.-y, Flint, Co. 1 ; must, out Juno 30, 1805. 

Henry Vanelta, Fenton, Co. ,\,one year; must, out Juno 30,1805, 

Willi. ini H. Wr ghI,Co. K ; died of disease at Camp Butler, 111., May 1, 1805. 

JaiiMS W. Whi! taker, must, ont June 30, 1805. 

William W, WoodfonI, must, out Juno 30,1805. 

Charles H. Kipp, Fenton, Co. A, one year; must, out June 30, 1805. 

Eiiiuiet D. Ileriiian, Flint, Co. A, one year; must. out June 30, 1805. 

TWENTY-.SEVENTII INFANTRY. 
Tsrarl r. Whilmer, Atlas, Capt. Co. K, Nov. 20, 1801; must, out July 20,1805. 
Levi .S. Warren, Flint, private 4th Mich. Cuv. ; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. A, April 21, 

1804 ; discli. Fell. 28, I8C5. 
Charles Albro, Flint, Co. (1 ; died at Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 1804, of wounds. 
D.ivid Bal'Cock, Grand Illanc, Co. E; died of disease at Camp Nelson, Ky., Feb. 

7. lsi;4. 
Horace ISeckwitli, Mount Morii.s, Co. G ; must, out July 21,1805. 
Dwight IJaticock, Burton, Co. G; must, ont July 20, 1805. 
Liitber J. Briggs. (ir.ind Blanc, Co. K ; most, out July 20, 1805. 
James Cisco, Co. G; niilst. ont July 21, 1805. 

Peter Carpenter, Co. F ; discharged at end of service, Oct. 18, 180.5. 
Henry Dormaii, Grand Blauc,Co.F; must, out July 20, 1805. 
Epbraim Ensign, Montrose, Ci. G ; died of diseiuso at S-ilisbury, N. C, May 22, 

18(U. 
.bdin Luf/., Flint, Co. II ; must, out July 20,180.5. 
J.dm Oakley, Flint, (V. G ; must, out July 20, I81W. 
Frank Smith, Atlas, Co. C; d sch. f..r di-aldlity, Feb. 1805. 
Ilariiion .-iclinider. Grand Blanc, Co. I ; must, out July 7, 1805. 
Jonallian Wistbrook, Vienna. Co. C; ilied June 28, 1804, from woniids received 

in battle June 20, 1801, 1'lteisliuig, Va. 
Albert E. McClellnn, Muuily,Co A; absent, sick; not must, out with company. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. 
Joshua Hillings, Jr., Tlielford, Co. D; disch at eiel of service, Oct. 14,1805. 
William L. Deneen, Itirhliebl, Co. F ; must, out June ;5, 1^05. 
Rieliaid Dewey, Bircli Run, Co. I ; must, ont June 5, 1806. 
Miiili-on Fislier, Muiidy, Co. F; must, ont Aug. ;i, IS0.5. 
Joseph Fox, Birch Run, Co. I ; disch. at end of service, Marcli I, 1805. 
Siiniie R Haines, Genesee, Co. F ; must, out May 15, 1800. 
John E. Jewell, Thctford, Co. I); disch. at end of service, Oct. C, 1805. 



112 



HISTORY OF UENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Orlando Levalley, Tlietford, Co. F; disch. at end of service, Oct. IS, 18C5. 
An-licrst M. Matliews, RiilifielJ, Co. D; must, out Aug. 9. 180.5. 
Jolin O'Uinirn, IticliliilJ, C.i. D; Jiach. at end of service, Oct. 17, 1805. 
Itut'us .1. Peimoyer, Co. II; discli. for disaMIity, June .">, ISGG. 
Kdwanl M. Sirinot, Geriuaec, Co. E; must, out June o, ISGO. 
Horace Stephens, G^inesee, Co. K ; must, out June 5, 1800. 
Uriah N. .short, ThetfonI, Co. I; njust. out Oct. 180.J. 

Alirani Van IJusIvirk, Uichfieltl, Co. D; discli. at end of service, Oct. 17, 1805. 
Caleb White, ^■ore^t, Co. D; must, out June 5, 1800. 
Cliarles Walnler, Flint, Co. II; trans, from 2:id Inf. 

Itufus J. Brown, Clayton, Co. H, sovgt. ; trans, from 23d Inf.; must, out June 5, 
1800. 

FIRST MICHIGAN LIGHT ARTILLEBY. 

Edwin Allen, liat. H ; discli. for di«il.ility, July 21, 1802. 

Edward W. li.irlrer, Flint, Bat. B ; died of disease at Cairo, III., March 25, 1802. 

Moses Brooks, But. F; disch. for disal-ility, Nov. 18, 1862. 

Silh Bowilisli, Atlas, liat. I ; disih. f.]r dis;iWlity, Feh. 4, 180,'). 

Kdinund IJi-cbe, Genesee, Bat. E ; veteran ; disch. at end of service, Jan. 21, '05. 

Anson A. Bigelow, Genesee, Bat. E; vetiM'an ; must, out Aug. 30, 1805. 

Soliieski Beamer, Bat. B; must, out Juno 14, 1805. 

Zala Beehe, Mundy, Bat. E; must, out Aug. 30, 18G5. 

Franklin A. Barber, Fenlon, Bat, I.; must, out Aug. 22, 1805. 

Van Kensselaer Birdsal], Davison, Bat. L; must, out Aug. 22, 1.S65. 

Azariah Comptoii, Flint, Baf. B; veteran ; must, out June 14, 1805. 

Alviu F. Crosby, Davison, Bat. I ; discli. by order. May 26, 1865. 

Nelson F. Demarest, But. F; vetenin ; must, out July 1, 1805. 

William Darling, Fenton, Biit. II ; discli. to re-enl. as vet. Jan. I, 1864. 

Levi Faii'cliild, Grand Blanc, Bat. I ; died of disease at Rome, Ga., July 14, '04. 

Barnabas C. Greenfi.hl, Mundy, Bat. I>; trans, to Vet. Res. Corp.^, Oct. IS, '64. 

Walter I'. Hyde, Atlas, Bat. I ; disch. for disability, April 2, 1803. 

Aitliur Ilenipslead, Genesee, Bat. E; must, out .\ug. 30, 1805. 

Albert Hathaway, I'at. E; must, out Aug. 311, 1865. 

Norman Ilerick, Mundy, Bat. M ; d sch. by order, Miiy 9, 1805. 

Joel h. Jones, Fenton, Bat. L; disch. for disability, May 12, 1805. 

Charles Jewett, Bat. E; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Oct. 18, 1864. 

William II. Judd. Bat. H ; must, out July 22, 180,'i. 

Klijih II. Limli, Grand Blanc, lUt. K; disch. by ord.r, Aug. 0, 1S65. 

Henry W. Jlar.-h, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1805. 

David I'arker, Bat. A ; disch. at end of service, M.ay 31, 1804. 

Coorgo W. PicMotr, Fenton, B.it. 1. ; must, out Aug. 22, 1805. 

Charles II. Root, Mundy, Bat. E; must, out July 28, IS05. 

Abraham Rouse, Munily, U.it. K; must, out May 20, 1805. 

Harvey E. Rock.ifdlow, Atlas, Bat. I ; must, out July 14, 1805. 

John Sinnnis, Atla-^, Bat. .\ ; dieil of dis-ase at Chattanooga, Tenn., Juno 17, 

1804. 
John A. Spencer, Atlas, Bat. A ; died of disease at Grayville, La., Ajnil 14, '64. 
Vocius D. Starr, Bat. A ; disch. at end of service. May 31, 1801. 
Simeon Simons, Atlas, Bat. A ; must, out July 28, 1805. 
Fnincis W. .st<irnies. Bat. E; must, out Aug. 30, 1815. 
Drnii N. Slaght, B.it. E ; must, out Aug. 30, 186.5. 

William W. Skinner, Fenton, Bat. I ; disch. for disability. May 17, 186.1. 
Washniglon Teacliout, Richfield, Bat. A ; must, out July '28, 1805. 
Myron C. Wilkei-son, Genesee, B.it. E; must, out Aug, 30, 1865. 
James Allen, Fenton, Bat. II ; disch. for disab lily, June 3, 1802. 
Kliwin Allen, Fenton, Bat. H; d sell, for disability, July 21, 1862. 
John Simons, Alias, Bat, A ; died of disease at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 17, 

1804, 

SECOND CAVALRY. 
John C. Uodley, Flint, capt. Co, A ; eul. Sept, 2, 1861 ; m.^j.. Sept, 25, 18(;2 ; res. 

Sept, 12, 1863, 
John G. Crawford, Fenton, 8orgt,-maj., 2d lieut.Co. — ; enl. Sept, 9, 1802; res, 

March 31, 1863. 
William W. Booth, Fenton, q,-m, sergt. ; trans, to Iiosp, steward, Nov., 1, 1802. 
William S. Brown. Co, A ; disch, to enlist in regular service, March 13, 186.1, 
John Ballentine, Co, A ; di.scli,at end of service, Oct, 22, 1864, 
Lyman Bristol, Co, B; must, out Aug, 31, 18G5. 
Albert F, Dodge, Fenton, Co, II ; died of disease at Hamburg, Tenn,, May 14, 

18G2. 
Albert I, Demarest, Co, A : discli, for disability, June 14, 1.802, 
J. din S, Ilovey, Co. H; disih. for disaliility, July 1, 1802, 
Wm. S. Liudsley, Co. E; supposed killed by explosion of steamer "Sultana," 

April '27, 1805, 
Jesse Morehouse, Flint, Co. A (corp.); disch, for disability, Mjiy 5, 1863, 
David Manly, Co, A; discli. at end of service, July 10, 1805. 
Willi;ini liice, Co. A ; disch. for disability, Feb, 1, 1802, 
Selh Williams, Co. A ; disch, lor disability, Oct, 2'2, 1864. 

SEVENTH CAVALRY, 
Butler S, Tubbs, Fenton, sergt,, 2il liellt, Co, G ; enl, Blarcli 24, 1865 ; trans, to 

1st Cavalry, Nov. 7, 1S05 ; Ist lieut.. May 20, 1365; must, out as 2d lieut, 

Co, A, .March 10, 1SG6, 
Manrico M, Bliss, Co, C; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps, March 15, 1864. 
George Carrier, Co, K ; trans, to 1st Michigan Cavalry, Nov, 17, 1865. 
John Conk, Jr,, Co. I ; must, out Dec, 15, 1865, 
Sjlvester Kccleston, Vii-nna, Co, L; must, out Dec. 8, 18G5. 
Jacob Gassmaii, Grand Blanc, Co, E ; tniiis, to 1st Mich. Cavalry, Nov, 17, 1865, 



Jerome Qass, Flushing, Co, C; must, out Dec. 15, 1865. 

Mnnsim II, Hovey, Vienna, Co, L; must, out Dec. 8, 1805, 

James McFarlane, Montrose, Co, C; must, out Dec, 15, 1865. 

Gilbert B. Monroe, Tlietford, Co, C; must, out Dec, 15, 1865. 

Frank Merrow, Co, O ; must, out July 17, 1805, 

Charles M. McLain, Vienna, Co. L ; must, out Dec, 8, 1865, 

Russell McManuus, Montrose, Co. G ; trans, to Vet. Res, Corps, May 1, 1864. 

Tracy J, Merrill, Richfield, Co, H ; trans to 1st Michigan Cavalry, Nov, 17, 1865. 

J. L, Miller, Co, C; died at Salem Church, Vn., May '27, 1864, 

Win, McConib, Tlietford, Co, C ; died at Cold Harbor, Va,, June 4, 18G4. 

Rnger Paine, Vienna, Co. B; must, out Dec, 15, 1865. 

James Smith, Flushing, Co, C; must, out Dec, 15, 1805. 

Austin Slicaly, Co. I; must, out Doc, 15, 18G5. 

Jcdin II, Sloan, Co, L; must, out Dec. 8, 1865. 

Pwight Stewart, Co. L; must, out Dec. 8, 18G.5. 

Lcavitt Tiiolcs, Vienna, Co. C; must, out May ID, 1865. 

Election Thayer, Flushing, Co. II ; trjins. to 1st Micliigan Cavalry, 

Amos W, Webster, Vienna, Co. L ; must, out Dec. 8, 18C5, 

Mason Ide, Montrose, Co, C; sick in hospital; not must, out with company, 

John \V, Wilson, Tlietford, Co. C ; disch. for disability. Sept 30, 1803. 

EIGHTH CAVALRY. 

Aslicl Bcdon, Co, II ; died of disease at Lexington, Ky., April 10, 1864, 

Thomas Bendle, Flint, wagoner, Co. I; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, Jan, 15,1864. 

Roger W, Bunting, Co. II ; must, out .Sept. 22, 1805, 

George I), Currier, Co. II ; must, out Sept, 22, 1805, 

Nathaniel Coulter, Co. I; must, out Se|it, 22, 1805, 

Cliauucy Denny, Flint, sergt, Co, I; must, out Oct, 4, 1865. 

Jos.'ph Fisher, Flint, Co, I ; trans, to Vet, Kes, Corps, Jan, 15, 1804. 

Albert Hurst, Fenton, Ci. I; disch, for minority. May 7, 1863. 

Barney Harper, Flint, Co, I; dach. for disability, June 6, 1805. 

Orlando J. Hiitcliinson, Co. I; gained from missing in action, 

Reuben llidorm, Flint, C. t ; died of disease at Lexington, Ky., March 5,1S64. 

Clements King, Co, I: must, out Sept, 22, 1805. 

Oren B. McXett, Flint, sergt. Co, I ; must, out Sept. 22, 1865, 

George B, McComb, Flint, Co, I ; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, Nov. 23, 1864. 

Charles W, Moslier, Richneld, corp. Co, L; trans, to Vet, Res, Corps, May 1, 

1S04, 
Horace It. Madison, Fenton, Co. I; died of disease at Annapolis, Md., Dec, 24, 

1 01, 
Chnrles D, Phillips, Co, I ; died of disease at Camp Nelsan, Ky., June 21, 1804. 
Franklin E. Potter, Fenton, Co, I ; gained from missing in action. 
KImir Pieston, Fenton, Co. 1 ; ilisch, Feb. 8, 1803, 
Andrew Potter, Fenton, Co, I; disch. for disability, Sept. 5, 1804. 
Isaac Potter, Co, 1; disch. for disability, Dec, 30, 1803, 
Patrick Reynolds, Flint, Co, 1; disch, for disability, April 29, 1S65. 
Kbiii Remington, Fenton, Co. F; must, out Sept, 22, 1805. 
F^lias (', Seeley, Flint, Co, L ; must, out Juno 23, 1805, 
Timothy O. Sullivan, Co, C; must, out Sept. '22, 1805. 

Klij lb W, Smith, Flint, (\i. I ; missing in action at Turner's Ferry, July 9,1804. 
Jolliam O, Stevens, Gaines, Co, II; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, Jan, 15, 1804, 
Olio II. Van Sickles, Fl.nt, Co. I ; ga tied from missing in action, 
James Van Sickles, Flint, Co, M ; must, out Se[it. 22, 1805, 
Joseph II, Wharton, Flint, wagoner, Co, I; d sell, for disability, April 30, 1805. 
Uenjainin II, Green, Flint, Co, I; died in hospital at Kingston, Ga., July 2U, 

1804. 

NINTH CAVALRY. 
Solomon P, Brockway, Flint; maj. Nov, 3, 1802; licnt,-col, JiMic27, 1SC5; must. 

out July 24, 1865, as m.ajor, 
Jacob Fisher, Co, K ; disch, for disability, July 8, 1805. 

TENTH CAVALRY. 
Samuel W, llalliack, Fenlon, sergt, Co. L; 2d lieut, Co, I, April 1, 1801; 1st 

lieut. Oct. 19, 1865 ; must, out Nov. II, 1865. 
Jessup Morehouse, Flint, sergt. Co, D; 2d lieut, Co. H, Aprd 3, 1864 ; 1st lieut. 

Feb. 18, 1805; must, out Nov. II, 1.S6.5. 
Edwin A, Botsfoid, Fenion, 2d lieut, Co, L; enl. Aug, 21, 1S63; res, Feb. U, 

1SG5, 
Joshua J, Armstrong, Fenton, Co, L; disch. for disability, July 27, 1864, 
Lyman G. Bigelow, Co, D; discli. f o- inoniotion, July 28, 1861, 
Adelberl Cliadwick, F'enton, Co, L; must, out Nov. 11, 1865, 
William 11, Dunning, Co. E; must. out Nov, II, 1865, 
ChestiT S. Dyniond, Fenton, corp, Co, L; must, out Nov. 11, 1865, 
Lewis B, F. D.ckenson, Fenton, Co, L; must- out Nov. II, 1805. 
Chester Farrer, Fenlon, ('o, L; must, lait Nov, II, 1865. 
Ellas S, Hale, Flint, Co, L ; must, out May 24, 1865. 
Albert J. ILrst, Fenton, corp, Co, L; must, out July 10, 1865, 
Merle D, Ingram, Fenton, Co, L; must, out Nov, II, 1865, 
Francis Jcuderine, Fenlon, Co. L; must, out March 2l),l8t'>5, 
FraiiUliii McCallani, Fenton, Co, L; niiisl, out Nov, II, 1805. 
Guoige Marian. Fenlon, Co, L; must, out Nov. 22, 1805. 
Burt. .11 Perry, Fenton, Co. L: must, out Nov, 27, I8li."», 
Allen A, P..rter, Fenton, Co, L; ninst. out Nov, 11, 18G5. 
Joseph II. Kowc, Fenton, Co, L; must, out Nov. 11, 1805. 
James Sitenee, Argentine, Co, M ; disch, by order, Aug. 3. 1865, 
Washington Todd, Genesee, Co, D ; disch, lor disability, June G, 1804, 
James \. Ta.>lor, Fenton, unal-.-uias, sergt, Co. L; must, out Nov, II, 1805, 



AGRICULTUIIE. 



113 



Benjamin B. Wclcli» Frnlon, Co. L ; died of disease nt Grand Kaptd:3, Mich., 

Xuv. G, isg;j. 
John II. Groom, Kenton, Co. L; disch. for disaljlity, Oct. 17, 1SG4. 
Murn« L. Grootn, 1-Vntoti, Co. L ; must, out Nov. 11, IIJCo. 
Cliaa. W. Thori), Fenron, Co. L; must, out Nov. 11, 1S05. 

rnuYOST GUARD. 
Gvorge Ostoihonl, Burton ; must, out Slny 0, 1865. 

riUST REGIJIKNT UNITKD SiWTES SIIAKPSIIOOTKRS. 

Vompiiny K. 
AVillinni .\tht'rlon, iin record. 

C<n»pitH>i C. 
M;ircns A. Watson, tnuisf. to Invalid Coriw, Jan. 1-5, 1804. 
James U. lhll>r|.l-e, disch. for ditjahility, FeU 0, 180 t, 

ONK IIINOKKIJ AND SECOND UNITED STATES COLORED TROOPS. 
Lewis Beih-r, Atlas (*«■ K ; di-<ch. for disal.ility, Sept. 14, ISOl. 
Janie^ 11. Green, Flint, Co. B; niu:*!. t>nt Sept. :J0, 1805. 
Jusei>lins Johnson, F^nton, Co. G ; must, out Sept. 30, ISGd. 
Richard Williiinis, Flint, Co. I ; must, out Si-pt. Ji), 1805. 

FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 

t'lmtpanif G, 

David \Y. Beemor, Fenton ; enl. Aug. 22, 1801 ; died of wound:-, Jan. 24, 180 J. 

FdRTY-FOl'KTIl ILLINOIS INFANTRY. 
S. N. .\ndmus now of Flint, 2d lieut. Co. B ; enl. Aug. 12, 18G1 {Liout. Androus 
tiad been priticipally insirutnent^il in nising the company) ; jiro. to Int 
iient. for galliini and nu-ritorious conduct at luitlle of Pea Ridge, Mo. ; 
l-attalion adjutant at P;iik Harnicks, Louisville, Ky., for ahont one year; 
tnins. to 5tli I*. S. Inf., and served ais mustering othcer for Rhude Inland 
and Connecticut ; must, out of service Slay 1, 1800. 

EIGHTH REGIMENT NEW YORK CAVALRY. 
Frank E. Willett, Flint; cnl.Si-jiI. 21, 1801 ; wounded in action and taken pris- 
oner, near Weldmi Bridge, Va ,on Wilson's raid around Richmond, June 
2S», 1804 ; confined ten months in Andcrennvilleand other prisons ; paroled 
April i-i, 1805; must, out June 10, 1805. 

SEVENTEENTH NEW YORK LIGHT ARTILLERY. 
Andrew Fi-rris, Forest ; enl. September, 1S0:{; served through openit tons against 
I'etershurg, at Burksvilie, Va., and at AppomatlfiX; discli. June, 1805. 

FIRST MAINE CAVALRY. 
Clarence D. Clni'T, now of Flint, formerly of Rockland, Me.; 1st lient., and 
ordered on duty as a*»t. iir.-mast. ad Brig. 2d Div. C.iv. Corps; served 
during the waion staff of Gen. Chirles II. Smith, now col. lOth U. S. Inf. 

BRIGADE BAND, SECOND BRIGADE, FOURTH DIVISION, TWENTY- 
THIRD ARMY CORPS. 
Enlisted Sept. 3, 1804,/or one year; mitst red out June 15, 1SG5. 
Conrad A. Ilofifmau, leader, Fenton;* Cyrus Alsdorf, Jeffeison Powell, James 
t^hiiltleworlh, Rollin A. Jenny, Willi. im (iaie, Wilhani Graliam, Edwin 
G. Niles, Mertun S. Stewart, David C. Brigg-*, Stephen V. Gales, James A. 
llnng(^>ifurd, Charles L.Sh'ddon, Fiancis M. Wliceler, Morlimer M. Stan- 
ford, Alva U. Wood, Adiiey V. Forbi-s. 

BRIGADE BAND, SECOND BRIGADP; THIRD DIVISION, CAVALRY 
CORl'S. 
John J. Vandcrhuigh, Fenton ; enl. Apiil 13, 1804; must, out Aug. 2, 1805. 
Klliurt N. Chandh-r, Fenton; ml. April 13, 1804; mnnt. gut April 2'J, 1805. 
Cliarlea C. Colratb, Fenton ; enl. Apr.l 13, l804 ; must, out July 28, 1805, 

APPOINTMENTS FROM GENESEE COUNTY. 
Oscar Adams, Flint, majoraud paymaster U.S. Vols. ; enl. Jlarch 18,1804; must. 

out Nov. 15, 1805. 
Andrew B. Cliapin, Flint, asf-t. surg. of U.S. Vols.; enl. Sept. 12, 1802; res. 

Aug. 20,1804. 
Oilman T. llolmcsj, (Jaincs, 1st lieut., 1st Miih. Col'd Inf., Hr2d U. S. C. T.; enl. 

Nuv. 7, 18ti.3 ; I egt. ii.-m., May 0, 1805; res. June 30, 1805. 
Almon C. Barnard, Genesee Co., 1st lieut., 12il. U. S. Col'd ILa^-y .Artillery ; 

unl. July 15, 1804. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

AGRICULTURE— MANUFACTURES-POPULATION. 

Kiirly Agriculture in Genesee — Sliecp-Iireedin^ — (jcnet<ce County 
Sbccp-Urcedcrs' and Woul-Orowcrs' Associutiun — Cnttlc lirccJing 
— Tile Hay Product — Genesee County Agricultural Society — The 
Crapo Farm — .Munufacturing fntere^Us — Lumbering — Other Manu* 
facturing Induytries — Populiition of the County at different Periods. 

The earliest agriculture of Gciic.«cc was in no respect dif- 
ferent from that of other counties of tlie State, where, as in 



* All the members of Ihe ban 1 here name 1 were from Fenton, 

15 



this, the pioneer inimigrants were largely' from the " Gen- 
e.see Country'' of Western New York, — that fertile region 
which had been reputed to surpass all other.s in richness of 
soil and adaptability to the purposes of agriculture, particu- 
larly to the production of wheat. Emigrants from that sec- 
tion invariably gauged the new countries to which they went, 
by coinpari.soii with that which tliey had left ; and to thcin, 
the one principal proof of the excellence of a soil was its 
capability to jiroduce wheat, — as niucii wheat in (piantily, 
and as good wheat in quality, as could be raised on the same 
area of land in that garden-spot of the world, the Genesee 
Valley of New York. And in their application of this test 
to the county of Genesee, Mich., the result was so .satisfactory 
that some of them avowed the belief that the new country 
was not only equal but superior to the old, in this most es- 
sential particular. 

The first care of the farmers who came to till the virgin 
soil was, of course, to provide subsistence for their families ; 
and so the first crops which they planted or sowed in the 
openings, or in the .small clearings in the timber, were ex- 
clusively such as were required for tliis purpose ; and chief 
among these was wheat. Potatoes and other esculents were 
provided for in a small way, but the article of ]iriuic neces- 
sity was wheat, and to it a great proportion of the tilled 
area was devoted. The abundant crops which they ob- 
tained at once relieved their necessities, and placed them 
beyond the reach of possible want, and then, from the sur- 
plus of the first and succeeding crops, they began to realiz3 
a revenue in money, though the very redundancy of the 
yield of wheat in this and adjoining sections of the country 
brought the price so low at times that the remuneration for 
the labor of raising, harvesting, hand-threshing, and trans- 
porting the grain to a distant markctj" .seemed discour- 
agingly small. The experience of later years, however, has 
shown that the immigrant farmers of- tlic early days were 
not far from right in their estimate of the importance of 
wheat culture upon such a soil as that of Genesee County, 
where its constantly increasing, and almost uniformly suc- 
cessful cultivation, has been the foundation of so large a 
proportion of the agricultural wealth and prosperity. 

Below are given statistics of the wheat production of 
Genesee County at several periods from 1840 to 1873, as 
shown by the corresponding census reports, viz. : 

Bushel-*. 

Wheat harvested in 1840 :ii:.M'J 

ls.)(i l:il,021 

" " 1854 lli'.l,027 

" " IsCiU lfiri.:i(iS 

" " lS7:i 478,710 

And the wheat crop of the county for the present year 

(1879) is estimated to fall very little .short of one million 

bushels. The increase of production of other grains in the 

county has not been le.ss remarkable than in that of wheat, 

as will appear from the following figures : 

Bilsliol?. 

All grains (other than wheat) raised in Gen- 
esee County in 1S40 45,fi41 

All grains (other than wheat) raised in Gen- 
esee County in ls.)4 2(17,793 

All grains (otlier than wheat) raised in Gen- 
esee County in lS7:i 1,OJO,OOU' 

t It was not infrequently the case that farmers of Goncsco County, 
after hauling their wheat to I'ontiae, Oakland Co., were eoui|ielled to 
sell it there at fifry cents per bushel, and sunictiuies fur even a less 
price. 



lU 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



SnEEP-BREEDlNG. 

Sheep-raising and wool-giowing were among the earliest 
of the agricultural industries in Genesee, being entered 
into to some extent by the fanners of the county soon 
after settlement, and generally as soon as their circum- 
stances had been improved and the comfort of their families 
assured by the production of a few crops of wheat, hay, 
and other necessaries. In 1840 there were one thousand 
and seven sheep in the county, as shown by the census 
report of that year, but these were nearly all in tlie south- 
eastern towns. In 1850 the wool produced in the county 
was, as reported, seventy-three thousand eight hundred and 
four pounds, and the whole number of sheep had increased 
to twenty-five thousand eight hundred and ninety-five, in- 
cluding a comparatively large number of the fine-wooled 
breeds which had been introduced in the mean time, first 
in Grand Blanc, and a little later in the adjoining towns. 
In 1852 the executive committee of the county agricul- 
tural society (then only two years old) said of the display 
of animals at their annual fair : " If Gene.see County 
deserves special credit for her productions in any one 
department of stock over others, it was observable in the 
sheep-pens. It is but very few years since the fine-wooled 
varieties were first introduced among us, yet we now find 
them represented here in a display which would be credit- 
able to much older counties." In that year the amount 
of wool sold in the Flint market was reported at thirty- 
three thousand pounds, bringing an average of twenty-nine 
cents per pound, and it was remarked by an agricultural 
journal, in commenting on these facts, that " wool is com- 
mencing to be an article of considerable revenue to the 
farmers of Genesee County." In the following year (1853) 
the estimated quantity sold in Flint was something more 
than fifty thousand pounds, at prices ranging from thirty-five 
to fifty-six cents per"pound. In 1854 the number of sheep 
reported was thirty-three thousand two hundred and thirtj'- 
six, and the wool-clip in the county had increased to ninety- 
one thousand nine hundred and thirty pounds. In 1860 
the number of sheep reported was forty-nine thousand 
eight hundred and twenty, and the pounds of wool shorn, 
one hundred and forty-three thousand six hundred and 
forty-three. 

The extraordinary demand created by the war of the 
Rebellion caused a steady and rapid advance in the price of 
wool, until finally it reached and exceeded one dollar per 
pound. This was the most profitable period ever known 
by wool-growing farmers from the first settlement of Michi- 
gan down to the present time. 

THE GENESEE COUNTY SHEEP-BREEDERS' AND WOOL- 
CiROWERS' ASSOCIATION. 

This association, originated during the fever of war 
prices, was formed at a meeting composed of a large 
number of the leading farmers of the county held at the 
farm of Jonathan D.iyton, Esq , in Grand Blanc, May 25, 
1865, for the double purpose of forming such an organiza- 
tion, and " to inaugurate in Genesee County a practice 
found to be successful, pleasant, and very beneficial in other 
counties of the State," — namely, the holding of annual 
" sheep-shearing festivals," a practice which has been con- 



tinued in Genesee till the present time, and has proved as 
pleasant and beneficial as its promoters anticipated. 

The proceedings of the day commenced at about ten a.m. 
by the choice of Henry W. Wood as president of the day, 
and F. H. Rankin, secretary. D. H. Stone, E. G. Gale, 
and D. H. Seeley, being appointed a committee to report u 
plan and constitution of such an association as was in con- 
templation, submitted their report, which was adopted, and 
an organization under the above name was effected by the 
choice of officers as follows: President, H. W. Wood, 
Flint City. Vice-Presidents, Emmaus Owen, Grand Blanc ; 
R. A. Carman, Flint; A. P. Gale, Atlas. Secretary, 
Francis H. Rankin, Flint. Treasurer. D. H. Stone, Grand 
Blanc. Auditors, Charles Pettis, Davison ; Henry Schram, 
Burton. Executive Committee, C. II. Ilockwood, Genesee; 
Jonathan Dayton, Grand Blanc; J. K. Picrson, Atlas; 
II. C. Van Tiffin, Flint; E. G. Gale, Atlas; E. J. Pier.son, 
Grand Blanc ; Edmond Perry, Davi-son. 

The sheep-shearing exercises of the day were witnessed 
by a large concourse of spectators, among whom were many 
from other counties, and some from the State of New York, 
tliuugh little publicity had been given, and no programme 
announced. The shearers entered were Josephus Morgan, 
Jo.seph Barton, Benjamin Newman, and S. Miner, of Grand 
Blanc; M. F. Dunn and Orson Bingham, of Genesee; 
William Hawkins, Alfred Ewer, and Edward Ewer, of 
Flint City; J. C. Ilockafellow, of Davison ; W. H. Borden 
and Eben Higgins, of Mundy ; Levi Beecher and Charles 
Beecher, of Atlas ; William Dullam and Frank Cou.sins, of 
Flint township. About one hundred and fifty sheep were 
in the yards, but they were not all shorn. The committees 
were composed as follows : On bucks, J. W. Begole, R. A. 
Carman ; on ewes, David Schram, C. C. Picrson, Stephen 
Jordan ; on weighing, Oren Stone ; on shearing, J. W. 
King, C. H. Rockwood, A. S. Donelson. No premiums 
had been announced or authorized, but the committees 
especially commended the animals and fleeces of E. J. 
Picrson, D. H. Stone, Charles Bates, Gurdon Walrous, 
and J. C. Dayton, of Grand Blanc ]. II. W. Wood, of Flint 
City; A. P. Gale, of Atlas; P. A. Montgomery, of Bur- 
ton ; Charles Pettis, of Davison ; and C. II. Rockwood, 
of Genesee; though expressing the opinion that a number 
of others were scarcely inferior to those named. 

The meeting of the following year — recorded as " the 
First Annual Festival of the Genesee County Sheep-Breeders' 
and Wool-Growers' Association" — was held at the agricul- 
tural fair-grounds in Flint, Jlay 9 and 10, 1866. At this 
exhibition (which was confined to Merinos, one hundred 
and seven sheep were entered for competition, but the 
number of shearers was insufficient to complete the shear- 
ing of all in the time allotted. Mr. Rankin, the secretary 
of the association, in commenting on this display of animals 
in the next succeeding issue of his paper, said : 

'■ There was not an inferior sheep upon the grounds, and 
although in older counties larger exhibitions may have been 
had, we question if anywhere in this State an cijual number 
of better animals have ever been collected together. . . . 
The wool of the fleeces was all of fine texture, good length 
of staple, pliant, and soft, such as any locality might feel 
proud of producing, and such as would do credit to a display 



AGRICULTURE. 



115 



of such animals (Muiinos) even in those parts of Vermont 
and New York wlicro tiicir euro and cultivation is made a 
specialty. The flocks of Messrs. Gale, of Atlas, Dewey, 
of Mount Jlunis, Ki-sing & Mun;j;er, of Richfield, Stone, 
of Grand Blanc, Rockwoud and Beahan, of Genesee, Pet- 
tis, of Davison, Crapser, of Burton, and others, are destined 
vet to have a fame in the annals of sheep-husbandry." 

Premiums were awarded as follows : 

On bucks, three years old and over, first premium to E. 
B. Dewey, of Mount Morris; second premium to E. G. 
Gale, of Atlas. 

On bucks, two years old, first premium to P. A. Jlont- 
gomery, of Burton ; second premium to William Lobban, 
of Davison. 

On bucks, one year old, first prcniiura to D. II. Stone, 
of Grand Blaac ; second premium to Stone & Dayton, of 
Grand Blanc. 

Judges on above classes, James Faucctt, of Bath, Steu- 
ben Co., N. Y., Stephen Hillman,of Pontiac, Oakland Co , 
and M. M. Ilillman, of Tyrone, Livingston Co., Mich. 

On ewes (pens of three), three yeare old and over, first 
premium to I). II. Stone, of Grand Blanc ; second premium 
to Rising & Munger, of Richfield. 

On ewes Qiens of three), two yeai-s old, first premium to 
Rising & Munger; second premium to E. G. Gale, of Atlas. 

Judges on two last-mentioned classes, Henry Sehrani, of 
Burton, Stephen Jordan, of Atlas, and Charles Bates, of 
Grand Blanc. 

On ewes (pens of three), one year old, first premium to 
D. II. Stone; second premium to P. A. Montgomery, of 
Burton. 

Judges on this cla.ss, S. Andrews, of Howell, Phincas 
Thompson, of Grand Blanc, and M. M. Ilillman, of Tyrone, 
Livingston Co. 

From that time until the present the annual sheep-shear- 
ing festivals have been observed with regularity, that of 
1870 having been held in Grand Blanc on the 1st day of 
May. It seems .ipparent, however, from the late lists of 
entries, that the interest in them is more confined to the 
southeastern part of the county than formerly. 

Sheep-breeding and wool-growing at the present time, 
though not prosecuted with as much of enthusiasm as during 
the period of unnaturally inflated prices, is still a leading 
agricultural industry in Genesee. The flocks of the county 
are being constantly improved by importations from Ver- 
mont, 3Ionroe Co., N. Y., and other places, and they now 
contain a very large proportion of the mo.st ap|iroved breeds. 
That the wool product here is steadily and (juitc rapidly in- 
creasing is .■'bown by a comparison of the figures for 1873 
with those for 1871) ; the fjuantity sheared in Genesee 
County in the former year being 300,0'JL! pounds, as re- 
ported in the State census of 187-1 (though the actual 
amount \v;ls probably somewhat greater), and the clip of 
the present year (187'J) being C'J1,000 pound.s, amounting 
to §224,575. 

cattle-breedi.no. 

Several years elaji.sed after sheep-raising had been coni- 
luenccd by the farmers of the county before they began to 
raise cattle for outside markets. The first drove which lel't 
the coun'y of Genesee, destined lor an Eastern market, was 



driven by Porter Hazelton, of Flint, and James Schram 
(now of California) to Bulfalo, N. Y., and there disposed 
of A trader from Ohio came into the county soon after, 
and, with the assistance of Mr. Gibson, of Whigville, pur- 
chased quite a large lot of cattle, which he also drove to 
Buffalo for a market. This was the beginning of a trade 
which has grown to be a large and important one to the 
agricultural interests of the county. 

Durhams and Devons were the first blooded animals 
brought into the county, and no mention of any others is 
found in the agricultural reports of the county for a num- 
ber of years after 1850. The next to make their appear- 
ance after these were the Ayrshires. The first full-blood 
short-horns wore brought into the county by David Ilalsey, 
of Grand Blanc, though high grades had been kept there 
considerably earlier. Jonathan Dayton and Rowland B. 
Perry were among the earliest owners of Durhams in Grand 
Blane, or in the county. Full-blood short-horns were 
brought into Fentou township at an early day by Elislia 
Larned, and also into Burton by Perus Atherton and Adon- 
ijah Atherton, from the Birney herd at Bay City. Gov- 
ernor Crapo brought iu the first and finest Ilerefords, from 
Stone's herd at Guelph, Ontario. He also brought in Dur- 
hams and Devons, but gave preference, and his principal at- 
tention during the remainder of his life, to the Ilerefords. 
There is also a considerable number of this breed found 
in other herds in the county, as well as .some Ayrshires and 
Aldcrneys. 

THE UAV I'llODUCT. 

The production of hay is another impoutant agricultural 
industry in Genesee. It began, at an earl}' day, to be pro- 
duced in excess over stock requirements, and to bring a con- 
siderable amount of revenue by sales to lumbermen. It is 
only in recent years, however, that the pressing of hay into 
bales has been practiced in this county. This process was 
commenced a few years ago by the use of hand-presses, 
but these have been superseded, and power-presses are now 
in general use. The quantity of hay annually baled here 
for shipment is large, and the production of the article is 
to many farmers an important source of profit. The hay 
product of the county has increased from 1041 tons in 
1840 to 10,88o tons in 1854, and 34,0G2 tons in 1873. 

TlIE GE.VESEE COU-NXr AOaiCULTURAL SOCIETV. 

The first meeting preliminary to the formation of this 
society was held at Flint, on the 12th of January, 1850, 
and, after the appointment of a committee to dral't a con- 
stitution and by-laws, was adjourned to the 15th of Feb- 
ruary next following. At the adjourned meeting, of which 
Rowland 15. Perry was appointed President pro lent., and 
John L. Gage, Secretary, T. B. W. Stockton, of the com- 
mittee, reported a constitution, which was adopted, and the 
organiz.ition of the society under the above name and style 
was perfected by the election of the following, its first offi- 
cers, namely : 

President, Hon. Jeremiah 11. Smith, of Grand Blanc. 
Vice- President.*, Elbridge G. Gale, of Atlas; Lsiae Mid- 
dlesworth, of Argentine ; Alfred Pond, of Clayton ; Daniel 
D.iyton, of Davison ; George \V. Piper, of Forest; James 
Ilosie, of Flushing; Benjamin Peai-son, of Flint ; William 



116 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Tanner, of Fenton ; E. Fletcher, of Gaines ; Daniel II. 
Seely, of Genesao ; Rowland B. Perry, of Grand Blanc ; 
John Far((uharson, of Montrose; John Ridiard-s, of 
Mundy ; Garret Zufelt, of Richfield ; Richard Buel, of 
Thelford ; Daniel Montague, of Vienna. Recording Sec- 
retary, James B. Walker, of Flint. Corresponding Secre- 
tary, George M. Dewey, of Flint. Treasurer, Augustus 
St. Aniand, of Flint. Executive Committee, Jonathan 
Dayton, of Grand Blanc; C. D. W. Gibson, of Grand 
Blanc; John L. Gage, of Flint; C. N. Beccher, of Gene- 
see; Peabody Pratt, of Flint. 

The object of the society, as set forth in the first article 
of the constitution, was '' to promote Agriculture, Horti- 
culture. Household and Mechanical Arts in Genesee County, 
Michigan." 

The first fair of the society was held on the 2d and od 
days of October, 1850, in a grove near the present Metho- 
dist church in Flint. The annual fairs continued to be 
held on ground leased by the society until lSr)4, when 
a tract of about four acres was purchased for four hundred 
dollars of Messrs. Fenton and Bishop, being part of the 
"Stockton tract" then recently purchased by them and laid 
out as an addition to the village plat of Flint. The tract 
was conveyed by deed to Grant Decker and Levi Walker 
ill trust for the society, and the annual fair was held upon 
it in October of that year. The proceeds of the fair of 
1855 enabled the society to pay in full for the grounds. 
At that time the president of the society was Benjamin 
Pearson, who had succeeded Mr. Smith, and who held the 
office till 1850, when he was succeeded by Grant Decker, 
who, in turn, was succeeded in 1857 by Jonathan Dayton, 
and he, in 1858, by Henry Schram. In 1857, the fair 
ground having been found inconveniently small for the 
needs of the society, its area was nearly doubled by the 
purchase of an adjoining tract of between three and four 
acres from Hon. Artemas Thayer, at two hundred and 
twenty dollars per acre. These two purchases, together 
with a small tract afterwards bought of Col. Fenton, con- 
stituted what was known as the " Old Fair-Grounds," on 
which the annual fairs were held for thirteen years. These 
grounds were in the south part of the city, near the Thread 
River. 

The present fair-grounds of the society were selected 
and purcha.scd (except the small addition hereafter men- 
tioned) in 1870. On the 14th of April in that year, 
AVilliani Hamilton, executor of John Hamilton, deceased. 
Sold to Grant Decker and Levi Walker, tiustees of the 
Gone.see County Agricultural Society, lots seven and eight 
of " McNeil's out-lots," and lots eleven, ten, nine, eight, 
and parts of lots six and seven of " John Hamilton's out- 
lots," for the consideration of ten thousand dollars. The 
buildings from the old grounds were removed to the new, 
the former being sold and platted by the purchasers as city 
lots. Additional buildings were erected on the new grounds, 
and the annual fairs of the society have been held upon 
them until the present time. They were enlarged by the 
jiurchase from William Hamilton (Nov. 8, 1877) of a part 
of lots six and seven of " John Hamilton's out-lots," for 
the sum of five hundred dollars. 

The fair-ground — whicli contains an excellent half mile 



trotting-eourse — is situated in the Second Ward of the city 
of Flint, between Seventh and Ninth Streets, with its main 
front on the street known as the Northern W"agon-Road. 
Its area is about twenty-three acres. 

The legal incorporation of the Genesee County Agricul- 
tural Society was effected on the 8th of February, 1871, 
under the provisions of Chapter 54 of the compiled laws 
of Michigan ; the corporators and trustees being Elijah 
W. Rising, Francis H. Rankin, Orcn Stone, Charles C. 
Beahan, Charles Pettis, Henry Schram, William J. Phillips, 
Frederick II. Kellicutt, Jesse M. Davis, Grant Decker, 
Levi Walker, and John L. Gage. 

The officers of the .society for the year 1879 are: Pres- 
ident, Sumner Howard, of Flint; Secretary, II. C. Van- 
dnsen, of Flint ; Treasurer, George Hubbard, of Flint. The 
Hon. Francis H. Rankin held the office of secretary of the 
society for twenty-six years con.sccutively. 

THE C'RAI'O F.\K'M. 

In 1852, two farms in Genesee County were entered to 
compete for the premium offered for the best, by the Agri- 
cultural Society in that year. These were the farms of 
Rowland B. Perry, of Grand Blanc, and Daniel Curtis, of 
Genesee ; and the premium was awarded to the former, 
though the latter was mentioned as being scarcely inferior. 

From that time the agricultural improvement has been 
great and constant, and to-day there are in the county 
scores of farms worthy of premiums for their excellence, 
and all deserving of separate and especial description. As 
it is impracticable, however, to notice all such in detail, we 
shall make particular mention of only one, — a large and in 
every way a very remarkable farm, a great part of which 
was, only a few years since, a worthless and malarious 
swamp, from which condition it was reclaimed and brought 
to a state of the highest cultivation and productiveness by 
the late Governor Henry II. Crapo. 

The " Crapo Farm," as it is called, is situated in the 
town of Gaines, township C north, range 5 east, upon por- 
tions of sections 3, 4, 9, and 10, and contains about eleven 
hundred acres. About one-half of this farm consists of 
upland, with a rich and strong soil, capable, as are most of 
the farms in this locality, of producing continuous crops of 
the finest wheat. The remainder, about six hundred acres, 
consists of reclaimed marsh, which has been thoroughly 
drained, and which is now in a condition of the highest 
cultivation. 

This farm, originally pnjected by Governor Henry II. 
Crapo, is a monument of his far-seeing sagacity, his practical 
agricultural wisdom, and his vigorous business ability. lu 
his drives through the country he had frcr|ueiitly cros.sed on 
the rough corduroy-road passing through the Gaines Swamp. 
The rank growth of wild grasses indicated a luxuriant soil, 
and he believed that by drainage this " Dead Man's Swamp," 
as it was locally called, on account of its miasma, might be 
converted into profitable fields. This was prior to any gen- 
eral draining of swamp-lands in Michigan, and prior to the 
enactment of the drainage laws now in force. Governor 
Crapo, in order to satisfy himself of the feasibility of drainage, 
caused levels to be taken from Swartz Creek to the upper 
end of the marsh, and ascertained thereby that a sufficient 



MANUFACTUKES. 



lit 



descent for the water existed if an outlet was opened for it. 
His plan for drainage was practicable. It involved a large 
outlay, but an extensive acreage, absolutely worthless, was 
reclaimed by it, and other lands, more or loss damaged by 
the dead water of the marsh, were rendered capable of 
niucli higher cultivation. 

As there were no general drainage laws nor drain eom- 
nii.ssioners at that time, the first requisite was the passage 
of an act which should authorize the construction of the 
desired ditch. This was procured by Governor Crapo. An 
act of the Legislature was passed March 15, 18(11 , giving the 
necessary autliorily, and ajipropriating two thousand acres 
of the swamplands of the State to the county of Genesee, 
" for the purpo.se of cutting a ditch or drain through a cer- 
tain swamp in the north part of the township of Gaines, 
the same to be not less than four feet in depth, and eight 
feet in width at the top, and three and a half feet at the 
bottom ;" the work to be done under the direction of the 
supervisors of the county. On the 1.5th day of Juno, ISUl, 
the board entered into a contract with Governor ('ra]io for 
the ditching of the swamp according to the provisions of 
the act, for which work he should be entitled to receive the 
two thousand acres of swamp-land donated to the county. 
The report of the committee appointed by the supervisors 
from their board, prior to the making of the contract, said : 
" Your committee are satisfied that the making of said 
drain would lay the foundation for not only entirely reclaim- 
ing and making dry this portion of the Gaines Swamp re- 
ferred to, but would be the main artery for successfully 
draining a large amount of contiguous lowlands, and would 
be the means of finally adding largely to the value of real 
estate in that region ; also greatly improving the sanitary 
condition of that locality." 

The ditch was constructed in accordance with the act, ex- 
cept that it wa.s made ten feet in width at the top instead of 
eight feet, and four feet at the bottom instead of three and 
a half feet. The main ditch is between three and four 
miles in length. 

A portion of the Crapo farm is a part of the Gaines 
Swauip, and was purchased of the State of Michigan as 
swamp-land. In addition. Governor Crapo made purchases 
of several adjacent farms, in order to obtain the desired acre- 
age of upland to use in connection with the marsh-land. 

The construction of the ditch was a complete success in 
the removal of the surplus water, a descent of twelve feet 
from its source to its outlet furnishing a reliable and rapid 
current. The nniin ditch runs through the centre of the 
farm, an<l numerous lateral ditches have been made, in- 
suring such perfect drainage that tlie land can be worked 
as easily and readily as the upland. 

Upon the Crapo farm is a large and commodious dwell- 
ing-house, together with .several smaller houses for the 
laborers. Although it has three barns, two of which are 
one hundred feet by forty-six feet each, and one of one 
hundred and fifty feet by thirty-six feet, with an L sixty 
foot in length, it is necessary to stack .several hundred tons 
of hay yearly in the fields. The farm is under a high state 
of cultivation ; its crops of wheat, oats, corn, and roots at- 
testing the richness of the soil and its admirable management. 

The farm is now owned by William W. Crapo, the only 



son of ex-Governor Crapo, who has carried out the intentions 
of his father in making this one of the best stock farms in 
the State. During the last winter there were kept upon 
the farm two hundred and eighty-one head of horned cattle, 
twenty horses and colts, and one hundred sheep. 5Ir. 
Crapo has for many years made a specialty of pure-blood 
Herefords, and he has one of tlic largest and best herds of 
this superior breed of cattle in the country. 

M.VNUFACTUUIXG INTERESTS. 
LUSIBERINO. 

Among the manufacturing interests of Genesee County, 
the chief place is properly assigned to the business of cut- 
ting pine logs into nlcrchautablc lumber. In past years this 
business has been of more importance, and productive of a 
"reatcr revenue, than all the other manufacturing indus- 
tries of the county combined ; and although it is now 
"reatly shrunk from its former va.st proportions it still 
holds its relative rank at the head of the manufactures of 
Genesee. A volume might be filled with an account of the 
crowth and fluctuations of this trade, and its influence and 
effect on the general development of the county, but it is 
hoped that the following brief notice of some of the more 
susgestivc facts in its history may not be thought valueless 
or uninteresting : 

The saw-mill which antedated all others ever built on 
any of the tributaries of the Flint, or upon the river itself, 
was a small establishment erected about 1828 by Rowland 
B. Perry and E. II. Spencer on the Thread River, in Grand 
Blanc. This, however, cut very little, if any, pine lumber, 
being intended only to .saw the hard-wood logs of the vi- 
cinity for the small local demand. It was but a poor aflfair 
at best, and was discontinued after a very few years. Next 
came the comparatively efficient mill built by Rufus W. 
Stevens in 18l!0 on the Thread, a .short distance above the 
present " Thread Mills" of Flint. This mill cut a consid- 
erable amount (for those days) of pine taken from the 
splendid pinery which is in part, or wholly, within the present 
limits of the Fourth Ward of Flint City, and it was from 
the Stevens' mill that the lumber was taken to form the 
first raft, which ever descended the Flint River.* About 
ISiJG an attempt was made by Alden Tapper to build a mill 
on the river below Flushing, but this project never pro- 
gressed farther than the erection of the frame, and no ma- 
chinery was ever put in. Then came the erection of the 
first really efficient mill of this .section, — that built by Stage 
& Wright in 1830 at Flint River. An account of this, as 
well as of the other and fur more extensive luniber-mills 
which have succeeded it at that place until the present 
time, will bo found in the hi.story of the city of Tlint, in 
this work. 

From the lime of the establishment of the first saw-mill 
at Flint that point became practically the centre of lum- 



» The raft hero iiientionc 1 (wlikli was not only Iho first upon llio 
Flint, but also the lirBl lufiibcr raft run on .hm/oI" Ihp tributaries of tho 
Saginaw) was cotnpoSL-J of ten thnu-iand fei t of pine hinibcr,— prin- 
cipilly one-ineh boar.ls, — pureha-ej at Stevens' mill, on the Thread, 
in 18:12, by Elea7.er Jowett, who ran the riil't ihiwn the river wilhnut 
any iisaislance. With the lumber he built his ihvelling-house at tireen 
I'oint,— the fir.'t fnunc builJiiij; ereeted in that region. 



118 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



bering operations for the Flint lliver and its tributaries. 
In 18133-40 tlio price of lumber was quoted tlicrc at ten 
to fiftooii dollars per thousand feet, which was regarded as 
an exuaurdinary price. It soon after, however, fell from 
four to eight dollars per thousand, and was very difiSeult 
of sale at those jirices. In 1850 there were at Flint 
two saw-mills, and tlieir product for 184!) was placed by 
the United States census of 1850 at three and a half mil- 
lions of feet. In 1850 the lumber sawed at this point 
aggregated five million two hundred thousand feet. In 
1854 the business had increased so that there were seven 
mills (four steam and three water), with an aggregate an- 
nual capacity of sixteen million eight hundred thou.sand 
feet (an increase of nearly four lumdred per cent, in four 
years), and yet the price had advanced from the former low 
figures to from seven to fifteen dollars per thousand, — a fact 
in great measure due to the improved facilities of trans- 
portation afforded by the opening of plank-roads. 

The completion of the railroad in 1802, and the subse- 
quent opening of other lines, gave a great impulse to the 
business here by affording practicable communication with 
outside markets ; and this, with the increased demand cre- 
ated by the great civil war, inaugurated for the lumbering 
interests of the Flint Ilivcr Valley an era of prosperity 
(extending from about ISGti to the great revulsion of 1873) 
sueh as they had never known before, and in all probability 
will never experience again. The zenith of thi.s pro.sperity 
was reached in the period from about 1SU9 to the beginning 
of 1871, when there commenced a gradual decline, which was 
greatly accelerated by the events of 1873; so that of the 
nine mills reported as being in operation in Flint in 1870, 
having an annual capacity of ninety millions of feet, giving 
employment to over five hundred men, and valued at half a 
milliiin dollars, there now remain but three in operation, 
employing a few more than two hundred men and having 
an aggregate annual capacity of about thirty-eight millions 
of feet. This is still a very large business (except as com- 
pared with that of former years), and might indeed be re- 
garded as very satisfactory but for the fact that the supply 
of logs is rapidly diminishing, though by no means ex- 
hausted, on the upper waters of the Flint. The quantity 
of logs put into the Flint Hiver and its tributaries for mills 
in Genesee County, during the past winter (1878-79), is 
stated by the SaffiiMwiiat newspaper as follows : 

FLINT niVKIl. 

Foot. 

Begole, Fox &, Co fi.OIIU.OOO 

A. McFmlin ;i.00n,O(lrt 

AV. \V. Cra|io 12,11011,1100 

Wm. Titers S, 000, 1100 

liuscnbaik & Co S,000,000 

Total 37,000,000 

Of the foregoing all go to Flint mills, with the excep- 
tion of those put in for Peters, which will be cut at Colum- 
biaville. 

OTTEH LAKK. 

Feet. 

C. B. Benson.... 2,.')00,000 

W. C. Cumiuings 2.000,000 

To^al .1,500,000 

OTISVII.I.K. 

A. K. Iluutjii 2,000,OJO 



The same authority proceeds to mention a number of 
other mills on the upper river, for which nearly fifty-five 
million feet have been put in, and then closes its mention 
of the lumbering operations of this year on the Flint by 
saying, " The foregoing gives a grand total for Flint lliver 
and contiguous territory of ninety-one million three hun- 
dred and fifty thou.sand feet. This year marks the crisis of 
forest production in all its branches in this section. Never 
again will any two years put so much material on the mar- 
ket. Ijumber production is almost at an end for export, 
but shingles are being extensively made from old logging 
fields." The prediction contained in the above is undoubt- 
edly correct, that no succeeding season will ever equal the 
one just past in the magnitude of its logging operations on 
the Flint. The pine in Genesee County is already so far 
exhausted that of all the vast quantity which was growing 
here forty years ago there remain now only two small 
tracts, — one standing on section 15, in the town.ship of 
Forest, and the other, less than fiftiien acres in extent, in 
the town of Iiichfield. This is stated on the authority of 
the Hon. Josiah W. Begole, himself one of the principal 
lumber manufacturers of the county and thoroughly ac- 
quainted with the facts. 

But the entire exhaustion of the pine timber of the Flint 
Kiver Valley (which is clearly inevitable in the near future) 
will not necessarily cause an abandonment of the business 
of lumber manufacturing at Flint, for the heavy operators 
in that city have long foreseen that contingency, and pre- 
pared for it by the purchase of large tracts of pine in the 
new counties northwest of Saginaw on the line of the Flint 
and Pcre Marquette Railway. From these tracts logs can 
be brought to Flint in large quantities, by rail, at a rate of 
freight sufficiently low (one dollar per thousand) to enable 
the mills to continue in profitable employment; but it does 
not appear probable that they will by this process ever 
again realize the same degree of prosperity which they en- 
joyed in former years. 

OTllEll HANUb'ACTUIUNG INDUSTRIES. 

Besides the lumboring industry, Genesee County contains 
a considerable number of other manufactories of various 
kinds, which will be found mentioned, in detail, in the his- 
tories of the townships or city in which they are located. 
In this place we merely give a brief summary of the several 
manufacturing establishments existing in the county in 
1873, as reported in the State census of 1874, viz. : 

AVoolcn- anil cotton-factories (steam) :^ 

Capital invcstoJ $110,000 

Value ol'iiroiluct IJlo:i,0O0 

Number ot" hanils employed S5 

Paper-mill (j^tcam and water) I 

Capital invested SI, 500 

Value of product S^T.OIIO 

llanils employed I-l 

Flouring mills (steam 6, water 9) 15 

Capital invested ?1 75,500 

Value of product (72,200 barrels) $500,010 

Hull of stones -ll 

l*erson.s employed 5il 

Planini^-mills (steam U, water I) 10 

Capital inve.-ted $:ir.f),400 

Value of product $251,1100 

llan Is employed 125 

(The above injluies sash-, door-, anl blind- 
factories.) 

Foundries an I niajhine-sliops (steam 6, water 1 )... 7 

Capital investel $S0,:D0 




FLINT HIGH SCHOOL. 



FLINT CITY. 



119 



Value of |irmluet $177,200 

lliimls fiii|il..vc.l 00 

Agricultural iuiplcnicnt works '2 

Caiiitiil invcHcil $S,:m) 

Viilue of product $11,1100 

Hi) nils cinploveil ,'> 

Wagon-, carriage-, an J slcigh-factorics ."i 

Capital imcstcil $:i0,:)0U 

^■aluc of product .*0'.l,.^00 

Hands cm piny od ;i4 

Furniture- and cliair-factorict, 2 

Capital invested $7,500 

Value of product $7,000 

lland.s employed 

Stave-, lieailing-, and lioop-factorics C 

Caj.ital invested $10,0(1(1 

Value of ]iroduct $71', 100 

Hands employed 77 

Barrel-, keg, |iail-, and tub-factories l 

Capital invested $10,1(10 

A'alue of jiroduct $2J,:UI0 

Hands employed 10 

Tanneries 1 

Cajdlal invested $5,000 

Value ofi.roduct $5,1100 

Hands emi)loyed , 2 

Boot- and shoc-faeturies 2 

Capital invested $1,100 

Value of product $4,:«I0 

Pot- and pcarl-aslicries 1 

Capital invested $1,000 

Value of product $1,500 

Hands employed 2 

Puuip-faetory 1 

Capital invested $S,('.()() 

Value of product $5,250 

Hands employed 5 

Breweries G 



Capital invested $n2,000 

\'alue of product $20,050 

Hantls employed 10 

The building of suiall vessels has been carried on to some 
extent in recent years on the Flint River in the township of 
IMontrose ; a schooner of ninety tons bcinq launched there 
in March, 1875, and a steam-tug and some other craft 
having been built there previously. An account of them 
will be found in the history of that township. 

POPULATION OF THE COUNTY AT DIFFERKNT PEIUODS. 

It is stated, on what is believed to be the best authority, 
that on the first of January, 1830, the entire population of 
what was afterwards formed into Genesee County was not 
more than eighty persons of all ages. At the comniencc- 
inent of 1831 it had increased to about one hundred and 
fifty, and a year later reached about three hundred. After 
that time the increase became more ra]iid, and the popula- 
tion of the county at different periods, from 1837 to 1S74, 
is shown by the several censuses to have been as follows : 



1S:',7 2,754 

1S40 4,208 

1S45 9,2G6 

I.SoO 12,0.11 

1S54 15,629 



isno 22,498 

1804 22,047 

KS70 .•i:f,8»5 

1874 34,568 



-ife'*«^»*-e- 



FLINT CITY. 



The city of Flint, the .seat of justice of Genesee 
County, may, from it.s tliriving industries, substantial busi- 
ne.s.s structures, its many elegant private residences, and e.'J- 
ccllent local government, be regarded as one of the most 
important and growing municii)alities in the State of Jlich- 
igan. 

It occupies a central position in a county attractive and 
rich in agricultural resources. Its corporate limits extend 
into the Congressional townships of Flint and Burton, em- 
bracing a large portion of the territory known as Smith's 
Reservation, granted in the treaty of Saginaw, Sept. 24, 
1819, all the ground covered by Francis Campau's patent, 
dated June 12, 182.5, and the lands purchased from the 
general government by llufus W. Stevens, March 10, 1829, 
Levi Gilkey, May 11, 1831, Dr. Olmsted Chamberlain and 
AVhitmore, Sept. 10, 1832, and James W. Cronk, Sept. 2, 
1835. 

Portions of its site — although tlie surface is diversified, 
affording beai.t:ful locations for private residences and 
abundant opportunities for lawn and landscape gardening — 
rest in natural basins, wherein the surplus flow of the 
Tiiread River, Swartz and Gilkey Creeks find their way to 
the Flint and noi.sily commingle their waters with tho.se of 
the latter stream. 

The Flint, which meanders in a very picturesque man- 
ner through the city, in a general course from northeast to 
soutliwcst, forms natural ward bciuiidarics, .supplies excel- 



lent motive-power for propelling the machinery of numer- 
ous mills, furnishes part of the city water-suppl}', and is 
also the dividing-line between those portions once known 
as the villages of Flint River and Grand Traverse. 

OKIGIN OF ITS N.\ME AND LOCATION. 

Flint, like many other towns and cities throughout our 
country, seems to owe its location to an accident, and ils 
name to an unaccountable caprice. The Chippewas, who 
have sent so many Jliehigan towns soaring into endless 
notoriety, called the region now occupied by the city Mu.s- 
cu-ta-wa-ningh, or "open plain, burned over," and the 
stream which flows through it I'e-won-nuk-ening, or "the 
river of the flint," though just why they should have 
done so is unexplainable. The surface hereabouts was cov- 
ered with heavy forests, and the river, though having a 
rocky bed, has nothing suggestive of flint about it. 

The broad Indian trail from Detroit to Saginaw, along 
which for many years the northern tribes came down in 
large numbers to barter their furs for supplies and to re- 
ceive their annuities from the English and United States 
governments, crossed the river at this point, and to this 
circunistanee, as will be shown, does the city owe its site. 
The French traders called llie crossing the Grand Traverse, 
and it was a favorite resting-place and camjiing-ground for 
them and neighboring Indian tribes, as game and fish were 
abundant. 



120 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICFIIGAN. 



During the years from 182G to 1835 the government 
was engaged in constructing a road from Detroit, through 
Pontiac, to Saginaw, and the same was completed to the 
Grand Traverse in 1834. This road was surveyed 100 
feet wide, the timber cleared away, the ground turnpiived, 
streams bridged, and a very passable wagon-road made, 
which is still the principal highway in the country through 
which it was laid. It followed very nearly the Indian trail. 
A bridge was constructed across the Flint at the Grand 
Traverse, and this event gave the locality an added import- 
ance which, otherwise, it would never have obtained. Had 
this bridge been located either up or down the stream, it 
undoubtedly would have carried the whole settlement and 
the future city with it. The early settlers then ended the 
struggle, dropped the terms of Grand Traverse and Todd's 
Ferry, and adopted that of the " Flint River Settlement"' 
or village of Flint. After the admission of the Territory 
as a State all further work on the Saginaw road was sus- 
pended by the government, which had then surveyed it 
twelve miles and turnpikcd it five miles north of the city. 
Saginaw Street, which is the principal avenue of the city 
of the present day, is simply this old turnpike graded down 
and disguised in a dress of modern Nicholson pavement. 

THE PIONEERS AND FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The earliest white inhabitant of an unsettled country 
must, by the nature of his surroundings, be the subject of 
mucli historical interest. This interest was greatly inten- 
sified in the present instance from the strongly-marked 
character of the individual not only, but from the un- 
bouniled influence he wielded over the Indian tribes that 
surrounded him and the subsequent litigations which his 
relations with them involved. 

Jacob Smith, a resident of Detroit, had been a trader 
with the Indians since the war of 1812, spending many 
months of the year among those with whom he had busi- 
ness dealings, to a great extent adopting their dress, habits, 
and language, yet still retaining his residence at the capital. 

After the treaty of 1819 * he made the Grand Traverse 
of the Flint his permanent trading-post. By assimilating 
him.self to his aboriginal friends, and by his habits of fair 
dealing, he had inspired their confidence, while his sound 
judgment and sagacity were their unfailing resource in time 
of need. This bond of union between the chiefs of the 
neighboring tribes and Mr. Smith was more strongly ce- 
mented by time, until his relations to them were those of a 
brother, and to a very late day remnants of these once- 
powerful tribes were accustomed to cherish bis memory 
with the most sincere affection. 

The Indian-trail leading from Detroit to Saginaw then 
crossed the Flint River just above the present Saginaw 
Street Bridge, and the fording-place had long been known 
to the early French traders as the "Grand Traverse," or 
great crossing. 

The conditions were most favorable for his purpose, and 
hero, on the site of the First Baptist church edifice, Jacob 
Smith erected a log trading-post in 1810, and made it his 
permanent residence until the date of his death, which 

■*■ See general h'lFtory. 



occurred in the spring of 1825. This, without a doubt, 
was the pioneer structure, — the first building erected for a 
white man's occupancy in the county of Genesee. 

Jacob Smith was a descendant of a German family, and 
was born in the city of Quebec. From early boyhood he 
had mingled with and been intimately associated with those 
of the English, French, and Indian races, and very natu- 
rally he grew up able to speak either language fluently, 
lie inclined more to the French and Indian, however, and 
in later years, while pursuing his vocation as an Indian 
trader in the wilderness, was accompanied usually by a few 
French and Indian half-breeds, who acted in the capacity 
of servants or followers. After taking possession of the 
reservation granted him by the treaty of Saginaw, and 
building the trading-post just mentioned, his half-breed 
friends, Frangois Pjdouard Campau, or Nowokeshik, George 
Lyons, and perhaps others, remained with him, and erected 
fur themselves habitations on either side of the Grand 
Travcrscj" A large tract of land was cleared by their 
united exertions, and prior to the death of Jacob Smith 
quite an extensive plantation was already under cultivation. 

Campau's olyect in .settling here was twofold, — first to 
be near his friend Smith ; and .secondly, to have his actual 
possession of the reservation a.?sist him in getting a patent 
of it from the government. His plans were perfected June 
12, 1825, when the general government issued to Francis 
Campau J a patent for a section of land situated on the south 
side of the river. 

During the spring of 1830, Benajah Tupper, his brother- 
in-law, Archibald Green, and a cousin of Tuppcr's, named 
Preston, came on from Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., and occu- 
pied the deserted cabin built by Jacob Smith. It was Mr. 
Green's purpose to purchase land and become a permanent 
resident of the Territory. But soon after his arrival his 
wife, who accompanied biiu, was taken violently ill ; a phy- 
sician, Dr. Olmsted Chamberlain, was summoned from Pon- 
tiac, but before he reached her bedside, Mrs. Esther Green 
had departed this life, within the same rude walls which 
witnessed the demise of Jacob Smith, five years previously. 

Mr. Winehell, of Grand Blane, prepared the coffin which 
enclosed the remains ol' Mrs. Green, and it is described as 
having been made of green boards, which, for the lack of 
tniits or screws, were dove-tailed together. After this sad 
occurrence Jlr. Green returned to New York. Tupper and 
Preston remained a year or two later, engaged in hunting 
and the sale of whisky, tobacco, etc., to the Indians. 
Finally a violent f|uarrel took place between Preston and 
the Indians, which resulted in the sudden departure of 
both Preston and Tupper for the East, their dusky foes 
having made existence altogether too uncomfortable for 
them at the crossing. 

Early in 1830, John Todd, from Pontiac, Oakland Co., 
during a prospecting tour visited the Grand Traver.se 
of the Flint, which, until that time, had been termed by 
the early settlers of Grand Blanc the French settlement. 
Being very favorably impressed with the locality, he jmr- 

t See Jaoob Stevens' letter, dated at Granblaw, July, lS2d, where 
he speaks uf some Frcn.:h families living seven miles to the north- 
west of him. 

J Meaning Fran^rjis Etlo-aard Campau. 



FLINT CITY. 



121 



chased from Caiiipau the entire section* for $800. He 
immediately returned to Pontiac, and a few days later, ac- 
companied by his wife Polly, and children Edward and 




JOHN TODD. 

Mary, began a journey which required three days to accom- 
plish. Ill the emigrant train wore one ox and two horse 
teams, cows, young cattle, hogs, chickens, various household 
goods, and farming implements. Thus did Mr. and Mrs. 
Todd, with their family, become the first permanent resi- 
dents on the site of the present city of Flint. Mr. Todd 
had purchased from Campau what was presumed to be a 
comfortable habitation, but certain neighbors had disman- 
tled the cabin of its few comforts, and he with much diffi- 
culty made the shanty habitable for the night. The original 
saw-mill on the Thread River was then in course of con- 
struction by Rufus W. Stevens, and the missing planks 
and other appointments of the Campau cabin had been 
carried thither to assist in raising and staying the frame- 
work of the mill structure. 

The planks were soon restored to their original place, and 
with the labor of the men and the skill and taste of the house- 
wife, known then and for years after as " Aunt Polly Todd," 

* Mr. Todd's deed was dated April 1, 1830, and he removed to 
Flint Kivtr from Pontiac on the I'Jth of the same month. The land 
purchased of Campau waa survuyed in advance, and 7So acres were 
found. He says that Bcnnjali Tupper ami another man were on the 
north side of the river, trading with the Indian:', when he came. 
Nathaniel Ladd was his first neighbor on the south side; K^ekiel R. 
Kwing squalled on the north side in 1831, and in 1832, James 
McCormick (the elder) bouglil out Ewing. Mr. Todd settled in 
Pontiae in 1819. His reminiscences of hardships and ])rivations at 
that early period are vivid, when for days, and sometimes for weeks, 
llicir diet consisted principally of heans and wild game. A few 
urlicles were occasionally procured at Detroit, — when n little money, 
or furs, were in hand to e.\changc for the same,— at the price of a 
long and laborious journey on foot. 

16 



order was brought out of chaos, and the apartment, six- 
teen by eighteen feet in dimensions, afforded a comfortable 
abiding-place for its inmates. At the saw-mill on the 
Thread, Mr. Todd had the lumber prepared, which afforded 
him the opportunity for enlarging his limited quarters, and 
opening in the following year the famous holstelry known 
as " Todd's Tavern," the hospitality and abundance of 
which established for its host and hostess a wide reputa- 
tion. It was located on the site of the present Wolverine 
Citizen office, and until within a few years formed a wing 
of that building. It was later removed, and ultimately de- 
stroyed by fire. The landlord was able to gratify the taste 
of the most fastidious epicure in the variety of his menu, 
game of all kinds being abundant. The vegetables for the 
table were easily cultivated, while venison, wild turkeys, and 
fish, as well as maple-sugar, were supplied by the Indians, 
" fire-water" being regarded as a legal tender in payment 
for all their wares. A pint of whisky (and this, as a mat- 
ter of precaution, diluted) would purchase a saddle of veni- 
son, and a turkey weighing twenty-five pounds could be had 
for double the quantity. 

Upon the establishment of the land-office at the Grand 
Traverse, " Todd's Tavern" became so popular a rendez- 
vous that its capacity was unequal to the demands upon it. 
Crowds of land-seekers pressed their claims for food and 
shelter, and many were content to wait for hours their turn 
at the often-replenished table. 

All the land purchased was paid for in coin, and the 
buyers were liberally provided with specie, which was gen- 
erally carried in boxes or bags. At night these packages 
were piled up against the wall, while their owners, total 
strangers to each other, slept promiscuously upon the floor, 
yet no theft of coin was ever chronicled. The govermuent 
afterwards employed a four-horse wagon to carry away the 
accumulation of silver. This period of the settlement of 
the country may not only be regarded as the most ex- 
citing and interesting in its history, but the era from which 
dates its rapid growth and prosperity. Mr. A. F. Ilayden, 
having an ambition to become a landlord, rented the tavern, 
but in 1835 Mr. Todd resumed its management. This pio- 
neer host, upon whose head the accumulated frosts of 
eighty-five winters have gathered, relates many interesting 
reminiscences of that early day. His skill in dealing 
with the Indians, especially when frequent draughts of 
whisky had made them intractable, was proverbial, and 
Mrs. Todd was no less happy in this regard. 

On one occasion Touedogane, one of the chiefs, while 
under the influence of liquor, presented himself and de- 
manded whisky. Mrs. Todd refused it, when the chief 
drew a knife upon her. She determined to have a hand in 
the fray, and, seizing a stool, was about belaboring him when 
her husband entered and took the knife from the Indian. 
Later he offered to return it, but the chief appeared em- 
barrassed at a recollection of the incident, and refused to 
accept it. 

On another occasion an Indian came to trade, and having 
completed his bargain indicated a desire to tarry and drink 
the whisky he had purchased. The host fearing trouble if 
he remained ordered him out, when he replied that " he 
would go when he got ready." Mr. Todd turned upon 



122 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



him and with a blow knocked him over, askin"; in his own 
tongue, " menewa" ("do you want any more?"). The 
Indian replied " haw" ("yes"). The process was repeated 
with the same result. He struck him the third time, and 
again exclaimed " menewa," with the reply " haw," when 
he aimed a blow that sent him reeling to the floor. To the 
question as to whether he " wanted any more," the reply 
came "ka" ("no"). In the second year of Mr. Todd's 
residence at the river, the Indians wliile holding a " pow- 
wow" became very much excited, and in a spasm of jealous 
rage one called " Mabin" shot his wife. After the band 
had become somewhat sobered, a council was held to deter- 
mine how justice should be meted out to the murderer. 
Having expressed contrition for the deed, his punishment 
consisted in his being obliged to pay the expenses of the 
funeral, and purchase moccasins, leggings, beads, etc., in 
which to encase the body for burial, and furnish five gal- 
lons of whisky for the funeral obsequies. The ceremonies 
on this occasion are described as solemn and impressive. 
In the box or coBin in which the dead was placed was a 
hole, through which food was passed to nourish the de- 
parted on her journey to the spirit-land. A circle was 
formed around the body, and each member present took a 
ladle full of succotash, then passed it on until it reached 
the deceased member of the band, when the same quantity 
was placed in the coffin. These rites continued until the 
five gallons of whisky had rendered the mourners insensible 
to grief. 

After Mr. Todd's arrival the Grand Traverse was known 
as Todd's Ferry, — because he kept a canoe at the crossing 
for the accommodation of travelers. Mr. Todd usually did 
duty as ferryman, but in his absence, or that of the men 
of the house, the women lent a helping hand, and were 
never loath to respond to the call of passengers. 

The ferry was located almost directly behind the present 
Wolverine Cilizeii office, the river being much wider at 
that time. The ferry canoe was hollowed from a tree about 
six feet wide, and of sufficient dimensions to carry over 
wagons and sleighs. There was no charge for crossing. 
The land purchased by Mr. Todd embraced the whole of 
section 7, and was supposed to include 640 acres, but by 
actual measurement it overran, and a more correct survey 
gave him really 785 acres. 

In 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Todd, having determined to re- 
tire from the arduous duties that their position of host and 
hostess entailed, disposed of the tavern to Mr. Wait Beach, 
who came from Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., and 
by his energy and activity added much to the growth of 
the settlement. He became also the owner of the tract of 
land which was the excess of section 7, owned by Mr. Todd, 
and was commonly known as the Gore. This property ad- 
vanced so rapidly in value after the location of the county- 
seat as to have induced certain parties to ofler $50,000 for 
an undivided half. 

After ]Mr. Todd's retirement from the tavern he erected 
a comfortable house on the spot now occupied by the First 
National Bank, on Saginaw Street, and later effected an 
exchange of property, which occasioned his removal to the 
opposite side of the river. He afterwards purchased a farm 
on the Flushing road, and for many years resided upon it. 



He with his wife retired to Oivasso after advancing years 
had rendered them less active, and Mrs. Todd died at the 
home of her eldest son, in that city. Mr. Todd still lives 
to relate with zest his pioneer vicissitudes. 

In the summer of 1831, Nathaniel Ladd and wife arrived 
from Utica, N. Y., and Mr. Lidd in his recollections states 
that the only white residents at that time were Mr. and Mrs. 
John Todd and their children, and two traders, — Benajah 
Tupper and his cousin Preston. Mr. Lidd and his family 
lived with these young men, who were at the time occupy- 
ing the log house erected by Jacob Smith. The nearest 
post-office at this time was Grand Blanc, where Rufus W. 
Stevens was the postmaster. 

Col. James W. Cronk and family also came in 1831, and 
settled near what was styled Cronk's brick-yard, the colo- 
nel's ostensible business having been that of a guide for 
" land-lookers." He was also a hunter of repute, and none 
cared to dispute the claims of this Nimrod of the forest. 
The spoils of the chase, together with a hearty welcome, 
were always to be found at his home. James Cronk, his 
father, died in 1832 at John Todd's tavern, Nathaniel 
Ladd having nursed him during his last illness, and Dr. 
Chamberlain, of Pontiac, attended him. His son, James 
W. Cronk, died while serving in the Mexican war in 1847. 

In 1831, on the north bank of the river behind the 
present Baptist church, the patriotic impulses of the early 
residents first found expression, the day being the Fourth of 
July, and the occasion a memorable one. 

Tables were spread under the shade of the trees, and 
many neighbors from Pontiac and Grand Blanc added 
their presence and enthusiasm to the occasion. One of the 
Pontiac delegation brought with him the Stars and Stripes, 
this same flag having been rendered memorable as the 
banner of the first steamer on Lake Erie. 

It was mounted on a tamarack-pole and thrown to the 
breeze. Its brilliant colors and the happy voices of the 
merry band soon attracted the notice of some Indians at 
an adjacent encampment, and the warriors with their squaws 
drew near to witness the merry-making of the little band of 
patriots. Among them were two chiefs, who were invited 
to participate. One was named orator of the day, and de- 
livered an oration in the Indian dialect which was intelli- 
gible to most of those present, while the other chief evinced 
his patriotic fervor in strains of Indian melody. 

Mr. Ladd and his family remained until 1832, when, 
having sold to Judge Stow, they removed to a farm in 
Grand Blanc, and the Smith house, which they vacated, af- 
forded still later — in 1832 — a comfortable abiding-place for 
Lyman Stow. The latter was the firet representative of 
the blacksmith's craft, for whom John Todd erected a 
small shop, situated just across the street from the Citizen 
office. Afterwards, in response to the increasing demand 
upon his skill, Mr. Stow erected a commodious shop* of his 
own. 

During the same year, 1832, George Oliver, an English- 
man, joined the little settlement. He was at difi'erent 

* Mr. Adam C. Kline, now a resident of Grand Blano township, 
claims to liave built the first regularly appointed blacksmith-shop, in 
the winter of ISHj and "i6, and in it the first township clcctiou for 
Flint was held, in the spring of 18^6. 





RESIDENCE or J.W.B 



FLINT CITY. 



123 



periods employed by John Todd, and at llie Thread mill. 
Elijah N. Davenport came about the same time. He occu- 
pied a small log house which stood near the present site of 
IJamilton's mill, and was an early tavern-keeper. After 
remaining here but a few years he removed to Bay Cily, 
where he died. He was one of the first highway commis- 
sioners in the old town of Grand Blanc in 1833, and in 
many other capacities filled a con.'-picuous place in the 
early history of the Flint River settlement. The following 
is a literal copy of the bond entered into by himself and 
his sureties fur the faithful observance of law and good 
order in the keeping of a tavern in 1834: 

'• You, Elijah N. Davenport, do acknowlcilge to owe unto the people 
of the United States of America the sum of fifty dollars; and you, 
Benjamin Pearson and Clark Dibble, do aeknowledge to owe unto 
the people of the United States of America the sum of twenty-five 
dollars each, to be levied on your several goods and chattels, binds 
and tenements, upon condition, that \vhcreasthe above-bounden Elijah 
N. Davenport is admitted and allowed to keep a tavern for the space 
of one year next ensuing, and no longer, in the house where he now 
resides at Flint River, and no other. Now, therefore, if the said 
Elijah N. Davenport during the time aforesaid shall keep and main- 
tain good order and rule, and shall suffer no disorder, or unlawful 
games to be used in bis house, or any of the dependencies thcreejf, 
and shall not break any of the laws for the regulations of taverns, 
then this recognizance shall be void, otherwise to remain in full force 
and virtue. 

" This you do severally aeknowledge, at Grand Blanc. 

"Tekuitohy of Michigan, January Gth, 1834. 

(Signed) " E. N. Daventoiit, 

"Benjamin Peaiison, Jr., 
" Claisk Dibble." 

James McCormick was another settler of 1832. He 
purchased a s(|uatter's claim from Ezekiel K. Ewing, who 
bad no title to the land upon which he had erected a 
small cabin on the north side of the river. During Mr. 
BlcCormick's residence he worked upon the first bridge 
thrown across the Flint, at the Saginaw Street crcssing, in 
183-t, and removed from the place the following year. 

The social waters of the settlement were stirred during 
the winter of 1831-32 by the rumor of a wedding, which 
was soon afler confirmed by the marriage of Mr. George 
Oliver to Miss Keziah Toby. The services of 'Squire David 
Stanard, of Saginaw, were called into requisition, and Mr. 
and Mrs. John Todd gave them a wedding reception, as 
both parties had been in their employ. The happy pair for 
years afterwards resided in Saginaw. 

Soon after the event last mentioned, Mr. and Mrs. Todd 
determined to give a house-warming, in consequence of the 
completion of an important addition to the River House, 
or Flint River Tavern. An adequate idea of this grand 
occasion can best be given the reader by embodying a de- 
scription as related by " Aunt Polly" to one of the residents 
of Flint, many years after : 

" In February, Mr. Todd had the frame addition to his 
house all finished, and as Sam Russell — the only violinist 
in the county — was procurable, Mr. and Mrs. Todd deter- 
mined to give a house-warming. For this purpose, all the 
settlers in Flint and Grand Blanc — about thirty in number 
— were invited to the ' Flint Tavern,' to pass the following 
evening. Meantime all the ladies put thiir best garments 
in readiness, and Mrs. Tudd — who had better facilities for 
importing new articles into the settlement than many of the 



others — had a full new suit, and a splendid new dress cap, 
ready for that special occasion, all purchased some weeks 
previously by Mr. Todd, in Detroit. As the evening ad- 
vanced the guests commenced arriving, and ' Aunt Polly' 
concluded to dress up. As she appeared among the ladies, 
they all expatiated on her becoming dress, and ' perfect 
love of a cap.' Mrs. Todd, having a light in her hand at 
the time, stood opposite a looking-glass, and, casting an ad- 
miring glance at herself therein, mentally agreed that slie 
rf(V7 look well, and that it u;as 'a love of a cap.' While 
elevating the light to get a more correct view of the beau- 
tiful piece of finery, it caught in some of the delicate bor- 
ders or ribbons, and a fire ensued which reduced the gay 
head-dress to a few burned rags in less than three minutes. 
However, the tuning of the fiddle previous to the dance, .set 
the gentlemen to looking up their partners, and Mrs. Todd, 
who loved dancing, was on the floor one of the first, look- 
ingjust as well and as happy in another cap of less preten- 
tions than her lost beauty. In those times a dance was the 
only amusement looked for at any gathering, and when an 
invitation was given, it was sure to be accepted." 

In 1833 the first township election for ofiicers of the 
new town of Grand Blanc took place. Its territory in- 
cluded the settlement at Flint River, and the following 
citizens received oflBcial honors, to wit : Lyman Stow, Jus- 
tice of the Peace, and Assessor; John Todd, Highway Com- 
missioner; Elijah N. Davenport, Constable; James W. 
Cronk, Trustee of School Lands ; and George Oliver, Over- 
seer of Highways. 

From ofiicial records we find that in 1834 Elijah N. 
Davenjiort, A. F. Hayden, and James McCormick were duly 
licensed by the town board of Grand Blanc to keep taverns 
in the houses in which they then resided at Flint River. 

At this time (1834) government contractors were en- 
gaged upon the road extending from Detroit to Saginaw, 
the survey and general direction of it having been awarded 
to a man named Marshall.* 

It was also decided to dispense with Todd's ferry, and 
erect a substantial bridge over the Flint River at the foot 
of Saginaw Street. The contract to build the bridge was 
let to a Mr. Hamlin, of Oakland County. He sublet the 
job to a Mr. Davis, who removed to the hamlet with his 
family, and occupied a house owned by John Todd, situated 
upon the present site of the Presbyterian church. After 
the completion of the bridgef the family removed, but 
during their residence here a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis, who enjoyed the proud distinction of being the first 
white child born in this vicinity. 

The first female child was born the same year (1834). 
Ilcr name was Julia Isadore Todd, daughter of John Todd. 
She afterwards became Mrs. Gilbert Lyon, of Owa,sso, and 
is since deceased. 



* Some years later Marshall was frozen to death while en rvntf to 
his home in the Indian settlement of Pewonigowink. 

fin 1848, Messrs. Ilazelton A Annis, contractors, rebuilt this 
bridge, the funds for the same having been obtained by the sale of 
5000 acres of land, which were gnmted the county by the State for 
this purpose. These lands were situated in the present township of 
lla/.elt<in, Shiawa-Hsce Co. lion. E. II. Thomson, of Flint, then a 
prominent inctnber of the State Senate, was largely iiistrumeiiful in 
procuring the grant. 



124 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



It was diiring the time immediately succeeding the com- 
pletion of the bridge, and the erection of the Thread grist- 
mill by the Messrs. Stevens, that the settlement began to 
wear tlie aspect of a village. Augustus C. Stevens, brother 
of llufus W., a gentleman possessed of considerable means, 
came on from the city of Buffalo, N. Y., and joined his 
fortunes with those who had preceded him here. He pur- 
chased 200 acres, situated upon the east side of the Sagi- 
naw road, from James W. Cronk, and his capital also as- 
sisted in the construction of the grist-mill,* while at the 
same time Rufus W. Stevens established a small store, or 
trading-post, similar in its appointments, stock, and cus- 
tomers to the one he had formerly presided over in Grand 
Blanc. At this time, too, came Mr. D. O'Sullivan, the 
first school-teacher, whose history will be more fully described 
under the head of Schools. 

EAULY LAND CONVEYANCES. 

To render a more intelligible account of important 
matters connected with the early history of Flint River 
village, it is deemed necessary to digress from the chrono- 
logical order in which events have thus far been narrated, 
and to speak here more particularly of the early land con- 
veyances and first village plats. 

In 1833, James W. Cronk became the owner by pur- 
chase of the Todd domain, for which he paid $751,— Todd 
reserving his house and one and one-half acres of land. In 
August, 1834, Augustus C. Stevens purchased of Cronk 
and wife for $800 all of the section lying on the east 
side of Saginaw Street. Jan. 31, 1835, James W. Cronk 
and wife sold the remainder, or that portion lying on the 
west side of the same street, to William Morrison and J. 
C. Dubois for $1000. Si.\ months later, however, the 
Messrs. Morrison and Dubois reconveyed to Cronk for the 
same amount. Col. Cronk and wife then sold to John Todd 
the Morrison and Dubois purchase, or the lands west of Sag- 
inaw Street, for $2250, and June 9, 1835, John Todd and 
wife conveyed the same to Wait Beach. 

FIRST VILLAGE PLATS. 

On the 9th of October, 1835, John Clifford caused to 
be entered npon the records in the office of the register of 
deeds of Oakland County a map and description of a vil- 
lage plat, as surveyed by C. C. Parke, surveyor. This plat 
Wiis bounded as follows : commencing at the bridge, thence 
along Saginaw Street to Fourth, Fourth to Harrison, Har- 
rison to Kearsley, Kearsley to CliflFord, and along Clifford 
to the river. 

Wait Beach platted the west side of Saginaw Street, 
July 13, 183G, and his plat covered the lands bounded^ 
by the Flint River, Saginaw, Klevcnth, and Church Streets. 

John Clifford and others platted that portion of the city 
bounded by the Flint River, thence along East Street to 
Court, Court to Saginaw, Saginaw to Fourth, Fourth to 
Harrison, Harrison to Kearsley, Kearsley to CliS'ord, and 
Clifford to the river, Sept. 6, 1836. 

Elisha Beach platted the tract bounded by Eleventh, 
Pine, Fifteenth, and West Streets, Sept. 22, 183G. 

* This mill was built under the supervision of, and placed in work- 
ing order by, a millwright named Gillclt. 
t Not exact, only a general description. 



Chauncey S. Payne platted and offered for sale lots in 
the village of Grand Traverse, Jan. 12, 1837. This plat 
lay upon the east side of Saginaw Street, and was bounded 
by the river, Saginaw and North Streets. Four days later 
he made an addition on the west side of Saginaw Street, 
which was bounded by the latter street. North and West 
Streets, and the Flint River. 

Except the first, these plats were all surveyed by Capt. 
Ilervey Parke, of Pontiac. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS, KESUMED. 

Oliver A. Wesson became a settler in 1835, and was first 
employed as a clerk. In 1837 he married Sarah, a daugh- 
ter of Harlow Beach, and afterwards was known as an 
active citizen and one of the early merchants. John M. 
Cumings also came the same year, and later was engaged 
in land operations and mercantile pursuits. 

Until the year 1836 all the public lands, from Detroit to 
the mouth of the Saginaw River, were offered for sale at 
the United States land-office in Detroit. John Biddle, a 
brother of the famous Nicholas Biddle, of United States 
Bank memory, was the register, and Maj. Jonathan Kears- 
ley, a veteran of the war of 1812, the receiver. One of 
the principal streets of the city was named after him, as 
was also Kearsley Creek. 

The great stream of emigration, extending north of Pon- 
tiac, and reaching the valley of the Saginaw, induced the 
general government, upon petition, to open a land-office at 
Flint. Gen. Charles C. Hascall was appointed receiver, 
and Michael Hoffman, Esq., a prominent citizen of the 
State of New York, accepted the office of register. With 
the opening of the land-office came the necessity for a post- 
office, and the appointment of Lyman Stow, Esq., as the 
first postmaster, soon followed. 

The establishment of these offices and William Clifford's 
line of stages to Pontiac gave a new impetus to the vil- 
lages, and their population and business rapidly increased. 

Among those who settled here during the years 1836, 
1837, and 1838 were Robert D. Lamond, Ira D. Wright, 
Dr. John A. Hoyes (the first resident physician), Robert 
F. Stage, Robert J. S. Page, Thomas R. Cumings, Wil- 
lard Eddy, William Eddy, Orrin Salford, James McAlcs- 
ter, Waldo Howard, D. S. Seeley, Wait Beach, William 
Pattcr.son, Dr. George W. Fish, Daniel S. Freeman, Asa 
Andrews, Col. Thomas B. W. Stockton, Benjamin Pearson, 
John Bartow, Edward II. Thomson, Lewis Buckingham, 
Lewis G. Bickford, George H. Hazelton, Miles Gazlay, 
Ward Gazlay, Artemas Thayer, Edmond Miles, James 
Henderson, Henry M. Henderson, Grant Decker, Rev. 
Daniel E. Brown, Eugene Vandeventer, John Townsend, 
James B. Walker, Henry C. Walker, Elijah B. Witherbee, 
Dr. Elijah Drake, W. Lake, Charles Heale, Chauncey Bar- 
ber, Rev. John Beach, Giles Bishop, Sr., Giles Bishop, 
Russell Bishop, J. C. Griswold, David Foote, George J. 
W. Hill, Nicholas Russell, Samuel Alport, William Moon, 
George M. Dewey, Chauncey S. Payne, Charles Seymour, 
William A. Morrison, William Clifford, R. McCreery, 
James Birdsall, Thomas J. Drake, Addison Stewart, Dan- 
iel B. Lyon, and Ephraim S. Williams. 

The first mercantile enterprise of any importance withiu 



FLINT CITY. 



125 



the youna; and growing village was inaugurated by Messrs. 
Robert F. Stage and Ira D. Wright, who came to th ; State 
ill 1835, and first located in Grand Bhinc, where tiiey re- 
mained until a suitable store could be erected for them at 
Flint River. After the completion of this store in 183(5, 
and which was located on Mill and Saginaw Stroet.s, not 
far from the bridge, they removed their stock, and trans- 
acted a large trade both with the settlers and the Indians. 
Mr. Wright,* who is still living and a resident of the city, 
states that their stock was valued at §20,000. The store 
was a substantial frame building, the upper story of which 
was used as a public hall. In it were convened all the 
religious meetings of the day, and the first court was held 
within its walls. Rufus W. Stevens and Wait Beach were 
both early merchants, but it seems clear that no business of 
consequence was transacted until the arrival of Messrs. 
Stage and Wright. Robert F. Stage died in Flint in 1847. 
His widow, who is now Mrs. Champlin, still resides in the 
city. When these gentlemen came some doubts were 
expressed as to their maintaining their status with the 
Indians, and an intimation was given them that their 
ascendency over them, once lost, could never be regained. 
Their sub-sequent career proved them to be as intre])id and 
firm as Uncle John Todd and Aunt Polly. Mr. Wright, 
whose Indian name was Muckataquettc (Black Storm), was 
not only a merchant, but a practical tanner, and built the 
first tannery in 1842. He never followed the trade in Flint, 
but soon after its completion sold the tannery to Barker & 
Pattei-son. The earliest carpenter- work was done by a man 
named Kittridge, from Vermont, who built the house for- 
merly occupied by Davis, on the site of the present Pres- 
byterian church. Mr. Todd gave him the ground (one 
acre^ on which it stood. Kittridge, having become dis- 
contented, returned to Pontiac, and Mr. Todd purchased the 
property of him. 

The year 1836 seems to have been one of considerable 
historical interest, many arrivals having occurred at that 
period, and the business of the place having received a new 
impulse from the presence of new settlers. During that 
year came Renjamin Cotharin, at present one of the leading 
merchants of the city, and a director of the First National 
Bank. He reached the settlement one bright morning on 
a diminutive pony, his stock in trade consisting of a .side 
of leather fastened behind him, and his intention being to 
follow his craft of boot and shoe making. Meeting Ira D. 
Wright, he inquired whether it was possible to secure pas- 
ture for his pony, and, receiving an affirmative reply, he 
made a bargain at eighteen pence a week. Upon iisking 
where the pasture was to be found, the reply was, " Any- 



* In 1848 tho general government found that miiny depredations 
wore being committed upon its timber Innds situated throughout tho 
State of Michigan, nnd Ira D. Wright was appointed to tho oOiee of 
United States timber agent. He held tho position for three years, 
and relates many interesting experiences which occurred during his 
official term, lie was empowered to seize all timber cut by poachers, 
and compel the culprits to a settlement at two-thirds its value. The 
parties wore then obliged to enter the land upon which they had com- 
mitted thefts. The proeei^s of recovering often proved exceedingly 
dangerous, tho officials frequently meeting with a resistance similar to 
that olTcred by the " .Moonshiners" of the present. On one occasion 
Mr. Wright found a gang of po.achors running sixteen saws, and the 
timl>er seized he appraised at $10,0011. 



where on the commons." Mr. Wright, having received 
the first week's pay in advance, generously appropriated it 
to treating the bystanders, and the commons afterwards 
was known an " Ira Wright's Pasture." Mr. Cotharin 
boarded with Mr. Todd, and located his shop just north of 
the city-hall. He was the pioneer shoemaker, and Mrs. 
Todd was tho happy owner of the first pair of shoes made 
by him. Mr. Wright, however, may be regarded as having 
led the fashion of the day, and given encouragement to the 
earliest tailoring enterprise. 

Messrs. Seeley and Howard came in 1836, and opened a 
shop over Stage & Wright's store, and Mr. Wright's person 
was adorned with the first garment made by these gentle- 
men. In their shop the first meeting of the board of 
supervisors was held. At this early date bricks were not 
abundant, the few that were manufactured having been 
used almost exclusively for building chimneys. Later, 
kilns were con.structed across the river from John Todd's, 
and bricks made for that gentleman by Samuel Russell and 
Alden Tuppor. Beyond the Thread River was a brick- 
yard owned by Reuben Tupper and Silas Pierce. A man 
named Moulton was the earliest bricklayer, and his services 
were much in demand in building chimneys for the frame 
houses then being erected. A brick store, erected for 
George H. Hazelton, was an object of admiration, and gave 
an air of commercial importance to Saginaw Street. This 
store — the first built of brick— still stands, and is at present 
occupied by James Sullivan. 

Lewis Buckingham and his family came from Livingston 
Co., N. Y., in 1833, and located four miles north of Flint 
River, on the present boundary-line between Genesee and 
Mount Morris townships. Having been elected the first 
sheriff of the county in 1836, he removed to Flint, and 
now resides in the city. 

William A. Morrison came the same year and engaged 
in lumbering. He was soon after elected to the position 
of county clerk. 

Addison Stewart was another pioneer trader, who brought 
from the East a stock of goods, and opened a tratfic with 
the settlers and Indians, in 1833, at his farm, two miles 
north of the village, on the Saginaw road, where he died 
in 1848. 

In the year 1836, Russell Bishop embarked in com- 
mercial pursuits, and he was, four years later, followed by 
his brother Giles. They have since that time resided in 
the city, and contributed materially to its prosperity. The 
Siime year came Daniel B. Lyon, one of the oldest living 
residents of the city. He has during his life been actively 
engaged in business pursuits. The year 1836 witnessed 
the advent of a small colony from Bat;ivia and the adjacent 
parts of Genesee Co., N. Y. Some of these gentlemen 
were influenced to come to the West by the excitement 
which followed the anti- Masonic troubles. 

Among them was Willard Eddy, who came in 1835 and 
remained a brief lime. The following year he became a 
permanent resident, and aided materially in the growth of 
the city, having been, with other gentlemen, instrumental in 
establishing the first bank in Flint. He was the father of 
Hon. Jerome Eddy, late mayor, and one of the representa- 
tive business men of the city. William ]']ddy came some 



126 



HISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



years later. Thomas 11. Cuminjrs became a permanent 
resideut in 1836, as did also C. C. Ilascall, Robert J. S. 
Page, and Lewis G. Bickford, the latter gentleman for a 
period of twenty years having served as justice of the 
peace. Robert Patrick located in 1835, and assisted in 
the construction of the first grist-mill. 

John Bartow succeeded Michael Hoffman as register of 
the land-office, he being the second incumbent. 

Orrin Safford, who .still survives, and resides in the city, 
came in 1836. lie was one of the first justices of the 
peace in Flint township, and has during his residence been 
honored with many oflaces in the gift of the people. Col. 
E. II. Thomson arrived in the State in 1837, and located 
in Atlas, then Lapeer County. Foreseeing the future 
grow th of the little village, he removed to Flint in October 
of the same year, and has since resided in the city, one of 
the prominent representatives of the legal profession, and a 
gentleman of scholarly attainments. 

Ephraim S. Williams became a citizen of Flint in 1837, 
and was one of the early merchants, as was also George M. 
Dewey, who came the same year, and has since been largely 
engaged in land operations. 

Chaunccy S. Payne, whose name appears conspicuou.sly 
as one of the parties in the litigation involving the Smith 
reservations, came in 1837, from Detroit. Being a large 
land-owner, he did much by liberal gifts to encourage the 
growth of the city. Henry M. Henderson was among the 
earliest residents who by their activity and business tact 
made themselves felt in the growth of the city. lie first 
came to the State in 1836, and the following year settled 
in Flint. He built a block of stores as early as 1842, and 
conducted a large mercantile business. Mr. Henderson 
died in 1870. 

Rev. James McAlester was a former resident of Living- 
ston Co., N. Y., and became a citizen of Flint in 1836. 
He was engaged for many years in ministerial labor, and 
aided in the organization of several Methodist churches in 
the county. Mr. McAlester followed the occupation of a 
wagon-maker, and devoted his Sabbaths to clerical labor. 
Daniel S. Freeman, who was also, and is still, a local 
preacher, made a purchase of land, in 1835, and removed 
here the following year from Sussex Co., N. J. In early 
years he followed blacksmithing here. 

Artemas Thayer may with propriety be numbered among 
the most active of the early settlers in promoting the ad- 
vancement of the city. He reached the State in 1837, and 
two years after removed to Flint to pursue liis profession 
as a lawyer. He has been much engaged in real estate 
operations, and has done much to improve the city. 

Hon. James B. Walker arrived in the village of Flint 
River as eaVly as 1836. He was for many years engaged 
in commercial pursuits, but afterwards identified himself 
with the State charitable institutions, and was also active 
in promoting enterprises for the welfare of the city. He 
died here in 1877. 

Dr. George W. Fish began his practice here in 1839, 
and ha.s been since Actively engaged in the duties of his 
profession, and in the various public positions to which he 
has been called. At the present time he is United States 
coii.-^ti! at Tunis, in .\fiica. 



Rev. Daniel E. Brown, who founded here the first Prot- 
estant Epi.scopal church in this part of the State, came also 
in 1839, and died here Aug. 6, 1873, aged seventy-nine years. 
An obituary notice said of him, " The bell of St. Paul's 
tolled for its old master, and the old church was draped in 
mourning for its founder." It was he who hewed with his 
own hands (there being no one else to do it) the stone in 
which the deposits were made, and he also assisted in lay- 
ing the foundations of the church edifice, which through 
his untiring efforts was completed and consecrated July 30, 
1843. The services at his funeral were the last held in 
the old church. He was not denominationally exclusive, 
and his kindness and generosity to the poor of all classes 
were proverbial. He served in the army during the war of 
1812, also in 1861-65, and for many years was a member 
of the State board of education. 

During the year 1840 occurred the Harrison campaign, 
and a " Log-Cabin, Hard-Cider Mass Meeting" was held in 
Flint River village.* The demonstration was an important 
and to those present a never-to-be-forgotten one, as it called 
forth a large majority of the inhabitants of Genesee 
County, who, with banners flying and drums beating, as- 
sembled in such numbers as to occasion profound surprise 
at the greatly increased population of the new county. 

Col. Thomas B. W. Stockton, who served with dis- 
tinction in the Mexican war as colonel of the First Michi- 
gan Volunteers, and also in command of a Michigan regi- 
ment during the war of the Rebellion, early made Flint his 
home. He is a liberal and public-spirited citizen, and still 
resides here. 

Austin B. Witherbee came with his parents to Flint 
in 1841. He grew up from boyhood in this city, and, 
after a brief career of great usefulness, died in 1871, sin- 
cerely mourned by the entire community. 

The resident tax-p.ayers in the villages of Flint River 
and Grand Traverse, in the year 1845, were as follows : 



Ayhvanl, AVilHam. 
Alport, Samuel. 
Allen, Henry. 
Armstrong. James W. 
Andrews, Asa. 
Allen, James P. 
Beach, John. 
Beach, Seth C, * Co. 
Bickforil. Lewis G. 
Bishop, Russell. 
Bartow, John. 
Butler, .Tolin. 
Baldwin, Cyrus H. 
Brown, Chauncey. 
Booth, Joel A. 
Blades, William. 
Beardsley, Am/.i. 
Bishop, Giles. 
Buckingham, Lewis. 
Brown, Daniel E. 
Booth, Wm. W. 
Beach, Asahel H. 
Clawson, Henry N. 
Crandall. William P. 
Cliffor.l, William B. 
Carrier, Erastus K. 
Cadwell, Edward. 



Clitford, John. 
Conklin, Gilbert. 
Culver, Alfred. 
Coleman, John D., printing- 
office. 
Carron & Cummings. 
Church, Emery. 
Carn.s, Josei)h. 
Colbraith, William. 
Childs, Charles. 
Case, Milton. 

Clark, Dr., and J. K. Rugg. 
Cumings, Thomas R. 
Cumings, John M. 
Clark, Henry. 
Culver & Smith. 
Crosraan, .\lvin T. 
Dewey, George M. 
Dclong, Thomas N. 
Dilt^, Samuel. 
Daniels, Ira. 
Decker & Pingrey. 
Decker, Grant. 
Drake, Elijah. 
Davis, Alexander P. 
Darling, .Tames. 
Dc GralT, Peter. 



* The old Smith cabin then served as henilquarters for tho Flint 

and (Jrand Traverse Tippecanoe clubs. 



uM^-^s^m wi 





FLINT CITY. 



127 



Edily, Willard. 
Edily, Williiim. 
Eu!<tuian, Bradbury. 
Footc, David. 
Ferris, Alonzo. 
Field, Bctliucl. 
Fish, George W. 
Freeman, Daniel S. 
Freeman, .Iu.«e]>li. 
Fay, Cliarlea. 
Ferguson, .Tames. 
Goodrieb, Jolin, 
(lailay. Ward. 
Gazlay, Miles. 
Gazlay, W. A M. 
Gavtlay, Williaui, Jr. 
Gould, Charles H. 
Gillct, Amos. 
Oluvcr, lienj. S. 
Graham, AK-xandor. 
Griswold, John C. 
Hcmpsted, Alonzo. 
lloyes, .Joiin A. 
Ilazclton, George II. 
IlazeltoD 4 Patterson. 
}{eale, Charles. 
Henderson. Henry M. 
Henderson, James. 
Henderson, H. M. & James. 
Higgins, Ht-nry I. 
Higgins & Pratt. 
Hayvvard, Rufus. 
Hopkins, George S. 
Hamilton, John. 
Hill, George J. W. 
Holmes, Frederiek. 
Huff, Thomas. 
Haggerty, Bernard. 
Hilton, William. 
Hiekox, F. A. 
Hudson, John, 
Hascall, Charles C. 
Hcale, (ieorge. 
Hill, Leonard H. 
Hart, Nathaniel. 
Hydraulic Association. 
Ingcrsoll, Morgan. 
Jacockes, Rev. Mr. 
Kline, John A. 
Kimball, Anson. 
Kress, Azariab. 
Low, Spencer F. 
Le Roy, Henry W. 
Law, Anson. 
Lamond, Robert D. 
Lyon, William H. C. 
Law, Orrin. 
Lc Roy, Robert. 
Murray, John. 
Manning, James M. 
Moon, William. 
Mcrriman, Isaiah. 
McAlestcr, James. 
Mackin, John. 
Miles, Kduiond. 
Morris, B. B. 
Mathews, Jesse A. 
Miles &■ Case. 
Morrow, Henry. 
Ottowuy, .John. 



Page, Robert J. S. 
Patterson, William. 
Pratt, John. 
Parkhurst, Nathan. 
Parshall, D. S. 
Pearson <t Hamilton. 
Pearson, Benjamin. 
Payne, Cbauncey S. 
Patrick, Robert. 
Rail, Jacob W. 
Rockwell. Benjamin. 
Kussell, Nicholas. 
Roosevelt, Cornelius. 
Rice, William. 
Ryno, .Stiles. 
Randall, Samuel. 
Rose, Martin. 
Skinner, i*ratt R. 
Sprague, George R. 
Sutton, John. 
Safford, Orrin. 
Stow, Merrick. 
Stevens, Rufus W. 
Stevens, Augustus C. 
Scovillc, William R. 
Sherwood, William B. 
Smith, Mix. 
Stage, Robert F. 
Smith, Andrew G. 
Sperry, George. 
Stow, Lyman. 
Stewart, Addisnn. 
Seymour, Charles. 
Stockton, Thomas B. W. 
Smith, Simon. 
Stevens &. Vaudevcnter. 
Scott, Salmon. 
Skinner, John. 
Trumbull, Andrew J, 
Topper. Harrison. 
Trustees M. E. Church. 
Townsend, .r<diu. 
Thomson. Edward II. 
Thayer, Artemas. 
Thayer, William. 
Todd, John. 
Tcnney, Edwin A. 
Tenney, Rufus. 
Traverse, .John. 
Todd, Jonathan. 
Trickey, Luther. 
Vandeventer, Eugene. 
Vainleventer i Stevens. 
Van Haun, Addison. 
Witherbee, E. B. 
Withcrbcc, E. B., & Co. 
Walker, James B. 
Wicks A Smith. 
Williams, Elias. 
Williams, Elias, i Co. 
Walker, Henry C. 
Wright, (ieorgo W., i. Co. 
Wright, Ira D. 
Watson, David. 
Wicks, .Samuel B. 
Worden, Isaac A. 
Wheeler, Isaiah. 
Weston, Harvey C. 
Whitwam, Samuel. 



Hon. Levi Walker, a gentleman who for years was 
clasely iduntiiieJ with the social, commercial, and educa- 
tional interests of tiie city, became a resident in 1847. 



He was ever regarded as among its foremost representative 
citizens, and died in L-.insing while a member of the State 
Legislature. 

Few among the early residents who have passed away 
have left more tender memories behind than Hon. William 
M. Fenton. Coming to the county in 1837, he engaged in 
mercantile and real estate operations at Fentonville. In 
the year 1850 he came to this city, where he resided till 
his death, which occurred Nov. 12, 1871. In the various 
high civil positions to which he was called, as well as during 
his service in the army, his record was such as to win for 
him the cordial admiration and regard of all who knew 
him. He purchased the property of E. H. Thomson, on 
the corner of Beach and Second Streets, occupying it for 
many years. Later, his son-in-law, Col. William B. Mc- 
Creery, late State treasurer, remodeled the Beach House to 
its present elegant proportions. Col. McCreory, although 
but a lad when his father settled in Genesee County, has 
for years been closely connected with the official and 
material interests of his city and State. 

In the year 1848, Royal W. Jenny became a resident of 
Flint and succeeded to the publication of the Flint lie- 
piiUicau, which he later changed to the Genesee Democrat. 
Mr. Jenny, who died in 1870, was held in high esteem by 
all who knew him. His family still reside in the city. 

Francis H. Rankin established the Wolverine Citizen, 
known first as the Whiy, in 1S50, the year of his settle- 
ment in Flint. He has published it continuously since 
that time, and has been the recipient of many official hon- 
ors during his residence in the city. In the year 1856, 
Henry H. Crapo made Flint his home, and engaged very 
extensively in lumbering operations, having purchased large 
tracts of timber-land in other counties. He later became 
the Governor of the Slate, and was regarded as one of the 
mo.st able and judicious officers who ever filled the execu- 
tive chair of Michigan. 

Oreu Stone has been a resident of Flint since 1857, and 
is one of its foremost citizens in enterprise and public 
spirit. He is largely engaged in the manufacture of 
woolen goods. 

INCORPORATION AS A CITY. 

The villages of Grand Traverse and Flint River con- 
tinued on with a steady and uneventful growth until the 
year 1855. Streets were regularly laid out and built upon, 
but no municipal organization existed, and the villages were 
still under the jurisdiction of Flint township. 

In the early part of January, 1855, the subject of a 
separate organization was agitated. All agreed as to its 
feasibility, but there was much difference of opinion ;is to 
the advantage of a city over a village charter. The fol- 
lowing article from a leading local paper of that date 
embodies the sentiments of those who were in favor of a 
city charter : 

" A word now upon the propriety of having our incor- 
poration a city. It is conceded on all hands that we should 
be incorporated. It is also true that a village charter might 
meet our present requirements, but within the limits of the 
proposed corporation wo have already as many iiihabitanta 
as the city of Grand Rapids had when incorporated, and 



128 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



considerably more than the city of Adrian when she got her 
charter. And at the rate at which we have been growing for 
two or three years past, if we should now be incorporated 
as a village, it is almost a matter of course that we should 
find it necessary to have our village charter changed for a 
city one by the time the next Legislature meets, two years 
hence. By obtaining a city charter now we obviate the 
necessity of appearing again before the Legislature within 
a short interval." 

Jan. 18, 1855, a citizens* meeting was held in the court- 
house to consider the subject of a city charter, and after 
several hours of spirited debate Gen. C. C. Ilascall, Levi 
Walker, Charles N. Beecher, F. H. Rankin, James Bird- 
sail, George M. Dewey, and C. S. Payne were chosen a 
committee to draft the provisions of the proposed charter. 
Of that committee Messrs. Dewey and Rankin alone sur- 
vive. The draft was presented to an adjourned citizens' 
meeting, and after further discussion adopted. The busi- 
ness of working over a settlement into a city was gone 
through with by the Legislature with its customary dispatch, 
and the act of incorporation became a law by the approval 
of Governor Bingham, Feb. 13, 1855. 

The act of incorporation described the city boundaries as 
follows : 

"Section 1. The People of the JS'Uite of Michigan enact: That so 
much of the township of Flint, in the County of Genesee, as is in- 
cluded in the following limits, to wit: Beginning on the left bunk of 
Flint River, at the junction of the Thread River, running thence up 
said Thread River to the Saginaw road, so called; thence cast on the 
south line of section eighteen, town seven north, of range seven east 
to the southeast corner of said section eighteen; thence north to the 
north line »tf the Northern wagon-road, so called ; thence northwest- 
erly along said north line to the southeasteily line of the McNeal west 
subdivision; thence so as to include the whole of said west subdi- 
visii>n ; thence from the southeasterly comer of land known as the 
Stevens purchase and now belonging to Benjamin Bearson, north- 
westerly to the southerly line of the Richfield road, so called, passing 
the Imrying-ground in Flint; thence northeasterly on said line to a 
point ojiposite the easterly corner of said burying-ground ; thence 
northwci-terly to the northerly corner of said burying-grouud ; thence 
southwesterly to the westerly corner of said hurying-ground ; thence 
northwesterly to the Flint River; thence down the centre of said 
river, to the place of beginning ; also, so much of the said township 
of Flint as is included in the following limits, to wit : Beginning on 
the right b:»nk of Flint River, opposite the island at the junction of 
Flint and Thread Rivers, at the spring where Cbauncey 8. Payne has 
a hydraulic ram; thenee north to the line between subdivision lots 
thirteen nnd fourteen of great lots, or sections three and four, of 
Smith's Reservation : thence along said line to the line between great 
lots, or sections two and three, of Smith's Reservation ; thence due 
north to Detroit Street extended ; thence along said street to the north 
line of subdivision lot five of a part of great lot two, according to the 
recorded plat ; thence east along said line to the Saginaw plank-road ; 
thence south along the line of said plank-road to Alexander McFar- 
land's north line; thence east along said line to the Flint River; 
thence down the centre of said river to the place of beginning; be, 
and the same is hereby set off from said township, and declared to be 
a city, by the name of the ' City of Flint,' 

" Section 2. The freemen of said city, from time to time being 
inhabitants thereof, shall be and continue to be a body corporate and 
politic, by the name of the * mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the 
city of Flint.' . . . 

'•Section 5. The said city shall be divided into three wards, as fol- 
lows : The first ward shall embrace all that portion of the city lying 
north of Flint River; the second ward shall embrace all that portion 
of the city lying south of Flint River and cast of the centre of Sagi- 
naw Street; and the third ward shall embrace all that portion of 
the city lying south of Flint River and west of the centre of Saginaw 
Street. . . . 



"Section 6. Designated the following polling]daces for the first 
charter election : ' That of the first ward at the Scotch Block ; that of 
the second ward at Lyon's Hotel; that of the third ward at the office 
of the county clerk : Piuvided^ (hat the electors of either of said wanls 
when assembled, by a vote of the majority of those present, may ad- 
journ the election to any other place in such ward.* " 

The first charter election was held April 2, 1865, and 
the officers then declared elected were as follows: Grant 
Decker, Mayor ; Levi Walker, Recorder ; Charles N. 
Beecher, Supervisor; Elihu F. Frary, Treasurer ; Corndius 
lloosvelt, Marshal ; Benjamin Pearson, Henry I. Hijrgins, 
Directors of the Poor ; Daniel Clark, School Inspector ; 
Charles Seymour, Levi Walker, Lewis G. Bickford, and 
Willard Eddy, Justices of the Peace. 

Ward Officers. — First Ward : George M. Dewey, James 
W. Armstrong, Aldermen ; Asahel Fuller, Assessor ; Wil- 
liam Moon, Street Commissioner ; Cyrus A. Goff, Constable. 
Second Ward : Benjamin Pearson, David Mather, Alder- 
men ; William Hamilton, Assessor; William Eddy, Street 
Commissioner; Erastus K. Carrier, Constable. Third 
Ward: William M. Fenton, A. T. Crosman, Aldermen; 
David Foot, Assessor ; John C. Griswold, Street Commis- 
sioner ; Daniel L. Nash, Constable. 

The new city then contained a population of about 2000* 
inhabitants. Its first assessment roll returned an aggregate 
valuation of S450,G01. The amount of taxes levied and 
collected on this roll was $3320.92, which was applied for 
the following purposes: 

State and county $1136.50 



School District No. I 

" No.2 

Military lax 

Highway taxe.-* returned , 

For city purposes, including collector's fees.,., 



2S7.1fi 

2 1 5.1)6 

22.21 
1162.:^0 



$3320.92 

Those residents assessed for taxation in 1855 were: 



.Allen, John C. 
Aplin, Samuel. 
Andrews, Asa. 
Adams, Eber. 
Aylward, William. 
Alport, Samuel. 
Anderson, Reuben. 
Atchinson, Abbey. 
Andrews, George. 
Alexander, B. F. 
Ackenuan, William. 
Atherton, Ama. 
Atherton, Mrs. A. 
Arnold, Lewis. 
Aplin, Thomas. 
Allen, Sarah. 
Armstrong & Co. 
Armstrong, J. W. 
Allen & Randall. 
Barney, W. M. 
Baker, William. 
Buzzel, John. 
Booth, Joel A. 
Baltay, William. 
Bickford, Lewis G, 
Blades, J. H. C. 
Behee, George. 
Bearsley, Stephen, 



Barrow?, J. C. 
Bump, David. 
Beardslee, A. 
Behan, John. 
Bishop, Giles. 
Bishop, Russell. 
Bishop, R. & I. 
Blades, William. 
Beecher, Charles N, 
Beecher it Uiggins. 
Bailey. Jarvis. 
Birdsall, James. 
Birdsall, Jesse. 
Barker A Patterson. 
Baker, Mrs. 
Branch, Thomas, 
Belcher & French. 
Bevins. Nancy. 
Bump, Anderson. 
Cumings & Carton. 
Campbell, Ten Eyck. 
Collins, Orson. 
Chambers, William D. 
Curtis, Daniel. 
Clark, William. 
Clark, W. & J. B. 
Curtis vt Son. 
Cuming."*, Thomas R. 



'^' The United States census returns, at various periods, have re- 
ported the population as follows: 1850, 1670; 1860, 2950; 1S70, 
5386, State census of 1874, 8197. The United States census for ISSO 
will probably show a population exceeding 11,000 inhabitants. 



FLINT CITY. 



129 



Crandall, William P. 


Fenton & Bishop. 


Lake, Warner. 


Robinson, Isaac N. 


Crosman, A. T. 


Foss, John. 


Lake, Nicholas. 


Rice, Charles. 


Cary, Alonzo. 


Griffith, Orrin. 


Lake, John. 


Rising, II. C. 


Costillo, Andrew. 


Garlaml, John. 


Lee, Edward. 


Ripley A Armstrong. 


Croff, Abncr. 


Goff, Cyrus II. 


Lee, Thomas. 


Russell. N. 


Cudncy, I'liarlcs H. 


Gilktt, Amos. 


Lamond, Robert D. 


Rice, William. 


Carney, Janjes. 


Goslin, James If. 


Lewis, Royal D. 


Stevenson, William. 


Charles, William. 


Griswold, Martha. 


Ladd, Nathaniel. 


Smith, A. G. 


Conkling A Kellogg. 


(lolden. Robert. 


Lowe, A. V. 


Stillson, Harris. 


Carman & Lovejoy. 


Gazlay, William. 


Laey, Albert D. 


Seymour, Charles. 


Carman, Joseph. 


(ioodrich, 0. C. 


Leister, Thomas. 


Sutton, John. 


Collins, William. 


Green, S. M. 


Lanckton, Caleb. 


Scovillo, William R. 


Cooper, Hiram. 


Guild, Mrs. 


Mc.^lester, James. 


Stewart, E. M. 


Cornell, D. 15. 


Gazlay, Miles. 


Morrison A Eddy. 


Seaton, William. 


Curtis, Samuel. 


Gazlay, AVard. 


Moore, James. 


Stevens, A. C. (estate of). 


Culver, George. 


Gahan, AN'illiani. 


Miles, Manley. 


Saunders, Mrs. 


Clark, Daniel. 


Gilliuan, D. 


Mowry, Henry. 


Stage, Mrs. 


Clark, Widow. 


Gahan & Decker. 


Moore, Stephen. 


Smith, Rev. George. 


Carrier, Krastus K. 


Golden, William. 


Moon, William. 


Skinner A Martin. 


Craft, Josiah. 


Hamilton, John B. 


Mason, Jared. 


Sliter, II. M. 


Case, Mrs. 


Hu-hes, Michael. 


Marshall, ^Villiam. 


Stow, Mrs. 


Cadwell, Edward. 


Ilolbrook, James. 


Merch, Silas P. 


Swan, Rev. John. 


Clark, 11. 0. 


Ilogan, Thomas. 


jNIeFarlan, Alexander. 


Safford, Orrin. 


Culver, Edward. 


Hubbard, Malinda. 


Morse, Lorenzo D. 


Simmons, T. 


Cuniings, Elizabeth. 


Hubbard, William R. 


Merriman, Isaiah. 


Spcrry, George. 


Culver, Alfred. 


Ileale, Charles. 


McMinaman, Pat. 


Seeley, Mark D. 


Caufman, . 


Henderson, James. 


McColIum, James. 


Stafford, Etlniond. 


Clark, . 


Holmes, Frederick. 


Molhersill, William. 


Summers, Charles II. 


Dcceuninck, Charles L. 


Henderson, Henry JI. 


Miles, Mrs. E. 


, Surryhne, William. 


Dodge, Nathaniel. 


Higgins, Henry I. 


McNamee, B. 


Stewart, P. II. 


Danes, Frederick B. 


Higgins, C. R. 


Miles, Mrs. Isaac. 


Skidmore, John. 


Dewey, George JI. 


Hopkins. G. S. 


Jlillcr, William. 


Stewart, Mrs. 


Dewey, D. D. 


Hood, George F. 


Mather, David. 


Stow, George. 


Dewey A Crosman. 


Hawkins, AVilliam. 


McCall, Philip. 


Thomson. E. H. 


Dewey A Pearson. 


Hill, George J. W. 


Mattison, Seth A. 


Trainer, Patrick. 


Darling, Asa. 


Higgins & IJrothci'. 


Morse, David. 


Trickey, Luther. 


Decker, James C. 


Ilazelton, George U. 


Neweomb, Henry. 


Thurbcr, William M. 


Davis. A. P. 


Hagert}', Mrs. 


Nash, Daniel L. 


Thaj'cr, William. 


I>elbri<lge, .John. 


Haseall, Charles C. 


. Neweomb, Thomas. 


Tolles, Henry. 


Dawson, Richard. 


Hamilton, Wm. & 0. 


Newell, Thomas. 


Thayer, Artemas. 


Drake. Elijah. 


Hamilton, William. 


O'SulIivan, Daniel. 


Tollaver, William. 


Decker, Grant. 


llaniilton, 0. 


O'Dunoughue, Washington. 


Todd, John. 


Darling. James. 


Harrison, Andrew. 


Olmsted, Gosen. 


True, William W. 


Doran, John. 


Howell, Isaac. 


Ottoivay, Steidien II. 


Terrill, David. 


Dana, Chauneey. 


Hamilton, John. 


Petlee A Brother. 


Utley, Elisha. 


Dewi*toe, C. J. 


Hill, Cary. 


Parrish, Jasper. 


Van Ness, Peter. 


De Graff, Peter. 


Howard, Mrs. 


P.-itrick, William. 


Van Syckle, G. A. 


Eldridge, I. N. 


Higgins, M.E. 


Pearsons, William. 


Van Titllin, Schuyler. 


E<Idy, Jerome. 


Harper, Lemuel L. 


People's Bank. 


Van Tilllin, Reuben. 


Edily, Willard. 


Haver, William. 


Payne, Chauneey S. 


\*an Vechten, M. B. 


Eddy. William. 


Ilawley, John. 


I'carsoll, Harry. 


AV heeler, Shepanl. 


Eglc, George. 


Henry, Eunice. 


Phelps, II. C. 


A\ood, H. W. 


Elmore, M. S. 


Howe, Mrs. \\'m. 


Patrick, Charles. 


Warren, Thomas. 


Elstow, Samuel. 


Hunt, Perry. 


Pearson, Benjamin. 


Wolverton, Stephen. 


Fogarty, John. 


Iron, W. W. 


Parks, Thomas. 


Whiting, John W. 


Fairchil.l, Philo. 


Jones, Hansom. 


Pet tee, W. N. 


Wiseman, Lymivu. 


Failing, Levi. 


Johnson, Edwin. 


Perry, II. W. 


Watson, David. 


Fenton, William M. 


Jenny, Royal W, 


Patter.son, William. 


AVait, (leorge. 


Fleming, Mrs. 


.Jackson, It. H. 


Pralt, Mrs. Rcxana. 


M'alker, Levi. 


Fish, Mrs. Octavia. 


.Joy, John. 


Parker, Rev. Orson. 


Walkley A Pifford. 


Frary, Frank E. 


Johnson & IJIanchard. 


Pratt, II. R. 


Warren, Samuel N. 


Foot, David. 


.Judd, Richard. 


Pettce, E. N. 


Williams, Ephraim S. 


Firman, Josiah. 


Kirby, George, A Co. 


Page, Robert J. S. 


Wesson, Leonard. 


French, Susan. 


Keyes, Douglass. 


Palmer, J. W. 


Wing, Mrs. 


Frizy-ell, Samuel. 


Kline, Joseph. 


Quick, David. 


Wicks, Samuel B. 


Freeman, Daniel S. 


Kejit, • . 


Quiglcy A Holgate. 


Willett, John. 


Fuller, Charles L. 


Kline, Mrs. James. 


Qnig'ey, .John. 


Wilherbee, Mrs. 


Fuller, Asahel. 


Ivellogg, Marion. 


Randall, Abner. 


Ward, Ale.\ander. 


Farrell, Richard. 


Kline, Jidin A. 


Rankin, Francis II. 


Wood, T. F. 


Forsyth, 0. F. 


Knickerbocker, I'enncr. 


Ryan, Daniel. 


Watkins, Nathan. 


Frecland, Cornelius. 


Dink, .lohn. 


Richards, Richard. 
Runyon, Content. 


Al'.»*. .1 Ik ..aann 


Ferguson, James. 


Leach, Dewitt C. 


Webber, John. 


Forrest, William. 


Leiberman, E. 


Reynolds, Almon. 


Walker, James B. 


Farley, Josiah. 


Lewis, E. J. 


Roosevelt, Cornelius. 


Walker, J. B., A Co. 


Frnry, I). S. 


Lyon, William II. C. 


Uodgers, T. V. 


Walker, II. C. 



17 



130 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUJS'TY, MICHIGAN. 



Witberbcc, Austin B, 
IVooil, Smith it \Vifks. 
Yawkoy, J. II. 



Yawkcy, J. II., & Son. 
Yorks, James. 



BOUXDAEIES, AVATEK-COUESES, AND STREETS. 

In laying the fouiiJation of the city the points of the 
compass were ignored. Tlie line marking the city limits 
fhan^cs its direction t\vent3--thrcc times in making its grand 
circuit, and only once, and then for a very short distance, 
docs it approach eitlier the east, west, north, or south. 
Through this irregular inclosure, and dividing it into two 
not very unecjual parts, the Flint Kiver pursues its wind- 
ing way from the northeast towards the southwest. In the 
upper part of its course it divides in natural channels, form- 
ing Crapo's Island; farther down and opposite the central 
part of the city it pours over a dam, and through artificial 
channels on each side for the benefit of Crapo's and W. 
Hamilton's mills; below the Saginaw Street bridge it bends 
southward, turns abruptly to the north, and sweeps round 
to the south, nearly surrounding J. B. Atwood's Island 
mill and yards ; then running the gauntlet of Begole & 
Fox's mills, it escapes from the city limits in another grand 
sweep northward by Glenwood Cemetery. 

The southern part of the city is again divided by the 
Thread lliver, a .slender, tortuous creek, which meanders 
up from the southeast, and empties into the Flint, near the 
Island mill. The old government road, now Saginaw Street, 
crosses the southern city limits in a northerly direction, 
turns several points towards the west, crosses the Thread 
lliver a mile and a quarter from the centre of the city, pur- 
sues the even tenor of its way for half a mile, turns west 
of north, makes a bee-line for the Flint, then turns due 
north, and so passes out of the city, about a mile from the 
bridge. An extension of Saginaw Street in the line in 
which it pas.ses through the centre of the city has been 
opened through the part north of the river, and is called 
Detroit Street. Saginaw Street and the rivers form the 
boundaries of the wards. All north of the Flint Kiver 
constitutes the First Ward; all south of the river and east 
of Saginaw Street, the Second Ward ; between Saginaw 
Street and Thread lliver, the Third Ward ; and all west of 
the Thread, the Fourth. The last is by fir the smallest in 
population, as it is the youngest of the wards. 

The main thoroughfare through the centre of the city 
at right angles with Saginaw Street is Kearslcy Street, 
which comes up through the sparsely-settled Fourth Ward, 
beyond the Thread, touches the Flint a quarter of a mile 
below the bridge, crosses Saginaw Street a few blocks south 
of it, and passes on, steadily diverging from the river in a 
direction north of east. To these two streets the other 
streets of the city adjust themselves with tolerable success. 
The principal streets running parallel with Saginaw are, 
named in order to the west, Beach, Church, Grand Tra- 
verse, Oak, Stockton, and Ann Arbor; and, to the east, 
Harrison, Clifford, Stevens, and Liberty. The streets run- 
ning parallel with Kcarsley and south of it are numbered, 
except Court Street, which falls between Fourth and Fifth. 
Between Kearsley and the river are two fragmentary streets 
called Union and Mill. On the north side the streets which 
try to run parallel with the river are numbered, but are 
somewhat demoralized bv the divergent courses of Detroit 



and Saginaw Streets, and their upper ends circle over to- 
wards the river like the threads of a spider-web. The 
principal streets west of Detroit Street and parallel with it 
are Garland, Mason, Smith, and Stone, all of which main- 
tain a fair degree of rectitude. 

On the (jth of April, 1853, the Common Council ap- 
pointed a committee to have a survey made of Saginaw Street, 
with a view to establishing a uniform grade. The com- 
mittee reported and the council adopted a grade as follows : 
" Commencing at the north side of Mill Street at the level 
of the plank of the bridge; thence on a true grade to the 
surface in the centre of Saginaw Street at the south side of 
Kearsley Street ; thence on a true grade on a point on the 
south side of Court Street, two feet below the surface of the 
ground in the centre of Saginaw Street ; thence on the 
same grade south until it comes to the surface, — the grade 
to be the whole breadth of the street." 

On the adoption of this grade by the Common Council, 
improvements were immediately begun. Buildings that 
were low were raised. Uniform sidewalks were laid, and, 
at its completion, the main business street of Flint com- 
pared favorably with that of any city of the State for 
breadth and regularity. This street, as also other principal 
business streets, is paved with wood and kept in a cleanly 
condition, while either side is lined with fine biick blocks 
and imposing structures. The residence streets are adorned 
with private dwellings of much taste and elegance, many 
of them being surrounded with extensive and well-kept 
grounds. 

The city has a present population of about 10,000, and 
its assessed* valuation for real and personal estate, and the 
amount of taxes levied for all purpo.scs, for the year 1S7S, 
was as follows : 

First Ward. — Aggregate valuation, 8315,228; tax 
levied, $l;],(i50.-18. 

Second Wiird. — Aggregate valuation, 8113,572; tax 
levied, $18,133.85. 

Third Ward. — Aggregate valuation, §101,190; tax 
levied, §19,080. GS. 

Fourth )r(/;-(/.— Aggregate valuation, §82,000 ; tax 
levied, §3711.09. 

FLINT IN 1870. 

For many years Flint has been noted as an active, enter- 
prising commercial and manufacturing centre. Several 
mills are entensively engaged in the manufacture of pine 
and hard-wood lumber, and a large and increasing business 
is done by six mills in the line of sash, doors, and blinds. 
There are in active operation three foundries and machine- 
shops, two gi'ain-elevators, four flouringmills with an ag- 
gregate capacity of (50,000 barrels of flour annually, a paper- 
mill, two stave- and heading-mills, a large furniture-manu- 
factory, extensive cluircoal and chemical works, two brew- 
eries, a tannery, several carriage-manufactories, woolen- 
mills, brick-yards, and numerous other industries of less 
importance, whose aggregate of manufactures amount to 
many thousands of dollars per year. 

■■- This valuation is based upon a one-third cash value. The pres- 
ent year — 187'J — property is being assessed at more nearly its true 
value, and the rtturns will trtjble the aggregates of valuation hero 
given. 




HON. EDWAKD H. THOMSON. 



Among the nnnies which are in'*eparably connected with the nnnals of 
Genesee County is that of E<hvard II. Tliomson, who, during a rewidence of 
more than forty years in the village and city of Flint, has been promiiit-ntly 
identified with its progress and prosperity, and has well and faithfully served 
hia fellow-citizens in the places of honor and trust to which they hjive re- 
peatedly called him. 

He was born Jnne lo, I8I0, at Kendal, in the countj- of Westmoreland, Eng- 
land, and at the age of three years came to the United States with bis parents, 
who made their home in Boston, Mass. At the proper age he entered the 
White I'lains Academy, in Westchester Co., N. Y., atid there laid the founda- 
tion of his education during a fuur years' course of study. After leaving the 
academy he spent two yeais of his youth on tlie ocean, as a sailor before the 
mast. 

Having resolved to enter the legal profession, he removed to BufTalo. N. Y., 
where, in 18'1'>, he commenced the study of the law in the office of the Hon. 
Millard Fillmore (afterwards President) and the Hon. Thomas T. Sherwood. 
From this connection there grew up between Mr. Fillmore and himself a 
friendly intimacy which continued uninterrupted until the death of the ex- 
President. 

At the age of twenty-two years — having then been adtnitted to practice — 
Mr. Thomson established himself in bi^j profession, fir^t in the city of Buffalo, 
and afterwards at Cleveland, Ohio. While practicing his profession in Buffalo, 
he started, in connection with Gen. Roberts, a daily newspaper called the 
Buffalo Transcript. 

At the time when the emigration from New York to Michigan was at its 
height he came to this State; located in the township of Atlas in 1837, and 
received from Gov. S. T. Mason the appointment of prosecuting attorney for 
Lapeer County, of which the town of Atlas then formed a part. In 1838 he 
removed to Flint, wliere he associitted himself in business with John Bartow 
(then Register in the U. S. Land OflRce at Flint), under the name and style of 
Bartow & Thomson. In 1845 ho received the appointment of prosecuting 
attorney for Genesee County, and held the office during that and the following 
year. In IB-il he was elected to the State Senate for the district embracing 
Genesee, Oakland, Lapeer, Shiawassee. Siiginaw, Tuscola, and all of the 
counties to the Straits of Mackinac, and the whole of the Upper Peninsula, 
and served in that body for the years 184Sand lS-19 as chairman of the judiciary 
committee, chairman of the committee on mines and minerals, and as a mem- 
ber of the committee on State affairs. During this term in the Senate he 
introduced the billn which resulted in the establishment of the Institution 
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, at Flint, of the 
Aoylnm for the Insane, at Kalamazoo, and alsu for the incoi-poration nf the 
first copper and ir*»n mining companies in the T'pper Peninsula. (Ho had 
accompanied Dr. Douglass Ilought^m in his explorations of the Lake Superior 
region in 1844 and 1845, and had in this way become fully aware of its rich 
mineral resources.) Another bill introduced by him was one for the promo- 
tion of foreign emigration direct to Michigan. IDs services in procuring the 
Adoption of this meiisure were recogni/.e<l by Gov. Ransom, who gave him the 
app<iintment of commissioner of emigration under the law, a position which 
he filled for Ihre*' years, first liaving his office at New York, hut afterwanla 
establishing it at Stuttgart, in the Kingdom of Wnrtemburg. Germany. Here, 
in a pereonal interview with the king, he laid before him the details of his 
emigration plan, and afterwards gave a full explanation of the vast resources 
of Michigan by the publication and distribution of a pamphlet of some sixty 
page*", giving m detiil the resources of the State. This same information was 
also given to the piihlir thmugh the medium i>f the German pn'ss, and with 
such success that, during the first year, two thousand eight hundred persons 
emigrated from that country to Michigan. Tin' total result of his energetic 
efforts wa« an accession of nearly twenty-five thousand to the population of 
the State; and these were principally of a hardy and enterprising c!iis>i of 
mechanics and farmers, many of them possessing considenkhic pecuniary 
means. 

While in London, in 1851, he received the Appointment of United States 
deputy commissioner to the great Industrial Exhibition in that city, generally 
known as the World's Fair. In this position his assiduous attentions to 



American visitors, and his efficient aid and timely advice to exhibitors, gained 
for htm high encomiums, while his social qualities made him a welcome and 
honored visitor in the houses of the nobility and gentry of the world's me- 
tropolis. On his return to the United States he remained for a time in Wash- 
ington City, but soon after resumed his profession in Flint. In 1858 he was 
elected Representative in the Sbite Legislature, and in the session of 1859 
served on the judiciary committee, and on the committee on State affairs. 

When the fires of treason burst forth into the great war of the Rebellion, 
the loyal State of Michigan gave to the cause of the Union no more earnest 
and ardent a supporter than Col. Edward Thomson. Although his political 
opinions had ever been opposed to those of Gov. Blair, he received at his hands 
an appointment as a member of the State military board, and, u[ton the resig- 
nation of Geii. A. S. Williani'i, of Detroit, in 1862, became its president. Tliis 
position gave him the military title by which he has since been generally 
known. Throughout the war he was intensely patriotic, and as untiring as 
he was successful in his efforts to promote enlistments. So high did he stand 
in the estimation of the Governor and of Adj.-Gen. Robertson that, in the 
face of the settled policy of the Governor not to establish regimental camps 
of organization aivay from railway communication, he procured the oider 
naming Flint (which then had no railroad) as a rendezvous of the Tenth 
Infantry, whose camp was thereupon established there, and named in his 
honor Camp Thomson. An officer of that regiment afterwards said of the 
circumstance: 

*' Col. Thomson directed the formation of the camp, and so fully and com- 
pletely cared for the wants of" the soldiers that he found a place in their 
hearts as the soldier's friend, and will not soon be forgotten. We learned to 
look upon him as a kind of father and always called him 'colonel,' and to this 
day he bears that title whenever his name is spoken among us.'' 

When his influence and energy were no longer needed in the raising of 
troops, Col. Thomson returned again to his profession and to the quiet enjoy- 
ment of social life in the city of Flint. Shortly afterwards he was elected a 
member of the school board of education, and in 1878 was elected mayor of 
the city of Flint. 

For many years Col. Thomson has been an aident and enthusiastic student of 
Englisli literature, and in particular of the works of the immortal Bard of 
Avon. His Shakspearean readings and lectures, which are frequently and 
freely given in aid of charitable and other benevolent objects, are always re- 
ceived with high favor and appreciation, as is evidenced by the invariably 
favorable notices of them given in the newspapers. In 1869, upon the occa- 
sion of his consenting to deliver a IiTture in Lansing upon the "Genius of 
Shakspeare," for the benefit of the Reform School Band, the Lansing State Re* 
publican said : 

"The offer is generous; the obj<'ct of it one that not only the citizens of 
Lansing, hut the members of the Legislature can fully appreciate, and the 
subject one which will be treated by him in a masterly manner. His ability 
as a critic of the immortal dmmatist and poet has long been recognized. He 
is a gentleman, a fine speaker, and will do full justice to the passages he 
may repeat for the entertainment of his hearers. And we may also add that 
the city of Lansing has always had a warm and earnest friend in Col. 
Thomson." 

Ami a lecture of his, delivered at Howell upon the same subject, was thus 
mentioned by the LivinpsUm Kepuhlican : "Mr. Thomson is a Shakspearean 
eiilhusiast, and seems to possess the maximu7n of enthusiasm which will he 
satisfied with nothing slioi t of knowing to the uttermost everything connected 

with its subject In literary gossip ho is set down as one of the 

lions among Shakspearean liUerafcurs, and is said to possess one of the finest 
Shakspearean libnirieH in the United States. He is a fine elocutionist, a 
pleiisant speaker, and we should like to listen again for an evening to such 
])iissages of his favorite author as he might select to read." Similar complimen- 
tjtry opinions find frequent utterance through the press, and are always sus* 
taiiied by the puldic who cotnpose his audiences. 

Col. Thomson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, ha« just passed the 
chair of yrand master in the I. O. 0. F.,and is now the grand representative to 
the grand lodge of the order at the city of Baltimore. 



FLINT CITY. 



131 



The mercantile interests have advanced from the Indian 
store and trading-post of Kufus W. Stevens, in 1834, until 
to-day there are over 100 mercantile houses of various 
kinds, whose a;;,^regate sales will amount to more than 
$2,00(1,00(1 yearly. 

The railroads centering here do an immense business in 
freights. During the year 1877 the sliipnient.s from this 
city by these avenues of commerce amounted to 45,118,500 
feet of lumber, ],3()i),(l00 pounds of live-stock, 8105 bar- 
rels of flour, and 13,o71',900 pounds of grain. 

Here are located the grounds of the Gemisce County 
Agricultural Society, also the Flint Hiding-Park A.ssocia- 
tion, which together have developed the raising of very 
fine stock in and near the city. 

The State Institution forthe Kducationof the Deaf, Dumb, 
and the Blind is located on a commanding height in the 
southwestern part of the city. It is surrounded with grounds 
many acres in extent, tastefully laid out, and covered with 
fine groves of native forest trees. 

Among other public edifices are seven commodious school- 
buildings, the county court-house, jail, and a city Imilding 
fgr the accommodation of the Conxnon Council and fire 
department. These are all large, well-arranged, and costly 
buildings. The court-house and high-school are each sur- 
rounded by spacious gnmnds. 

The city is amply supplied with ten church edifices, viz. : 
three ?Iethodi.st Episcopal (one coloredj, and one each of 
the Protestant Episcopal, Adventists, Catholic, Baptist, 
Congregationalist, German Evangelical, and Presbyterian. 

An efficient fire department, consisting of two steamers, 
trucks, and hose companies, guard and protect the interests 
of her citizens against the ravages of the fiery element. 

Two militia companies — the Flint Union Blues and 
Cadets — have their headquarters and drill-room in Armory 
Hall, which is provided for their use by the State. 

The banks consist of the First National and Citizens' 
National, banks of issue, and the G-enesee County Savings- 
Bank. 

The press is ably represented by the Woh-crinc Citizen, 
Flint Globe, Genesee Uvmocral, and Flint Jotinial. 

The public halls are Fenton Ilall, Reform Hall, and 
Armory JIall, the former being the most pretentious. 

RAILIIOAUS. 

An ancient embankment of covered and rotting timbers 
is pointed out in the city as the foundation of a railroad 
laid, with considerable enthusiasm, away back in the year 
1837. This was part of a projected railroad to connect 
Port Huron with Grand Haven, and which Gen. Charles 
C. Ilascall contracted to build from the western limits of 
Genesee County to the county-seat of Lapeer County. 
AVork was pushed vigorously for a time, but, through some 
difficulty in getting expected State aid and from other causes, 
work upon it was suspended, ami all projects looking to- 
wards a road in this direction were given a rest until 1871, 
when a road extending from I'ort Huron to Flint was com- 
pleted, as the Port Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad. 
In 1877 the Chicago and Northeastern Railroad, extend- 
ing from Flint to Lansing, was ]ilaecd in running order. 
These two roads were then consolidated as part of the Iin(! 



of the Chicago and Lake Huron Railroad, and continued 
as such until the purchase of the Chicago and Northeast- 
ern by Vanderbilt. 

The first liK'omdtive reaeheil the city over the line of the 
Flint and Pere Man(UL'tte Railway, from the north, Dec. 
8, 186'i. This event was celebrated aniid.-t general re- 
joicing, and a grand bancjuct held at the Carlton House. 

The work ujion the Flint and Holly Railroad was com- 
menced in thesummer of 1863, and by the untiring energy of 
Governor Crapo, ])resident of the company, seconded by the 
leading business nuMi of Flint, it was graded, tied, ironed, 
and ready for the rolling-stock in about eighteen mouths, 
and, it is said, at a cost much less than any equal length of 
road in the State was ever constructed, wages and cost of 
material considered. The money for the work was largely 
advanced by Governor Crapo and his friends in the East, and 
the company was further fortunate iu having secured the 
iron at ante-war prices. The trip of the first locomotive, 
the " City of Flint," Nov. 1, 1864, was the occasion of 
great rejoicing, as it was the first outlet to the South. A 
few years later the road was sold to the Flint and Pere Mar- 
quette Company at a handsome advance upon its original 
cost, and has since been operated by that company as part 
of its through line. It has since built the Flint River Di- 
vision, a branch mad extending from Flint to Otter Lake, 
for the benefit of the extensive lumber interests of that 
region. 

The opening of these several roads gave Flint good 
railroad outlets east, west, north, and south, and stimulated, 
directly, or indirectly, all its material interests. They 
bring it within twenty miles by rail of Lapeer, sixty-six of 
Port Hui'on, seventeen of Holly, fifty-seven of Wayne, one 
hundred and eight of Toledo, fifty-one of Lansing, thirty- 
four of East Saginaw, forty-seven of Bay City, one hundred 
and seventy-two of Ludington, sixty-four of Detroit by way 
of the Milwaukee road, or seventy-five by the Michigan 
Central, and nineteen miles of Otter Lake, on the Detroit 
and Bay City road. Previous to the opening of the rail- 
roads these points had to be reached by foot or stage-coach, 
under delays almost incredible by their contra.st with the 
jircscnt ficilitios Ibr travel. Under the direction of Wil- 
liam Clill'ord a line of stage-coaches was established through 
Flint over llie old military road, which was considered a 
model of dispatch in its day. Under favorable circum- 
stances a man could take the stage at Flint, go to Detroit 
and return in three days, but the ordinary time was four 
days. By the .same conveyance Pontiac could be reached 
in from eight to twelve hours. After the Milwaukee road 
had been extended west of Pontiac the stage-route was 
changed to Fenton, but a trip to Detroit was still a very 
laborious undertaking, while the hauling of produce and 
lumber, except to purchasers within the county, was very 
limited. 

The Flint and Pere Marquette Railway enters the cor- 
poration on the south, one and a quarter miles south of the 
centre of the city, cro.sses the Thread, and follows the gen- 
eral course of the Flint on the southeast bank till it passes 
Saginaw Street; then, cro.ssing over, it leaves the corpora- 
ti(jn limits north of the river, and at some distance from it. 
The Chicago and Lake Huron Railroad enters the corpora- 



132 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tion limits in the cast, runs northwesterly to the Flint, then 
southwesterly, and, after crossing and rccrossing the river, 
passes out of the city limits to the left of Glenwood. 

Tlie depot of the Flint and Pore 5Iar(|uctte Railway is 
situated at the foot of Ijeacli Street ; that of the Fort 
Huron and Lake Michigan Railroad at the loot of Harri- 
son street. 

EARLY STAGK AND MAIL ROUTES. 

As early as 1833, Joshua Terry had a contract for carry- 
ing the mails over the route hetween Pontiac and Saginaw. 
His trips were made weekly, and he had limited accommo- 
dations for pa.ssenger.s. Upon llie cbtablishment of the land- 
and post-offices at Flint River village, William Clifford ran 
a line of stages to Pontiac. This line was continued under 
various managements until the completion of a through 
route by railway. In an early number of the Whic/ we find 
the following advertisement of jMessrs. Pettee & Boss, stage 
proprietors : 

'■criKAP AXn UAl'II) niDINd. 

" The stage for rontijic leaves Flint each inorning (Sundays ex- 
cejiled), stopiiiug at Grand Bhmc, Stony llun, Grovcland, Springfield, 
Clarkston, Austin, and Waterford, and arrives at Pontiac in time to 
enable passengers tu take tlie cars the same day fur Detroit. 

" E. N. Pettee, 
"A. J. Boss, 

*' ProjirltUtrB, 
"Flint, March 23, ISJO." 

POSTMASTERS. 

With the opening of the United States land-office in 
Flint came the necessity for the establishment of a post- 
office, and Lyman Stow received the appointment of post- 
master. It is stated that Judge Stow made an excellent 
public servant, and for the first six months not only carried 
letters in his hat* and tiie way-bills in his breeches pocket, 
but was kind enough on many occasions to turn himself into 
a delivery clerk. 

John Todd was tlie proud individual to whom the first 
letter was addressed, and later became the second incum- 
bent of the office. The third was William P. Crandall ; the 
fourth, William Moon ; the fifth, Col. A. T. Crosman. 
Ephraim S. Williams, who had served as the first postmas- 
ter at Saginaw, and continued eight years, next followed 
Col. Crosman, and officiated a like period of time in Flint. 
He was succeeded by Washington O'Dououghue, who also 
served eight years. . William Tracy followed next, and held 
the office one presidential term and a fraction over, John 
Algoe filling the office until the reappointment of Sir. 
O'Donoughuc. The latter gentleman continued in office 
until April, 1879, when he was succeeded by Francis II. 
Rankin, tlie present postmaster of the city. 

FIRST NEWSPAPER. 

The first newspaper. The Flint River Gazette, was 
started by Joseph K. Averill, in 1839. For further par- 
ticulars concerning this and all other Genesee County 
papers since cstablislied, the reader is referred to the chap- 
ter on the " Press" in the general history. 



* Mr. Leonard IVesson claims to bo in possession of this identical 
hat at the present time. 



TELEGRAPU. 
Telegraphic communication was first opened in Decem- 
ber, 1858, by a line from Flint to Fentonville, connecting 
with the Detroit and iMilwaukce Railroad. The work was 
done by William W. True, and the first operator at Flint 
was Miles D. McAlester, a graduate of West Point, who 
afterwards gained distinction as major of United States En- 
gineers and brevet brigadier-general United States Army. 

EARLY TAVERNS AND PRESENT HOTELS. 

The earliest tavern or hotel in Flint was the " River 
House," built and first kept by John Todd, as already no- 
ticed. It was presided over at different periods by A. F. 

Hayden, Lewis Buckingham, Wait Beach, Mason, and 

in 1838 by William Clilfonl, who established a lineof stage.s 
running from Flint to I'ontiac. Finding the capacity of 
the River House too limited for his increasing patronage, he 
purchased the " Northern Hotel," which liad been built and 
kept for a short time by Captain Crane. The latter house 
then became the headqunrters for the stage-line. 

The " Genesee House" was built by Thomas J. Drake in 
18r>7, and stood at the apex formed by Detroit and Sagi- 
naw Streets. The ground was afterwards purchased by the 
city. After Drake, Cornelius Roosevelt was landlord, and 
was succeeded by S. W. Gibson, and he, in 1813, by W. 
R. Scoville. Mr. Allen next became proprietor, to bo suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Pettee, after wliich Jarcd Mason became 
"mine host." Mr. JLisori subsequently built the "Carl- 
ton House," which stood upon the site of the present Bry- 
ant House, and was first opened Jan. 1, 185G. This hotel 
was afterwards' changed to the " Irving House," and was 
destroyed by fire. 

The present hotels are the Bryant, a spacious and well- 
appointed house, eligibly situated upon Saginaw Street ; 
the Thayer Hou.se, near the Flint and Pere jNIarquette 
Railway depot, which has a well-established and enviable 
reputation ; and the Sherman, "I' the Central, the City Hotel, 
and the Brotherton. 

MILLS AND MANUFACTURING. 

The first mill of any description erected within the city 
limits of to-day was the saw-mill commenced and finished 
by Rufus W. Stevens in 1830. It was situated upon the 
Thread River above the present " Thread Mills." In 1831, 
Rufus W. and Augustus C. Stevens established the " Thread 
Grist-SIill." For many subsequent years this mill supplied 
a wide belt of countiy, extending from beyond the south- 
ern boundary of Genesee County to Saginaw. Thread Mills 
was then the groat objective point, and to it all early resi- 
dents in this region wended their way when in quest of 
flour. Many middle-aged men reside in this and adjoining 
counties to-day who remember the fact that their first mem- 
orable trip outside and beyond the view ofiered from their 
own " clearing" was when they first accompanied their father, 
with his .slowly-toiling ox-team, to the " Thread," which 
meant the mill. 

The pine and lumbering interests, which in years past 
have contributed greatly to the prosperity of Flint, first at- 
tracted the attention of business men and the thought of 

t Burned June 10, 1879. 



FLINT CITY. 



133 



erecting- luill.s iip(in the Flint Uivor in 1S35, when Rufus 
W. Stevens, James McCoriuick, inul their heirs were au- 
tliorized by an aet of the Logislative Council of the Terri- 
tory of Michigan, approved JIarch 30, 1835, to con- 
struct a dam across the Flint Kiver at the crossing of the 
Saginaw turnpike. 

However, nothing seems to liave been done by Messrs. 
Stevens & McC'oriuiek after obtaining their franchise, 
and mill matters on the Flint were in abeyance until 
18I!G, when Messrs. Stage it Wright erected their first 
dam and saw-mill. Tlic Hydraulic Association, Chauncey 
S. Payne, senior partner, soon followed with another mill. 

Compared with the mammDtli mills which have followed 
it, and given the city its leading industry, this pioneer mill 
of Messrs. Stage & Wright was a small concern driven 
by water and having but a small capacity. It was sold 
about 1810 to Stevens & Pearson, who ran it a few j'ears, 
when Mr. Stevens was succeeded in the firm by John 
Hamilton, and later still Mr. Hamilton bought out the 
interest of his partner, I\Ir. Pearson, and became sole pro- 
prietor. About 1814 lie added a grist-mill, and three 
years later sold both to his sons, William and Oliver 
Hamilton, and his son in-law, Cornelius Roosvelt. The 
latter soon after sold out to the two brothers, and, Oliver 
dying in 1852, William became sole proprietor, and has since 
remained so. The mill has, of course, been greatly changed 
since first it polluted tlic clear waters of the Flint with its 
fish-killing sawdust, but is still courteously regarded as the 
same old mill. The United States census of 1850 credits 
Flint witii only two saw-mills. Stage & Wright's, and 
another, built by the " Grand Traverse Hydraulic Associa- 
tion," afterwards known as Crapo's old or lower mill. 

The capacity of the Stage & Wright, and the lower, or 
Crapo Mills, in 1819, was 3,500,000 feet of lumber. In 
1850 these mills sawed 5,200,000 feet. At the same 
period there was but one steam-engine in Flint, and that a 
small one in Elias Williams' pail-factory. 

Seven mills in 1854, viz., four steam- and three water- 
mills, had a capacity for manufacturing 10,800,000 feet. 
It was at this time that the reputation of Flint as a lumber 
market became established. The plank-roads and tlie rivers- 
furnished an outlet, but comparatively no great market was 
looked for beyond one of home consumption, until the late 
Governor Crapo commenced his wonderful operations in 
1856. He, with that forethought which characterized all 
his business movements, conceived the idea of not only 
coming into competition with the principal lumbering 
marts of the Eastern and Jliddle States, but of carrying 
it ocean-wise. The impetus thus begun was soon followed 
by Alexander SIcFarlan, William Hamilton, and others. 

At a later day the Messrs. Pegole, Atwood, Fo.K, Car- 
penter, Smith, Eddy, and many others equally enterpris- 
ing, have by untiring industry and a strict attention to the 
details of business, added much to the stability and wealth 
of the city. 

« Flint as a Port.— A local paper of March 27, 1842, furnishes the 
following item : 

" I'liil <}/ Fliiil — Airicntt null Dcjjailiirca. — Departed, scow ' Kate 
Hayes,' Captain Charles Mather." 

Benjamin S. Gluvcrwas tlic builder of this scow. 



Brief historical sketches of the present leading manufac- 
tories are herewith appended. 

crapo's mills. 

Henry II. Crapo, the founder of the present large lum- 
bering interest in Flint, came to this State late in the year 
1855. His first venture here was the purchase of a largo 
tract of pine land in Lapeer County, and what was known 
as the " Driggs Tract" of 12,000 acres, paying therefor 
§150,000 cash. It was his intention at the time to lumber 
this tract and float the logs to Saginaw, but shortly after, 
or early in ISoG, he visited Flint, and became satisfied that 
it was the point at which to manufacture this timber into 
lumber. 

In October, 1856, he purchased the saw-mill known as 
the " Walkloy" mill, situated on the site where the " big" 
mill now stands. During the summer of 1857 he ran this 
mill, manufacturing about 2,000,000 feet of lumber, which 
was considered in those days an exteiisive business. This 
mill being shut in by the property of McQuigg, Turner & 
Co., owners of the mill near the dam, he conceived the 
plan of purchasing that also, and in the fall of 1857 effected 
its purchase, and ran both mills during the season of 1858, 
manufacturing about 7,000,000 feet of lumber. 

In March, 1858, having his business thoroughly estab- 
lished, he returned to New Bedford, Mass., where his 
family wore residing, and moved West with them. After 
this time the "old mills" were improved by the addition of 
new niachinei-y, and were soon run to a capacity of 
12,000,000 feet per annum, and this before any t-ailroad 
was projected to Flint. 

Before the construction of the Flint and Holly Ilailroad 
(which was built by his energy and the help of his Eastern 
friends, and the only railroad in IMichigan ever built with 
cash, having no debt when completed) the good lumber 
sawed at these mills was hauled with teams to Holly and 
Fentonville, to the Detroit and Milwaukee Ilailroad, and 
from these points shipped East and South. 

In 1800 he purchased on the opposite side of the Flint 
River the mill known as the " Busenbaik" mill, which he 
ran two years and afterwards sold. 

In 1804 the large planing-mill, sash-, door-, and blind- 
factory was built and added to his business, and has since 
been run, turning out annually many million feet of dressed 
lumber, as well as large ijuantities of sash, doors, blinds, 
mouldings, boxes, etc. 

The old " Walkley" mill was destroyed by fire in the 
season of 1805, but fortunately but little lumber was 
burned with it, owing to the rule always adhered to of 
keeping the space about the mills clean. Hardly had the 
ruins of this mill become cold, when the debris was cleared 
away and the foundation of the present " big" mill was 
laid, and was running in 18GG. 

This mill, with the old mill at the dam, luid a capacity 
for sawing over 20,000,000 feet ])cr annum, and they were 
run to nearly that limit until the old mill was burned iu 
1877, which has not been rebuilt. 

This immense amount of lumber sawed has found a 
market jirineipally at the East and South, and .some ol' it 
has even been shipped to San Francisco via Cape llorM. 



134 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The sawmill and planing-mill are now both supplied 
with all the modern improvements for the manufacture of 
lumber and sash, doors, blinds, mouldings, packing-boxes, etc. 

Henry H. Crapo, the founder of this large business and 
Governor of I\Iichigan for two terms, — 18G-1-6S, — died at 
Flint in July, 18G9, but the business has bgen conducted 
since without any material change under the able manage- 
ment of his only son, Hon. William W. Crapo, who resides 
at New Bedford, Mass. 

Mr. Crapo visits Flint quite often, to look after the busi- 
ness personally. Governor Crapo was fortunate in his choice 
of subordinates to assist liim in his enterprise, and alwa3's 
observed the rule to keep men that were faithful to his in- 
terests. Zach Chase, the present chief clerk, has been un- 
interruptedly in the service of the establishment since JIarch, 
1858. n. P. Cristy, the present popular superintendent 
of the mills, has served about eighteen years ; James Page, 
bookkeeper, ten years ; and there are many more in subor- 
dinate capacities who have been in its employment since 
the business was established. 

The estate has yet pine lands on the Flint Hiver, with 
timber enough to run the mills for several years to come. 

In connection with the yards and mills at Flint, there 
has boon kept at Detroit a retail yard, and at present there 
are two in that city under the able management of H. H. 
II. C. Smith, who has served the estate since 1858. There 
was also formerly a retail yard at Fenton, and one at Holly, 
but both have within a few years been discontinued. 

The Eastern market is under the management of Charles 
A. White, with an office at No. 51 Kilby Street, Boston, 
Mass. 

LU.MBER-JIII.I.S OF BE(iOLE, FOX & CO. 

This business was established in September, 1865, the 
partners being Josiah W. Begole, David S. Fox, and George 
L. Walker. They rank among the heaviest lumber dealers 
in the city, and are large manufacturers of lath and shin- 
gles. 

Their capital embraces about $25,000 in mill property 
and $50,000 in stock, and their annual business reaches an 
aggregate of §100,000 per annum. 

ALEX.-iNDER JIcFARLAX's JllLLS. 

The business of Mr. MeFarlan was established in Octo- 
ber, 1850, the firm at that time having been Hazleton & 
MeFarlan. In May of the following year the mills were 
destroyed by fire, and Mr. MeFarlan purchased the interest 
of his partner and rebuilt. In April of 18t)3 they were 
again burned, and immediately rebuilt. Again, in 1871, 
they were pursued by fire and destroyed, and the present 
mills erected. 

The material worked is altogether pine, the logs being 
cut from timber-lands owned by the proprietor in Genesee 
and Lapeer Counties and floated down the Flint River. 
The power employed is steam, two circular saws of large 
dimensions being run, as also apparatus for cutting lath and 
shingles. The capacity of the mills is 11,000,000 feet per 
annum. 

These mills arc distinguished as being the oldest on the 
Flint River. The business is managed by Jlr. 11. J. \Vhaley. 



JEROME EDDY S MILL. 

This mill was built in the year 18G8, and is located in 
the third ward, on the corner of Kearsley and Island 
Streets. It has a capacity for dressing 10,000,000 feet of 
lumber, manufacturing about 10,000 doors, and a corre- 
sponding number of sash and blinds per annum. 

A destructive fire consumed the first mill erected, but 
Mr. Eddy immediately took the necessary measures to re- 
construct it, and in three months from the time it was 
burned one of the most perfect and complete mills in the 
State, with capacity for doing an extensive business, took its 
place, and has been running since. 

BEARDSLEE, GILLIES & CO.'s PLANING-MILL. 

This firm established their business in 18G7, in the build- 
ing now known as the '• Germania Barn," but the growing 
demands of the enterprise soon rendered their location 
undesirable, and in 1870 they removed to their present 
situation. 

In the various departments of the business they employ 
three planing- and matching-machines, one large moulder, 
one fifty-inch re.sawing-machine, one twenty-four-inch clap- 
board resawing- and jointing-machine, and two edging-saws 
on the first floor. The second floor is devoted to a full set 
of sash, door, and blind machinery, consisting of two rip- 
and two cut-off' saws, one sash-sticker, one tenoning-machine, 
one combined relisher and wedge-cutter, one panel-raising 
machine, one mortiser, one iron door-clamp, one scouring- 
machinc, one sash-mortiser, one boring- and franking-ma- 
chine, one scroll-saw, one sliaper, and two slat-tenoning 
machines. The firm employ in these various departments 
about twenty men, and the products of the mill find a 
market in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Ohio, New York, 
and Southern Michigan. The sash and doors find ready 
sale at home, and a considerable demand for them has been 
created in the neighboring counties. 

In the winter of 1868 the manufacture of boxes was 
added to the business, in which department six men are 
employed, who produce about three car-loads of box-shooks 
a week. 

The amount of sales by this firm average about 830,000 
per annum. 

NEWALL & CO.'s PLANING-MILL. 

The firm of Newall & Co. embraces the following part- 
ners, — Thomas Newall, George E. Newall, S. C.Randall, — 
and is one of the olde.st establishments engaged in the 
manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds, having been estab- 
lished in 1855. They employ steam-power, and have two 
planers, two four-sided moulding-machines, one Daniels' 
improved planing-machine, one single moulder, one shapcr, 
one Fay's scroll-saw, one Colburn's blind stile boring-ma- 
chine, one mortiser, one resawing-machine for sawing clap- 
boards, one tenoning-machine, saws of various sizes and 
kinds, and two turning-lathes. The material is chiefly pur- 
chased in the city, and when manufactured finds a ready 
market at home and in adjacent parts of the State. 

UIRAi\I smith's MILLS. 

This business was established in 1877 by the present 
proprietor, who makes a specialty of handling hard-wood. 



FLINT CITY. 



135 



in wliich respect the mill differs from most other saw- 
anJ lumber-mills in the city. The sawing is done exclu- 
sively iu a mill devoted to tliat object, while the staves and 
headings are made in a mill adjoining. The capacity of the 
saw-mill is 12,000 to 15,000 feet per day, while in the 
other are cut 20,000 headings and as many staves, wliich 
liave been chiefly used for oil barrels. 

lie employs a steam-engine, the capacity of whicli is 
sixty-horse power, and twenty men are engaged in the labor 
of the establishment. 

Mr. Smith is also an extensive dealer in charcoal, having 
three sets of kilns, which combined have a capacity for 
burning three car-loads a day. The works at Flint have 
twelve kilus, while those at Clio have also twelve, and those 
located at Gaines, all being in Genesee County, six kilns, 
making an aggregate of about seventy-five ear-loads a 
month. He may bo regarded xi the largest dealer in char- 
coal in the county. 

DECKER & IIA.SKELL's ST.\ VE-jni.L9. 

This establishment, which had its origin in 1870, is de- 
voted entirely to tiie manufacture of staves and headings. 
The products of the mill were at first confined to material 
lor oil barrels, but since that time the firm have turned their 
attention to other kinds of stock, and now produce headings, 
half-barrel and birrel staves, white-oak staves anil head- 
ings from 14 to 84 inches in size, and headings for tubs. 
The staves are sawed from white-oak split-bolts, seasoned 
and close-jointed, witli bilge and bevel ready to set up. The 
machinery used for beveling — which, though simple in con- 
struction and in its operation, works with great ])erfection 
— is Crossley's iron wheel stave-jointer. 

The capacity of the mill when running with full force is 
from 18,000 to 20,000 staves a day, using about 40 cords 
of bolts per day. 

A branch track connects the mill with the Flint and 
Pere JIartjuette Kailway, affording great advantages in tjie 
.shipping of its wares, which find tiicir principal sale iu New 
York and Brooklyn. 

On the 0th of Jlay, 1874, an estcn.sive conflagration oc- 
curred, which not only destroyed the mill, but consumed 
much valuable stock. 

The yard was filled with staves and headings, which were 
entirely demolished, together with several adjacent struc- 
tures. 

New buildings and machinery, however, soon took the 
place of the old. 

W. B. I'ELLETT's F.\fTORY. 

Tlie factory of W. B. Pellett is located on the north side 
of the city, and was established in 1874. Sash, doors, and 
blinds are principally manufactured, though Mr. Pcllett lias 
made a specialty of extension-tables. 

Tlie factory furnishes employment for fifteen men, and is 
operated by steam-power. 

THREAD FLOURING- AND SAW-MILLS.* 

TIlis mill-site was establislied as early as 1830, by Rufus 
W. Stevens, when a saw-mill was erected. In 1834 the 



• This time-honorca institution was destroyed Ijy fiic in tlic afte 
nujn ut* June C, IS7'J. 



brothers Rufus W. and Augustus C. Stevens established 
here the famous " Thread Grist-Mill," the first of its class in 
the county. A succession of owners managed them for a 
number of years, when they were purchased by Alexander 
P. Davis, who continued his proprietorship for a period of 
twenty years, and tlien disposed of his interest to Witherbee 
& Patrick. Mr. Witherbee having died, his interest was 
purchased by Wait Buckingham, and in 1872 the property 
was bought by the present owners, Messrs. Burroughs & 
Picrson. The mills were by them thoroughly repaired and 
two run of stone added to the flouring-mill, which em- 
ploys both steam- and water-power, and has now four run of 
stone and a capacity of 100 barrels a day. The market for 
the flour produced is found in the northern part of Michi- 
gan, and in Pennsylvania and New York. The saw-mill 
is principally ein]iloycd in cutting hard-wood, and has a 
capacity of 2,000,000 feet a year. It is run entirely by 
water-power. 

PATTERSON & C.\R>IAn's FLOURINfJ-MILL. 

This mill was established by Patterson & Ilolmau in 
December of 1877, but after a lapse of six months 5Ir. 
Carman purchased the interest of Mr. Holman, and the firm 
became Patterson & Carman, the retiring partner having en- 
gaged in the construction of an elevator adjoining the mill. 

They obtain their power from a forty-hor.sc-power engine, 
which is inclosed in a separate building, with an under- 
ground shaft connecting it with the mill. 

Three run of stone are employed, and all the modern 
improvements for the manufacture of flour have been intro- 
duced. The capacity of the mill is 60 barrels a day. It 
is located at the foot of Grand Traverse Street, and a branch 
track connecting with the Flint and Pere Marquette Rail- 
way affords excellent advantages for shipping. A portion 
of the flour finds a market in the East, but the demand is 
principally for home consumption. 

Stockton's mill. 
This mill, whicli is located on the corner of Ann Arbor 
and Second Streets, was built in 1877 by Col. T. B. W. 
Stockton, the original purpose having been to make it an 
elevator. Later a portion of it was converted into a flouring- 
mill. The building is very substantially erected, and has 
all the modern advantages for elevating by steam-power. 
It has two run of stone, and a capacity for grinding about 
oOO bushels per day, and storing 1500 bushels of grain. A 
portion of the mill is three stories high. 

THE FLINT CHEMICAL WORKS. 
These works are a branch of the Bangor Chemical Works, 
located in Van Buren County, in this State, and represent 
a cash capital of $50,000. The principal wares manufactured 
are wood alcohol- and acetate of lime. These are produced 
by a process which condenses the gases that arise from the 
kilns, of which there are 12. The works have a capacity 
for producing 50 gallons of alcohol and 2J tons of acetate 
of lime per day. The railroad adjacent to the buildings 
affords excellent facilities for shipping the stock. 

GENESEE IRON-WORKS. 

These iron-works were built in the year 1847 by Wil- 
liam Gough, and are now owned by George C. Kimball, 



136 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



who resides in Grand Rapids, and intrusts their manage- 
ment to an agent, who resides iu Flint. They make a 
specialty of manufacturin;^ malleable iron, this department 
of the works having been started in 1874, and being the 
only one in Michigan. They also work extensively in gray 
iron, and make carriage, wagon, and plow castings, steam- 
engines, and mill machinery. Twenty-five men are em- 
ployed in the various departments, and the products are 
sold in this State and Indiana. 

THE FLINT P.\PER-MII,LS. 

The Flint paper-mills arc located in the Third Ward, 
and were built originally as saw-mills by Samuel Carpenter. 
In 1S77 they were remodeled by William L. Gibson, and 
machinery placed in them for the purpose of manufacturing 
wrapping-paper. The machine, a C2-inch cylinder, run by 
steam, is capable of producing two tons of paper per day. 
Fifteen hands arc employed, and a market for the product 
is found principally in Detroit. 

CASTREE & ODELL AQRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT SHOP. 

This enterprise was established in 1873 by S. V. Hokes, 
who, before that time, was extensively engaged in manu- 
facturing similar wares on the north side of the river. 
Among the articles manufactured are plows, drags, culti- 
vators, scrapers, etc. They also make a specialty of bob- 
sleighs. The market for these implements is found princi- 
pally in Genesee County, though Oakland and Lapeer 
Counties make demands upon their stock. A store located 
on First Street is established in connection with the 
foundry. 

r.VTTEllSON's CARttlAOE-MANUFACTORY. 

William A. Patterson came to Flint in 18G9, and began 
an industry which has reached its present large propor- 
tions in a small rented shop, where one man was emplo3'ed 
besides himself He is now the owner of an extensive fac- 
tory on Saginaw Street, which gives constant employment to 
30 men ; and he has in course of construction a large brick 
block fronting on Third Street, made necessary by the in- 
creasing demand fur his work, which consists of Brewster's 
side-bars, ladies' phaetons, yacht-buggies, coal-boxes, Con- 
cord or side-spring wagons, piano-boxes, etc. The home 
demand for these carriages is large, and numbers are shipped 
to distant parts of this and other States. 

EARLY CARDING-MILLS. 

In October, 1835, J. F. Alexander established a wool- 
carding mill on the Thread, and in 1845, John C. Griswold 
was engaged in the same business at the Thread 3Iills. 
Mr. Alexander advertised his carding-niills in verse, as 
follows : 

" Wool-earding done at the Alexander earding-macbine; 
All being new, notbing said about it being washed clean. 
The women's instructions are, ' Tell Mr. Alexander, iileaso, 
Make me as good rolls as you can ; it will my mind ease.' 

" I will, if you grease the wool so an 1 so, and bo sure 
Then your rolls shall be nice, can't be beat, nothing truer; 
And your mind will be at rest when you see that they .are 
Made at the Carding-Mills, No. I, of J. F. Alexander." 



STONE S -WOOLEN-MILLS. 

In 1867, Blr. Oren Stone, senior member of the firm of 
Stone, Atwood & Co., was induced — from the general com- 
plaints among Genesee County wool-producers that they 
did not receive adequate prices for their products — to sub- 
mit a statement to the business men of Flint advocating 
the feasibility and .success of a woolen-manufactory, if estab- 
lished in this city, and the advantages to be derived by 
keeping at home and dividing here the profits between pro- 
ducers and manufacturers. 

Acting upon these suggestions, a company was formed, 
a mill was erected and placed in active operation. But a 
short time had elapsed, however, before a majority of the 
original members — not continuing strong in the faith — 
dropped out one by one, leaving Messrs. Stone & Willard 
alone to face results. This they did without flinching. 
Together they gradually increased the demand and supply 
until 1870, when Mr. Stone assumed the entire manage- 
ment. By dealing exclusively with large wholesale and job- 
bing-houses — among them those of A. T. Stewart & Co., of 
Chicago, Farwell & Co., of Chicago, and C. Curtin, of San 
Franci.sco, Cal. — he managed, by a close attention to all the 
minor details of his business, to give employment to a large 
number of the workingmen and women of Flint, and to 
pull safely through those long years so fraught with disas- 
trous results to manufacturers throughout all sections of the 
country. 

31111 No. 1 was erected iu 1SG7, and for the year ending 
June !, 18G8, the manufactured goods aggregated 15,000 
yards of cassimeres. The products for the year 1S72 reached 
11)0,1)00 yards. Under the present management of Stone, 
Atwood & Co., which began in 1877, the manufactures 
amount to 180,000 yards of cassimeres yearly. 

During the spring of 1879, Mill No. 2 was started, and 
the manufacture of stocking-yarn added, of which 4000 
pounds are made per month. 

Much more could be said concerning the success of 
Stone's Woolen-Mills, but nothing that will appeal more 
strongly to business men than the fact that energy and pu.sh 
characterize the management. Well-paid experts attend to 
each department, whose strongest guarantee for a faithful 
performance of skilled labor and constant employment is 
their sobriety. 

CITY OF FLINT GAS-LIGHT COMP.\Nr. 

The City of Flint Gas-Light Company was organized 
March 26, 1870, by James B. Walker, Josiah W. Begole, 
William M. Fenton, and Jesse B. Atwood, with a capital 
of .§50,000. 

The ibllowing were the first oflicers : James B. Walker, 
President; F. W. Judd, Treasurer; Levi Walker, Secre- 
tary ; William j\L Fenton, Josiah W. Begole, Jesse B. 
Atwood, and William Hamilton, Directors. 

They at once commenced the erection of the works, and 
laid four and one-quarter miles of main pipe. They com- 
menced supplying gas Jan. 1, 1871. During the first year 
there were 90 consumers, using about 2,900,000 cubic feet 
in the year. 

The company have since that time extended their street 
mains until they have now about seven miles of main pipe. 




•s^- 




STONE'S WOOLEN MIL 




FLINT, MICHIGAN. 



FLINT CITY'. 



137 



and supply gas to about 2G0 consumers. Dui-ing tlic past 
year tlicy sold 4,317,000 culjic feet of gas. 

At the comujeiiceiiieiit the eouipaiiy sold gas at tlic rate 
of $4.15 per thousand feet, which included governniont 
tax. They arc now making a gas of eightecn-candlc puWer, 
and selling it at $3.50 per thou.sand feet, less a discount of 
twenty per cent, for cash, leaving the net rate $2.80 per 
thousand feet, which is lower than that of any other city 
in the State excepting Detroit. 

The present officers are F. W. Judd, President; J. B. 
Atwood, Jerome Eddy, J. W. Begolo, G. L. Denhani, Di- 
rectors ; Ira 11. Wilder, Treasurer ; Miles Byrne, Secretary 
and Superintendent. 

Among other business associations which years ago ceased 
to exist were the following : 

THE FLI.NT SALT-MANUFACTURING COMPAN'V. 

This company was regularly organized as a chartered a.sso- 
ciation, July 30, 18(50. Its capital stock was to be $50,000, 
or 20U0 shares at $25 each. The stockholders were Messrs. 
William M. Fenton,Edniond II. iMcQuigg,Artemas Thayer, 
Levi Walker, Henry H. Crapo, \Villiam Hamilton, Alonzo 
W. Broekway, James B. W.ilkcr, Josiah W. Begole, and 
Jlenry M. Henderson. The office was located in Flint, 
and the business of boring for and manufacturing salt was 
to be carried on in this and adjoining counties, the asso- 
ciation to exist thirty years. The amount of capital stock 
actually paid in at the time of incorporation was $500. 
This company went forward and bored the " Crapo well," 
spoken of under the head of " Water Sujiply." 

TUB WOLVEIilNE AND I'lT HOLE PETKOLEU.M CO.Ml'ANY. 

This company was formed Sept. 18, 1805, and incorpo- 
rated five days later. They proposed " to engag(> in and 
carry on the business of mining, exploring, and boring for 
and extracting from the earth and manufacturing and sell- 
ing jietrolenm and other oils, mines, and minerals on lands 
to be leased or purchased within the county of Venango, 
in the State of Pennsylvania." The amount of capital 
stock was to be $50,000, and the number of shares of 
such capital stock were 1000, of the value of $50 each. 
Tiio amount actually paid in at the date of incorporation 
was $10,000. The stockholders of this company e;;ch own- 
ing 100 shares were George W. Fish, Artemas Thayer, 
Grant Decker, Levi Walker, William B. JMeCreery, Paul 
11. Stewart, Josiah Pratt, Robert J. S. Page, John B. 
Hamilton, and Jerome Eddy. The affairs of the company 
were managed by a board of seven directors. A ]iresident 
and treasurer were chosen from among the directors, and a 
secretary appointed. The comjiany was to exist thirty 
years. 

THE FLINT l>ETKOI,Ei:M CO.MI'ANV 

was formeil and incorporated according to the laws of the 
State of Michigan, Dee. It, 1805. It prciposed " to lease 
or purchase land in the Enniskillen Oil Kegion. Canada 
West, and bore and drill for oil thereon." 

T...- amount of capital stock wits to bo $10,000, or 250 
.shares at $10 each, and the amount paid in at date of incor- 
poration was $5000. 

The first officers of this company were S. 15. Wicks, 
18 



President; A. T. Crosman, Secretary; John A. Kline, 
Treasurer; D.miel S. Freeman, George K. Newall, Peris F. 
Cleveland, S. B. Wicks, John A. Kline, Joseph Wood- 
house, Abner Randall, Francis Baker, and A. T. C!rosinan, 
Directors. 

Sixty-two stockholders signed the articles of incurpora- 
tion, and this company also was to continuj its existence 
for a period of thirty years. 

"AVILD-CAT" UANKINt;. 

In January, 1837, Michigan was admitted into the 
Union as a State. This was an era of the wildest specula- 
tion. The pioneers of that time yet living relate vividly 
the oft-repeated story of excessive prices of wild or uncul- 
tivated lands, and of lots in prospective villages and cities, 
which now have nothing but the recorded plat in the offic • 
of the registrar of deeds to indicate their location. This 
speculation, no doubt, was largely owing to the great amount 
of paper-money afloat in the State at that period. 

A general banking law was enacted in JIarch, 1837, 
making the business free to all. Under this law was the 
early banking in Genesee County inaugurate<l, of which 
this paper briefly speaks. The general provisitjns of this 
law were fairly drawn, except that in the two most impor- 
tant features that concern the public — security to the bill- 
holders, and a bona fide capital to secure the depositors — 
they were inadequate. The capital must not be less than 
$50,000 or more than $1(10,000. The issue could be two 
and one-half times the capital paid in. The issue should 
not exceed seven per cent, on discounts, and the banks 
were rerpiircd to make semi-annual dividends, thus assuring 
the banks' ability always to do this. The security for the 
payment of the banks' obligations were to be bonds ami 
mortgages on real estate to be held by the bank commis- 
sioner, and the specie in the vaults of the corporation. 
Few banks, if any, had this specie, though the law required 
thirty per cent, of the capital to be paid in '• legal money of 
the United States.'' These specie deposits furni.shcd little 
reliable security. The fact was, the bank commissioner, 
whose duty it was to examine these banks once in three 
months, was often deceived, as one bank would inform an- 
other when the commis.sioner was coming, and the banks 
would borrow money to exhibit to the commissioner, and 
return it when he went away. In this manner the .same 
specie would often serve for the use of several banks. 

Surely, the financial pioneers of Michigan were not want- 
ing in skill to bank without nioney. A good slury has been 
told of an cx-governor of the State, to the effect that when 
lie was State bank commissioner, going from one bank to 
another on his round trip, he noticed a familiar look in the 
boxes containing the .-ilver. After reaching the end of his 
route, though finding all the banks supplied with specie, he 
suddenly turned back, and, reexamining the banks, found 
them all witlnnit coin. This was the .system of banking in- 
augurated in the early days of Michigan, the overthrow of 
which so shocked this State, financially, that nniiiy years 
elapsed before a recovery from its effects was manifest. 

It was under this law lliat Genesee County began its les- 
sons in fiminciering. The county then had a population of 
lc.--s than three thousand, and the villages of Flint and Grand 



138 



IIISTOKY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Traverse had about the same number in hundreds. There 
wore men liere full of energy and aetivity, and in the desire 
to become rich were unsciupulou.s in the means employed 
to aecomiilish the same. The history of wild-cat banking in 
other portions of the State amply illustrates those estab- 
lished in Flint. 

From the fact that records and data are unobtainable, 
particulars cannot be entered into concerning the history, 
officers, and stockholders of the " Farmers' Bank of Gen- 
e.seo County," " Tiio Genesee County Bank," and " The 
Flint Bapids Bank." Yet we do know that all of them had 
an active existence as banks of issue, and that Delos Davi.'*, 
John Bartow, Cliarles C. Ilascali, llobert F. Stage, Bubert 

J. S. Page, and Jerome, respectively, were officially 

connected with them. The circulatory power of their notes 
proved to be of but short duration, however, and they all 
suspended payment in I808, on the decision of the Supreme 
Court relieving the stockholders from any liabiliiy toucli- 
ing the redemption of the bills of the banks. 

LEGITI.M.ATE I5AXKING. 
"the fiust national b.vnk ok flint 
organized and opened business as such in October, ISGo. 
It succeeded in business the ' Exchange Bank,' which 
was originally opened by ' Jleigs, Stone & Witherbee,' in 
1858, T. C. Meigs soon selling out his interest to Jlessrs. 
Stone and Witherbee (Charles Stone, of Sandy Hill, N, Y., 
and A. B. Witherbee, of this city) The Exchange Bank 
under the management of Mr. A. B. AVitherbee was a great 
financial success. In the spring of 18G4, Mr. Witherbee 
bouglit his partner's interest, and was sole owner of the bank 
until the organization of the present bank, of wliicli he took 
the cashiership, with H. M. Henderson as president, and O. 
F. Forsyth vice-president. The bank was then organized 
with a capital paid in of $100,000, and witli the following- 
named gentlemen as directors : II. JI. Ilender.son, 0. F. For- 
syth, A. B. Witherbee, George Crocker, William M. Fenton, 
AVilliam B. SlcCreery, Benjamin Pierson, E. II. McQuigg, 
and E. C. Turner. Messrs. Fenton and McCreery withdraw- 
ing from the bank before the organization was fully com- 
pleted, and having been succeeded by William L. Smith and 
Leonard Wesson, William Gibson was made teller, and acted 
as such for many years. At the organization of the Citi- 
zens' Bank be was clioscn its cashier. 

"In 1870, Mr. II. M. Henderson (having engaged in 
banking with his son-in-law, Giles L. Deuham) withdrew 
from the presidency of the bank, and was succeeded by E. 
H. McQuigg as president, and George Crocker as vicc- 
jiresident. In February, 1871, the cashier, A. B. Wither- 
bee, died, and was succeeded by Charles S. Brown, who had 
been, connected with the old Exchange Bank in 1SG5, and 
the present bank in all the various positions from messen- 
ger to his present position, and who at this date (1870) 
tills the offices of director and cashier. 

" JMr. A. B. Witherbec's death was severely felt by all 
classes of the citizens of Flint, and e.specially by those en- 
irasxcd in manufacturing and mercantile pursuits. He bad 
grown up from boyhood in the city, and maintained a repu- 
tation for integrity and honor second to no bank official in 
the State. The bank was mainly organized through his 



own efforts, and such was the confidence he inspired in the 
directors that the institution was almost entirely intrusted 
to his management. 

"The baidv, finding its capital not sufficient for the grow- 
ing wants of the city and county, in June, 1872, increased 
it to $200,000. In 1875, finding their (puirters rather in- 
convenient, and being of the opinion that they should own 
their banking-house, they purchased the building of the 
AValker Bros., on the northwest corner of Kearslcy and 
Saginaw Streets, and proceeded to fit up their present ele- 
gant quarters. Tiieir president, Ferris F. Hyatt (who suc- 
ceeded Mr. McQuigg in 1875), and the cashier, Mr. Biown, 
were careful that the vault should be made in the best jios- 
siblc manner, and after an investigation of the subject, and 
an examination of the .several plans submitted, adopted that 
of Jlr. E. W. Fowler, the Chicago agent for Terwilliger & 
Co.'s Safe-Works of New York City. The vault is a curi- 
osity, and seems to be absolutely inipnignable. It is five 
by seven feet in dimensions, its sides, top, bottom, back, and 
front being composed of steel railroad bars of double thick- 
ness, with the bases, out and in, laid crosswise in the form 
of lattice-work, but close together, the flat bottoms of the 
rails making a smooth surface inside as well as out. The 
top, sides, and bottom are eight inches thick, also of rails. 
The back is twelve inches thick (three layers), all bolted 
together with five one-inch bolts through each rail at the 
door, the rails being screwed from the inside to the i'rame. 
The outside course of rails in the IVont about the doorway, 
over the top and two sides, and around the back, are of 
rails bent in the form of the letter U, and, being entire, com- 
pletely encircle the vault. After building the iron-work, 
there was laid up an eight-inch wall of brick, one inch from 
the iron, and the space between this biick wall and the iron, 
and the spaces between the rails, were filled up solid with 
the best cement that could be made, which long before this 
has become harder than any sand.'-tone. The vault took 
nearly a year to become thoroughly dry. The door is of 
Terwilliger & Co's. best make, is nearly four inches thick, 
and, together with the frame in which it hangs, weighs G200 
pounds, there being m the vault some 27 tons of steel rails. 
All this is protected by a thirty-two-inch covering of brick as 
a fire protection The counter spoken of is an artistic affair, 
the counter proper being composed entirely of marble, of 
which there are five different varieties, the top, or shelf, 
being of Tennessee marble, the base of Cumberland, the 
panels of Italian, and they again paneled with two varieties 
of colored marble. The wood-work on this is of mahogany, 
trimmed with rosewood, and filled with plate glass. The 
whole was built for a Chicago bank, at a cost of something 
over SUOOO, but was bought by this bank at a bankrupt sale 
for much less than the original figures." 

The bank under the various managements has been uni- 
forndy successful, and, as the cashier avows, has never yet 
disa]ipointed its stockholders on the semi-animal dividend- 
day. During the panic ol 1873, for two or three days there 
was a slight run on the bank as on others, but nothing of 
consequence occurred, and in a week it was forgotten. As an 
instance of the alarm a panic occasions some people, the 
following incident is related. During the second day of 
tha luu a good farmer's wife rushed to the teller's desk, and 



FLINT CITY. 



139 



cmUl'J out til liiiii, " I want my uioiicj'." He asked, "What 
inoiif}' do you want?' "My iiioiioy in here," slic an- 
swered. " Where is your certiGeate of deposit ?" he astied. 
.Slie searehed in vain, and finally pisped that "she must 
luive left it at home." The teller a.ssured her she need not 
be alarmed, but wight send it down or bring it when she 
was next in town, and tliat the money was safe until she 
should come again. She remarked tliat she " hoped it 
was," and left the office. A few minutes before closing tliat 
day she came again with the certificate, and as the teller 
paid it he asked her where she found it. She answered 
she " had been home after it." He then asked her where 

.■-he lived, and she an.swered, " Ju.st beyond the 

Selioolhouse," naming a school-house twelve miles from 
Flint. The certificate was for S2.j. On another occasion 
an individual called to pay a note held by the bank which 
was not for some time duo. The cashier expres.sed his in- 
debtedness for the favor, when the iiran responded, " I don't 
propose to have this bank hiist and hold my note." 

THE CITIZK.NS' N.VTIONAL HANK OF FLI.NT 

was organized Jan. 10, 1871, by the election of the follow- 
ing gentlemen as directors: Hon. Wni. M. Fenton, Alex- 
ander JIcFarlan, J. B. Atwood, Henry Stanley, Col. Wui. 
13. McCrcery, Wm. Hamilton, and J. W. Begole, with a 
capital of 850,000, and commenced business March 1, 1871. 

Wm. M. Fenton was elected president, Wni. Hamilton 
vice-president, and W. L. Gibson was made cashier. 

This banking institution commanded the confidence and 
esteem of the public from the very first day of its existence. 
The gentlemen having its management were widely known 
as among the fir.st in the county of Genesee for probity and 
integrity, and within a period of three months from the 
time its doors were thrown open to the public the capital 
was increased to SlO0,O00, and still fiirtlu'r augmented the 
following year to §125,000. 

The sudden death of Col. Fenton in IMay, 1871, resulted 
in a change of .some of its officers. Wm. Hamilton was 
made president, and Alex. McFarlan was made vice-presi- 
dent, and Mr. J. A''an Vlect was added to the board of 
directors. 

In January, 187G, at the annual meeting, a still further 
change in the management was made by the election of 
Alexander McFarlan as president, and Col. Wm. B. Jlc- 
Crcery (who at the time held the honorable position of State 
treasurer) was made vice-president, and still later (1879) 
cashier in the place of Jlr. Gibson. 

THE C;E.\f:SEE COU.NXY .SAVI.NGS-BANK 

was organized in 1S72, and opened its office for business 
on the first day of May in that year, with a capital stock 
of 850,000, sixty per cent, of whicli was paid in on that 
day, and the balance on the 1st of May, 1873, in accord- 
ance with the statutes of the State of Jlichigan bearing 
upon the subject. Its first officers were Hon. J. B. Walker, 
President; G. L. Denham, Vice-President; Ira H. Wilder, 
Ca.shier. The officers remained the same until November, 
1877, when a vacancy was occasioned by the death of Mr. 
Walker, after which P.ussell Bishop was elected president. 
In July of 1377 the capital stock was increased to 8100,000. 



In connection with the savings department, a general bank- 
ing business is conducted. The present officers are Ku.ssell 
Bishop, President; William A. Atwood, Vies- President ; 
Ira H. Wilder, Cashier. 

SCHOOLS. 

Mr. D.iniel O'Sullivan, " the Irish schoolmaster," arrived 
in the Flint River settlement in July, 18IJ4. He at firet 
took up his residence near the Thread mills, and labored 
upon the Saginaw road. Having been prostrated by a 
.severe attack of bilious fever, he .soon after removed with 
his family to the house vacated by Jllijah N. Davenport, 
and there, during the fall of 18li4, taught the first school, 
at the rate of ten cents per week for each pujiil. The 
house, a small rude log cabin, stood upon the site of William 
Hamilton's mill. The scholars, some twelve in number, 
were the .sons and daughters of John Todd, James Mc- 
Cormick, Rufus W. Stevens, James W. Cronk, Lyman 
Stow, and his own. 

In 1835, Aaron Hoyes taught a school in the .«ame 
cabin. Among his pupils was William R. McCormick, 
now of Bay City, who recalls the fact that during the ill- 
ness of the master, Mr. Hoyes, his place was temporarily 
taken by a young lady,* who, among her personal adorn- 
ments, wore an exceedingly high comb. The pupils of that 
early day were not altogether amenable to discipline, c.epe- 
cially when enforced by one of the weaker sex, and forth- 
with rebelled against the authority of the schoolmistress. 
A scene ensued, in which the lady received rough handling 
at the hands of young McCormick and one of his friends, 
and the crowning glory of her head, the towering comb, 
was shattered. This terminated any further efibrts on the 
part of the lady as instructress. The scholars of that date 
were as follows: Leander, Albert, and Zobedia Stevens; 
Corydon, Walter, and Abigail Cronk; Edward Todd; 
Adalinc and I'Imeline Stow; William R,, Ann Elizabeth, 
and Sarah McCormick. 

During the year 183G, Messrs. Stage & Wright erected 
a small shanty for school purposes, which was situated on 
the corner now occupied by the Fenton Block. The first 
school in this building was presided over by a Mi.ss Over- 
ton (now Jlrs. William Chambers, of Bay City), who was 
employed by the above-mentioned firm, and for whom her 
friends claim the distinction of having taught the earliest 
.school in the village. She taught two rpiarters, and received 
as compen.sation 81 per week, and made her home while 
here with Sir. and Mrs, Todd, who welcomed her as one 
of the family. From the well-authenlieated facts already 
set forth, there seems no reason to doubt that schools existed 
in the village two years prior to the time Miss Overton be- 
gan teaching, although .she may have taught the first dis- 
trict school. 

THE PUBLIC .SCHOOLS OF FLI.NT. 

"The early accessible records of the educational interests 
of Flint are very meagre. The first authentic record that 
wc find relative to public scliools is that of the organiza- 
tion of School District No. 1, at a meeting of the school 

* Mr. Jitmrs O'.SiilIivnn, son of Diiiiicl O'Sullivan, gives the namo 
of this lady-tca-'hur as Miss Lucy Uig^a, 



140 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, 3IICI11GAN. 



inspectors lield Apiil 11, 1837; Ephraim S. Walker being 
chairman and Oiriri SafTord clerk. 

" The first official report of the school inspectors was 
made Oct. 20, 1838 ; from which report we learn that the 
whole number of scholars attcndins; was GO ; of whom 39 
were between the a>;e8 of five and seventeen years ; the 
number under five and over seventeen being 21. Dura- 
tion of school, six months. Amount raised by tax was 
$586, of wiiicli $499 was for building a school-housj, and 
$87 for the support of schools. This house must have 
been the frame building Avliich formerly stood at the corner 
of Clifford and First Streets, on the site now occupied by 
Jlr. Browning's house. Although the public school was 
thus legally organized, there were many and formidable ob- 
stacles to its success. Hard times soon came on, and money 
was scarce, and the teachers often doubly earned, by delays 
and duns, the pittance which they received. But the 
greatest obstacle was want of faith in the free-school sys- 
tem, and hence the attempt to run the mongrel system, 
hampered with rate-bills, which so long vexed the souls of 
educationists. The rate-bills were often very onerous, es- 
pecially on the primary department, offering a temptation 
to parents with large families of small children to tolerate, 
if not encourage, absence from school ; and, as each absence 
increased the burden on those remaining, the evil grew in 
a constantly increasing ratio, until, sometimes, the school 
was brought to a premature close. After strugglitig thus 
for several years without recognizing the real impediment 
in the way, the friends of education made a rally on the 
union-school system, as a sovereign remedy for all scholastic 
ills. That portion of the district lying ncirth of Flint River 
having been set off as a separate district, those remaining 
purchased an entire block and proceeded to erect the house 
at present used in the Second Ward. But here, at the out- 
set, a most egregious and irreparable blunder was perpe- 
trated. The lot at that time was covered with a fine growth 
of young oaks, which were most carefully exterminated ; 
whereas, had they been left to grow, they would by this 
time have formed one of the finest groves in the county. 
This hou.se, which is a two-story wooden building sur- 
mounted by a cupola, which is not remarkable for its grace 
or artistic effect, contains four commodious rooms. It has 
done good service for thirty years, and having a solid frame, 
with contemplated renovations, will be serviceable for many 
years to come. 

"On the completion of the house a union school was 
inaugurated in the fall of 1S4G, under charge of Mr. N. 
W. But's, with an ample corps of teachers. Years passed 
on, and many a faithful teacher did valiant service, though 
often with a depressing consciousness of Egyptian task- 
work in attempting to make scholars of pupils who attended 
at random. As an illustration of the extent of this evil 
of irregular attendance, we cite a report for the term end- 
ing August, 1853, as follows: whole number enrolled, 04; 
average attendance, 18 ; average absences, 40. The total 
result, under this incubus of the rate-bill, was not very sat- 
isfactory ; the panacea had failed, and u new remedy must 
be tried. 

" Accordingly, we find that at the annual scliool-mceting 
held in 1>^55 the following resolutions were adopted, pre- 



faced with a preamble, setting forth that the experience 
of ten years had demonstrated the failure of the union- 
school system to give any adequate return for the expense 
incurred, while it completely excluded four-fifths of the 
children of the district from any participation in its ques- 
tionable benefits ; and believing that the great interests of 
education would be advanced, the burden of taxation dimin- 
ished, and the harmony of the Second and Third Wards 
improved by a frank and open abandonment of the present 
system, and the division of the district ; Therefore, 

*" /iVs«//f(?(/, Tbiit the union .system as adopted, ?o far ns it goes to 
c.-t.il)li^h the .icii'lcmic department in paid sehool, lie and the same is 
hereby aliandoncd. 

'* ' lit'Htilveil, That we have ten month.s ofsehool the coming year in 
this house. Tliat we have one male and two female teaeher.'i ([ualified 
to teaeh the primary and English branches of education. 

" ' lit^ttnfveil, That, in the opinion of this meeting, the great interest 
of education in our city would be advanced by a division of I'nion 
School Di--trict No. 1, so that Saginaw Street should be the dividing 
line.' 

" In accordance with this expression of public sentiment, 
upon petition of the parties interested, the division was 
made by the school iuspectors, and District No. 3, embrac- 
ing the Third Ward, was formed. But, the disintegration 
having commenced, another division was called for and 
made, forming District No. 4, of that portion of the Third 
Ward lying north of Court Street. 

"The old district. No. 1, was now left in an anomalous 
position, fo.r, as might have been expected, with the adop- 
tion of the foregoing resolutions, no provision was made for 
sustaining a public school, the customary assessment of one 
dollar per scholar being ignored, with the following curious 
result : From the report of 1855-50 it appears that the 
whole amount of teachers' wages was §1235, of which the 
amount assessed on rate-bills (S640.47) was more than one- 
half, while the moiety of less than one-fifth (^$214.82) was 
derived from the priiuary-school fund and mill-tax, and 
8343.52, more than one fourth, was reueived from non-res- 
idents, a proportion unparalleled in the history of our 
schools, and an evidence of the popularity of the teacher 
then in chaige. Prof iM. B. Beals. 

" This was certainly bringing the free public school to 
its lowest terras, and a continuance of the same policy must 
soon have led to the total abandonment of the whole system. 
But the people were not ready for such a catastrophe, and 
ever after, at the annual meetings, voted as liberally as the 
law allowed for the support of schools, and would gladly 
have anticipated, b}' a decade, that release from the thral- 
dom of rate-bills which the Legislature ultimately gave. 
So far from abandoning the academic course, it was made 
still more prominent. Prof William Travis, an accom- 
jilished teacher, was placed in charge for three years (from 
1850 to 1859), and by his ability, culture, energy, and 
enthusiasm gave a new impetus to the cause of education 
which left a lasting iiupression. At the annual meeting in 
1859, it was voted unanimously to organize a graded school 
under the act of the Legislature approved Feb. 16, 1859, 
and the following board of trustees were elected, viz. : Levi 
Walker and Daniel Clarke for three years, S. N. Warren 
and Grant Decker lor two years, John Delbridge and C. N. 
Bcechcr for one vear. 




^^Mllllllfl 



CHAUNCEY S. PAYNE. 



The name which stands at the head of this brief biographical 
notice is lliat of one who was among the earlier settlers in 
Genesee County, and who was an enterprising, public-spirited, 
and honored citizen of Flint for a period of forty years. 

Chauncey Smith Payne was born at Schodack, Rensselaer 
Co., N. Y., on the lljth of November, 1795. Having lost his 
parents by death while yet a child, he was reared and edu- 
cated by his grandparents until he was about seventeen years of 
age, when his active ti-mperament and spirit of enterprise led 
him to leave the seclusion of his early home, to seek his fortune 
in the neighboring city nf Albany. There he entered into a 
partnership with his cousin, Hiram Payne (also a young 
man), in the watch and jewelry business. At the end of three 
years this partnership was dissolved, and he entered into 
other business connectinns, continuing to the close of the war 
of 1812-15, at which time, believing a Western venture would 
prove profitable, he purchased the entire stock of his former 
partner, and, with a part of it, proceeded to Detroit in 1816, 
journeying through Canada with a team. As it was just 
after the close of the war, the national feeling and prejudice 
still ran high, and it was only by his coolness and determi- 
nation that he was able to pass through the Canadian terri- 
tory without molestation, and to reach Detroit in safety. 

Having disposed of his goods very advantageously, and 
being encouraged by his success, he returned, by Lake Erie 
and Butlalo, to Albany, in the spring of 1817, and in the 
following July reappeared in Michigan with a large stock of 
merchandise, which he took to Mackinac. 

His second venture proving as successful as the first, he 
again proceeded to Albany, and in 1818 brought out his third 
stock of goods, and located in Detroit in permanent business 
as a merchant, having also a branch at Mackinac. His part- 
ner in Detroit was the late Levi Brown, with whom he 
remained in very successful business connection for more 
than twenty years. 

In 1824 he married Miss Louisa L. Smith, of Detroit, 
daughter of Jacob Smith, the well-known trader, who had 
made the first improvements upon the site of the present city 
of Flint, in 1819. Immediately after the death of Mr. Smith, 
in 1825, Mr. Payne made his first visit to Flint River, to look 
after the affairs of the deceased, and to take formal possession 
of the landed property riwned here by his w^ife and the other 
children of Mr. Smith. Thi-^ visit, however, was but tem- 
porary, and he soon returned to Ohio, where just previous to 
his marriage he had eslahlished a lucrative business. 

His location in that State was first at Cleveland, but he soon 
after removed to Willoughby, Ohio, where, in addition to his 
merchandising, he wa« engaged in milling and various other 
enterprises. He had also a branch of bis business in Akron, 
Ohio, where he built the first of the large stone business 
blocks which adorn that city. Upon the formation of the 
Portage Canal and Manufacturing Company at Akron, he 



became an active member and a large stockholder, and was 
at different times the treasurer of the company, and its fiscal 
agent in New York City, with almost absolute discretionary 
power in its financial concerns. 

In 18-35 he closed his affairs in Ohio and returned to his 
business in Detroit, but remained there only two years, and 
in 1837, at the solicitation of a number of the prominent 
people of Flint, he removed to that city, to spend (as it proved) 
the remainder of his long life. Having always been pros- 
perous in his business affairs, he had, at the time i>f his settle- 
ment here, in addition to the landed estate of his wife, a large 
amount of ready money, and with this he engaged in trade 
and in banking at Flint. He also built extensively, and 
contributed to the progress of the city in various ways, one 
instance of which was his furnishing of the money to start 
the publication of Flint's first newspaper, the Flint River 
Gazette. 

Although Mr. Payne had already been engaged in active 
business in other places for a full (|uarter of a century before 
be came to make his home in Flint, he yet passed half his 
whole life (lacking only a few months) here, and became a 
citizen of such prominence as to make his name inseparable 
from the annals of the city. 

He died at his residence in Flint, Jan. 31, 1877, aged 
eighty-two years. 

The ('!ti:e7i, of Flint, in its next issue after the death of 
Mr. Payne, said of him : " His dust and his memory are all 
that remain of one who for nearly half a century filled one 
of the foremost places in the history of this county and city. 
. . . He was uncommonly generous of the goods with 
which fortune had endowed him. As instances of this spirit 
may be mentioned that he donated to the Catholics an acre of 
land, as the site of their present church ; also a tract of land 
on Detroit Street, for a burial-ground ; likewise to the Baptist 
church and the Garland Street Methodist Episcopal church 
the lots now occupied by those societies respectively ; and not 
long since a lot, valued at five hundred dollars, for the benefit 
of the new Episcopal church. He was a man of remarkable 
kindness of heart, amounting to almost womanly tenderness 
on witnessing distress; of the highest integrity of character, 
and of broad literary culture, with a great love for books. 
He was a religious man, though not a professor of religion in 
any denomination." 

Mr. Payne was, at the time of his death, one of the oldest 
members "of the Masonic Fraternity in the State, having 
become a Mason in Detroit, in 1818, in what was then known 
as Zion Lodge, No. 02, of the Territory of Michigan. When 
Washington Chapter, No. 15, was instituted at Flint, he was 
one of its charter members, and its first King. Subsequently 
he received the orders of the Red Cross, Knights Templar, 
and Knigbtsof Malta. He wasalsooneof theoriginal.and the 
last surviving member of the Mechanics' Institute of Detroit. 



FLINT CITY. 



141 



" It would be impossible in the limits of this sketch to 
note all the teachers whose faithful labors have douc so 
uuich to lay the foundation upon which the reputation of 
our schools is bein^ built; but wc cannot forj^ct the patriot 
scholar, Capt. Simeon C. Guild, who, at the call of his 
country in the hour of her peril, left the charge of his 
school for the tented Held, where he gave his last and 
noblest lesson, that of chivalnjus devotion to his country, 
when he laid his young life, so full of the promise of fu- 
ture usefulness and renown, upon her altar, falling a victim 
in the afi'air at Fort Wagner, where ' soniebndy blundered.' 

" From the length of the period that he labured here, 
nine years (from 1805 to 1874), as well as by his ability 
and peculiar adaptation to the work before him, — that of 
organization and drill, — no one has done more for our 
schools than Prof. Z. Truesdel. 

" April 3, 1809, is a most important date in the educa- 
tional history of IMichigan, and worthy a centennial re- 
membrance, as being the day when No. 116 of the acts of 
the Legislature for that year, by virtue of which rate-bills 
were finally abolished and the free public school really es- 
tablished, was approved by the Governor and became the 
law of the State. 

'' This event gave new vitality to the cause of education, 
which, together with the constant growth in population and 
weiillh, soon placed this school on a much higher plane 
than it occupied before the division, and the overcrowded 
school-house ag.dn brought up the ever-recurring question 
as to how the want could be best supplied. 

" Before noting the solution of that problem, we will 
call attention to the colonists who went out in 1855. 

" District No. 3, which contained the most territory and 
largest number of scholars, with the least taxable property, 
proceeded to erect a brick house on Oak Street, in the 
Third Ward. This house, which is a two-story building, 
neither commodious nor elegant, originally contained two 
school rooms and a small recitation-room, and has since 
been enlarged by a two-story addition with a school-room 
on each floor. The location is a beautiful one, in a grove 
of primitive oaks, at one of the most prominent points in 
the city ; but it is to be regretted that more land was not 
obtained at a time when it could have been done at a 
moderate expense. 

" In the absence of any records, we can only say that able 
and faithful teachers labored here, and did their jiart in 
advancing the great work of education. 

" District No. 4, which contained the least territory, with 
the smallest number of scholars, and a larger proportion of 
taxable property, instead of building, purchased an unfin- 
ished dwelling-house on Grand Traverse Street, known as 
the IJIades Hou-sc, and, fitting it up as an apology for a 
school-house, kept up a school here for several years. It 
was not a very successful educational enterprise, and an 
effort was made in 18G1, by petition to the board of school 
inspectors, to have it united with No. 3, but, being oppo.sed 
by a remonstrance, the inspectois declined to act, referring 
the subject to the voters of the Third and Fourth Districts 
at their annual meeting; and in ISli!!, there being a de- 
cided expression of public sentiment in favor of the meas- 
ure, and the formal con.'^eiit of the district officers in writing' 



having been obtained, the measure was effected. The dem- 
ocratic principle of free public schools seems to have been 
but dimly recognized in this enterprise, for we find that in 
a remonstrance against abandoning the ' Blades House' 
and substituting the city-hall building, a measure de- 
manded for the accommodation of more pupils, it wa.s 
claimed that, as they had escaped the burden of a school- 
tax in a great measure in the jiast, imnuinity should be 
continued as a vested right in the i'ulure. 

" Notwithstanding the decided expression in favor of dis- 
union in 1855, it was soon found by experience that the 
panacea had not yet been found. The evils of i.solated and 
divided action soon became apparent ; and while other 
cities and villages were sustaining their prosperous union 
graded schools, which were giving them credit and re- 
nown, it became evident that Flint was falling into the 
background. A general sentiment had grown up that 
something more must be done for education, and in 1807 
Districts Nos. 1 and 3 were reunited, under the title of 
' Union School District of the City of Flint,' by the act of 
the Legislature, approved March [), 1807. 

"The school was reorganized under this act, with the fol- 
lowing board of tru.stees, after the annual meeting, viz.: 
Levi Walker, President; William L. Smith, Secretary; 
George R. Gold, Treasurer; I'aul II. Stewart, Sumner 
Howard, and Daniel Clarke. The reunion made the neces- 
sity for further accommodations more urgent; and, as the 
best temporary relief which could be obtained, the unfinished 
building on the corner of Saginaw and Third Streets, known 
as the city-hall building, was leased of the city for a 
noniiiKil sum, and fitted up at an expense of about SJOOtl, 
for the accommodation of the high-school. This house 
continued to be used for this purpose until the completion 
of the new high-school building. After this time a male 
principal was employed in addition to the superintendent, — 
Mr. S. II. Winchcl being the first to occupy that position. 

" The trustees' report at the annual meeting, 1870, shows 
the employing of two male and thirteen female teachers. 
Whole number enrolled in the district between the ages of 
five and twenty, 1269; whole number attending school, 
1157, of whom 150 were non-residents. 

" By an act of the Legislature, apjiroved March 18, 1871, 
amending the charter of the city ol' Flint, the School Dis- 
trict No. 1, of the town of Flint, was annexed to the city 
as the Fourth Ward ; and, by the consent of both parties, 
became merged in Union School District, its property being 
transferred and its liabilities assumed. 

" A brief sketch of this school will illustrate the rise 
and progress of schools in a new country, and verifies the 
old adage that ' where there is a will, there is a way.' The 
territory now comprising the Fourth Ward, for some years 
after the settlement of Flint, was mostly occupied by a 
dense growth of pine, forming a most striking feature in 
the land.seape, and giving the new-comer the impression 
that he had at last reached the border of that vast j)ine 
forest of Northern Michigan, of which he had heard so 
much. After the establishment of the State Institution 
for the Ivlucation of the Djaf and Dumb and the Blind 
in this vicinity, this pinery was exterminated and a village 
]ilalteil, and, being connected with the business portion of 



li-2 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUxNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the 'city by a new bridijo, a settlement commenced. As 
tlie nearest district scluiol-liouse was at an inconvenient 
distance, tlie need of another was soon felt, and April I), 
1859, this fcnitofy was set off as District No. 1 of the 
town of Flint, and soon after organized by a meeting at 
the house of G. F. Hood, Esq., at whicli time it was 
reported that all the ((ualified voters in the district, to the 
number of twenty-one, including one female, had been 
notified. The following officers were elected, viz. : D. 
^IcKerchcr, Moderator; II. G. Beach, Director, and II. 
W. Whitney, Assessor. At a special meeting, held Ajiril 
2Sth, on motion of G. F. Hood, it was voted that the 
board iiavc power to purchase materials and put up a suit- 
able shanty for a school to be kept in ; said shanty to be 
18 by 28 feet. This shanty was built upon the site occu- 
pied by the present house, at a cost, including furniture, of 
about $140. It did good service, being used eleven years, 
and then, after the completion of the new house, was sold 
at auction for §33. At the annual meeting in 18G7, the 
number of scholars having incrca.scd to 100, the shanty 
had become too small, and the necessity for a new house 
being felt, it was resolved to raise $1000 by tax and §3000 
by loan for that purpose. A plan submitted by P. Cleve- 
land, Esq., of Flint, was adopted, and the present house 
was built. This is a two-story brick building, surmounted 
with a belfry, and furnishing a spacious school-room on 
each story. The burden of building did not prevent the 
liberal support of the school, for we find that at the ne.tt 
annual meeting, in 18G8, on motion of G. L. Walker, Esq., 
it was resolved, by a vote of 28 to 8, that $2 per scholar 
be raised by tax for the support of the school, amounting 
to $2G2. 

" In 1869 a graded school was established and a board of 
six trustees was elected, viz. : L. P. Andrews, G. L. Walker, 
G. Stanard, J. Williams, 0. Maltby, and J. Haver. 

" The reported state of the finances at this time was ' an 
empty treasury, rate-bills abolished by law, and teachers un- 
paid.' However, these difficulties were overcome, a male 
teacher, Mr. C. Donel.son, was employed, and, in the absence 
of further records, we can only say that this school continued 
to flourish until absorbed into the ' union school of the city,' 
in 1871, and will now compare favorably with any other 
school of its grade in the city. 

•' We learn from the records of the board of school in- 
spectors of the town of Flint that School District No. 2, 
embracing the present First Ward of the city, was formed 
March 8, IS^.). In the following year a brick .school- 
house was built on Detroit Street, at present occupied by 
Jlr. A. Ilurd as a dwclling-honse. This is noted not only 
as being the oldest school-house extant, but as being the 
first brick building erected in our city. The early records 
of this district are lost, or inaccessible. It seems not to 
have been very prosperous, or to have soon fallen into decay, 
judging from the remarks of the director, II. W^. Wood, 
Esq., at the dedication of the new house, Dec. G, 185S. 
These remarks we quote, not only as giving a most graphic 
]iicture of the slough into whicli educational interests had 
fallen, but also, and more especially, as showing what can 
be accomplished by indomitable energy, under the most 
adverse circumstancs. 



" Mr. Wood says : ' Having always been deeply impressed 
with the great importance of good schools, and the proper 
training and education of tlie rising generation, it was with 
deep feelings of mortification that the undersigned, in com- 
mon with many others in the Fir.st Ward, beheld the low 
and ineflicient state and condition of the public education 
in this ward during several years past. It was a source of 
great annoyance to hear our ward and district spoken dis- 
paragingly of by the inliabilantsof other and more favored 
localities. On every side of us schools were in flourishing 
and prosperous condition, and growing rapidly into impor- 
tance ill the estimation of the people; and for some time it 
was a question asked by some in this district, with great 
solicitude, whether something could not be done to elevate 
the character of our school. But there were many obstacles 
in the way. There was no suitable building; the old brick 
school-house on Detroit Street was in a dilapidated and ru- 
inous cDtidilion. It was, in short, a stigma on the public 
spirit of the ward, — a by-word and a reproach. It was lo- 
cated on a plat of ground inaccessible and inconvenient ; 
and it was found that before anything effectual could be 
done to advance the cause of education among us, a large 
sum of money must be expended in purchasing grounds and 
erecting suitable buildings. This necessity has been appre- 
ciated for several years by almost every one of intelligence 
in the di.striet. But to this step there was manifestly at 
first a spirit of opposition, based, as many thought, on teiniljle 
grounds, but, as others thought, without any just foundation. 
The financial crisis of 18.^7 was just coming upon us. Prop- 
erty was depreciated, and general terror and alarm pervaded 
every mind ; and under such a state of things it was almost 
preposterous to hope that anything could be done. Yet it 
was determined to make an effort and succeed, or else dis- 
pense with the miserable apology for a school which at that 
time pretended to exist. Accordingly, at the annual meet- 
ing in 1857, the project was started, generally discussed, and 
those in its fiivor were highly gratified that more were with 
them than they expected. After the discussion, various 
plans were submitted, ranging from a few dollars of repairs 
upon the old house to the building of one larger, more elegant 
and commodious, convenient and expensive. A committee of 
three intelligent gentlemen was appointed to investigate and 
report .at a subsequent meeting a plan of operations. After 
thorough investigation, the committee reported in favor of 
a new school-house, recommended the purchase of the pres- 
ent site, and the building of the present elegant and conve- 
nient house which you see before you. To the gratification 
of every one, the report of that committee was adopted, ami 
§1000 were raised to aid the enterprise. The board were 
authorized to purchase the site and let the job for building. 
The job was let to good workmen and responsible parties, 
and, as the result, you see before j'ou this noble structure, 
which is alike an enduring monument to the generous and 
high-minded public spirit of the patrons of .schools in this 
part of the city. True, it has been an expensive enterprise 
and the times have been hard. It has borne heavily upon 
many of us. Yet we are proud of it ; we are glad the en- 
terprise was gone into, and suceessfullj'. It is admitted by 
all that we have the best house that has been built, for the 
! amount of money, in this vicinity. And, as we have the 



FLINT CITV. 



143 



best house in this county, your diroctoi', in takinp; leave of 
tliis part of the subject, would earnestly recounuond to every 
one to be united, cheerful, and zealous in niaintaiuing a 
school worthy of your house, of yourselves, and to which 
the rising generation, in after-years, may look with pride, 
gratitude, and affection.' 

" It is highly gratifying to find that this zeal in a good 
cause did not spend itself in building the house, but went on 
to establish and sustain a first-class school, including, not 
only the ' higher English branches, but the classics and 
sonic of the modern languages ;' su])plying also the ap- 
pliances necessary for success, including maps, books of 
referenee, and a library of miscellaneous books; and doing 
this with alacrity, while heavily taxed for the expense in- 
curred in building.. 

"At the annual meeting in 1859 a graded school was 
organized under the act of the Legislature then recently 
passed, and the following gentlemen were elected a board of 
trustees, viz. : D. S. Freeman and D. S. Fox, fur one year ; 
A. McFailan and 0. Adams, for two year.s; and F. II. 
Kankin and II. W. Wood, for three years. 

" In lStI5 valuable philosojiliical apjiaratus was bought, 
and S2000 raised by tax to enlarge the new school-hou.se, 
which had become inadefpiate to acccmimodate the increasing 
ma.ss of jnipils. 

" In 18U7 the enlarged house again became crowded, 
and another, known as the ' IJraneh House,' was built on 
Second Street, at^tlie corner of Lyon Street. This, which 
is a one-story wooden structure, surmounted by a belfry, 
contains two commodious rooms, used for the primary de- 
partment. 

" The following-named gentlemen have had charge of the 
schools in this district for periods of greater or less length 
since the renovation, viz. : Messrs. II. G. Jones, E. M. 
Jlason, W. Tennant, S. B. Kingsbury, T. M. Wells, and 
F. JI. Hamilton. The list of female teachers who have 
done faithful work in this field, the full value of which can 
never be apjjreciated, is too long for rehearsal here. 

"The movement which had been inaugurated in the 
'llnioD School District,' on the .south side of the river, for 
building a ni'W house attracted the attention of education- 
ists ill this ward ; and, at a .special meeting of the qualified 
voters, held Nov. 10, 1871, a ]preanil)le and rescjlutiuns were 
adopted in favor of union, on certain conditions. These 
conditions being a.s.sented to, after further conference, the 
consolidation of the four ward.s of the city in one selioul 
district wits effected by an act of the Legislature, ajiproved 
Jlarch 28, 1872. 

" Thus this prosperous school, in the full tide of its success, 
became merged in that grand enterprise which has brought 
all our schools into one organization, in which relation we 
trust the good record of the past will be amply sustained. 

'• Each increment of the ' Union School District' rendered 
the call for a new house more urgent, the temporary re- 
lief obtained by oecupyiiig the ' cily-liall building' having 
been outgrown by tlie rapid increase of our growing city. 
And, accordingly, we find that at the annual meeting, lield 
Sept. 2, 1871, the board of tnisleis in their rejiort, after 
noting the highly prosperous c<in(lition of the school, and 
its favorable standing among the other schools of like irradc 



in the State, most strongly urged the ab.solute necessity for 
enlarged accommodations; and, at the same meeting, reso- 
lutions were adopted that a site be procured, and plans and 
estimates obtained for a new building. A tax of S.jllOO 
was voted for purchasing a site, and the issuing of bonds to 
the amount of $20,000 (all the law allowed) authorized. 
A series of adjourned meetings were held, at which the 
proposition of District No. 2 for union was favorably re- 
ceived, $55,000 were added to tlie amount of bonds author- 
ized, jiermission having been obtained by legislative action ; 
and, several attempts having been made to fix upon a site 
by vote of the tax-payers, that subject was referred to the 
board of trustees, who, having no better success, left the de- 
cision of the question to a committee consisting of Presi- 
dent Angcll, of the State University ; Prof. Estabrook, of 
the State Normal School ; and Hon. M. E. Crofoot, of 
Pontiac. This committee, after viewing the premises, ex- 
pressed their jireference for the ' Pierson Block,' in the 
Second Ward, as the most eligible ; but, ' in view of better 
reconciling all parties,' recommended the adoption of the 
' Lamond Block,' in the Third Ward, — the site now occupied 
by the high-school building. Their award was acceded 
to by the board, and subsequently ado]ited by the tax-pay- 
ers, who, in view of the fact that the owners of the property 
declined to sell on what was deemed rea.sonable terms, di- 
rected that legal measures should be taken to obtain it. 

" The south four lots of that portion of the block now 
occupied were thus obtained, by an award of a jury, at a 
cost of S3500 ; and the north four lots were subsequently 
obtained by negotiation at a cost of $10,000; making the 
expense of the eight lots, including the expenses of litiga- 
tion and back taxes, $10,000. 

" While negotiations were going on to secure a site, 
efforts were also being made to procure plans and estimates. 
Committees were appointed to visit and in.-peet other school- 
houses, and to investigate materials and methods of heat- 
ing and ventilation. 

" The final result was that, after djeitling upon the size, 
ground-]ilaii, and general arrangement of the building, the 
subject was referred to Purtor & Watkins, architects, who 
subsccpieiitly submitted a draft, with jilans and s])ecitica- 
tions of the building, which has since been erected ; and 
which, we trust, will long stand as a graceful monunieMt uf 
the skill and taste of the architects, and of the faithful 
labors of the contractor and all engaged in its construc- 
tion. 

" Proposals having been advertised and received, the 
contract was awarded to Reuben Van Tifflin, Esq., June 
It;, 187:i, at SG8,000, to be completed July 1, 1875 ; which 
contract was faithfully fulfilled, to the entire satisfaction of 
the board of trustees, as expressed in a well-deserved reso- 
lution of commendation unanimously adopted. The whole 
amount paid the contractor, as appears from the ])rinted 
schedule of the secretary for 1875, was $77,:?77.G2. This 
excess includes the expense of various changes and addi- 
tions, ordered or approved by the tax-payers: as the build- 
ing of a boiler-house, it being designed in the original jilan 
to J)lace the boilers in the basement; the substitution of 
artificial stone for window-caps, in place of galvanized iron ; 
the tuek-piiiiiting of the whole building ; besides the con- 



Ui 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



struction of out-houscs, two large cisterns, with the neces- 
sary conduits, and otlier matters of less note. 

" The heating apparatus, which combines the direct with 
the indirect radiation, by the use of steam, was furnished 
and put in by Crane Bros., of Chicago, on contract, at 
St>G74. The test tiuis far has been highly satisfactory, 
bolli as to the plan and the workmanship. 

" Tiis desks and seats for the pupils, which are substan- 
tial, elegant, and convenient, were furnished by the School 
Furniture Company, Sterling, III., at a cost of §1678.50. 
The teachers' desks were furnished by W. B. Colson, of 
Flint, and are a practical demonstration of the skill of our 
mechanics. 

" The bell, which weighs 2000 pounds, was furnished 
by Meneeley & Kimberley, for $304.20 ; and the clock, 
which is a beautiful piece of mechanism, and tcstities its 
own accuracy, by the ' Howard Clock Company,' of Bos- 
ton, for $650. 

" The public are indebted for the judicious selection of 
these valuable and indispensable adjuncts to the skill and 
good taste of Wm. Stevenson, Esq., to whom that duty 
was assigned by the board. 

"Valuable philosophical apparatus has been provided, 
but the cheuiical needs large additions. The same may be 
said of the library, which contains many valuable books, 
but is very far from being such as the wants of the school 
demand. A cabinet of natural history, illustrating all 
departments, received in trust from the ' Flint Scientific 
Institute,' is invaluable for purposes of instruction, and 
ibrnis the nucleus of a collect ion which, we trust, the 
alumni of Flint High-School will be proud to foster and 
enlarge. 

" No serious accident occurred to any of the workmen 
engaged in the construction of the building, but the build- 
ing itself had a narrow escape from destruction by fire 
which originated from the culpable carcltssncss of the men 
employed to put in the heating apparatus, and, but for 
timely discovery by some young men returning from a late 
party, and their sagacious management, the whole structure 
would soon have been a mass of ruins. 

" But the saddest event, and one which gave a grievous 
shock to hi,s colleagues and threw a gloom over the whole 
community, was the death of Hon. Levi Walker, which 
took place April 25, 1874, at Lansing, where he was en- 
gaged, with his accustomed energy and fidelity, in discharg- 
ing the duties of a representative in the State Legislature. 
3Ir. Walker had been connected with our schools, in thtir 
various phases of organization, for twenty years, and by 
his generous culture, his unfaltering interest, sound judg- 
ment, legal experience, and conservative independence, ren- 
dered invaluable service at many a critical juncture, and 
in his death left a worthy record and an irreparable loss 
behind. 

" The Flint High-School building stands on the west side 
of Beach Street, about seventy rods south of the ' Thayer 
House.' It is a substantial structure of brick, stone, and 
iron, and is much admired for its artistic design and adapta- 
tion to the purposes of its construction. It is three stories 
high above the basement, the gable-point of the front being 
eighty feet above the basement floor. The rear of the 



main building corresponds with the front, but the ends are 
finished with man.sard roof, surmounted with crest-railings, 
and the whole building is covered with corrugated iron. 
The walls above the basement are of white brick, tuck- 
pointed with dark slate, the window-sills and trimmings 
being of Berea sandstone, while the water-tables, steps, etc., 
are of Ohio blue freestone, and the window-caps of llan.som 
artificial stone. The building is 102 feet in length from 
north to south, by 92 in width. The tower at the north- 
east corner is 26 by 26 feet at the base, and 128 feet in 
height to the globe which caps the cupola. This tower 
contains a broad stairway leading to the second and third 
stories, while above, an elegant and veracious clock notes 
with exemplary accuracy the passing hours, and a fine-toned 
bell, in sonorous pculs, announces their departure. There 
is a dwarf tower on the southe;ist corner, on the first floor 
of which is the superintendent's office, on the second the 
library, and on the third the zoological cabinet. Two ven- 
tilating shafts, which stand at the juncture of the cross 
walls with the rear wall, rise conspicuously above the build- 
ing, and are capped with galvanized iron. The smoke- 
pipes passing through them impart heat to the air in these 
shafts, and, thus creating an upward current, secure ventila- 
tion. A hall extends the whole length of the building, 
with entrances at the ends for the pupils, — that on the south 
being used by the girls, and that on the north by the boys. 
On the west side of this hall a stairway, ascending from the 
north, gives access for the boys to the second story ; while 
the girls reach the same floor by another stairway in a trans- 
verse hall, which extends from the south part of the long 
hall to the vestibule of a front door, near the dwarf tower. 
Through this vestibule access is had to the superintendent's 
office. T'lis stairway extends to the third story. Another 
transverse hall, from the north part of the long hall, con- 
nects with the vestibule of the main tower. In the base- 
ment there are two rooms on the front, used for the primary 
department, so constructed with folding- and sliding-doors 
that they can be thrown into one ; there are two other com- 
modious rooms at the rear corners, which can be used for 
school-rooms, while the centre is used as a coil-room, in 
heating and ventilating. On the first floor there are five 
school-rooms,— three on the west side of this long hall, of 
which the centre one is 34 by 40 feet, while the others on 
each side are 32 by 40. Each of these rooms has two 
doors opening into the long hall. On the opposite side 
there are two rooms adjoining, each 22 by 33 feet, now 
u.sed as recitation-rooms. At each end of the long hall on 
this side there is a wardrobe 14 by 15 feet, nicely arranged 
for the purposes designed. On the second floor the number 
and arrangement of the rooms is the same. In the third 
story, the whole rear of the building is occupied by a large 
hall, 56 by 09 feet, 18 feet in height, with four fluted iron 
columns, which rest on the cross walls and support the 
structure above. A convenient stage on the east side is 
connected with lobbies in the rear. This hall, which is fur- 
nished with tasty and substantial movable seats, from the 
Northville Furniture Company, will seat 1000. On the 
front, on this floor, there is a room 20 by 28 feet, used as a 
laboratory and lecture-room, having an ample platform in 
the rear, with a convenient room on either side for philo- 




GRANT DECKER. 



As a pioneer of the city of Flint, Mr. Decker is 
entitled to special mention ; as a business man, he 
was among the early merchants and lumbermen ; in 
the church he was one of the founders of St. Paul's 
Episcopal church ; upon the organization of the city 
of Flint, he was chosen its first mayor. 

Mr. Decker was formerly from New Jersey, his 
ancestors locating in the village of Deckertown be- 
fore the Revolution. There he was born, February 
4, 1814. 

In 1824 his father moved to Western New York, 
where Mr. Decker was reared to manhood. In 1838 
he was married to Miss Elizabeth Stevens. 

In 1839 he came to Flint, and enguged in the 
mercantile and lumbering business with two of his 
brothers-in-law, A. C. and Sherman Stevens. This 
firm bontinued a few years when it was dissolved, 
and Mr. Decker continued in business alone or with 
other partners. Since that time he, with Artemas 
Thayer, built a large flouring-mill, which was sub- 
sequently destroyed by fire. Mr. Decker has been 



particularly unfortunate from fires ; eight times has 
he suffered serious loss by this element, and although 
the aggregate of his loss has been many thousand 
dollars, he has always paid one hundred cents on 
the dollar, and at this time is carrying on an exten- 
sive manufacturing business with his son-in-law, H. 
C. Hascall. 

Mr. Decker's first wife died in 1844. He 
was again married, to Mrs. Julia I. Clark, formerly 
Miss Julia I. Fenton. He has reared a family 
of six children, — five daughters and one son. The 
son enlisted in the 5th Michigan Cavalry and 
served in the war of the Rel)ellion ; was taken 
prisoner at Gettysburg, and died in Andersonville 
prison. 

On all questions of morality or Christianity, Mr. 
Decker has ever thrown his influence upon the side 
of right and justice. He was vestryman of St. 
Paul's church, of Flint, more than thirty years, and 
has served for many years and to the present time 
as senior warden of that organization. 



FLINT CITV, 



145 



sopliical and chemical apparatus. Adjoining tliis, on the 
south, is another room 10 by 20 feet, which, tof;cther with 
the upper room of tiie dwarf tower, and a small room ad- 
joining, are used for the cabinet of natural history. Tiie 
building is lighted with gas, and warmed by steam, with 
direct and indirect radiation. The steam from tlie boiler- 
room being conducted through the coils in the coil-rooms, 
heats a current of fresh air which, passing through the flues 
in the walls, is admitted by registers into the several rooms 
where needed, while the vitiated air passes into the venti- 
lating shafts. To secure mure heat when needed, steam 
coils are placed in the several apartments where roijuired, 
thus giving direct radiation. 

" The building having been completed, was dedicated July 
13, 1875, on which occasion a highly interesting and in- 
structive address was delivered by Hon. Duune Doty, of 
Detroit. 

" Aug. 30, 1875, the school wa.s opened in its several de- 
partments, under charge of Prof. Crissoy, assisted by an 
able corps of teachers, and is now in full tide of successful 
operation ; and we trust that the good work so auspiciously 
begun will go on until the Flint schools shall become 
potent in aiding to build that foundation of education and 
morality which alone will form a stable basis fur free insti- 
tutions." 

The foregoing sketch, in quotation, was written by Daniel 
Clarke, M.D., early in 1876. Since then the act of or- 
ganization of the school district has been twice amended. 
The limits of the district now are the same as those of the 
city, and trustees are elected by ballot at the .same time as 
the mayor and other city officers, — the first Monday in 
April. The district is divided into three sub-districts, and 
one trustee is elected in each for a term of three years. 

The schools have been, and still are, progressing success- 
fully. A cla.ss of eight graduated from the high school at 
the close of the school year 1873-70. In 1877 the grad- 
uates numbered fourteen ; in 1878 ihere were twent^'-one. 

The high-school is organized with four courses of study, 
as follows : 

Classical course. — First year: first half, Latin, Algebra, 
Physiology, Heading, Spelling, Penmanship ; second half, 
Latin, Algebra, Pliy>ical Geography, Reading, Spelling, 
Penmanship. Second year : first half, Latin, Rhetoric, 
United States History, and Arithmetic; .second half, Latin, 
General History, Arithmetic. Third year : first half, Jjatin, 
Greek, Algebra; second half, Latin, Greek, Geometry. 
I''ourt!i year: first half, Latin, Greek, Algebra; second 
half, liatin, Greek, Geometry. 

Latin course. — This course differs from the classical 
only in having French or German in the place of (Jreck. 
French is rccjuired in this cour.se and in the scientific fur 
admi.-ision to the University. 

Eiijlisk course. — First year: first lialf, English Gram- 
mar, Algebra, Physiology, Reading, Spelling, Penmanship ; 
second half. Analysis and Composition, Algebra, Physical 
Geograiihy, Reading, Spelling, Penmanship. Second year: 
first h.4ll'. Zoology, United States lli.story, and Science of 
Govcrn.iient, Uookkceping, and Arithmetic; .second half. 
Botany. General History, Arithmetic. Third year: first 
half, General History, Chemistry, Algebra; second half, 
19 



Natural Philosophy, Geology, Geometry. Fourth year : 
first half. Rhetoric, Political F^conomy, Algebra; second 
half, English Literature, Astronomy, Geometry. 

Scienlijic course. — First and second years, same as Eng- 
lish course. Third year : first half. General History, French 
or German, Algebra ; second half. Natural Philosophy, 
French or German, Geometry. Fourth year: first half, 
Rhetoric, French or German, Algebra ; second half, English 
Literature, French or German, Geometry. 

Composition and elocutionary exercises throughout the 
several courses. 

The first of these prepares students for the classical 
course in the University of Michigan, the .second for the 
Latin and scientific, the third for the scientific and engi- 
neering course (requiring, however, the addition of one 
year's work in Latin), and the fourth fur the uowly-arrangcd 
iMiglish literary course. 

This is one of the high-schools of the State from which 
students have been for several years admitted to the Uni- 
versity (^Freshman class) upon their diplomas, if recom- 
mended. 

It should not, however, be supposed that the main aim 
of the school is to prepare students for the University. 
The number sent to that institution is necessarily small in 
comparison with the entire number graduated, and it is the 
purpose so to direct the work of the school that its benefits 
shall be of practical value to those whose student-life ter- 
minates hero, as well as to those who go to higher insti- 
tutions of learning. 

For the former cla.ss, the scientific and English courses 
are believed to be especially suitable. 

The lower departments of the schools are in a flourishing 
condition, being under the instruction of able and success- 
ful teachers, and being equally with the high school objects 
of especial care. 

The primary department in the several buildings in- 
cludes the first four grades or years of school-work, the 
grammar department the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth 
years or grades, bringing pupils to the high school. 

The high-school, the eighth and seventh grades, and 
jiart of the sixth grade are accommodated in the central 
building, as are also 125 pupils of primary grades. Five 
other buildings, located in different parts of the city, furnish 
accommodations fur the other grades. 

In the grammar department, arithmetic, account-keeping, 
English grammar, and composition, geography, United 
States history, reading, spelling, penmanship, and elemen- 
tary drawing are carefully taught. 

The following items show the census and the enrollment 
and attendance in all the schools of the city fur the year 
ending June 21, 1878: 

Number in district l>etwccn 5 iiinl 20 years did 2441 

Nuinljer enrdlk'd in the seliools 18;i7 

Averiij^e liulliliur liclotif^ing 12SH.8 

Averii^e daily iilteiulanee. IIS2.1 

IV-rei'iit. ul' iittkMidanju on iiveriij^o luilul^er belonging. yi.7 

Perfict attendance is encouraged by the publication 
quarterly (at end of every ten school-weeks) of a roll of 
honor, showing the names of pupils perfect in attendance. 
Two pupils succeeded in keeping a perfectly clean record, 
being neither absent nor late, fur three years ending June 21, 



14C 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1878. Five others were similarly perfect for two years end- 
ing at the same. time, ami twenty-seven others for one year. 

A growing library of about l-tllO well-selected volumes, 
and a valuable museum, constitutes part of the material of 
the high- and grammar-schools. 

The schools have quite a large non-resident attendance, 
drawn principally from the populous and wealthy county in 
which Flint is situated, though some pupils come from 
other counties and even from other States. As many as 
lOG non-residents have already (April, 1879) entered the 
schools during the present school-year. The receipts for 
tuition of non-residents bid fair to be larger than in any 
preceding year. 

The teachers are as follows : Superintendent, T. W. 
Cris.soy, teacher of Political Economy, English Literature, 
and Elocution, and instructor of teachers' cla.ss. 

Hi'gh-School. — Mr. Louis K. Webb, Principal, Higher 
Mathematics, Chemistry, Zoology, etc. ; IMiss Angle C. 
Chapin, Latin and Greek ; Miss Lizzie H. Tindell, Modein 
Languages, Rhetoric, History, Botany, etc.; Miss Rosa M. 
Muir, general work of first year. 

Grmnmar Drpurtinnitt, Cuati-al Biiihliiig. — Room C, 
Miss Kate E. MeNamara ; Roim D, Miss J]mily E. West ; 
Room E, Mi.ss Alta L. Brotherton ; Room F, Miss Sarah 
M. Newton ; Room 4 (recitation), Miss Eva Curtis ; Room 5 
(recitation), Miss Maggie O'Donoughue. 

Primary Rooms, Cailrul Biulding. — Room G, Mrs. C. 
G. Chaffee ; Room H, Miss Ilattie A. Douglas. 

First Ward {Main') Bid/diiiq. — Room A, JMiss Addie 
J. De Lano ; Room B, Miss Ilattie C. Carey ; Room C, 
Miss Emma Curtis; Room D, Miss Ida M. Zimmerman; 
Koom E, Mi.ss De Ette M. Kline. 

First Ward (Branch) Building. — -Room A, Miss Frank 
H. Foster ; Room B, Miss Carrie J. Baker. 

Second Ward Building. — Room A, JMiss Lydia I. 
Davis; Room B, Miss Sara A. Canfield ; Room C, Mi.ss 
Eliza A. Judd ; Room D, Miss Gertrude F. Bchee ; Room 
E, Miss Emma L. Earle. 

Third Ward Bnildiiig. — Room A, Miss Mary E. Dun- 
bar; Room B, Miss Clara E. Hall; Room C, Mi.ss Laura 
A. Buck; Room D, Mi.ss Nellie J. Rogers. 

Fourth Ward Building. — Room A, Miss Eliza Rey- 
nolds; Room B, Miss 3Iary I. Andrews; Room C, Miss 
Lurana Beecher; Room D, Miss Jennie M. Phelps. 

Mrs. A. F. Burrows, teacher of Penmanship, Drawing, 
and Account-Keeping; also Librarian. Mr. Henry W. 
Fairbank, teacher of Vocal Music. 

The following gentlemen constitute the present board of 
school trustees: S. C. Randall, President; H. R. Lovell, 
Secretary ; Charles S. Brown, Treasurer. Trustees of First 
Ward: C. A. Mason, Robert W. Dullam, William Steven- 
son. Trustees of Second Ward : Daniel Clark, M.D., 
Charles S. Brown, Henry R. Lovell. Trustees of Third 
and Fourth Wards : Oscar Adams, George L. Walker, 
Henry C. Walker. 

ST.VTE INSTITUTION FOR EDUCATING THE DE.VF, DUJIB, 
AND THE BLIXD. 

The citizens of Flint feel a laudable pride in the fact 
that one of the chief State iustitutions is located here, and 



has for its object the education of the deaf, the dumb, and 
the blind. To Hon. E. II. Thomscm belongs the honor 
of introducing, in 1848, the act which resulted in the es- 
tablishment of this public charity, — the Legislature having 
Voted favorably upon it, and subsequently taken such 
measures as resulted in the accomplishment of its objects. 

The first board of trustees eompri.sed the following gen- 
tlemen : Hon. Elon Farnsworth, o.\-Chancellorof the State, 
of Wayne ; Gen. Charles C. Hascall, of Gene.see ; Hon. 
Charles H. Taylor, of Kent; Hon. Charles E. Stewart, of 
Kalamazoo; and Hon. John P. Cook, of Hillsdale. 

The board, after having received and examined proposals 
from various quarters for the location of the buildings, 
finally decided upon Flint as the most eligible. 

A warranty-deed of 20 acres of ground having been 
donated to the trustees for a site for the erection of build- 
ings by Col. T. B. W. Stockton, Dec. 10, 1849, and $3000 
subscribed by the citizens, Charles II. Palmer was, in De- 
cember, IS.^0, instituted as principal, but his services were 
to be gratuitous until the institution went into active oper- 
ation. Meanwhile Mr. Hascall, of the board of trustees, 
was engaged in inqirovemcnts upon the grounds selected, 
and Mr. Farnsworth was deputized to visit other institu- 
tions of a similar character for plans and arrangement of 
buildings. 

In 1857 the Legislature amended the act of 1848 so 
that the institution .should be entirely independent of the 
Kalamazoo Insane A.sylum, — the two having been up to 
that time in charge of the same board. Under the amended 
act each was to be governed by a board of three trustees 
appointed by the Governor. The first board for the Flint 
institution consisted of James B. Walker, of Flint, Benja- 
min Pierson, and John Le Roy. A vacant building was 
rented for the purpose in Flint, and the education of the 
deaf, dumb, and the blind begun. 

B. M. Fay was chosen principal, and organized the school 
work proper in 1857. Jlr. W'alk'U- was chosen building 
commissioner, and authorized to visit New York and study 
the plans upon which the deaf-mute institution of that 
State was constructed. He was accompanied by Mr. Fay, 
and the pre.sent cluster of five buildings are substantially 
the same as the plans adopted by the board. 

The portion of the building originally constructed has 
.since been diverted from its first use, other structures 
having been erected which were found better adapted to 
the wants of the institution. The first story is used for 
the library, office of steward, music- and recitation-rooms. 
The second story has sis recitation-rooms for the deaf- 
mutes and two for the blind. The third floor, recently 
used for shoe-shops, etc., has been converted into dormito- 
ries. Its basement is now used as a store-room for provis- 
ions, a basket-shop for the blind, and sleeping-rooms for 
domestics. 

North of the school wing is the chapel building, the two 
being connected by a covered archway. The basement of 
this building is used as a kitchen, bakery, and store-rooms, 
and the first floor as a dining-room for the pupils. On the 
second floor is the chapel, in which the pupils meet for 
religious and other exercises, and which is appropriately 
planned and furnished for that purpose. 



FLINT CITY. 



147 



Separated from the chapel buildinj; by open courts and 
ciiiiaectc'd with it by covered passaj:e-Wii3-s arc two build- 
ing's, tailed respectively the boys' and -lirls' winj;. Ivunniiit; 
across the rear of eaeii wing is a hall ten feet wide in each 
story, and opening from the hall of each lower story is a 
large outside door. The basements of the wings arc used 
ibr wardrobes, wash-rooms and batli-roonis. Each pu])il 
has a wardrobe of his own, or a wooden ease in which to 
keep liis clothing, and the metallic bath-tubs, with which 
the bath-rooms are ]ileiitifully furnished, are each supplied 
with warm and cold water. The soccjnd floors ol' the wings 
are used for the sitting-rooms of the boys and girls respect- 
ively, where they prepare for their recitations, or spend 
tiieir spare time in reading or amusements. The part of 
the floor .set off for the blind is also used for their recitation- 
rooms. The second stor^' of the girls' wing is u.sed for the 
girls' sleeping-apartments, hosjiital, and .sewing-room. The 
second story of the boys' wing is similarly divided for the 
boys, and has also a dormitory for the blind. The third 
story of each wing is used for dormitories and for sleeping- 
rooms of the attendants who have charge of the ]iupils 
when not in school. 

An upright building five stories high, with two wings, 
each four stories high, including basement, comprise what 
is known as the main or front building. Connecting this 
with the boys' and girls' wings of the edifice and with the 
chapel is a large hall leading from the nrairi corridors. The 
basement is devoted to the teachers' dining-rooms, bath- 
rooms, etc. 

On the first floor are the principal's oflSec, parlor, recep- 
tion- and sitting-rooms; the second flijor being devoted to 
ihe matron and her assistants, a spacious sewing-room, and 
several guest chambers. The third and fourth stories are 
mainly taken up with rooms for the teachers. There are 
water-closets and sinks on each floor of each building at the 
ends of the halls. Tiie water for their use and for the use 
in the bath-rooms is supplied from iron tanks under the 
roof, one for hot and the other for cold water. 

In the rear of the buildings described, and at a short 
distance from them, is a long, low building, used partly as 
a boiler-house and partly for a w.ish-room, in which the 
washing for tl:o institution is carried on by steam. An- 
other part of the building contains the boilers, engines, 
pumjis, hcating-a]ipuratus, etc. Originally, the buildings 
were heated b}' driving a strong current of air through an 
immense coil of steam-pipe, and through an underground 
jiassage, by means of a powerful fan, but the method was 
not a success, and they are now Jieatcd by direct radiation. 
Instead of the fan and largo underground passage, steam is 
now conveyed in iron pipes directly from the boilers to the 
room to be heated, and by this means excellent ventilation 
is also .secured. The subject of .sewerage has also received 
much attention, and the method adopted is as nearly perfect 
as any yet devised, and for this purpose the locatiou of the 
buildings is very favorable. 

The dimensions of the ground floor of the front and 
school-buildings are the same, both being GO feet wide by 
10(1 feet in length. The central building is .")0 feet wide by 
1)0 feet lung, and the wings oil by SO feet each. This serii^s 
of buildings have been occupied several yens, ih ingh not 



yet completed. An elaborate portico, the foundation of which 
is alrea<ly laid, will embelli.sh the front building, in accordance 
with the original design, when it shall be found convenient 
to expend more funds upun what might bo regarded as a 
mere adornment. 

In addition to tho.se already menlioned is a building 
used as a cabinet-shop and liir other purposes, and also a 
barn. 

The approximate cost of the whole structure was about 
§400,000. 

I'nif IJ. iM. Fay was the first princijial, who, after a very 
thorough organization of the school, resigned, in 1864, and 
was succeeded by Egbert L. Bangs, who brought with him 
new methods of teaching. Prof G. L. Brockett's .system 
of instruction, by which deaf-mutes are taught to articulate, 
was adopted with considerable success. 

The system known as " Bell's Visible Speech"' was intro- 
duced into the school in the fall of 187G by Miss Hattie 
IMcGann, who is still teaching it with encouraging results. 
Prof Bangs was succeeded in the principalship by Prof. J. 
W. Parker, Sept. 1, 1S7G. 

Tiie whole number now in attendance is 250, which is 
22 more than ever were in actual attendance at any one 
time in previ<ms years. The whole number enrolled during 
the past year was 25G, and the highest attendance at any 
one time 250. There have been already over GO applica- 
tions for admission during the coming year, but as the 
capacity of the institution is only 250, and only 12 of those 
now in it will leave at the end of this year, it is evident 
that many who are entitled to all the benefits it affords will 
have to be turned away. Thus it happens that before the 
group of new buildings which were to furnish accommoda- 
tions to this class of the States wards for a generation at 
least are actually completed they are filled to overflowing, 
and at the present rate of increase it cannot be many years 
before another group will be neecs.sary. The removal of 
the blind to a separate institution of their own cannot be 
much longer delayed, and yet that will afford only tempo- 
rary relief to the deaf-mutes, who are already numerous 
enough and ready to take their places. 

An effort was made, through an act of Legislature, to 
make instruction in printing, the manufacture of boots and 
shoes, cabinet-making, and other trades obligatory. This 
was finally successful in 1872, and the act was put into 
practical operation in the institution soon after. 

The 250 pupils now in attendance comprise 19 blind 
girls, 21 blind boys, 92 deaf mute girls, and 110 deaf-mute 
boys. Including the 40 girls who are given employment 
in the sewing department, about two-fifths of the whole 
number of pupils in the institution are employed at some 
kind of manual labor or in learning some kind of trade, by 
which it is hoped they can earn a livelihood after gradua- 
tion. All the blind bo^-s except four work in the basket- 
shop, the remaining four being in training for broom-makers. 
,M1 the blind girls were taught needlework, and all the blind 
females who show any ca]iacily for it are taught music, as 
affording them possible employment as teachers in future. 
It is, nKU'covcr, a stud3' for which their finely-cultivated 
sense of hearing peculiarly fits them, — an advantage of 
which they arc not wholly unconscious when brought iu 



148 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



competition with pupils who can see. Of the deaf-niutes 
18 arc employed in the shoe-shop, 15 in the cabinet-shop, 
and 15 in the printing-oflBce, 5 of whom are girls. Some 
of the pupils .sliow a remarkable aptitude for their respective 
trades, and turn out manufactured articles which are really 
models of skilled workmanship. Especially worthy of men- 
tion are a handsomely-ornamented bos of different woods, 
made by Charles Traver, and a library-table in the Prin- 
cipal's office, made by James Hull. 

As a general rule the pupils spend three hours a day in 
the shops during the last four years of their course, spend- 
ing three hours daily in the school-rooms during the same 
years. In the first four years of the course they spend the 
whole six in the school-rooms, so that though only about 
two-fifths of the pupils arc learning trades at any one time, 
j'ct about Ibur-fiftlis of the whole number receive that ad- 
vantage before their term of eight years is completed. In 
addition a few pupils work in the garden and aid on the 
farm on Saturday forenoons. 

The following list comprises the officers and teachers who 
are at present filling positions in connection with the insti- 
tution : Thos. Maclntire, Superintendent; Dan. H. Church, 
Steward; Miss Emma A. Hall, Matron; Mi.ss L. Valeria 
Abbott, First Assistant Matron ; Jlrs. M. E. Clarkson, 
Second Assistant Matron ; Daniel Clarke, A.M., M.D., 
Attending Physician ; Chas. S. McBride, Boy.s' Super- 
visor; Mrs. Sarah Jones, Girls' Attendant; Thos. L. 
Brown, John J. Buchanan, Miss Carrie K. Standart, Miss 
Phebe Wright, Willis Hubbard, Fred. A. Piatt, B.A., 
Miss Addie A. Hendershot, Miss Maggie T. Bennet, Miss 
Kate E. Barry, Teachers of the Deaf and Dumb; Miss 
Hattie E. JIcGann, Teacher of Visible Speech ; Mrs. 
Sarah H. Brown, ISIiss Emma F. Knight, Sliss Jennie 
Van Wormer (Instructor in Piano, Organ, and Vocal 
Jlusic), Teachers of the Blind. 

The following are the employees of the Industrial De- 
partment : Edwin Barton, Foreman of the Cabinet-Shop; 
Thomas Pago, Foreman of the Shoe-Shop ; Herman C. 
Koeppner, Foreman of the Basket-Shop; Geo. H. Pond, 
Foreman of the Printing-Office ; Thomas Stilson, Chief 
Engineer and MachinLst ; Charles Selleck, Farmer. 

The board of trustees are as follows: Hon. Chas. G. 
Johnson, President; Hon. Almon L. Aldrich, Treasurer; 
Hon. Jas. M. Neasmith, Secretary. 

The total yearly expenditures of the institution, ending 
with the 30th of September, 1878, were §43,579.85. 

THE FLINT SCIENTIFIC I.VSTITUTE. 

The following document formed the nucleus of " The 
Flint Scientific Institute :" 

*' We, the undersigned, desirous of improvement in scientific linowl- 
cdge, and feeling the want of books which we cannot at present com- 
mand, hereby agree to associate for the purpose of forming a library 
upon the following basis, viz. : each subscriber shall be entitled to one 
share for every five dollars which he shall pay into the funds of the 
association, and each share shall entitle the holder to one votej pro- 
vided, that no individual shall be entitled to more than five votes. 
All the funds of the association shall be appropriated to procuring 
scientific works."' 

This agreement was signed by the following persons, each 
agreeing to take one share of the joint stock : D. Clarke, 



M. Miles, R. S. Ilutton, C. L. Avery, Wm. Stevenson, S. 
E. Wilcox, F. H. Rankin, and A. B. Pratt. 

At a meeting called at the office of F. H. Rankin, Feb. 
8, 1853, under a warrant )s.sued by R. W. Jenny, J. P., a 
society was organized, in accordance with chapter 53 of the 
revised statutes of Michigan, by the adoption of a con.stitu- 
tlon and code of by-laws, and the following officers were 
elected: President, D. Clarke ; Secretary, F. II. Rankin ; Li- 
brarian, M. Miles ; Treasurer, Wm. Stevenson. The object 
of the society was more fully sot forth in the first article of 
the constitution, which is as follows : " This society shall 
be known as ' The Flint Scientific Institute.' Its objects 
shall be to promote the study and investigation of the sev- 
eral branches of .scientific knowledge, the establishment of 
a library of scientific works, and a museum of natural his- 
tory ; and its funds shall be devoted to the procuring of 
such books, charts, and other matter as shall promote those 
objects.' The objects were further elucidated in a paper 
" On the importance of acquiring and extending scientific 
knowledge," road by the president at the first quarterly 
meeting, held April 6, 1853, which paper was by request 
published in the (rcncsec Wlilg. At the same meeting a 
vote of thanks was tendered to three senators and represen- 
tatives in Congress fiom this State who presented the in- 
stitute with books and other documents. At subsequent 
meetings, acknowledgments were made to Hon. R. Mc- 
Clelland, Hon. J. S. Conger, Hon. Z. Chandler, and others 
from whom favors had been received, and especially to 
Hon. D. C Loach, who laid the institute under deep obli- 
gations by presenting the valuable reports of the Pacific 
Railroad and the Mexican Boundary Surveys, the reports 
and publications of the Smithsonian Institute, and other 
public documents. In consideration of these especial obli- 
gations, he was made an honoraiy member. In May, 1853, 
a circular was issued calling jiublic attention to the objects 
and needs of the institute, and soliciting aid in membership, 
and donations of books, and also specimens of natural his- 
tory to form a cabinet. 

In response to this appeal, the following names were 
added to the list of members : T. Newall, E. Dodge, II. R. 
Pratt, J. N. Lake, M. Pratt, S. B. Cummings, G. Andrews, 
D. Glendall, J. Guild, M. B. Beals, C. E. McAlcster, J. 
Kelland, Wm. B. McCreery, Ch. Rankin, M. D. Seeley, J. 
N. Burdick, H. ^Vilson, R. P. Aitkin, and Wm. Travis. 

Many specimens were brought in by farmers and others, 
and the members generally went to work with a will. 

Some, who were occupied during business hours, brought 
in valuable contributions as the result of their morning and 
evening excursions with the gun or fishing-rod, and ob- 
tained for their reward, in addition to the consciousness ot 
aiding a worthy cause, improved health and renewed vigor. 
The taxidermy was mostly done by Dr. M. Miles and J. 
B. Clarke, and the numerous specimens of ornithology pre- 
pared by them form a conspicuous portion of the cabinet 
at the present time. 

At a regular meeting, held April 12, 1854, a vote of 
thanks was tendered the Hon. E. II. Thomson for valuable 
donations, which obligations were subsequently frequently 
renewed ; and also to Rev. Chas. Fox, Professor of Agricul- 
ture in the State University, for the donation of a rain-gauge 



FLINT CITY. 



149 



and other favors. At the nicctiii;; of July 2t;ili following, 
Ills lauionted death was noticed in appreciative resolutions, 
which were published in the " Farmer's Companion" and 
the " Annals of Science." 

At the .same meeting it was resolved to hold informal 
meetings on Wednesday of each week, which the public 
were invited to attend. Dr. Miles read an essay on "The 
Distribution of Animals." 

This was the inaugural of a series of public exercises con- 
sisting of lectures, essays, and diseu.ssions, which were vig- 
orously continued for many months. The fallowing quota- 
tions from the record show the financial condition of the 
institute in those days. Aug. 2, 1854, an assessment of 
SI per share was voted to pay indebtedness; and at the 
second annual meeting, held Jan. 8, 1855, the treasurer 
reported a balance due him of §1.31. 

In March, 1854, a course of twelve lectures having been 
completed, a series of weekly informal meetings for the dis- 
cussion of stated subjects was comnicnccd. The subject 
of geography in all its relations was taken up ; the topic 
being announced two weeks in advance, was di.scu.ssed after 
the report of standing committees. The following report 
of a committee appointed to classify the matter brought 
under discu.ssion will best give evidence of the method pur- 
sued : 

1st. A committee on topography to report the location — 
i.e., the latitude and longitude — of the country or district 
under discus.sion ; its relations to other countries ; its general 
contour and boundaries; its mountain chains, their direc- 
tion, their absolute and relative heights ; its table-lands, 
plains, and swamps ; its rivers, their sources, general direc- 
tion, and outlet; its lakes and deserts; its principal political 
divisions and important cities. 

2d. Committee on Geology, to report on its geological 
characteristics. 

3d. A Committee on Mineralogy, to report what minerals 
are found and where, with a particular exposition of .such 
as may be peculiar to the country under consideration. 

4tli. A Committee on Meteorology and Hydrography, to 
report upon climate, its peculiarities and their causes ; the 
distribution of heat, moisture, and evaporation ; aerial cur- 
rents ; storms, rain, snow, etc., with their relations, causes, 
and influence. 

5th. A Committee on the Flora, to report upon the indi- 
genous plants, particularly the types, genera, and species 
peculiar to the region. 

Gth. Committee on the Fauna, to report upon the indi- 
genous animals and their peculiarity of type, genera, and 
species. 

7th. Committee on Agriculture and Commerce, to report 
upon the cultivation, products, exports, and commercial 
relations of the country. 

8th. Committee on Ethnology, to report upon the races 
of men, their peculiarities and aflinilies. 

The first subject taken u[> was " Australia and Malaisia," 
followed with '■ South Africa," " South America," " Cen- 
tral America," and " the West India Islands," " North 
America," "Great Britain and Ireland," and "Northern 
Europe," all of which were thoroughly discus.scd, generally 
with a full rejiort from each committee; taking South 



America for example, we find a report was made on topog- 
raphy by Mr. Stewart; on geology, by Mr. McAlester; on 
mineralogy, by Mr. Avery ; on meteorology, by Mr. Beals ; 
on the flora, by Dr. Clarke; on the fauna, by Dr. Jliles; 
on commerce and agriculture, by Mr. llankin ; and on 
ethnology, by Dr. Clarke. 

Thus it will be seen a wide range was taken and a large 
portion of the earth's surface was passed in review. Many 
facts of interest were noted and much thought elicited, and, 
without doubt, all engaged in the work profited by it. 

The subject was subseriuently continued with a change, 
the prograuimo giving more prominence to physical geog- 
raphy in its general aspects. The following schedule of 
exercises for the ensuing winter, reported by Dr. Miles, was 
adopted Nov. '21, 1S5G: 

No. 1. On Reliefs of Continents, — in three divisions, 
Eastern, Western, and Australia, — by Prof Travis. 

No. 2. On Islands, by C. E. :McAIcster. 

No 3. On Volcanoes and E:irthi|uakes, by II. Seymour. 

No. 4. On Ocean Currents, by Dr. Mdes. 

No. 5. On Winds, by Dr. Stewart. 

No. G. On Isotherms and Climates, by C. L. Avery. 

No. 7. On the Influence of the Physical Features of the 
Earth on Commerce, by F. II. Eankin. 

No. 8. On the Geographical Distribution of Plants, by 
Dr. Burdiek. 

No. 9. On the Geographical Distribution of Animals, by 
J. B. Clarke. 

No. 10. On Ethnology, by Dr. Clarke. 

No. 11. On Glaciers and the Phenomena of Drift, by 
William B. McCreery. 

No. 12. On the Distribution of Bains, by II. Wilson. 

While these studies were being pursued, the field of dis- 
cussion was still further enlarged, May 15, 1855, by the 
adoption of a resolution offered by ^Ir. Rankin, by which 
Section B was established to meet weekly on another even- 
ing, distinct from that devoted to scientific discu.ssion, for 
the purpose of considering subjects of a wider range, 
including history, literature, and art. These meetings 
■were carried on simultaneously with the others, with n)ucli 
interest in the animated discussion of a variety of subjects. 
At the .same time the work of collecting materials for the 
museum was pushed forward until the accumulation became 
embarrassing, and called out the following resolution, which 
was adopted June 22, 1855 : 

'■ Jicsohed, That the Institute meet in a committee of the 
whole, on Saturday evening next, at six o'clock, and each 
consecutive evening, except Sundays, at the same hour, for 
the purpose of arranging and cataloguing the museum." 

Oct. 24, 1855, the executive committee, in a report 
setting forth the importance of some better arrangement 
for the increa.se and preservation of the museum, recom- 
mended the a]ipointment of curators to take charge of the 
arrangement of the specinieiis in their respective branches, 
as follows: Botany and Entomology, Dr. Clarke; Jlineral- 
ogy, M. B. Beals; Osteology and Comparative Anatomy, 
Dr. Stewart ; Reptiles and Conchology, Dr. Miles ; Ornith- 
ology, C. L. Avery ; Paleontology, C. E. McAlester ; Ich- 
thyology, E. Dodge; Archeology, J. B. Clark ; Miscella- 
neous, G. Andrews. 



150 



HISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Tliese several curators reported from time to time the 
cotulitioii ami needs of tlieir respective departments. 

July 4, 1855, an entertainment was given by the ladies 
for the pecuniary benefit of the institute, the net proceeds 
of which were $113.0:5; for which a vote of thanlis was 
j;iven, and also to G. M. Dewey, Esr|., for the very timely 
donation of §25. This was the first of many entertain- 
ments subsequently given by the ladies of Flint and Gen- 
esee County, to whom much credit is due for material and 
in sustaining the enterprise. With the funds tlius obtained 
at this time valuable additions were made to the library, 
including a subscription to Prof Agassiz' great work, 
" Contributions to the Natural History of the United 
States," — a monument to the unceasing labors of the great 
naturalist. 

Jan. 2, 185G, a committee was appointed to ini|uire into 
the feasibility of publishing a history of Genesee County. 
The plan was to combine with an account of the settlement 
a full description of the physical geography and natural 
history in all its departments. Many of the materials were 
at hand, and probably the project might have been attempted 
but that a thorough geological survey of the State, including 
this county, seemed to be a desirable preliminary. Accord- 
ingly a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. Miles, 
Mr. Rankin, and Mr. Bcals, to which the president was 
added, who proceeded to bring the subject to the attention 
(if the Legislature by means of petitions which were circu- 
lated in all parts of the State, receiving numerous signa- 
tures; and also Ijy correspondence and personal interviews 
with many persons of influence, including the senator and 
representatives of this county. The project involved great 
labor, as well as considerable expense for printing, station- 
ery, and postage, and undoubtedly had an important influ- 
ence in securing by legislative action the geological survey 
of 1859-60 by Prof Winchell. Dr. Miles was appointed 
liis assistant, having charge of the zoological department. 
His preliminary report, containing a very full list of the 
animals, birds, reptiles, and shells found in the State, was 
published in the first volume of Prof Winchell's report. 
This appointment was a deserved and gratifying compliment 
to the doctor, and, through his subsequent appointment to 
a professorship in the State Agricultural College, opened an 
avenue to his life's work in a congenial field, which he has 
most successfully cultivated. But what was his gaiu was 
an irreparable loss to the institute. 

The foregoing sketch will suBice to give an idea of the 
plan of work laid out and its results ; it is needless to extend 
the details further. The institute had made another move 
to a more commodious room, in the building then recently 
erected by Dewey & Crosman, oppo.-^ite the Bryant House. 
The civil war, which naturally absorbed every other inter- 
est, told heavily upon the prosperity of the institute. Its 
members in common with others caught the patriotic in- 
spiration of the times, and a goodly number responding to 
their country's call went forth to battle in her behalf I'or 
humanity and free institutions, — some of them, alas ! never 
to return. Nunez Pratt, a sterling young man, a brother 
of Iliin. Herbert Pratt, of Lansing, also a member of the 
institute, was killed in the first campaign in South Carolina. 
Capt. Simeon Guild, a graduate of Jlichigan Uuiver.^ity, 



with promise of a useful life conscientiously devoted to the 
best interests oj humanity, was released from his position 
as principal of the Second Ward Union School to take a 
captain's commission in the 8lh Begimcnt. Falling in the 
attack upon Fort AVagner, he was deemed worthy by his 
chivalrous foe to share the destiny of the gallant Col. Shaw, 
of Ma.^sachusetts, and thus his friends were denied the 
melancholy satisfaction of giving his remains a Christian 
burial. Like others, he carried bis interest in the institute 
with him, and a consignment of specimens from Port 
Royal, received after the news of his death bad reached 
here, is an earnest of what he might have done had his life 
been .spared. Charlie Rankin, son of the efiicient secretary 
of the institute, a promising young man, and true as steel 
in every position which he was called to occupy, and 
Charlie Jloon. an only son, the pet and hope of his fimily, 
a genial companion and active member of the institute, 
both went forth in the flush and buoyancy of youth, soon 
to be returned upon a soldier's bier, the former the victim 
of disease, and the latter falling on the field of battle. 

Capt. Damon Stewart, another early and earnest member 
of the institute, lost his two brothers, killed in battle; as 
noble, gallant boys as any of the martyr band who fell in 
the deadly combat. Col. William B. McCrecr}-, the late 
trustworthy State treasurer, whose romantic escape from 
Libby prison is so well known, had many marvelous es- 
capes, and came home well riddled with the enemy's bullets. 
Capt. C. E. McAlester, still another of the institute's early 
and active members, was more fortunate, returning after a 
long and honorable .service unscathed by the missiles of 
war. 

With such inroads upon its limited membership it may 
well be conceived that the most that could be hoped for 
was to keep the organization alive and preserve its material 
for future use. This was done, but the incubus of the war 
was upon every civil enterprise, and it was hard for a time 
to do anything more. However, an effort was made, and, 
after much canvassing, encouragement was received by as- 
surance of support to attempt a new start, and for this pur- 
pose the spacious hall now occupied by the Red Ribbon 
Club was taken in an unfinished condition on a lease for a 
term of years. Considerable expense was incurred in fin- 
ishing and furnishing the room, the collection was moved 
with much labor, and the new hall was dedicated to science, 
with an address from President Angell, of the University. 
But disappointment was again encountered, for while many 
were prompt and ready to meet their engagements, others 
neglected and declined to redeem their pledges, and deem- 
ing it unfair and useless to tax the generous friends of the 
institute further it was decided to cancel the indebtedness 
by a transfer iu trust to the Union School District of the 
city of Flint. This was accordingly done, and in the docu- 
ment of conveyance it is set forth that it is received " upon 
trust to preserve and maintain the library and cabinet of 
specimens of said scientific institute in a suitable room or 
rooms in the high-school building or some other suitable 
building, and to cause the same to be and remain forever 
free to the inhabitants of said city of Flint i'or examination 
and in.spection at all proper times." 

Thus the valuable cabinet illustrating the natural history 



FLINT CITY. 



151 



of the county and State, the result of years of labor and 
care in its collection and preservation, has been lodged in a 
safe place, where it can be made directly available in illus- 
trating the teachings of science, not only to the pupils of 
the high-school, but to all who ni.ay wish to avail themselves 
of its advantages under proper restrictions. Since it is as 
much at the service of the public as ever, it is to be hoped 
that the old interest may be revived, and that each citizen 
will, as he has opportunity, contribute to its value by bring- 
ing in such specimens as may come in his way, for should 
they be duplicates of what is already possessed they may 
be u.seful for exchanges, and thus indirectly add much to 
the value of the collection. 

Although the Flint Scientific Institute lia.s suspended 
operations it has not disorganized, but still remains a cor- 
porate body, awaiting the coming time when it shall re- 
vive its work, and, profiting by past experience, enter upon 
a new and more successful career in friendly competition 
with the numerous similar institutions which are being fos- 
tered in all the enterprising cities of the West.* 

TUE LADIES- LlBltAltY AS.SOCI ATIOX OF FLINT. 

This institution — the first of its kind in the State, and 
perhaps in the known world — was seemingly the offspring 
of nece.ssity in the early daj's of this rustic village. It was 
organized early in the spring of 1851. By special invita- 
tion of Mrs. T. B; W. Stockton, a small band of ladies met 
at her residence to consider the practicability of forming 
some society to meet the wants of the community, with 
their limited means, to supply the lack of culture for them- 
selves and their families. 

This work the ladies of Flint felt to be theirs ; and while 
the fathers, brothers, and hu.sbands were felling the forests, 
erecting mills, tilling the soil, and building for their fami- 
lies new homes, the mothers, wives, and daughters did what 
was in their power to furnish wholesome food for the in- 
tellect. 

The result of the first meeting was the forming of an 
association for mutual improvement, and the decision to 
meet once a week to discuss literary subjects, to read and 
compare ideas on what was read, and a resolution to do what 
ihcy could to establish and sustain a permanent library. 

A constitution was written and presented by Mrs. R. W. 
Jenny, which was adopted. 

The following officers were chosen for the first year: 
Mrs. T. B. W. Stockton, President; Mrs. J. B. Walker, 
Vice-President; Jlrs. II. W. Jenny, Recording Secretary; 
Mrs. Dr. Manly Miles, Treasurer; and Miss Hattie Stew- 
art, Librarian. A corresponding secretary, a book commit- 
tee of three, and an executive committee of five persons 
were added to the list of officers during the first year. 
A Her some di.scussion relative to wa3's and means, and 
the prospect of supporting a library, the ladies adj(jurned 
to meet the following week at the residence of Mrs. William 
M. Fenton. 

At their next meeting was expressed their firm resolve 
to establish a library, and their organization w;i8 called a 



• The foregoing history of tiio Flint Scientific In.ititutc was kindly 
prepared for this work l>y Dr. Daniel Clarke, of Flint. 



" Ladies' Library As.sociation ;" although they had no funds 
in the treasury save the small sum of 810 from member- 
ship-fees. This sum was immediately laid out for books, 
and the members decided to supply the lack of reading 
matter by furnishing, each from her own store, books and 
periodicals, and exchanging with others. 

Some donations of books followed, the most valuable of 
which was a complete set of works known as " Harper's 
Family Library," the gift of Chauncey S. Payne, Esq. 

Lectures and various kinds of entertainments were im- 
provised to gain funds for books, the proceeds of which 
the first year amounted to S160 only; still, the ladies 
were in no wise disheartened, and they continued to feast 
and to entertain the public by lectures, readings, tableaux, 
and dramatic representations until 240 volumes were placed 
upon their shelves, as shown by their first catalogue. 
These were all carefully chosen. 

With increase of members, some liberal donations and 
renewed efforts, the next catalogue, in 18r)4, numbered 
about 500 volumes. The next issue contained about 2000 
volumes, and the jireseiit catalogue (1879) not far from 
3000 volumes. 

In 1853 the association became incorporated under the 
direction of the following officers : Mrs. C. S. Payne, Pres- 
ident ; Mrs. II. I. Iliggins, Vice-President; Mrs. A. 
Thayer, Recording Secretary {pro tern.) ; Mrs. F. II. 
Rankin, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. A. T. Crosman, 
Treasurer; Mrs. R. W. Jenny, Clerk; and Mrs. J. B. 
Walker and Mrs. 0. Hamilton, Librarians. 

Amid many discouragements, the association renewed its 
effiirts. In ISGl the library was nearly destroyed by fire, 
but by the awakened sympathies of the community, and 
the amount insured being promptly paid, they were enabled 
to take advantage of the low prices of books from a failing 
publishing hou.se, which nearly repaired their lo.ss, and 
placed in their collection many valuable works. 

At this time the circulation of a subscription paper for 
the purpose of providing for the library a more commodious 
building met with great success. A lot was purchased on 
the corner of Beach and Kearslcy Streets, and preparations 
made iiir building thereon. 

Donations of $200 each from several citizens started the 
sub.scription list, which soon reached a fair sum, and dona- 
tions of building materials, lumber, and labor, were freely 
contiibuted, and within the same year of its commence- 
ment, the corner-stone of the edifice was laid, with Ma.sonie 
ceremonies, under the supervision of the Hon. Win. M. 
Fenton. 

The aildress on the occasion was by Hon. George W. 
Fi.sh, now United States consul to Tunis. A I'ew original 
songs and poems, appropriate to the occasion, added to the 
interest of the exercises. 

The cost of the building was about SOOOO. It was 
dedicated June 30, 1868, and the event was replete wiili 
interest to the as.sociation and their many warm friends 
who were present. The exercises were varied, consisting 
of addresses, music, congratulatory poems and letters, senti- 
ments and responses. The music was well selected, and 
conducted with good taste by Win. Stevenson, K.sq. 

The dedicatory address was by His Exccllei.cy Governor 



152 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUiNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Crapo, and contained a high tribute of praise to the ladies 
for their zeal and pcrseveranee : " They, from the begin- 
ning to the present time, have never abandoned their task, 
or become disheartened in view of discouragements and 
difficult ics. . . . Conscious of the good work in which 
they were engaged, they have yielded to no obstacles or 
embarrassments, and the result is this fine structure, both 
a credit and an ornament to the city, these volumes, the 
chariots of knowledge, and this hall, which they so well 
adorn, and of which we all may so well be proud." 

This dedication of a ladies' library building was an event 
new iu the annals of our country, but it was soon to be fol- 
lowed by numerous like associations throughout the State. 

In the spring of 1869 the building suffered damage from 
a freshet, which caused the association much expense for 
repairs. But this band of ladies, holding the institution 
iu trust for the future women of Flint, allowed nothing to 
deter them from continued efforts for its advancement. 

They even petitioned the Legislature of their State, hop- 
ing to secure to themselves some benefits or immunities 
thereby; and it did not prove quite in vain, for their peti- 
tion is recorded at the capitol, to be read by all, and its 
benevolent influence was felt, and the example emulated by 
the establishment of ladies' libraries in every considerable 
village or hamlet throughout Michigan, as well as some of 
the bordering States, who were stimulated to the work by 
the reports of their various representatives. 

In 1871 the library also celebrated its 20th anniversary. 
On this occasion many literary and floral oft'erings were 
contributed, and valuable gifts in money and books, and 
many tokens of encouragement and commendation received 
from persons of long-established literary merit. Varied 
exercises were held in the library-rooms, many compli- 
mentary sentiments offered, and supper served in the lower 
rooms to all the guests. 

On March 22, 1870, — the centennial year of our nation's 
life, — the ladies celebrated the ([uartcr-centenniul of their 
library. 

About 500 invitations were issued, and many distin- 
guished persons honored the occasion by their presence. 
Complimentary responses, both in prose and verse, greeted 
them, and valuable gifts in money, books, pictures, flowers, 
and relics were sent iu from abroad, as well as from the cit- 
izens of Flint, who opened their houses to invited guests. 
Supper was served to all at the library building, and exer- 
cises were held both afternoon and evening at the library- 
hall, — all of a high literary character. 

Several sister libraries were well represented, and partici- 
pated in the exercises by able addresses and poems. Many 
congratulatory letters were received, some of them from 
former members who were unable to be present. 

The objects of the society at the outset could not be better 
expressed than by quoting a portion of one of these letters 
from one who was present and bore a part in its organiza- 
tion, — Mrs. E. M. Pratt, of Lansing: -'We remember," 
wrote she, " this organization came of a .sentiment to secure 
and foster a more cultivated social and moral atmosphere, — 
not only for ourselves, but for a field beyond, — securing 
avenues for wider views, for higher and nobler aspirations.' 
Mrs. K. Bartow, of Buffalo, a former member who aided 



in its formation, writes thus : " Your kind invitation brings 
a rush of pleasant memories. Its life and growth have 
been a precious desire of mine. I regret I cannot clasp 
hands, as of old, with the members on the appointed day." 
The poem written for, and read on the occasion by Hon. 
F. n. llankin, was a grand feature in the evening's enter- 
tainment. It was able, appropriate, and contained a fine 
eulogy on the ladies' taste in their selection of books. The 
following extract may not be out of place : 

"Why talk of printing thoughts? Look around. 
Upon these shelves the nuswer may be found. 
No cave of rubies, no Golconda's mine, 
No golden vein, no Oriental shrine, 
E'er knew the wealth of treasure locked away — 
Preserved in printed thoughts; that grand array 
You ladies have accumulated here, 
Which wc, in this august centenziial year — 
Your quarter-centenary — have met to greet 
Tlie fruit of all your labors, so complete. 
Could guests have finer banquet than wc find? 
Or with more choice coiupaniunship be joined? 
The kings of mind; the emperors of thought; 
The intellectual giants who have wrought 
In every field of literary fame, 
Is company entitled to acclaim.'' 

Among the most valuable gifts of hooks at these an- 
niversaries, should be mentioned •' Audubon's Birds of 
America," a magnificent volume (colored from nature and 
life-size), with three descriptive volumes, the munificent 
gift of Hon. Wm. L. Bancroft, of Port Huron ; and " The 
History of the Pacific Races," in five large volumes (con- 
taining author's autograph), accompanied with a donation 
in money from Mr. J. L. Browne, of California, the son of 
the late Rev. Daniel E. Browne, a former resident of Flint. 

Another gift from the same kind hand was a box of books, 
eminently valuable as being strictly the product of that State, 
representing not only California artists and authors, but 
also every branch of book-making, — all of their home-man- 
ufacture. 

One volume, especially, containing perfect " Views of the 
Yosemite," was published at great expense, and as only a 
small edition was i,ssucd, it may be termed priceless. 

The labors of the building committee were unceasing 
until the edifice was completed, at which time they tendered 
their resignation ; but it was not accepted, on the plea that 
they were better acquainted with the claiius and liabilities 
of the enterprise than the other members, and they were 
persuaded to serve until the small debt which had been 
incurred for the early completion of the building should be 
paid. 

This at a later date was accomplished. The committee 
are entitled to great praise for the earnest discharge of 
their duties. It consisted of the following ladies : Mrs. J. 
B. Walker, Chairman ; Mrs. R. W. Jenny, Secretary ; Mr.*. 
J. W. Begole, Treasurer ; i\Irs. G. M. Dewey, Mrs. F. H. 
Rankin, Mrs. H. M. Henderson, Mrs. E. H. McQuigg, 
and Mrs. A. Thayer. 

By earnest request the Hon. J. B. Walker was induced 
to undertake the superintendence of the work ; and to his 
wisdom and energy, witli the active cooperation of the 
building committee, it was owing that the edifice was so 
speedily completed. 





I'ln iw. liy W. C. Foote. 



MRS. E. H. MoQUIGG. 



E. H. McQUIGG. 



E. H. McQuigg was born in Spencer, Tioga Co., 
N. y., April 10, 1807. At an early age he went 
to Owego, and lived with his grandmother seven 
years upon the old farm, where his grandfather set- 
tled in 1788, when tiiat country was all a wilderness. 
When a young man he went to Ithaca, where he was 
employed as clerk in a store. In 1833 he went to 
Barton, Tioga Co., where he engaged in business 
for himself, carrying on a large mercantile and 
luml)er business successfully for several yeare. In 
1845 he purchased a farm of five hundred and 
twenty -six acres in the valley of the Susquehanna, 
and engaged in the dairy business. This enterprise 
proved profitable to iiim as well as beneficial to the 
community, as he introtluced many of the improve- 
ments then used by the more advanced dairymen of 
other parts of New York. 

In 1855 he movetl to Flint, where he engaged in 
the lumber business with Judge Hyatt and E. C. 



Turner. They subsequently sold the mill to Gov. 
Crapo, but retained the pine lands. 

In 1865, when the First National Bank of Flint 
was organized, he was among its charter members, 
and has since retained his interest; is at this time 
one of the directors; was president from 1870 to 
1875. 

Politically, he has always been a Democrat. Voted 
for Jackson for President, and continues of that faith. 
During the Rebellion hetook decided grounds in favor 
of sustaining the government ; was one of ten men 
to raise five thousand dollars to assist in getting the 
first soldiers into the field from Michigan. Has aided 
in building the railroads into Flint, and always ad- 
vocates all local public improvements. Simple in his 
mode of life, Mr. McQuigg has acquired an ample 
competency. In his busine.ss relations he is strict, 
systematic, and successful ; courteous in all circles of 
society, and honorable in all his dealings. 



FLINT CITY. 



153 



The fullowing prophecy, in the address to the Quarter 
Coiiteniiial Celebration, by Mrs. Balantyne, of Port Huron, 
ia very appropriate : 

" The work of these library associations, if the promise 
for the future be fulfilled, will be written in broad, inefface- 
able characters upon the progress of the educational ele- 
ment in our State." 

There having been much difference of opinion among 
the ladies of the Library Association upon some unimpor- 
tant question connected with the founding of the society, 
the historian is happy to acknowledge the receipt of this 
history, which was prepared by the corresponding secretary 
of tlie association, and approved by the members at a 
business meeting. 

SECRET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. 

MASONIC. 

Genesee Lodge, No. 23, F. and A. M. — The first lodge 
of the Order of Free and Accepted Jlasons was convened 
in Flint, April G, 184S, and was organized as Genesee 
Lodge, No. 23. Its first officers were IT. I. Higgins, W. M. ; 
Chauncoy S. Payne, S. W. ; Willard Eddy, J. W. ; Chas. 

Keighley, Sec. and Treas ; Wright, S. I). ; Benjamin 

Boomer, J. D. ; Ingals, Tiler. 

The lodge held its early meetings in the Starr Building, 
in the First Ward, owned by Chauncey S. Payne, and since 
burned. The first member initiated was Col. K. II. Thom- 
son. It then moved into the Hill Building, on the .south 
side of Saginaw Street. In December of 1854 it sur- 
reudrred its charter, and its books and papers were, b}' order 
of the Grand Lodge of the State, together with jurisdiction 
over its membership, transferred to 

Flint Lodge, No. 23, F. and A. il/.— This lodge was 
chartered Jan. 11, 1855, and its first meeting was held 
Jan. 22, 1855, at the old lodge-room of the Genesee Lodge, 
whose successor it wa.s. It soon after moved its quarters 
into the Higgins Building, and from there into the With- 
erbee Building, on the opposite side of Saginaw Street, 
where its sessions were held until December, 1875, when 
the fraternity erected a lodge-room of their own on Sagi- 
naw Street. 

Its first officers were J. B. Hamilton, W. M. ; E. F. 
Frary, S. W. ; N. A. Judd, J. W. ; William Clark, Sec; 
H. L Higgins, Treas.; D. Clark, S. D. ; A. B. Witherbee, 
J. D. ; George Andrews, Tiler. Its present officers are S. 
C. Randall, W. M. ; George W. Buckingham, S. W. ; C. 
S. Brown, J. W. ; Stephen Matthewson, Sec. ; C. C. Bea- 
han, Treas. ; Jerome Hover, S. D. ; J. P. Burroughs, J. D. 

Genesee Lodge, No. 174. — The charter of this lodge 
bears date Jan. 11, 18GG, and its first meetings were held 
in the rooms of the Flint Lodge, No. 23. 

Its first officers, so far as is possible to obtain their 
names, were J. B. Hamilton, W. M.; F. H. Ilaukin, S. 
W. ; W. B. McCreery, J. W. Its present officers are L. 
C. Whitney, W. M. ; C. H. Wood, S. W. ; H. C. Van 
Dusen, J. W. ; Dr. Noah Bates, Sec. ; F. H. Rankin, 
"Treas. ; E. Castrea, S. D. ; John Leghorn, J. D. 

W'lis/tinglou Cliiiplcr, No. 15. — The first meetings of 
the chapter, as of the lodges, wore convened at the rooms 
of Flint Lodge, No. 23, April 1, 185G. 
20 



Its charter members were C. K. Williams, Willard Eddy, 
S. D. Ilalsey, Isaac Wixon, B. J. Lewis, C. S. Payne, G. 
Watrou.s, J. McFarlin, Jeremiah Smith, J. B. Hamilton, 
J. H. Watrous, J. R. Smith. 

Its first officers were Chauncey K. Williams, II. P. ; J. 
B. Hamilton, King; C. S. Payne, Scribe; F. II. Rankin, 
Sec; T. C. Meigs, Treas. Its present officers are Rev. 
Marcus Lane, H. P. ; Stephen Matthewson, King ; G. W. 
Buckingham, Scribe ; II. C. Van Dusen, C. II. ; Dr. Noah 
Bates, Sec. ; E. S. Williams, Treas. 

Genesee Valley Comviandery. — This organization re- 
ceived its charter on the 14th of June, 18G5. 

Its charter members and first officers were J. B. Ham- 
ilton, E. C. ; P. H. Stewart, Gen'l ; J. C. Allen, C. G 
W. B. Buckingham, Prelate; M. S. Elmo're, S. W. ; R, 
Ford, J. W.; 0. Stone, St'd B'r; B. J. Lewis, Sw'd B'r 
J. F. Joslin, Warden. The present officers are C. S 
Brown, E. C. ; J. B. F. Curtis, Gen'l ; C. H. Wood, C. G. 
M. S. Elmore, Prelate ; C. F. Lander, S. W. ; Albert My- 
ers, J. W. ; M. Pettibone, Rec. ; E. S. Williams, Treas. 

The present lodge-rooms of the Ma.sonic organizations of 
the city of Flint are located on Saginaw Street, adjoining 
the Bryant House. The two upper stories of the building 
are owned by the lodges, and are 4G by 101) feet in dimen- 
sions. They were built by subscription, at a cost of $10,000, 
and are comfortably and substantially furnished. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD-FELLOW.S. 

Genesee Lodge, No. 24, /. 0. 0. F. — This lodge was 
instituted June 1, 1847, by Deputy Grand Master Alfred 
Treadway, of Pontiac, under a dLspensation granted by the 
M. W. Grand Master, Andrew J. Clark, of Niles. The 
dispensation was replaced by a charter from the Grand 
Lodge, July 22, 1847. The lodge reported on the 30th 
of June of the same year 33 contributing members. 

Its first officers were Edward H. Thomson, N. G. ; Geo. 
M. Dewey, V. G. ; Charles D. Little, Sec. ; Sylvester A. 
Pengra, Treas. E. H. Thomson was the first representa- 
tive from Genesee Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Michigan, 
and was also its first District Deputy Grand Master. 

The second corps of officers of the lodge, installed ia 
January of 1848, were George M. Dewey, N. G. ; Charles 
D. Little, V. G. ; Sylvester A. Pengra, Sec ; George H. 
Hazel ton, Treas. 

Its present officers are William II. Morri.son, N. G. ; 
William H. Brewer, V. G. ; Herbert Campbell, Rec. See. ; 
David Anderson, Financial Sec. ; Francis H. Rankin, 
Treas. 

Genesee Lodge is proud of a distinction not enjoyed by 
any other lodge in the State, — that of having produced 
from its members five Grand Masters of the order for the 
jurisdiction of Michigan, one of whom was twice elected. 
They were, in 185.5^ William M. Fenton ; 1859, B. W. 
Dennis; 18G4, B. W. Dennis; 18G9, J. S. Curtis; 1872, 
V. II. Rankin; 1878, E. H. Thonuson. 

The spacious and elegant hall and rooms occupied by 
Gene.see Lodge were constructed expressly for the use of 
the order in 1875, under an agreement with F. W. Judd, 
Esq., who was then constructing the fine building known 
as the Judd Block. The hall was formally dedicated Feb. 



154 



HISTORY OF GENKSEE COUxNTY, MICHIGAN. 



2, 1876, by Grand Master George Dean, of Detroit, assisted 
by other officers of the Grand Lodge. It is approached by 
a capacious stairway from Saginaw Street, and occupies tlie 
entire upper story of the Judd Blocic. It is divided into 
tlie iudge-room, 421 by 60 feet; aute-room, 22 by 30 feet; 
and reception-room, 16 feet square. They are appropri- 
ately furni.shcd, brilliantly lighted with gas, and the walls 
adorned with emblems. 

Frieiiih/iip Lodge, No. 174-, I. 0. 0. F. — This lodge was 
organized Nov. 28, 1871, its charter members being W. A. 
Miller, George L. Clark, Joseph Wilson, L. B. CoUis, A. 
C. Lyon, Hiram Cooper, Robert Patrick, Jr., Joseph L. 
Brown, William II. Fay, S. J. Reynolds, and M. G. Cuolcy. 

The following were the first ofiicers elected : W. A. 51 il- 
ler, N. G. ; Hiram Cooper, V. G. ; Robert Patrick, Treas. ; 
Joseph AVilson, Sec. ; M. G. Couley, 0. G. ; Joseph L. 
Brown, I. G. ; L. B. CoUis, Con. Its meetings are held 
in a commodious and well-appointed hall rented for the 
purpose. This lodge luis grown steadily in numbers and 
influence since its organization. 

Its present officers are Henry K. Firth, N. G. ; H. II. 
Alvord, V. G. ; Edward Sterner, R. See. ; L. B. Collis, Sec. ; 
William Perry, Treas. ; J. R. Cook, W. ; H. J. Miller, C. ; 
O. B. McKnitt, 0. G. ; John Parkhurst, I. G. The lodges 
of this order in Flint arc both in an exceedingly flourish- 
ing condition. 

The Odd- Fellows have also an Encampment of Patriarchs 
in the city, known as the Flint River Fiicampment, No. 28. 

KNIUnTS or PYTHIAS. 

The order of Knights of Pythias is represented in Flint 
by Ivanhue Lodge, No. 27, which was establi-shcd under 
dispensation from tlie Grand Lodge of Michigan, Sept. 10, 
1875. The warrant members were Knights W. H. Lyon, 
Joseph Wilson, C. A. White, J. W. B. Kriuns, AViliiam 
Baillie, L. W. Miller, G. W. Pond, W. E. Miner, J. Shep- 
ard, C. A. Fox, Henry Howland, J. L. Brown, William 
Charles, C. E. McAlester, W. E. Braman, L. C. Prescott, 
R. S. Pitt, W. W. Barnes, W. A. Atwood, Oren Stone, 
H. R. Lovcll, H. W. Fairbank, A. L. Aldrich, G. M. 
Brown, S. Darling, C. M. Wisner, and George H. Durand. 
The fii-st elective officers were W. H. Lyon, P. C. ; A. L. 
Aldrich, C. C. ; C. A. White, V. C. ; W. Charles, P. ; J. 
W. B. Kriuns, K. of R. and S. ; William Baillie, M. E. ; 
L. W. Miller, M. F. The lodge obtained its full charter 
in Februaiy, 1878. There are now 45 members, of whom 
25 belong to the diill-corps. They have the full-dress 
regulation uniform of the order, and have paraded on vari- 
ous public occasions, always with credit to themselves and 
the order. Their first public parade was on the Centennial 
Fourth of July. 

Since the organization of the lodge death has not de- 
pleted its numbers. The present officers arc C. E. Mc- 
Alester, P. C. ; H. R. Lovell, C. C. ; W. B. Armstrong, 
V. C. ; William Charles, P. ; H. AV. Fairbank, K. of R. 
and S. ; W. A. Patterson, M. E. ; Jesse Warren, M. F. ; 
Fred. Harris, M. A. ; E. Barton, I. G. ; and W. A. Gal- 
braith, 0. G. Weekly convocations arc held on each Wed- 
nesday. In connection with the lodge there is also a section 
of the endowment rank of the order, which was instituted 



Jan. 7, 1878, with 17 members, since increased to 23, 
carrying eleven onc-thousand-dollar and twenty-two two- 
tliousand-dollar insurance policies on the mutual plan. Its 
present officers are A. L. Aldrich, President ; C. E. Mc- 
Alester, Vice-President ; H. R. Lovell, Sec. and Treas. ; 
W. Charles, Chaplain ; John Stevens, Guide ; W. J. Pegg, 
Guard; J. Warren, Sentinel. 

APOLLO COUNCIL, NO. 27, ROYAL AUCANUJI, 

was organized Nov. 12, 1877, with the following gentlemen 
as charter members : Dr. Noah Bates, Wm. W. Joyner, 
Henry L. Young, Dr. Wm. Fobes, Dr. James, B. F. Curtis, 
Wm. Dullam, Frank Dullam, R. H. Hughs, Leroy C. 
Whitney, 11. S. Pitt, Chas. C. Beahan, Stephen Stoddard, 
R. E. Farnliam, Stephen Mathowson, Hiram D. Ilerrick, 
Frank W. Switzer, Wm. H. Foote, Jas. A. Armstrong, 
Philo D. Phillips, Alfred C Nichols, Geo. E. Newall, Jacob 
Aarons, Dr. Bela Cogshall, Dr. Geo. W. Ilowhmd, P. F. 
Cleveland, Dovillo Goodrich, Orris C. Goodrich, Warren 
C. Foot, Chas. L. Sopcr, S. V. Hakes, Horatio N. Mather, 
Jas. J. Hurley, Robt. J. Whaiey, Albert Myers, M. A. 
Watson, G. D. Dewey, J. A. Tivey, Hurley R. Clark, Chas. 
Harrison, James Johnson, Chas. A. Pettibone, Milton 
Pettibone, H. P. Seymour, Salem Wolcott, Frank A. 
Jones, David W. iMoon, E. L. Van Wormer, J. P. Bur- 
roughs, J. R. Jones, Herman L. Piereon, Ed. A. Russell, 

C. Whitney, Fred. A. Harris, B. W. Simington, Nicholas 
Levine, John McKercher, Geo. L. McQuigg, Delaskio D. 
Freeman, V^xw. Ac^kermuu, John Ilo.^s, Dr. II. N. Murray, 
George M. Bushnell. 

Its present officers are W. W. Joyner, Past Regent; H. 
L.Young, Regent; S. Mathewson, Vice-Regent; George 
W. Ilowland, Orator; D. W. Moon, Sec; Joseph A. Tivy, 
Collector ; Albert Myers, Treas.; Wm. Fobes, Chaplain ; II. 

D. Ilerrick, Guide ; J. R. Jones, AVarden. 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN. 

Fliid Lodge, No. 22. — This order was instituted in 
Flint, Nov. 21, 1877, with the following gentlemen as its 
first officers : Past Master- Workman, Samuel C. Randall ; 
Master- Workman, Henry R. Lovell; General Foreman, 
Leroy C. Whitney ; Overseer, Chailes H. Ripley ; Recorder, 
James A. Armstrong ; Receiver. Henry M. Mason ; Finan- 
cier, Charles Mansfield ; Guide, George W. Burbank ; 
Inside Watchman, Joseph M. Corkey ; Outside Watch- 
man, Franklin Shank. 

It original members embraced the following names : 
Samuel C. Randall, Henry R. Lovell, Leroy C. Whitney, 
Charles H. Ripley, James A. Armstrong, Albert Atwood, 
Daniel Galliver, Michael Mulroy, Andrew B. Cha]iiii, 
M.D., Charles L. Bartlett, Henry M. Mason, Charles 
Mansfield, George AV. Burbank, .Joseph M. Corkey, Frank- 
lin Shank, John Zimmerman, Herbert Campbell, Aluioii 
M. Woodin, Bela Cogshall, M.D. 

The following are its present officers : P. M. W., Leroy C. 
AVhitney; M. W., Albert Atwood; Foreman, John Zim- 
merman ; Overseer, Joseph M. Corkey ; Recorder, James 
A. Armstrong; Receiver, Henry M. Mason; Financier, 
Henry M. Pierce ; Guide, Richard H. Gary ; J. W., Frank- 
lin Shank ; 0. W., Jacob llanb. 



FLINT CITY". 



155 



KNIGHTS OF HONOR. 

Wolverine Loilgn. — Tliis order was fii'st established in 
Flint in 1870, Wolverine Lodge having been organized 
December 4th of that year, with the following charter mem- 
bers : William DuUam, Frank Duliam, G. W. Lowe, George 
K. Newall, William IL French, George L. Walker, Bela 
Cogshall, William II. Joyner, William Ackerman, 11. H. 
Hughes, David Ballantyne, Jacob Aarons, L. 11. Gardner, 
James McCadden, J. P. Burroughs, E. A. Davis, L. C. 
Whitney, James H. Failing, Thomas Bergen, C. C. Behan, 
W. L. Watorhouse, L. D. Cook, 11. E. Farnluim, 11. S. Pitt, 
and Jesse H. Warren. 

Its first officers were George E. Newall, Dictator; Wil- 
liam n. French, Vice-Dictator ; William W. Joyner, As- 
sistant Dictator ; George W. Lowe, Chaplain ; William 
Duliam, Keporter; Bela Cogshall, Financial Reporter; 
Frank Duliam, Treasurer; William Ackerman, Guide; 
David Ballantyne, Guardian ; L. H. Gardner, Sentinel ; 
Geo. E. Newall, W. W. Joyner, Wni. Duliam, Trustees. 

The present officers arc L. D. Cook, Dictator; William 
Fobes, Vice-Dictator ; Thomas Bergen, Assistant Dictator ; 
John McKcrcher, Reporter ; John Leghorn, Financial 
Reporter; Frank Duliam, Treasurer ; William L. Falkner, 
Cha]ilain ; p]dward Jones, Guide ; William D. llosecrans. 
Guardian; James BothwcU, Sentinel; G. L. Walker, G. 
E. Newall, W. W. Joyner, Trustees. 

The lodge has added to its numbers since the date of oi'- 
ganization thirty-three members, and of the whole number 
have lost but four. The charter members have paid to the 
" Widows' and Orphans' Benefit Fund" each the sum of $32. 
The sessions arc held in the .spacious hall of the Knights of 
Pyihia.s, leased for the purpose. 

ST. jircn.-vEL's benevolent society. 

This society, which is purely benevolent in character, was 
organized under the pastorate of Rev. Father Charles De- 
cueninck, in 186G. It has among its chief aims the burial 
of its members, for which there is a fund provided by the 
society, and a sum especially devoted to the widow and or- 
phans of deceased niembei-s. It has accomplished a good 
work among the Catholic population, by whom it is sus- 
tained, and is still strong and flourishing. The present 
officers are Daniel Ryan, President; Michael Gillespie, 
Treasurer; Patrick Burns, Secretary. Its meeting.s are 
held monthly. 

CATHOLIC -MUTUAL BENEVOLENT ASS0CI.4.TI0N. 

This society was organized in the year 1878, under the 
auspices of Rev. Robert AV. Haire, and embodies the prin- 
ciple of life insurance as one of its main features. It num- 
bers GO members, and derives the revenue for its sujiport 
from an initiation fee of §3.50 per member and an assess- 
ment of 61.10 at the death of any member, at which time 
his family or survivors arc entitled tn the sum of S2000 
upon the refiuisite proof being produced of his dccea.se. Its 
officers are J. D. Lavin, President ; Stephen Hughes, Vice- 
President ; Thomas Page, Secretary. 

ST. .MirilAEl/s LITEIIAUY SOflETV. 
This society was also established in 1878, under the 
auspices of Prof, .lohn l>onovan, and numbeis -tO members. 



Its purpose is indicated in its name. Its officers are AVil- 
liam White, President; William Coggins, Vice-President; 
Austin Daly, Treasurer ; Dennis Ilouran, Secretary. 

THK FLINT FIRE DKPARTMENT. 

In May, 1852, a large fire occurred in Flint, which de- 
stroyed much property. Realizing the necessity of jiroviil- 
ing against a similar calamity, one of the leading journals 
published a strong appeal to the citizens, headed " Shall we 
have a Fire-Engine?" a portion of which we quote : "It is 
the opinion of per-sons competent to judge that one good 
engine effectively worked could have stayed the conflagra- 
tion when it was discovered. Flint is still without a flre- 
engine, though wo have the best possible material for one. 
Let us then have a fire-engine, whether it be purchased by 
voluntary subscriptions, assessment, or tax." The good 
citizens of Flint took some time to consider the practica- 
bility of this suggestion, and fitialW, in October, 1855, a 
petition signed by M. i\Iiles and twenty-three others was pre- 
sented to the city council and voted upon favorably by that 
body, the result being that '■'■Ear/le Fire Company, No. 1, 
of the City of Flint," was organized. Just previous to this 
a very disastrous fire had occurred by which two-thirds of 
the west side of Main Street was burned to the ground, the 
loss having been estimated at $35,000. The buildings con- 
sumed were of wood, and by a city ordinance they were re- 
placed by substantial brick structures. In November of the 
same year the city council passed an elaborate series of by- 
laws and ordinances with reference to the fire department 
of the city of Flint, embracing thirty-four sections, in which 
the duties of the department were prescribed, and many 
clau-ses inserted with reference to the prevention of fires. 

Later, Wm. Fenton was appointed chief engineer of the 
fire department, and one assistant engineer and two fire war- 
dens were named fjr each ward. The same date a reso- 
lution was passed by the council, appropriating S400 to 
purchase two fire-engines, and $200 to organize a fire de- 
partment. 

The following petition was presented Nov. 17, 1855: 

"To THE JIavor, REroniiEii, Axi) Ai.deiimen of the City of Flint: 
"The undersignoil petitioners would respectfully repropent thtit flic 
protection of property in this city dciuands a large and bettor lire- 
engine tlian the one now owned by the city, and would therefore re- 
quest your honorable body to call a meeting of the tax-paycr-s of thi.s 
city at the earliest possible time for the purpose of authorizing the 
common council to purch.asc a .suitable fire-engine, and authorize them 
to pledge the credit of the city therefor, and as in duty bound your 
petitioners will ever pray, etc. 

"Flint, Nov. 17, 1855." 

On the 19th of November of the same yc.av the follow- 
ing petition was presented : 

" To THE Common Council of tiii; City or Flint : 

"The undersigned petition for the formation of a hook-and-Iaddor 
company, and that provision bo made for supplying such company 
with suitable ladders, liooks, and other ncces.sary apparatus; and in 
ease the same be furnished we agree to form ourselves into a company 
for the purpose under the ordinance heretofore passed, and such further 
ordinanco or acts of the common council as may be passed." 

(Signed) 

Dated " Flint, Xov. 10, lR.i5." 

The record then states that on a motion of the council, I']. 
F. Frary, J. B. Garson, 11. .\iider.son, E. Cook, Giles Bishop, 



(Signed) 



156 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



John Pelbridire, John Sutton. W. S. Patrick, James Gkiy, 
Alonzo Gary, H. C. Rising. J. G. Towuer, G. D. Curtis, 
L. R. Buckini:hani. W. R. Scovillc, James Bailey, G. W. 
Hill, Cyrus Goff, Daniel O'SuUivan, Thomas Heather. W. 
Gazlay be and are hereby appointed hook-and-ladder men, 
and that they, together with such other hook-and-ladder 
men as may be hereafter appointed, be and are hereby 
authorized to form themselves into a company to be desig- 
nated Hook-and-Luthler Gunpaiiy, No. 1, of the city of 
Flint, and that s:iid company shall consist of thirty men. 

A motion was oflFered that John B. Hamilton, C. K. 
Williams, C. F. Brixiker, George Andrews. M. W. Lake, 
G. W. Ferri.s, H. Wilson, Henry Seymour, Gaston Polhaus, 
C. L. Avery, C. H. Curtis, J. Furman, T, C. Meigs, L. 
Buckingham, Edward Clark, Sumner Howard. Sherman 
Cadweli. E. G. Williams, M. L. Frary, William Mason, 
John Kelland, J. H. Skidmore, George Watkins, C. E. 
^IcAlester. J. B. Clark, and H. R. Clark be and are hereby 
appointed fire-engine men, and that they, together with 
such other fire-engine men as may be hereafter appointed, 
be and are hereby authorized to form themselves into a 
companv, to be designated Eagle Fire-Enrjine Company, 
No. 1, of the city of Flint, and that such company shall 
consist of 40 men. 

March 15th of the following year, carriages, hooks, 
ladders, ropes, etc., were procured for the use of the de- 
partment at a cost of 8261.81. Soon after the thorough 
orgimization of the fire department, and on the occasion of 
a public demonstration, their appearance and the excellence 
of their drill called forth much praise from the citizens 
and the press. 

On the morning of February 2d a large fire occurred in 
the barns of the Northern Hotel, in the city, totally de- 
stroying them. The hotel was saved through the exertions 
of the fire department, which won many compliments for 
their skill in arresting the flames. In the month of June, 
1S57, Hon. William M. Fenton, Chauncey K. Williams, 
and Washington O'Donoughue were appointed a committee 
to draft articles of association, by-laws, and a constitution 
for the permanent organization of the fire department of 
the city of Flint. 

These gentlemen after completing their labors submitted 
the result, and the by-laws and constitution prepared by 
them were unanimously adopted by the council. Under 
the new org;inization the following oflBeers were elected : 
Hon. E. H. Thomson, President ; E. Frank Frary, Vice- 
President; D. S. Fox, Secretary; W. O'Donoughue, Treas- 
urer; W. C. Cummings, Collector. 

Meanwhile, the demand for another engine having 
arisen, an additional company was organized, under the 
title of Protection Engine Company, No. 2, and an engine 
purchased for it in October of 1S57. Col. Fenton was 
succeeded by J. B. Hamilton as chief engineer, and he was 
followed by Col. Alvin T. Crosman. J. C. Decker was 
then appointed, and later William M. Fenton filled the office 
a seeond time, and died May 12, 1S71, while in the dis- 
charge of his duties. The assistant engineer acted until the 
following April, when J. C. Decker was re-appointed, and 
William Dullam officiated for a brief period as his successor, 
when James Williams, the present incumbent, was appointed. 



The death of Col. William M. Fenton caused profound 
sorrow throughout the entire community. His public 
career had been a distinguished one, having twice been 
chosen to fill the office of lieutenant-governor, and serving 
with distinction as colonel of the 8th Regiment Michigan 
Infantry during the war of the Rebellion. In his legal 
profession he was extensively known throughout the State, 
and regarded as among the ablest jurists. In private life 
he was esteemed for his many virtues, and was justly spoken 
of by one who knew him well as a '• perfect exemplar of 
high-toned Christian morality." 

His funeral obsequies were made the occasion of a re- 
markable public demonstration, in which many citizens and 
social organizations of the county united to do honor to his 
memory. 

The Fire Department passed the following resolutions : 

" Wtereni, The Don. William M. Fenton. in the instant ilisoharge 
of his dnties ns Chief Engineer of the Fire Dep.irtmcnt. has met with 
an unforeseen accident fatal to his life, which he has thus given for this 
communitT ; and whereas, bv his death, we have lost a chief who 
was not only a model officer, but the impersonation of all the virtues 
whii.'h belong to the perfect fireman ; therefore 

*' Uexoieai. That we mourn his untimely death with keen anguish ; 
that, while acknowledging indeed that a life like his. so full of honor- 
able living, widespread usefulness, gcnenms deeds, kindly affections, 
and considerate care for the comfort of all who made his acquaintance, 
would in any event close too soon, yet in view of all the department 
hoped from his counsel, energy, and example, we feel his death could 
not have been to us more inopportune. 

" Rfolrexi, That we testify our respect for his memory by draping 
our rooms, engines, and apparatus, and wearing the usual badge of 
mourning for thirty days, and as a further testimony of our regard, 
we will take part in his funeral obsequies in full force. 

" Resohetl, That these resolutions be published in the city papers, 
and a copy delivered to the family of the deceased with assurances of 
our sympathy with them in this their sad affliction." 

In August of 1856 the extensive steam flouring-mills 
of Messrs. W. and 0. Hamilton, and known as the Gene- 
see Mills, were burned, all efforts to safe them having proved 
futile, and the loss having been estimated at §23,000. 

Aug. 14, 1S5S, a very destructive fire occurred on Sagi- 
naw Street, consuming much property. Another occurred 
in February of 1861, on the corner of Saginaw and Kears- 
ley Streets, in the store occupied by James Henderson & 
Co., resulting in its entire destruction, involving much 
loss. 

In January of 1872 a fire originated in the furniture 
warerooms of F. B. Hill & Co., at which the firemen dis- 
tinguished themselves for bravery, two of them passin:: 
through much danger in their efforts to save property. A 
(x>nflagration occurred at the stave- and heading-mill of 
Grant Decker, which the chief engineer pronounced the 
" hottest within his recollection," much damage having been 
done to material. These few instances are mentioned as 
occasions when the firemen did signal service, and by their 
strenuous efforts rescued much valuable property from the 
further ravages of the flames. 

The department was reorganized in 1867, the city coun- 
cil having determined to purchase a steam fire-engine. After 
thorough examination by Chief Engineer Decker, and mem- 
bers of the committee of the fire department of the city, a 
steam fire-engine, manufactured by H. C. Silsby & Co., of 
Seneca Falls, was purchased and christened the Col. Fenton, 




JAJIES VAN VLEET. 




MRS. JAMES VAN VLEET. 



Among the emiijrants wlio flocked to this country in its early 
days to assist in developing the wondrous wealth of its resources, 
and to found the best and greate.-t government of the age, was 
a family of Hollanders, hearing the name of Van Vleet, who 
settled in the State of New .lersey. Among the descendants 
of this family was Jared Van Vleet, who was born on the 
second day of March, 1790, and at the age of four years re- 
moved with his father's family to the then wilderness of 
Western New York, locating in Seneca County. His father 
bought of the government a farm in the town of Lodi, and 
settled there, esperiencing the hardships usually incidental to 
a pioneer life. For four months the family lived under a 
wagon box. This farm he improved, and it furnished him 
with a coinfortalile home until, at a ripe old age, he was taken 
to become on<' of the innumerable concourse of the dead. 

Jared married Dolly Swarthout, and soon after purchased 
a farm in the town of KomuUis, on which he resided until a 
few years previous to his death, which occurred Nov. 23, 
1876. On this farm James was born, July 28, 1810, and grew 
to manhood, varying his summer's work on the farm with the 
winter's attendance upon the jiublic sehi>ols. Sept. 30, 1841, 
he was married to Miss Mary Ann Cooley, daughter of Justus 
and Elizabeth (Archer) Cooley, who was born at Blooming 
Grove, Orange Co., N. Y , May 1, 1822. For the two years 
succeeding his marriage he worked land on shares, but be- 
coming dissatisfied with that mode of life, resolved to com- 
mence anew in some part of the country where land could be 
bought at low rates. In pursuance of this resolution he, in 
the winter of 1843-44, traded what little property he had been 
able to accumulate for eighty acres of land in the town of 
Gaines, in this county. 

In the following spring he came on to view his new posses- 
sions, and was not very favorably impressed with the appear- 
ance of things. The land was wild and covered with dense 
timber, through which no roads had yet been cut ; but his reso- 
lution was not changed, and in June he, with his wife and one 
child, left his former home, and traveling by way of the 
canal and lake, landed in Detroit on the seci>n<l day of July, 
1844. From Detroit to their new home the journey was made 
by team, and as soiui as possible a log house was built, into 
which they moved while it was yet unfurnished with either 
floor, door, or windows. The lack of a door was supplied by 
hanging a blanket across the doorway. 

At this time they found them.selve3 without either stock, 
provisions, team, farming utensils of any kind, and with but 
twenty-five cents in money. But it being harvest time there 
was plenty of work, and the lack of provisions was speedily 
supplied. To add to the hardships of their situation, in Oc- 
tober Mrs. Van Vleet was taken sick, and, on account of a 
scarcity of female help, her husband was obliged to cut a road 
through the woods and remove her in a sleigh to the house of 



a neiirhbor, a mile and a half away, in order that she might 
have the care and attention of one of her own sex during her 
illness, which lasted until the following February. 

For five years Mr. Van Vleet worked for others before he 
was able to get land enough cleared to enable him to depend 
upon his own farm for his living. During that time life was 
anything but a holiday, and they were called upon to endure 
many privations and face man}' dangers. Mrs. Van Vleet 
sold a gold ring she had for one dollar and fifty cents, and 
with the money thus procured bought a hat and two pairs of 
pants for her husband. She says they were perfectly happj', 
having no plate, jewelry, fine clothes, or money to worry 
about. Three years after coming here, Mr. Van Vleet had 
succeeded in getting three cows and an ox-leani, and thought 
himself on the highway to success, but one ox and all of the 
cows died, and their loss was seriously felt. Still he persevered, 
and in 18.50 began to see signs of progre.ss, and felt the cur- 
rent of the incoming tide of prosperity which has placed him 
in independent circumstances. The farm of eighty acres had, 
at the time of his removing from it, increased to three hundred 
and twenty acres, mostly improved, and beautified by one of 
the finest farm residences in the county. 

Formerly a member of the Democratic party, James Van 
Vleet left it at the time of the Kansas troubles, and upon the 
organization of the Kepublican party joined and has since 
belonged to that political organization. He held many town 
oflSces; among them school inspector twelve years, justice 
of the peace sixteen years, and supervisor eighteen years. 
Elected to the latter office first in 1847, he left it'in 1868 "to ac- 
cept the office of county treasurer, the duties of which office 
be discharged for seven years, the last three as deputy treas- 
urer. In 1864 and again in 1866 he was chosen by his fellow- 
citizens to represent tlie first district of the county in the State 
Legislature. 

Jan. 1, 1869, he left the farm, and has since resided in the 
city of Flint, where he has been called upon to serve as super- 
visor of the Third Ward for four years. He is now (in 
company with his son Jared) engaged in the real-estate and 
insurance business. 

His children are as follows: Albert B., born Oct. 9, 1842, 
married Edna Brainard, and is now living upon the farm ; 
Ann E., born Oct. 31, 1844, married William U. Fairchild ; 
Jared, born Oct. 2, 1848, married Agnes J. Gibson ; and John 
C, born Feb. 25, 18,'-)2. 

Mr. Van Vleet isoneof the substantial citizens of the county ; 
he bears an unblemished reputation and a character of unim- 
peachable integrity. In all positions he has been called to fill 
ne has acquitted himself with honor, and to the perfect satis- 
faction of his constituents. His life is alike honorable to him- 
self and an example to the young, who should strive to emulate 
the sterling virtues it has exemplified. 



FLINT CITY. 



157 



in compliment to that gentleman's untiring zeal in the inter- 
ests of the department. 

The naming of this engine was during its manufacture 
kept a profound secret, and was not only a surprise to the 
colonel but a matter of gratification to his friends. 

Later, another steamer, manufactured by the Amoskeag 
Manufacturing Company, of Manchester, N. H., was pur- 
chased and named The CUy of Flint. 

In April, 1870, another change was effected which re- 
sulted in a paid fire department, under which condition it 
now exists. 

The present force is organized as follows: James Wil- 
liams, Chief Engineer ; James C. Decker, Atssistant Engi- 
neer ; George AVest, Engineer of Steamers ; James iSniith, 
Driver of Steamers; Charles Rose, Driver of Hose-Cart; 
Charles Hovey, Foreman of Ilose; George Miller, Edward 
Henncs, Clarence Brown, Edward Skinner, John Ilose, 
Charles Beck with, Thomas Murphy, Ira Aplin, Daniel Car- 
roll, Judson Matthews, Daniel Chapman, piperaen. 

The apparatus at the present time comprises two steam 
fire-engines, two hose-carts, one hand-engine, one hook-and- 
ladder truck, and 2700 feet of hose. All of which, except 
the hand-engine, are kept in the engine-house, corner of 
Saginaw and Third Streets. This is a three-story brick 
building, erected in 18G3. It is 70 by 80 feet in size; 
the first and third floors are used by the fire department, 
and the second by the city council. A small engine-house 
is situated on Saginaw Street, between First and Second, 
on the north side of the river, where is stationed the hand- 
engine. 

"WATER-SUPPLY. 

The water-supply of the city is chiefly derived from two 
artesian wells, and from large reservoirs located in various 
parts of the city, which are filled from the river, or other- 
wise, as convenience dictates. Three artesian wells have 
been sunk in Flint. The first, or " Crapo well," was un- 
dertaken by a regularly chartered company, organized under 
the name of the " Flint Salt-Manufacturing Company." 
This well was located near Crape's mill, in the First Ward, 
and, with the hope of obtaining brine for .salt-making, it 
was carried to a depth of 1350 feet. The loss of the drill 
then led to its abandonment without any satisfactory result. 
Strong brine was obtained, but the indications were that 
the supply was inadequate. The following is a brief sketch 
of the strata encountered : drift, CS feet ; white sandstone 
(Woodville), 67 feet; coal measures, 27 feet; sandstone 
(Farma), 108 feet, near the bottom of which, at two 
hundred and fifty-seven feet from the surface, a copious 
flow of fresh water was reached. The remainder of the 
boring was in shale, blue in the upper portion, sometimes 
(|uite dark, and occasionally interspersed with micaceous 
sandstone, ending in red shale. Brine was reached at five 
hundred and fifty-eight feet, becoming very strong at nine 
hundred and sixty feet. The lower cutting indicated that 
the salt rock had been passed through. 

The second artesian well was sunk by order of the city 
authorities, in the hope of obtaining a supply of water for 
extinguishing fires. The geological record of this is as 
follows: drift, 87 feet; sand.stono (Woodville), 13 feet; 
coal-measure-s, 76 feet; sandstone (I'aruiu), 110 feet, ter- 



minating in shale at two hundred and fifty-six feet. At 
one hundred and thirty-five feet a vein of coal two feet in 
thickness was passed through. An overflow of fre.sh water 
was reached at one hundred and seventy-six feet, rising six 
feet above the surface. The only result of boring farther 
was to render the water saline, resulting in the mineral 
spring at the corner of Saginaw and First Streets. 

No accurate analysis of the water has been made, though 
it is thought not to vary greatly from the mineral springs 
throughout the State, some of which have been noted for 
their medicinal virtues. The water is constantly imbibed 
by pedestrians in passing, more than 2000 people being 
daily refreshed by its cooling draughts. 

The third well, at the corner of Garland and Fifth Streets, 
in the First Ward, being on higher ground, the flow failed 
to reach the surface, but is raised by wind-power and util- 
ized in filling several reservoirs. 

FLINT UNION BLUES. 

In June, 1872, Messrs. Ira H. Wilder, W. J. Seymour, 
George E. Childs, and 0. F. Lochhcad met for consulta- 
tion, and discussed the question of organizing a military 
company in the city of Flint. They finally decided to 
publish a circular in the city papers inviting all interested 
in military matters to meet at Awanaga Hall, Thursday 
evening, June 27, 1872. At the meeting, which was pre- 
sided over by C. S. Brown as chairman and 0. F. Lnch- 
head as secretary, 33 young men signed the roll and pledged 
themselves to assist in organizing and maintaining a military 
company in Flint. 

The first election for civil oflieers was held on the even- 
ing of July 9th of the same year, and resulted as follows : 
President, Charles S. Brown ; Vice-President, Ira H. 
Wilder ; Secretary, 0. F. Lochhead ; Treasurer, S. N. 
Andrus. 

At this meeting, af\er the appointment of various com- 
mittees, it was resolved to adopt a uniform of dark blue, 
with white trimmings, and to assume the title of the 
" Flint Union Blues." As the State only furnished 
muskets, equipments, and rent for armories, the question 
of paying for uniforms was an important one, which was 
solved by a subscription circulated among the citizens, who 
contributed liberally, Messrs. Alexander McFarlan, J. 
W. Begole, and William B. McCrcery heading the list 
with handsome amounts. 

The first election for company ofScers occurred Aug. 14, 
1872, with the following result: Captain, William II. 
Morse ; First Lieutenant, 0. F. Lochhead ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, George E. Newall ; First Sergeant, Ira H. Wilder ; 
Second Sergeant, W. Rosenthal ; Third Sergeant, Peter 
Lcnnon ; Fourth Sergeant, Charles II. Wood ; Fifth Ser- 
geant, J. D. Lavin ; Corporals : First, Charles A. Fox ; 
Second, W. J. Seymour; Third, Alexander McFarlan, Jr.; 
Fourth, Andrew l>ailcy ; Filih, Thomas J. Post; Sixth, 
A. E. Foote; Seventh, II. N. Gay; Eighth, W. II. Pier. 

The company was mustered into the State service by 
Adj.-(jien. John Robcrt.son, Oct. 18, 1872, and made its 
first street parade the same day. During the evening fol- 
lowing this event they gave a military ball and reception, 
by which they realized $180. The " Blues" soon after 



158 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTy, iMICHIGAN. 



were the p;uests of the Detroit Light Guard, and received 
the most cordial hospitalitj', and won many encomiums for 
tlic excellence of their drill and gentlen)atily deportment. 
During the same year the ladies of the First Ward pre- 
sented the company a beautiful silk flag; thereupon George 
E. Childs was appointed color-sergeant, and A. E. Foote 
and Jolin King color-guards. 

In 1873 the company was ordered to Lansing, to par- 
ticipate in the ceremonies connected with the laying of the 
cornerstone of the now State capitol. During 1S74 the 
Detroit Light Guard were its guests, and the occasion of 
their visit is a memorable one in the annals of the com- 
pany. The company was ordered to the scene of the railroad 
riots ill 1877, and promptly responded, as they did also on 
a subsequent similar occasion when required by the sheriff. 

Tiic principal officers of the company since 1872 have 
been as follows : 

1873. — Captain, 0. F. Lochhead ; First Lieutenant, Geo. 
E. Ncwall ; Second Lieutenant, Ira H. Wilder ; First Ser- 
geant, John King. 

1874. — Captain, 0. F. Lochhead ; First Lieutenant, Geo. 
E. Newall ; Second Lieutenant, Ira H. Wilder ; First Ser- 
geant, John King. 

1875. — Captain, George E. Newall ; First Lieutenant, 
John King; Second Lieutenant, George E. Childs; First 
Sergeant, Charles A. Fox. 

1876. — Captain, George E. Newall ; First Lieutenant, 
John King; Second Lieutenant, George E. Childs; First 
Sergeant, Charles A. Fox. 

1877. — Captain, George E. Newall; First Lieutenant, 
Ira II. Wilder ; Second Lieutenant, Geo. E. Childs ; First 
Sergeant, H. 51. Sporry. 

1878. — Captain, Ira II. Wilder; First Lieutenant, Geo. 
E. Cliilds ; Second Lieutenant, H. M. Spcrry; First Ser- 
geant, W. H. Pier. 

The Blues are members of the 3d Regiment of Michi- 
gan State troops, and are designated as " C" company in 
regimental formation. Flint is the headquarters of the regi- 
ment, and the following-named regimental officers have 
emanated from the company: Colonel 0. F. Lochhead, 
Adjutant C. S. Brown, Sergeant-Major John King, Color- 
Sergeant C. H. Wood, Commissary S. V. Ilaker. 

THE OLD TLINT BAND. 

Among the institutions connected with the early history 
of Flint may be mentioned the " Old Band." This was 
organized in the summer of 1S4S, and was composed of the 
following gentlemen : E. F. Frary, leader, E-flat sax-horn ; 
Leonard Wesson, B-flat clarionet; Wm. Hamilton, Franz 
Barnhart, cornopean ; Ira F. Fayson, G. H. Ilazolton, slide 
trombone ; Homer Hazelton, French horn ; Charles D. 
Little, ophicleide ; Geo. W. Hill, trumpet ; Willard Pettee, 
drum. 

The instruments were purchased of Adam Cou.se, then 
the sole music-dealer in Detroit. The first instructor of 
the band was T. D. Nutting. An old member says, " I 
took my place in the band very soon after its organization, 
having succeeded Willard Pettee (bass-drum). I held my 
position for fifteen years, during which time forty-four per- 
sons had belonged, and not one of the oiiuinal meiiibeis 



remained at the expiration of that time, and yet, to use a 
solecism, it was the same old band. Practicing in those old 
times was pleasant enough to the mcnibers, btit there were 
persons living within one or two blocks of the band-room 
who never greeted us with smiles, but on the contrary, 
some maternal members of households gave .strong evi- 
dences of nervous derangement. The old residents that 
yet remain will remember that those discordant sounds 
wore not confined to the band-room alone ; night was made 
hideous as we wandered up and down the streets playing 
the music that had charms for us. 

" This band was originated and sustained by the members, 
for their enjoyment and recreation, rather than for any profit 
connected therewith. Most of the members were from the 
ranks of prominent citizens, — merchants for the most part. 
This gave character to the organization, and it in time helped 
Flint, rendering it pleasant for our neighbors of the sur- 
rounding townships and villages to come in on the 'day wc 
celebrate,' and others. We played at political gatherings, — 
for all parties alike, — for church festivals, on ' St. Pat- 
rick's D.iy in the jMorning,' for steamboat excursions to 
Saginaw River and Bay, and for nearly all public gather- 
ings in the citj-. Strangers visiting Flint were very sure 
to hear from us in the way of serenades. The band mem- 
bers were elected honoraiy members of the old ' Harmonic 
Society,' etc., and came to be one of the ' institutions.' 

" Whenever wc went abroad, we were taken by Will Pet- 
tee's four-horse team, which was considered something pre- 
tentious in those days of os-toams, — no railw.ays with us 
until long years after. 

" For the purchase of instruments, and other expenses, the 
members were assessed, each member on entering the band 
paying 830. After this, assessments followed at the rate 
of from §3 to SS jwr capita. I notice the initiation fees of 
the 44 members before referred to aggregate 81320, and 
with assessments added would leave little less than 62500 
paid by these band members out of their own pockets."' 

This band has had a continuous existence to the present 
time, — a period of thirty-one years. 

It is now known as 

Gardner's flint city band. 

The citizens of Flint feel a commendable pride in this 
excellent musical organization, and the liberal support ac- 
corded is but one of the many ways in which their regard 
for it is manifested. 

The band has won a well-deserved celebrity throughout 
the West and the Canadas, and during the Centennial year, 
extended its fame to the East. This is the more gratifying, 
from the fact that it is almost entirely composed of ama- 
teurs. 

Its success is mainly due to the untiring efforts of its 
leader, Mr. J. Henry Gardner, who makes music his pro- 
fession, and devotes his time principally to the interests of 
the band. 

This band, in 18(50, was known as " Clay's Cornet Band," 
of Flint. It numbered at that time the following gentle- 
men as members : S. G. Clay, Leader ; C. J. Dewstoc, A. 
P. Conant, Wm. Stewart, Allen S. Stewart, George W. Hill, 
D. E. Smitii, Thomas Syiiious, Wm. diaries, W. C. Cum- 



FLINT CITY. 



159 



ings, and George Andrews. After its organization for a scries 
of years many changes occurred, old members having resigned 
and their places having been filled by new. lu 18G5 it 
was reorganized and ealled the " Annstrong Cornet Band," 
of Flint City. It remained thus until the i'ullowing year, 
when Mr. Gardner's presence infused new spirit into its 
members, and it was christened by its present name, with 
the following oiBcers : C. J. Dewstoe, President ; O. W. 
Seymour, Secretary; John Stephens, Treasurer. 

In the fall of ISti'J, Mr. Gardner joined the Berger 
Family and made an extensive tour with them ; after which 
he resumed his connection with the " Flint City Band," and 
has since been its leader. Gardner's band, during the later 
years of its existence, has not only maintained, but greatly 
enhanced, the reputation it previou.sly enjoyed, and tlic 
numerous invitations it constantly receives from abroad is 
evidence of the quality of the music it aifords. Its various 
tours through the State, and the excursions in which it has 
participated, are but a record of its triumphs. 

No better history of its achievements could be given than 
is embodied in the numerous press notices at command and 
the various testimonials of which its members have been 
the recipients. On the occasion of a visit to Detroit, in 
connection with the Commandory of Knights Templar, the 
city press thus speaks of the band : 

" The hundreds that were present soon swelled to thou- 
sands, so that it is safe to say that fully three thousand 
persons listened to them. As they came up the street, 
marching with that wonderful precision for which they 
are famed, they were greeted by a ringing cheer by the 
crowd which made way for their approach. Instead of 
their plumes, each man had a neat torch in his helmet, 
thus jjrescnting a novel and uni(|ue appearance, and fur- 
nished light enough for their music. Their programme 
embraced a fine collection of music, — overtures, selections, 
medleys, and some of Gardner's exquisite solo K-flat and 
Mait Corli.ss' solo alto work judiciously thrown in. There 
is one thing in favor of the band which should be borne in 
mind : the members of it are gentlemen. 'I'hcy are not a 
beer-drinking, junketing crowd in any sense, but are re- 
cruited from the ranks of the business men and the profes- 
sions in the beautiful city of Flint, and constitute a stand- 
ing advertisement for that city which is worth ten times 
what it costs the citizens." 

In ISl-i the leader of the band was the recipient from 
the ladies of Flint of a very elegant testimonial in the 
shape of a superb gold E-flat cornet, imported from Eng- 
land at a cost of SIJOO. Mayor Geo. II. Durand presented 
the instrument on behalf of the ladies in a most happy 
speech, which was responded to in fitting terms by Mr. 
Gardner. 

During the Centennial year the band accompanied the 
Detroit Commandery as their musical escort to I'hiladel- 
phia, and their presence in that city was the occasion of 
additional com])limentary notices from the local press. 

An enthusiastic reception awaited them on their return 
home. Tlicy were met at the station by a large concourse 
of citizens, the Flint Cadets receiving them with military 
honors, and Col. E. II. Thomson welcoming them as fol- 
lows : 



" Mr. Gardner, and Gentlemen of the Band ; — I have 
been deputed in the absence of our worthy mayor, and al.so 
in behalf of the citizens of Flint, to welcome you home 
atrain — to the h(inie where loved ones, together with gen- 
crous and confiding friends, have watched your every move- 
ment from the time of your deiiarlure. In the providence 
of heaven you are permitted to return after having traveled 
from the lakes to the Atlantic seaboard without a casualty 
of any kind, and, I may add in this connection, covered 
with glory and honor. A wise man hath said, ' He that 
hath no music in his soul is fit for treason, stratagems, and 
spoils ;' and I am afraid that if in your travels such an one 
had ventured into your presence, that by the power of 
music, guided by your master-leader, you would have taken 
him captive and made him confess to the skill and potency 
of your marvelous proficiency. It is due to you to say 
that when you left Flint no lingering doubt remained that 
you would in any manner fail in your high mission either 
as gentlemen or musicians, but with all that pride and high 
character of your musical organization you would honor the 
noble commandory of Detroit Knights Templar, and stand 
like them at the very head of your profession. A noble 
lioinan was once raised from moderate circumstances to the 
pinnacle of prosperity. Cicero, the great orator of the 
iiuperial city, called on him and told him that Rome would 
now watch him with more than argus eyes in order to learu 
whether he could bear prosperity as well as he did his for- 
mer humble state. Mr. Gardner, and gentlemen of the 
band, — again I bid you welcome in behalf of this youthful 
and prosperous city, and soon again do we hope to hear 
from you those strains that have gladdened the hearts of 
millions in all Chi'islian lands, 

' There's no place like home.' " 

In the summer of 1878 a grand State Band Tournament 
occurred at the capital, Lansing. Twenty leading bands of 
the State participated, and after a severe and very spirited 
contest, which excited the most intense interest, Gardner's 
Flint City Band bore away the prize, consisting of $100 in 
gold and an elegant gold-plated cornet. Congratulations 
poured in upon them I'rom all ((uarlers, and the city of 
Flint was wild with enthusiasm over their victory. Mayor 
Eddy welcomed them in an exceedingly complimentary 
address on their return, and amid banners and streamers 
they marched through the streets to their ((uarters. In the 
evening a reception was tendered them by the citizens. 
Thus, briefly, has been sketched the history of an organi- 
zation which has not more by its musical skill than by the 
high character of its members reflected honor upon the city 
to which it belongs. 

The following is very nearly a full record of the names 
of all the persons who have been connected with the band 
as musicians, from its first inception in 1848 to 187'J : 

Geo. Andrews, ba.<s drum; Marcus Andrews, horn; 
James Armstrong,* E-flat cornet; Jas. Armstrong, Jr., 
cornet; Harry Armstrong, cornet ; Jas. Austin, clarionet; 
L. T. Adanis, E-flat tuba; Wm. Barnes, clarionet; 
Dexter Cowman, E-flat cornet; Franz Barnhardt, corno- 
pean; Melviu Bowman, solo baritone ; Henry Baker, Irom- 

* Utvnil-lcadcrfi. 



160 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



bone ; 



Bagley,* cornet, clarionet, etc. : Delos Buz- 



zel, flute and liorn ; FreJ. Bort, cymbals ; Wm. Burr, B- 
flat bass; W. R. Beach, B-flat cornet; Bernhardt Berber, 
clarionet; Miss Anna Berger,* E-flat cornet, violin, etc. 
Fremont Biown, cornet; L. D. Clock, B-flat cornet, flute; 
Miio Clock, tuba; Sam Clay,* E-flat cornet; Maitland 
Corliss, solo alto ; Dr. Frank Currey, solo clarionet ; 
Abram Conant, E-flat cornet ; Wm. Charles, cymbals and 
alto-horn ; Chauncey Cuniings, cornet ; H. D. Crini, bari- 
tone and violin ; Case, horn ; Wm. Colbrath, clarionet ; 

Thos. Collins, B-flat tenor, violin, and 'cello ; Capt. Cum- 
mins, B-flat bass; J. P. Curran, E-flat tuba; John A. 

Dibble, ; Jas. Deary, violin and alto-horn ; Charles 

Dewstoe, trombone, bass-horn, etc. ; Decker, B-flat 

soprano ; Erastus Dodge, violin, horn ; Chas. Draper, cym- 
bals ; Geo. Dukoland, solo baritone and violin ; llobcrt 
Dickson, B-flat cornet ; Merritt Elmore, flute and horn ; 
Frank Farrar, tuba; Johnny Fields, cymbals; Henry 
Fairbank, horn ; Frank Fish, side-drum ; E. F. Frary,* E- 
flat cornet ; Chas. Fellows, flute, B-flat soprano; J. Henry 
Gardner,* E-flat cornet, violin, 'cello, guitar; Dr. Goodale, 
horn ; F. C. Gamester, B-flat ba.ss ; Geo. W. Hill, trumpet, 
bass-horn, 'cello, etc.; Geo. H. Hazelton, slide-trouiboue ; 
Homer Hazelton, French horn ; Wm. Hamilton, cornopean ; 
Fred. Humphrey, tuba, violin ; Cassius Henderson, cym- 
bals; Wm. Hesler, E-flat cornet; C. F. Johnson, trom- 
bone; Ilollin Jenny, alto-horn; N. J. Kreusen, cornet; 
Dr. L. D. Locy, clarionet ; L. J. Locy, clarionet ; Chas. D. 

Little, flute, ophicleide ; John Lewis, tenor-horn ; 

Luckow, double-bass, alto-horn ; Wm. Lyon, tenor-horn ; 
Chas. McAlester, flute, violin, viola, double-bass, horn ; Dr. 

Orson Millard, ; Dr. Manley Miles, baritone-horn; 

Joaquim Meyrelles, ■ ; T. D. Nutting,* flute, clarionet, 

oboe, organ, bugle, ophicleide, violin, cornet, guitar, bassoon, 
etc. ; Jos. Philp, solo clarionet ; Willard Pettee, bass-drum ; 
Jeflerson Powell, tuba ; Eugene Parsell, tenor-horn ; Ira F. 
Payson, slide-trombone; Julius Rice,* violin, E-flat and B- 
flat cornets ; Dell Raymond, .side-drum ; Walter C. Hans- 
ford, piccolo; L. B. Smith, E-flat clarionet; Wm. Steven- 
son, alto ; John ("Jack") Stevens, solo alto; Henry Ste- 
vens, horn and bass-drum ; Wm. (•' Billy") Shepuer, alto; 

O. W. Smith, cornet ; Will Stewart,* E-flat cornet ; . 

Stewart, alto ; Thos. Symous, flute, alto-horn ; David E. 
Shaw, baritone; Ozias W. Seymour, tenor; Dr. M. M. 
Smith, clarionet; Jas. Sealey, E-flat cornet; Marvin L. 
Seeley, B-flat cornet; Dr. A. J. Watling, B-flat tenor; 
Andrew J. Ward, bass-drum ; Chas. Ward, side-drum ; 

Leonard Wesson, clarionet ; Dr. S. S. Wheeler, ; 

Wheeler, alto ; Wagner, ; Robt. Y'oung, 



B-flat cornet : 



Young, tenor. 



THE I'UGUENOIDS. 
It may safely be conceded that for the past four years 
no musical entertainment in the city of Flint has been 
considered complete that lacked the presence of the ever- 
popular " Fuguenoids." This organization, which was 
founded in 1875, and whose fate hung for a brief season in 
the balance in 1879, is a glee club composed of eight male 
voices. The original membership was as follows : First 

"■•■ Band-leaders. 



tenors, Jerome Haver, M. G. Wood ; second tenors, H. M. 
Sperry, A. J. Watling; first bass, M. Bowman, William 
French ; second bass, Deloss Full, Willis Parker ; H. W. 
Fairbank, director. 

Their first appearance was at the annual meeting of the 
I. 0. O. F., where, by their excellent drill and perfect har- 
mony, they at once established themselves in popular favor. 
They have assisted at all the Band and Choral Society 
concerts and at many private entertainments. Their reper- 
toire consi.sts of the well-known A rion collection and several 
operatic arrangements, besides much manuscript music. 

A portion of the club have visited the larger cities 
throughout the State, while all the members have from 
time to time invaded the rural districts, where they have 
invariably met with immoderate applause and (very) mod- 
erate financial success. It is their practice always to de- 
vote the first day of the new year to convivial pleasures, on 
which day in a body they pay their respects to their many 
friends. On these occasions they have established a repu- 
tation no less for the excellence of the music they discourse 
than for their brilliant social qualities. They have not as 
yet essaj'cd the rendering of any important work, though a 
descriptive piece written especially for them is in course of 
preparation. The club has some tenor voices of which it 
is justly proud, while the other parts are admirably filled. 

The citizens show a just appreciation of their acquire- 
ments, and warmly express their indebtedness to the club 
for their cheerful response to both public and private de- 
mands upon their lime. An Eastern musician of repute 
expressed a very general sentiment in the following toast 
given at a recent social gathering : '• Those jolly Fugue- 
noids — may they ever be as successful as they are happy !" 

THE FLINT CHORAL SOCIETY. 

This musical organization was the outgrowth of a young 
people's singing-class which had for its nucleus the scholars 
of the high-school. It existed for about one year without 
a formal organization, rendering a simple class of music at 
concerts and on various public occasions, during which 
period it numbered about 100 members. It was deemed 
best to effect a more permanent organization, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws. 

The first ofllicers were William Stevenson, President; 
William French, Vice-President; E. K. Jenkins, Treasurer ; 
Miss C. Parker, Secretary ; H. W. Fairbank, Musical Direc- 
tor ; and the usual executive committee, librarian, etc. 

The society from time to time has rendered some of the 
heavier oratorio choruses, and a number of Mendelssohn's 
part-songs, besides many operatic choruses. It has given 
Stearns' Mass in D on two occasions, and also presented the 
Cantata of Esther very successfully, there being consider- 
able dramatic as well as musical talent among its members. 

It has bought and presented to the high-school an ex- 
cellent chapel-organ, has a fine collection of music pur- 
chased from its revenues, and has given quite liberally from 
its funds to charitable objects. 

The society is held in high esteem by the citizens, and 
its influence in developing the vocal talent which abounds 
in Flint has been very apparent. 

Its present ofiicers are H. M. Sperry, President ; H. R. 





ELIAS J. BUMP. 



ELIAS J. BUMP. 



MRS. E. J. BUMP. 



Elias J. Bump, born at Smithfield, Madison Co., 
N. Y., July 2, 1812, is the son of Gideon Bump 
and Sarah Anderson, early settlers of that county; 
they came to Genesee Co., Mich., in 1840, where 
they died at a mature old age. 

The immediate subject of this sketch was married 
in 1838 to Miss Nancy Stewart, daughter of Lem- 
uel and granddaughter of Capt. William Stewart, 
who lived in New York City before the Revolution, 
and served seven years in that war. 

Lemuel Stewart was a farmer in Madison County, 
where he died in 1849, aged seventy-six years. 

In 1840, Elias J. Bump and his wife came to 
Michigan. Spending the first winter at Jackson, 
they came to this county the following summer, and 
purchased eighty acres of timber land some five 
miles from Flushing, where a flouring-mill had been 
built. Thinking this would be a good point for busi- 
ness, he purchased a stock of goods, and erected an 
ashery, which he carried on for two years, when the 
building was destroyed by fire. His goods being 
distributed among customers who had no money, he 
fell back to the eighty acres of land, and commenced 
the hardy task of cutting himself a home from the 



unbroken forest. The first year a log house was 
built and a small clearing made; the next season a 
frame barn, and the clearing enlarged ; and so on, 
year by year, the improvements were made, and the 
forest pushed back, until broad and well-cultivated 
fields appeared, and the original eighty acres ex- 
panded to a fine farm of four hundred acres, the log 
house gave place to one of the finest farm-houses in 
Genesee County, with such surroundings as indicate 
the thrifty, wealthy farmer. 

In 1870, Mr. Bump's health had so failed that 
he could not continue the management of so large a 
farm, and having a large family (one son and six 
daughters), he sold the farm and moved to Flint, 
in order to give his children good educations and the 
benefits of society. 

The winters of 1870 and 1871, Mr. and Mrs. 
Bump spent in the South for the benefit of his health, 
but found no relief. But by careful study of the 
laws of health, a strictly vegetable diet, and avoiding 
stimulants, he has recovered his health, to enjoy the 
abundance of this world's goods which he has secured 
by frugal habits, persistent industry, and good judg- 
ment. 



FLINT CITY. 



ICl 



Clark, Vice-President ; William Stevenson, Treasurer ; H. 
AV. Faiibank, Director. 

RKLIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

Long prior to the organization of any religious society, 
the early settlers in the little hamlet at the Grand Traverse 
were visited occasionally by clergymen, who held regular 
services at Grand Blanc and the " Coldwatcr Settlement." 
John Todd's tavern, for want of a more convenient and ap- 
propriate edifice, afforded shelter to those a.ssembled. It is 
believed that Elder Benedict, a Baptist, who began preach- 
ing in Grand Blanc in the summer of 1833, had appoint- 
ments here at irregular intervals. In 1834, Rev. Jo.seph 
Gambcll, a Close-Communion Baptist of the Grand Blanc 
church, was invited to Todd's Ferry to hold meetings and 
administer the sacrament. He came, as he said he was 
willing " to let the bars down." 

Bev, Isaac W. Buggies, a Presbyterian minister from 
Pontiac, was the first of that persuasion to visit this 
localit}'. He also was here in 1833. Revs. Bradford 
Frazee, William II. Brockway, and Cscar F. North were 
the pioneers among the Methodists. Jlr. Frazee was ap- 
pointed by the Ohio Conference to the Saginaw mission, 
and preached here on his journey North, in 1831. lie be- 
came obnoxious to the wild Saffiiiaws of that day, who 
shaved his horse's mane and tail, and committed other acts 
of vandalism. In 1835, the Rev. Wm. H. Brockway was 
ajipointed by the same authority to the same mission. 
Unlike his predecessor, he became a great favorite with the 
Indians and early settlers throughout this whole region, 
and was warmly welcomed alike by Presbyterians, Metho- 
dists, Ba[itists, and non-denominationalists. In 183G his 
circuit comprised the territory included in the counties of 
Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee, and Saginaw. He traveled 
on foot, and preached at Flint River about once in four 
weeks. It is related that he was an adept at shoeing horses 
and building chimneys, such services being frequently ren- 
dered gratuitously. 

In 1S3G, after the completion of Stage & Wright's store, 
all religious and other public meetings were held in the 
hall over the store. The Congregationalists built the first 
church edifice, in the fall of 1837, and for several years 
this building was used by other denominations. 

THE COURT STEEET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Ohio Annual Conference, at its session in 1834, ap- 
pointed Bradford Frazee to the Saginaw Mission. On his 
way to his work he stopped in Flint and preached. This 
was the first Methodist service in this region of which 
there is any account, and was probably the first ever held 
in this part uf the State. The following year — 1835 — the 
same Conference appointed Rev. Wm. H. Brockway to the 
same mission, and he was the first to establish preaching 
at Flint. In answer to a letter of inquiry addressed to 
him, he .sa3's : '■ I think at that time there were not more 
than four or five families on the ground now embraced in 
the city of Flint. I generally came from Saginaw every 
third week and preached at Flint, and also five miles north, 
at Mount Mcnris, then called the ' Cold Water Settlement.' 
(The early settlers of that ncigiiborhood were nearly all 
21 



strict temperance people.) At Flint my home was gen- 
erally at the tavern of Mr. Beach, and my preaching-place 
his little bar-room." Mr. Brockway always traveled on 
foot, carrying his bundle, his Bible, hymn-book, and Disci- 
pline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. " During the 
summer of 1836 a frame store was built by Messrs. Stage 
& Wright, opposite Beach's tavern. When the floor was 
laid we got permission to use the upper story, and I 
preached there once, I think, in July, 1836 ; and then and 
there the first cla.ss was organized. (The names of mem- 
bers were taken at this time, but the class was fully or- 
ganized by the appointment of a leader by Rev. 0. F. 
North, a few months later.) To the best of my remembrance, 
it consisted of nine persons ; most of them were from the 
settlements near Flint." The following are the names of 
the persons who composed this first class, of whom Daniel 
S. Freeman was appointed leader : Daniel S. Freeman and 
wife, James McAlcster and wife, Benjamin F. Robinson 
and wife, Mrs. Miller, the mother of Mrs. McAlester, and 
John Martin and wife. " The whole of Michigan was in 
one district, and the Rev. James Gilruth was presiding 
elder; but he never came farther north than Pontiac." 
The General Conference of May, 1836, organized the 
Michigan Conference, comprising the whole of Michigan 
and a portion of Ohio. At the first session of the ]Michi- 
gau Conference, in the autumn of 1836, the territory now 
comprising the State of Michigan was divided into two 
districts, Detroit and Ann Arbor. Rev. William Herr 
was appointed presiding elder of the former, and Rev. 
Oscar F. North was sent to the Saginaw Mission, within 
its bounds. The first quarterly meeting seems to have 
been appointed for the autumn of that year, but for some 
cause was omitted. The second was held at Flint, Jan. 
14, 1837. The following ofiicial members were present, 
and their names appear upon the minutes : Oscar F. North, 
Preacher in Charge ; James McAlester, Local Preacher ; 
Joel Fairehild, Jr., Exhorter ; and Daniel S. Freeman and 
Benjamin F. Robinson, Class-Leaders. A board of stew- 
ards was appointed, consisting of John L. Gage, John 
Martin, John Hiller, and Joel Fairehild, Jr. Rev. Luther 
D. Whitney presided at this meeting, in the absence of the 
presiding elder. The steward's financial report for these 
two quarters shows the whole amount of money received, 
including public collection, to have been $14.62}, which 
was by the stewards divided between the presiding elder 
and preacher. On the 1st of April, 1837, the third 
quarterly meeting was held, at which time a missionary 
society was organized. A committee of five was also aj)- 
pointed to locate a site for a church and parsonage. The 
fourth quarterly meeting was held at the village of Flint, 
July 30, 1837. Rev. William Herr, presiding elder, was 
present, and officiated. This was the first time that the 
place was ever visited by a presiding elder. 

At the Conference of 1837 the name of " Flint River 
jMission" appears on the minutes for the first time, with 
Luther D. Whitney for preacher in charge, and Samuel P. 
Shaw presiding elder. At the following annual Conference 
in 1838, Rev. L. D. Whitney was returned to the mission, 
and Rev. George Smith* was appointed presiding elder. 

* Sin:o died in the work. 



1G2 



IIISTOIIY OF C.KNK8EK COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Purinsi this year the moctinf^s were removed from the 
\ippiT story of Stage i^ Wrijihl's store to the district 
sehool-house, then just coiiipletod, on the t-oriier of First 
aiul Clitford Streets. At the close of this year the preacher 
presented the fii-st Sunday-school report for Flint, as fol- 
lows: one school, one superintendent (Daniel S. Freen)an\ 
four teachers, ten scholai-s, and 150 volumes in tlie library. 
Durins his administration the work was greatly enlarged, a 
number of new classes were organized, and the niembei-ship 
of those formerly organized considerably increased. He 
names in his journal the following preaching-places : Flint, 
tJenesee. Pine Kun. Kearsley, Atlierlon Settlement, Grand 
Blanc, Miller Settlement, Torry Setllement, Carman Settle- 
ment, Kichard Johnson's, and Stanley Setllement. The 
Conference of 1S30 appointed Rev. Larman Chatfield 
preacher in charge, and Samuel Whitwam assistant, George 
Smith still presiding elder. At the fii-sl quarterly meeting 
this year, held at Flint December 21st, it was resolved that 
it was advisjible to build a parsonage, and James McAlestcr, 
G. W. Fish, Alonzo Ferris, Benjamin F. Robinson, and 
Oirden Clark were elected trustees, and were authorized to 
secure a suitable location for a building. On June 1, 1840, 
James McAlestcr. Isaiah Merriman, and Harvey C. Weston 
were appointed a building committee. 

At the Conference of 18-40, Ebenezcr Steel and Jonathan 
Rlanchard were appointed to the Flint River work, and 
George Smith presiding elder. During all these years the 
Sasjinaw and Cass River Settlements were included in this 
work. 

Rlanchard remained only a part of the year on bis work, 
being removed by the presiding elder to supply another 
appointment. The principal item of interest during this 
year was the holding of a camp-meeting in Grand Ulanc in 
July, 1841 , in lieu of the fourth (|uarterly meeting. Among 
the preachers present at this meeting were George Smith, 
presiding elder on the district ; K. Steel, James Shaw, J. 
Rrakeman,* William :Mothersill.* William E. Uigelow, H. 
W. Ransom,* 0. F. North,* Abel Warren,* J. Rlanchard,* 
and other traveling preachers, and James McAlesfer and 
Samuel Whitwam,* local preachers. The attendance was 
larse. The people came up on foot and with their teams 
to hear the word and to worship the God of their fathers. 

At the Conference held in the autumn of 1841 the Rev. 
F. R. Rangs was appointed to the Flint work, George Smith 
still continuing presiding elder. During the fii-st year of 
his laboi-s the ground now occupied by the parsonage and 
church was secured for the use of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, it having been originally deeded to the county for 
church purposes by Wait Beach. At the solicitation of 
the trustees the county commissioners, by resolution, gave 
the lots to the Methodist Episcopal Church in perpetuity to 
be by them used for church purposes. During Rev. Bangs' 
administration of the church a parsonage building was 
pushed forward to coiupletion. It was built on the lot 
donated to the society by Wait Beach, on the southwest 
corner of Beach and Sixth Streets, now in the Third Ward. 
During the winter of 1841 and 1842 a meeting was held 
at the court-house to arniuge for the building of a church. 



There were present the presiding elder (George Smith), 
Rev. F. B. Bangs, James McAlestcr, D. S. Freeman, Isaiah 
Merriman, Samuel Whitwam, George W. Fish, and H. C. 
Weston. A sub.^cription was opened, and it was determined 
to commence the building the following spring. During 
the summer of 1842 the building was raised and covered. 

Coid'erence at its session in the fall of 1842 returned F. 
B. Bangs to the work as preacher in charge, with Rev. 
Joseph Jenidngs* as junior preacher. Rev. E. II. Pilcher 
as presiding elder. Jennings remained on the work only a 
portion of the year, being taken by the presiding older to 
supply some other work. Towards the close of this year 
the presiding elder employed Israel Cogshall to assist the 
preacher in charge. During the second year's continuance 
of Rev. Jlr. Bangs on this work the church building was 
inclosed and painted. At the fourth quarterly meeting 
held at Flint, June 24, 1S4;J, the trustees reported the 
parsonage completed, with a debt remaining unpaid of 
§62.47. At this quarterly meeting William Blades and 
Daniel S. Freeman were licensed to preach. 

The Conference of IS-lo sent the Rev. Wm. Mothersill 
and Alfred Allen to the Flint River work. The Grand 
River district was organized, to which Flint was attached, 
and the Rev. Larman Chatfield was made presiding elder. 
During this year the church building was advanced towards 
completion. Francis Asbury Blades was licensed to exhort, 
antV at the third quarterly Conference he received a license 
as local preacher. At the fourth quarterly meeting Con- 
ference for this year, held in Richard Johnson's barn, in 
the town of Genesee, he was recommended as a suitable 
person to be received into the traveling ministry. At this 
quarterly Conference the trustees reported the parsonage 
debt paid. 

The extent of the work on the circuit at this time may 
be judged by the number of societies, preaching-places, 
and classes. There were 16 classes, exclusive of the Sagi- 
naw and Cass River country, as follows: Flint Society, 
Grand Blanc, Atherton Sottlement, Tine Run. Johnson's, 
Stanley Setllement, South Grand Blanc, Flushing Jlill, 
Stothard's, Ottoway's, Calkins', Jliller's Settlement, Mundy, 
Tony's Settlement, Kearbley, and Richfield. All these 
were visited regularly by the pre:>cher, besides other places 
where there were no classes. 

The Conference of 1844 returned William Mothersill to 
the circuit, with William E. Bigelow as junior preacher, 
L. Chatfield, presiding elder. The first quarterly meeting 
for this year was held at the new church in Flint on the 
21st of December, and the church was dedicated on the 
evening of that day. The sermon was preached by Rev. 
William Mothei-sill, the presiding elder being unable to 
officiate on account of indisposition. There remained a 
debt of about §oOO on the church after ihe opening ser- 
vices. The size of the building was 35 by 55 feet, with a 
small gallery in one end. The building of this church was 
a great achievement. Sevend times the work was discon- 
tinued for the want of funds, then little collections would 
be made and the work resumed. The ability of members 
and friends was taxed to the utmost. 



• Sinco dioil in tbo work. 



« Since Jicil in Iho work. 



FLINT CITY. 



10.} 



The Conference of 184.1 appointed Harrison Monpin and 
William V. Cowlcs to the Flint circuit, h. Chatfiold still 
prcsiditif; elder. 

At the annual Conference of 1840, David liurns was 

sent to Flint Station as preacher in charge, with 

Iloaf; as assistant. (Mr. Iloag only remained a short time 
on the work, being removed to sonic other field by the 
presiding elder.) L. Chatfield, presiding elder. The 
following Conference of 1847 returned David Burns as 
preacher, and James Shaw presiding elder. This Confer- 
ence made Flint village a station entirely distinct from the 
circuit. Shaw remained on the district but one year. 
During Burns' administration some improvements were 
made in the interior of the church, and the inside was 
painted. 

M. B. Camburn was returned to Flint Station as preacher 
in charge by the Conference of 1848, and again in 1849, 
and George Bradley* was sent to the district as presiding 
elder. 

In 1850 the Conference sent Dr. B. S. Taylor to Flint 
Station. His health failing, he left- early in the year, and 
the work was supplied by T. B. Granger, who had been 
appointed by the Conference to the Genesee circuit. 

The Conference of 1851 returned William iMahon to the 
station, and Bradley returned to the district for his fourth 
and last year. Mr. Mahon was returned again fur the 
.second year by the Conference of 1852, and George Smith 
was again sent to the district as presiding elder. The Con- 
ference sent J. M. Arnold to the station in 1853, and 
returned him for the .second year in 1854, — George Smith 
continuing on the district. These were years of steady 
prosperity and growth. During Arnold's second year here 
20 feet was added to the length of the church edifice. It 
was repaired and painted, and the session of the annual 
Conference was held in the church iu September, 1855, 
Bishop Ames presiding. At this Conference George Taylor 
Was appointed to Flint Station, — George Smith as presiding 
elder of the district. 

The Conference of September, 185G, returned Rev. George 
Taylor to Flint Station for his second year, and Rev. S. Clem- 
ent was sent to the district as presiding elder. 

The Conference of September, 1857, appointed Rev. John 
Russell to Flint Station, and S. Clement returned to the 
district as pr&siding elder. 

The Conference of 1858 returned Rev. John Russell to the 
station for bis .second year, and James Smart was sent to the 
district as presiding elder. It was found, towards the close 
of his term, that the church accommodations had become 
entirely inadcfjuate to the wants of the congregation, and 
the .subject of enlarging the building or dividing the society 
was frequently discussed, though no definite action was 
taken upon the subject. 

The Rev. John A. Baughman was sent to Flint Station 
by the Conference of 1859, and James Smart returned to 
the district. Baughman remained on the station but one 
year, but it was a year of great prosperity to all the inter- 
ests ■ .!' the church. A goodly nuniber of persons were 
added lo the member.->liip ; the church building was entirely 
remodeled, greatly enlarged, and beautified ; the old par- 

• Since died in the wortc. 



sonage was sold. The proceeds of this sale, together with 
the amounts raised by subscription and given at the time 
of the rededication, w;ls reported to be sufficient to entirely 
relieve the church from all indebtedness. With one of the 
most commodious churches in the State, entirely free from 
debt, a large niember.ship, — united and lively, — constant 
and increasing religious prosperity, and a most interesting 
Sunday-school, it did seem as if the church was just enter- 
ing upon a career of unexampled prosperity. Alas, how 
little we know of the future! 

The Conference of 18C0 appointed Rev. T. J. Joslin to 
Flint Station, and Rev. James Smart returned to the dis- 
trict as presiding elder. 

For several years preceding this time the subject of tcm- 
■ perance had excited a good deal of interest in the commu- 
nity. The question of the practicability of mitigating or 
suppressing intemperance by the enactment and enforce- 
ment of prohibitory laws was discus.sed with great zeal and 
earnestness. Nearly all the members of the Methodist 
Episcojial Church, with their ministers, took sides with the 
advocates of prohibition, and the church was always opened 
for temperance-meetings. This aroused the evil pa.ssion3 
of the men in the liquor interest, and threats were made 
that the church should be made to suffer. On Tuesday 
night, the 19th of March, 18C1, the church was discovered 
to be on fire, and in an hour it was reduced to a-shes, with 
all its content.s, Sunday-.school library, musical instruments, 
— in short, everything it contained, as well as the beautiful 
house, was consumed. There was no insurance. The fire 
was doubtless the work of an incendiary, probably incited 
to this dastardly act by the liquor men, who considered 
themselves aggrieved by the activity of the Methodist 
Church people in the temperance movement. 

Thus, after struggling for over twenty years, erecting a 
house at a cost of S4000, and repairing it at an expense of 
perhaps S3000, the society found themselves again destitute 
of a place of worship. 

The court-bou.se was secured temporarily for the purpose 
of holding meetings. Steps were immediately taken to 
secure subscriptions both in Flint City and the adjoining 
country. The people responded liberally, and in a fuvr 
weeks the society felt encouraged to commence the erection 
of a new brick church which should be larger than the one 
burned. The subject of location was earnestly di.scussed. 
By some of the members a more central lot was proposed, 
one that would accommodate, as was thought, the people on 
both sides of the river better than the old one. After a 
good deal of discussion, it was finally decided to erect the 
new edifice on the old ground. One of the first steps taken 
by the building-committee was the erection of a wooden 
building on the cbureh-Iots. which was soon iu a condition 
to be used by the society, and they continued to hold meet- 
ings in this building until the completion of the new church, 
in the summer of 18()2. This building has since been fitted 
up into a neat and commodious parsonage, and is now occu- 
pied by the preacher. 

Just at this time the members residing on the north side 
of the river revived the ]ilan of dividing the society, organ- 
izing a new church, and erecting a building to be located on 
the north side of the river. Some feeling had grown up in 



16i 



HISTORY OF GP]NP:SEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tlie official board, a portion of the nicmbersiiip regarding 
the means used in locating the new church on the old lot, 
instead of selecting a more central location, as had at one 
time been decided on, as unfair. The result of this agita- 
tion was the organization of the Garland Street Methodist 
Episcopal Cliurch and the erection of their present house 
of worship. 

The Conference of ISGl returned llev. T. J. Joslin to 
Flint Station for his second year, and James Smart was 
sent back to the district as presiding elder. These two 
years of Joslin's administration were years of toil, trial, 
and, we might almost say, suffering. The presiding elder, 
preacher, and the people bent all their energies to the 
one great business of cluuch-building. As a reward for 
all this they had the satisfiiction of seeing the new temple- 
steadily advancing towards completion. On the 20th of 
August, 1862, the present house was opened and dedicated 
by Bishop Ames. 

Ths agent of the building-committee, in presenting the 
statement of the financial condition of the church before 
the dedicatory service, showed an indebtedness of a little 
more than $3000 (say $3200), for which there was no 
provision. A subscription was opened, and the sum of 
$3237.52 was subscribed on the spot, whereupon the house 
was presented by the trustees and dedicated. 

Subsequent events have shown an amount of several 
hundred dollars" indebtedness that was not embraced in 
that report, all of which has since been paid. 

It is not possible to estimate the first cost of the present 
church edifice; no doubt, however, it approximates 812,000. 
The structure is 80 feet by 50, with walls 30 feet in height. 
and will seat comfortably a congregation of 500 persons. 

Rev. W. H. Perrine, A.M , entered upon his duties as 
preacher in charge of the Court Street Methodist Episcopal 
Cliurch immediately after the Conference of September, 
1862. This Conference returned him to the charge for the 
second year, and T. J. Joslin was sent back as presiding 
elder. The Conference of September, 1864, returned the 
Rev. Wm. E. Bigelow to Court Street, and the Rev. T. J. 
Joslin returned to the district as presiding elder. It was 
found very difficult to secure a suitable house for the occu- 
pancy of the preacher's family. To obviate this difficulty, 
Mr. Bigelow called the attention of the official board to the 
subject of building a suitable hou.se. It was determined to 
begin the work as soon as an amount of subscription could 
be secured to justify them in so doing. Notwithstanding 
the financial and other embarrassments then existing, the 
work was soon well under way. The frame building which 
had been used for church purposes while the brick church 
was being erected, was moved, reconstructed, and trans- 
formed into a neat and commodious parsonage house, which 
was completed and occupied by the preacher's family on the 
13th day of July, 1865. The cost of this house, not in- 
cluding the value of the old building, was about $1700. 

The Annual Conference of 18G5 was held in the Court 
Street church, commencing September 13, and closing Sep- 
tember 18, Bishop Clark presiding. Rev. "Wm. E. Bigelow 
was continued on the station, and T. J. Joslin returned to 
the district as presiding elder for his fourth year. At the 
commencement of this year a committee was appointed to 



ascertain the indebtedness of the church, and devise a plan 
for the payment of the same. H. C. Fairbank and George 
W. Fish, with the preacher, were elected as the committee. 
A careful examination was made, and the debts were found 
to be S1550. Every dollar of this amount was raised and paid 
during the year, together with the ordinary expenses of the 
church, so that at the close of this year the committee had 
the gratification of reporting the church entirely out of 
debt. The Annual Conference of September, 1SG6, re- 
turned Rev. Wm. E. Bigelow to the Court Street charge 
for the third and last year. Rev. Geo. Smith was sent to 
the district as presiding elder for the third time. 

The Annual Conference held in Saginaw City, September 
4 to 9, 1SG7, appointed the Rev. Luther Lee, D.D., to the 
charge of Court Street Church, and the Rev. George Smith* 
was continued on the district. The presiding elder came to 
his woik in feeble health, and, on the fourth day of the fol- 
lowing May, he was removed from the scenes of his toil and 
labor by death. The bishop appointed the Rev. E. H. 
Pilcher, D.D., to fill the office of presiding elder, made va- 
cant by the death of Mr. Su)ith, which he continued to do 
until the following session of the Conference, which was 
held in Ann Arbor, August 26 to 31. Rev. Dr. Lee was 
returned to the Court Street charge. 

The Annual Conference of Sept. 1 to 8, ISGO, held in 
the city of Detroit, returned Rev. M. Hickey to the dis- 
trict as presiding elder, and the Rev. T. C. Gardner, A.M., 
was sent to the Court Street charge. The following year, 
1870, the Conference, which held its session in Fenton, 
August 24 to 30, returned the Rev. Dr. Gardner to Court 
Street, and the Rev. M. Hickey to the district. 

The Conference of 1871 returned Rev. Dr. Gardner to 
Court Street Church for the third year, but, owing to some 
misunderstanding between the pastor and the congregation, 
he did not remain, and his place was supplied by Rev. J. 
F. Davidson, who had been appointed to Howell. 

The Conference of 1872 returned for a second year the 
Rev. J. F. Davidson to the Court Street charge, and Rev. 
W. E. Bigelow was appointed presiding elder of Flint Dis- 
trict. Mr. Bigelow remained on the district the full presi- 
ding-elder term of four years, and served with great efficiency 
and faithfulness. He had served Court Street Church as 
pastor for three years, and was greatly beloved by the church 
and by the citizens of Flint generally. 

In 1873, Rev. Dr. McEldowney was sent to Court Street, 
and remained the full term of three years. Dr. McEldow- 
ney had for several years filled the chair of Latin and Greek 
in Albion College, and prior to that had occupied a similar 
position in one or two other universities. But this had not 
disqualified him for the pastorate. His three years at Court 
Street were years of great efficiency and usefulness, and no 
person could be more beloved by the people than he was in 
Flint. The Conference of 1875 was held in Flint, and the 
Court Street congregation and citizens generally did nobly 
in entertaining its members. 

At this Conference Rev. W. E. Bigelow's term of presi- 
ding eldership expired, and his place was filled by the Rev. 
A. F. Bourns, who continues to fill it with much efiiciency 
and .acceptability. 

® Since died in the work. 



FLINT CITY. 



165 



The Conference of 1876 appointed Rev. W. H. Peace to 
the Court Street congregation, wiiere lie remained two j'ears, 
and rendered valuable service to the church, especially during 
revival occasions. The lecture-room, chiss-room.s, and infant 
school-room were all either matted or carpeted, and fitted up 
with every comfort and convenience. 

In 1878, Rev. J. Venning was appointed to Court Street 
Church, and has just entered upon his new field of labor. 
He has the reputation of being one of the most scholarly 
and original thinkers in the Detroit Conference. The pres- 
ent membership of the church is about 400. The church 
propert}', including parsonage, is valued at §21,000. The 
Sunday-school numbers about 341. The following is a list 
of the ofiieers of tlie church : Rev. J. Venning, pastor ; Rev. 
Dr. Lee, superannuated minister; A. Tony, W. J. Mongo- 
may, B. Lewis, local preachers; lion. 0. Adams, Dr. 
Fairbank, D. Foot, A. Bcardsley, W. R. Morse, P. F. 
Cleveland, C. Green, H. AViison, E. Haver, members of 
the board of trustees ; Dr. Fairbank, A. Beardsley, C. 
Crawford, Hon. S. Howard, G. Bradt, C. Muma, A. Withey, 
E. Whitney, A. Ward, members of the board of stewards. 

The Sunday-school officers are as follows : W. J. Parker, 
Superintendent; E. Whitney, Secretary; F. Ford, Librarian. 

LiuUes Aid Societi/. — President, Mrs. E. L. Buslinell ; 
Vice-President, Mrs. A. Ford ; Secretary, Mrs. H. J. Fair- 
bank ; Treasurer, Mrs. J. Taylor. 

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FLINT. 

The first settlers of Flint found church organizations on 
either side of them. On the Sabbath day they could elect 
to go to meeting, either to Genesee, four miles north, or to 
Grand Blanc, south. 

May 7, 1837, at the " River House," occupied by Mr. 
Lewis Buckingham, 17 persons were organized into a Con- 
gregational Church, by Rev. Jlr. Dudley. He was preach- 
ing at the time to the church in Genesee, and most of the 
members constituting this church were members there. 

They were Jonathan Beach, Mrs. Martha Beach, Ezra 
N. Carrier, Lyman G. Buckingham, Mrs. Salome Bucking- 
ham, Wait Beach, Mrs. Eunice Beach, Harvey Andrews, 
Mrs. Andrews, Daniel Andrews, Mrs. Aluiira Andrews, 
Lewis Buckingham, Mrs. Ann Buckingham, Mrs. Eliza- 
beth P. Beach, Miss Emily Harrison, Mrs. Julia Ann 
Seeley, and Mrs. Mariah Stage. 

There being no Congregational Association in this region , 
this church, in 1840, submitted its articles of faith to the 
Presbytery of Detroit, and was taken under the care of 
that body. Afterwards we find it appealing to tliis Presby- 
tcrj' in a case of discipline, and submitting to its govern- 
ment. 

The first place generally used for public meetings in the 
village was the room over Stage & Wright's store, east of 
Saginaw Street, and near the river. For some reason the 
first communion was held in a barn standing near the east 
corner of the sfjuare west of Saginaw and north of Kear.sley 
Streets. The same season of the organization of the church, 
a house of worship was erected where the Henderson ware- 
house now stands. 

Rev. Mr. Bates preached the dedication sermon of this 
house ill the late fall or early winter. A religious interest 



arising, he continued meetings. Rev. Orson Parker assisting 
and continuing the meetings after Mr. Bates left. As the 
result of that precious revival, 21 pereons united with the 
church on profession of faith the 14th of December, and 7 
by letter. 

Of the original 17, 5 are still living and members with 
us. Of these original and first added members, many have 
ever been very active and useful members of the church ; 
and some became useful members of other denominations. 

Rev. Orson Parker supplied the pulpit a part of the first 
year. He was succeeded by Rev. John Beach. He was 
succeeded in 1841 by the Rev. L. P. Bates. The .same 
year, Aug. 7, 1841, the church, by its own resolution, 
changed to the Presbyterian form of government. Hiram 
Brown, Lewis Buckingham, and Ezra N. Carrier were 
elected the first board of elders. Tiiere is no record of the 
election of deacons under the Congregational form of gov- 
ernment. 

In August, 1842, Rev. P. S. Van Nest became stated 
supply of the pulpit and acting pastor. He labored in the 
congregation about two years. Under all of these four or 
five brief ministries of Messrs. Dudley, Parker, Beach, 
Bates, and Van Nest, in all eight years, 1 1 9 persons were 
received into the church. 

In July, 1845, Rev. J. G. Atterbury was ordained and 
installed pastor. This was the first regular pa.storate. In 
the mean time the first church edifice had been enlarged, 
and afterwards removed to the east corner of Saginaw and 
First Streets. Not long after Mr. Atterbury began his 
ministry here, the church entered upon the work of erect- 
ing a new liouse of worship; and Jan. 26, 1848, tlie 
present edifice was dedicated, Dr. Duffield, of Detroit, 
preaching the sermon. Mr. Atterbury resigned on account 
of ill health, May 5, 1851. There were added to the 
church during his pastorate 82 persons. 

In 1852, Rev. H. H. Northrop, having been called, en- 
tered upon his labors as pastor of this church. In April, 
1855, 70 persons were added to the church, the largest 
number ever received at a single communion service. Dur- 
ing his ministry the church edifice was enlarged. At the 
close of the year 18G7 Rev. H. H. Northrop, having re- 
signed, closed his pastorate with this church. Three hun- 
dred and four persons were received into the church during 
liis ministry. 

In the year 1867 letters of dismission were granted at 
difi'erent times to 32 persons, who united in organizing the 
Congregational Church of this city. 

In March, 18(58, a call was extended to Rev. Archibald 
McSween to become pastor. September 'Jth, Mr. McSween 
was ordained and installed over this church and congrega- 
tion. Rev. William Hogarth, D.D., preaching the sermon ; 
Rev. Mr. Taylor, of Saginaw City, giving the charge to the 
pastor; Rev. H. H. Northrop, the charge to the people; 
and Rev. Thomas Wright offering the ordaining prayer. 
During Mr. ^IcSween's ministry the large and commodious 
leeture-rooui in the rear of this church was built. Mr. 
McSween closed his labors the latter part of the year 1871. 
During bis ministry 07 persons were received into member- 
ship with the church, and a parsonage was purchased and 
fitted up at an expense of $4000. 



IGG 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



In 1872, Rev. David R. Eddy was elected pastor. Aug. 
2, 1875, after laboring witli tlie cliurcli and congregation 
as pastor elect for three years, Mr. Eddy decided not to ac- 
cept an installation, and clcsed his ministerial labors here. 
Sixty-eight persons were received into membership with the 
church during Mr. Paddy's ministry. 

On January 1st the present pastor commenced his labors 
with this church and congregation, from which time to this 
date (July 1, 1876) 14 membere have been added to the 
church. 

The whole number of persons received into this church 
as members from May 7, 1837, to July 1, 1876, is 724. 
Of this number 250 were reported as members to Presby- 
tery April, 1876. 

The following is the summary of contributions to differ- 
ent causes of benevolence since 1853, no record of former 
contributions being found : 

To Home Missions $3,207 

Foreign Missions 3,088 

Ministerial education {HI3 

Publication (Bible Society) 1,809 

Church election 1,440 

Ministerial relief 25 

Frecdmen 97 

Sustentation 36 

$10,755 

A year and a half ago the church was largely damaged 
by fire, but was refitted in nearly or qnite its former condi- 
tion. 

The two senior members of this church in their family 
relations, and in each case by a former marriage, occupied 
a wide place in its organization and early history. The 
former, Jonathan Beach, had participated in the scenes of 
the Revolutionary war. At the East he had filled the office 
of deacon, and ho exercised the same office in the young 
church of Flint. His .son. Wait Beach, one of the origi- 
nal members, gave the land for the first house of worship of 
the Presbyterian Church ; also the land for the Methodist 
church and parsonage on Court Street ; also the land for 
the first cemetery, and the land for the court-house. 

His son, Harlow Beach, was the first clerk of the church, 
and the wife of the first acting pastor was his daughter. 
His sister, Jlrs. Mary Miles, by marriage linked to the de- 
scendants of Miles Standish, with her son and his family 
came in four months after the organization of the church ; 
several of them were among the first to unite with the 
young church by letter and profession of faith. 

Mrs. Slartha Beach was, by a former marriage, iMrs. 
Buckingham. She had two sons with their wives among 
the original members. At the house of one of them the 
church was organized. Both at different times held the 
office of clerk. One was a member of the first board of 
elders ; and, in this line, her great-grandchildren are in the 
Sabbath-school at the present time. 

Many other names among the members of this church 
on personal accounts — some of them of very fragrant 
memory — are worthy of special notice, but, from a lack of 
requisite knowledge, the writer of this sketch deems it un- 
wise to attempt further delineation in this interesting line 
of the church's history. Did he feel qualified for the ser- 
vice it would afibrd him great plea.sure to make extended 
mention of several esteemed members who have gone to 



their heavenly reward. Their " praise is in the church," 
and " though dead, their works do follow them." 

It will not be invidious to put on record the statement 
that a very fair proportion of the esteemed and valued citi- 
zens of Flint village and city have been active members and 
officers of this church. To them and their fellow-Christian 
brothers and sisters, together with the faithful and devoted 
ministers whom, from time to time, they have called to 
their aid, the community has ever been ready to accord the 
spirit of recognition and general good-will and co-operation. 
We wish also to record the fact that from the beginning 
the denominational differences have been no bar to social 
intercourse or united efiFort to promote piety and genuine 
morality. From the beginning they have been laborers to- 
gether, with other evangelical churches, for the salvation of 
souls and the extension of the Saviour's kingdom. Many 
very precious seasons of religious revival have been enjoyed, 
the first of which is gratefully remembered to this day by 
nearly a score of the early members, beginning with the 
dedication of the first house of worship. In comparison 
with what was reached in after-years that day may seem 
small, " but," said one who was there, " it was one of the 
best seasons of religious interest I ever enjoyed, for a work 
having no more people to work upon." 

The above sketch was prepared in 1876, and deposited 
in the library of the Presbyterian Historical Society in 
Philadelphia, with sketches of other Presbyterian Churches 
written during the centennial year. 

Since the above date 46 persons have been added to the 
church. 

A floating debt of several hundred dollars has been 
paid, and the church-yard and the church-building re- 
paired and improved to the amount of several hundred 
dollars. The society is now out of debt, and current 
expens.;s are fully covered by the current income. The 
Sabbath-school numbers about 100, and is in a flourishing 
condition. H. P. Cristy is superintendent. 

The officers of the church are Rev. George P. Tindall, 
pastor; H. C. Walker, H. P. Cristy, A. L. Aldrich, Au- 
gustus Root, Selim D.irling, T. G. Smith, elders. 

There are three ladies' societies connected with the 
church, — a General Ladies' Society, which raises money for 
a variety of objects connected with the interests of the 
church and congregation; a Woiuan's Missionary Society, 
for both home and foreign missions ; and a Young Ladies' 
Mission Band, for foreign, home, and city missions. 

FIRST B.\PTIST CHURCH OF FLINT. 

As early as the year 1837* an attempt was made to 
secure the permanent organization of a Baptist Church in 
the village of Flint. Two efforts having failed, it was pre- 
dicted that a third effort, which was begun under the direc- 
tion of Rev. Alfred Handy, missionary of the American 

* The first society was organized at Benjamin Pearson's hall, and 
met agrecubly to a previous notice given out by Rev. Joseph Gambell, 
who presided as chairman of the meeting, while Robert F. Stage 
served as clerk. After adopting the title of the " First Baptist Church 
of the town of Flint," the fullowing-numed members were elected as 
the first board of trustees : Warner Lake, Jr., Alansou Dickinson, Ben- 
jamin Pearson, Sherman Stanley, and John A. Iloycs. The articles 
of incorjioration were signed by Joscpli (!ani' cll and Josiah Walker. 



FLINT CITY. 



167 



Biiptist Home Mission Society, would sliarc tlic same fate. 
But the cliurcli was organized after deliberate and prayerful 
consideration, and its constituent metuber.s did not propose 
to let it die. In the first year of its existence an event 
occurred which contributed to strengthen and enlarge the 
influence of the church. This event was the disbanding of 
a church of 15 members five miles distant, in what is now 
known as the township of Burton, whose pastor, llev. Wil- 
liam II. Fuller, spent each alternate Sunday with them. 
The question of transferring their interest and pecuniary 
support to a new field, miles away, was anxiously discus.sed, 
and finally, but reluctantly, decided upon. Among the 
members who transferred their membership to the strug- 
gling church in Flint were Deacon Perus Atherton, now 
the senior deacon of the church, and aged eighty-three 
years, and Deacon Samuel R. Atherton. 

Their first meetings were held in the court house, in a 
room over the jail. But they met under difficulties, fur the 
noise and loud profanity of the prisoners disturbed them 
greatly. Then they removed into a room in the Crapo 
building, on the north side of the river, until the church 
edifice was built. A pleasing illustration of the spirit which 
pervaded the entire membership, and showing that the 
sisters had a mind to work no less than the brethren, was 
given by Brother Atherton. 

In the building of their first meeting-house the brethren 
were compelled through poverty to give their own time and 
labor in order to secure its completion. Few in number, 
they had succeeded in raising the frame of the building, 
with the exception of the front part of the steeple. The 
timbers to be raised were about fifty feet long, and braced 
together by other pieces. The men set to work to raise 
" the bent" to its place, but above the height of their 
breasts it could not be lifted. They knew not where to look 
for assistance. By some means the sisters of the church, 
who were preparing dinner for the men close bj', heard of 
the difficulty, and, moved by a common impulse, they all, 
twelve or fifteen in number, hastened to the spot, and by 
their help the heavy frame-work was lifted up to its place. 

The hi-story of the First Baptist Church of Flint, for the 
twenty-five years of its existence, is a signal instance of 
success, achieved in the face of great difficulties. The 
church was constituted Nov. 2, 1853, and the sermon of re- 
cognition was preached by llev. Samuel Cornelius, of Troy. 

The church edifice was dedicated — sermon by llev. Na- 
thaniel Colver, of Detroit — Dec. 12, 1855. It was en- 
larged and rcdedicated — sermon by llev. A. E. Mather, of 
Detroit — in November, 18G8. 

The constituent members were six brethren and six 
sisters. The whole number of members who have been con- 
nected with the church is 852. Of this number 414 were 
baptized — 138 men and 27G women — into the fellowship of 
the church. The register of the dead numbers 40, — 18 
brethren and 22 sisters. 

The picsent numbcrof names on the roll is 372. One- 
sixth of the members are non-residents. 

Eiglit pastors, including the present incumbent, have 
served the church : Alfred Handy, II. K, Tnj^per, J. S. 
Goodman, J. 8. Hoyden, C. Johnson, 8. Cornelius, S. W. 
Titus, and Jumcs Cooper. 



Five brethren were licensed to preach by the church : 
Thomas Robinson, A. C. INIerritt, George Atchinson, I. B. 
Nunn, and T. H. Bemish. 

Seven deacons have served the church, viz. : Eber Adams, 
C. Lancton, P. Atherton, 11. A. Carman, S. Carpenter, S. 
II. Atherton, and S. C. Church. The five last named still 
hold the office. 

L. D. Morse, J. Fortcn, and S. C. Church have served 
as clerks, — the last named since 18G5. 

The Sunday-.school of the church has on its rolls the 
names of 250 scholars, with an average attendance of 175. 
The superintendent is W. I'. King.slcy. 

The following gentlemen constitute the board of trus- 
tees: S. R. Atherton, C. C. Pierson, E. K. Jenkins, J. C. 
Decker, W. P. Kingsley, N. Bates, W. H. Piers. E. D. 
Pierson, treasurer. 

The first seven years of the church were full of trials and 
discuuragonicnts. From 1809 to 1874 it enjoyed a high 
degree of prosperity. In those years 227 bapti.sms were 
reported, and its contributions for home expenses and be- 
nevolence aggregated $18,000. The war record of the 
church is worthy of notice. Some of its members enlisted 
in the army, and went forth with the prayers of the church. 
Two of the number, Jas. H. Atchinson and John Q. Adams, 
sleep beneath the soil of South Carolina. The church re- 
tained their pastor, J. S. Boyden, while chaplain of the 
10th Michigan Regiment, and contributed to the Christian 
Commission. The church has suffered from the general 
financial prostration of the past five years, but there is a 
good degree of spiritual prosperity and of fraternal accord. 
The future is full of promise. 

ST. Paul's church. 

In August, 1839, the Rev. D.uiiel E. Bi-own, having re- 
signed his appointment at Green B.iy as missionary to the 
Indians, visited Flint on a kind of prospecting tour, to see 
if any Episcopal Church was wanted. He describes it as 
" indeed iieiv ground," and says, " The voice of an Episco- 
pal clergyman in celebrating the services of our church had 
never been heard here." He gave a favorable report to the 
Missionary Committee, which resulted in a visit from the 
bishop on the 8th of October. He found everything in 
good condition, and remarks that "such zeal was mani- 
fested for the organization of a parish that I con.sented at 
once to the proposed mcaturo." 

Early in November the Rev. Mr. Brown visited Flint 
again and began his work. On the 23d day of November, 
183!), ID persons associated themselves together for the 
purpose of organizing a Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
city of Flint. Most of the nineteen have " fallen asleep," 
but there are yet living in our midst three, viz. : George M. 
Dewey, Grant Decker, and Henry C. Walker. It was 
determined to hold a meeting for organization on the 14lh 
day of December. Notice was given, and the meeting 
held, at which the Rev. D.iniel E. Brown was present. 

At this meeting seven vestrymen and two wardens were 
elected, the wardens being T. D. Butler and Milton A. 
Case. Of these wardens and vestrymen elected, Reuben 
McCrcery is the only one now living. On this original 
vestry were also Jonathan D.iyton, Henry M. Henderson, 



168 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Cliauncey S. Payne, and James B. Walker, all of them 
names connected with the early history of Flint, and most 
of them pillars of strength to the church in later years. 

The fii-st meeting of the vestry was appointed to be held 
on the 21st of the same month. At that meeting the real 
work of the mission began in the following resolution : 

" lirsohccl, Tlint the clerk be rcqucsled to draft a subseription for 
the payment of the incidcntiil cspcnscs of the service of St. Paul's 
Church." 

On the 25th of that month, being Christmas-day, the 
holy communion was celebrated for the first time in the 
new parish. Si-^teen persons partook thereof, of whom the 
following are still living here: Jlrs. R. J. S. Page, Mrs. S. 
C. M. Case, Mrs. Daniel E. Brown, Mrs. H. M. Henderson, 
and Mr. Reuben McCreery. 

Notice of the organization was promptly communicated 
to the bishop, and rendered coniplete by his acceptance, 
dated Jan. 15, 1840. At a meeting of the vestry, held 
Jan. 25, 1840, it was 

" Itesnheil, That the Rev. D.iniel E. Brown be and he is hereby 
called to act as rector." 

On the 20th day of April, 1840, the first annual parish- 
meeting was held, and a vestry elected, with Milton Case 
and Jonathan Dayton as wardens. Of the seven vestry- 
men, Reuben JlcCreery, George M. Dewey, and Grant 
Decker are still living. The two latter are still vestrymen. 

Mr. Grant Decker, the present senior warden, began his 
service as a vestryman at this time, since which he has had 
thirty-nine years of continuous service. He was first 
elected warden in 1854. 

Mr. George M. Dewey al.<o began his service as a vestry- 
man at this time. He has been a vestryman ever since, 
except in the years 184tj and '47, thus serving thirty-seven 
out of the thirty-nine years that the parish has existed. 

At this parish election Benjamin Pearson's name ap- 
pears for the first time as a vestryman. He was, how- 
ever, one of the original petitioners for the organization of 
the parish. 

On Sunday, March 22d, the bishop paid another visit to 
tlie young parish and confirmed three persons, — Jonathan 
Dayton, Mrs. Averill, and Miss Martha Lee. 

At a parish-meeting held on May 26th, Jonathan Day- 
ton, Milton A. Case, and George M. Dewey were appointed 
delegates to the Diocesan Convention. Jonathan Dayton 
was the only one who attended. At the convention the 
bishop speaks in high terms of his visit in March, and says, 
" A temporary building has been neatly fitted up for the 
accommodation of the congregation, and every kindness has 
been shown to their pastor." In his report to the same 
convention the Rev. Mr. Brown speaks of the prospect, and 
records the flict that besides his duties in Flint he had held 
service and preached several times in the town of Grand 
Blanc and at other points. 

Meanwhile, at Flint the people began to fear that they 
would not be able to carry out the plans already so well 
.started for the building up of the parish. After much and 
anxious deliberation, the vestry took advantage of a visit 
iVoni the bishop in December, 1841, to arrange for procur- 
ing liclp from outside. Accordingly it was determined that 



the Rev. Mr. Brown should solicit help from the East for 
the feeble church. This he did with considerable success, 
gathering about $1700 over expenses. In his report to the 
next convention the bishop speaks thus of the parish : " At 
the time of my visit an effort was made by the vestry to 
build, as soon as possible, a church edifice. A most liberal 
subscription was obtained from the members of the parish, 
but not sufficient to authorize them to commence such an 
undertaking." He then describes briefly the rector's visit 
to tlie East, that his " appeal was not in vain," etc. 

In his own report to the Convention the rector dwells 
feelingly upon the diflScultics of his mission, owing to " gen- 
eral and almost universal prostration of business consequent 
upon the depression of the monetary systems of our coun- 
try." 

In April, 1842, it was re-solved to circulate two subscrip- 
tion papers, one fur a church on the north and one on the 
south side of the river, and plans were ordered for a cliurch 
building, to be 38 by 54 feet, " with posts 22 feet long." 
Meanwhile, until the new church should be built, a cheap 
temporary building was erected of slabs and refuse lumber, 
near the corner where the store of C. M. Wager & Co. now 
stands, which the rector describes as follows : " For the past 
year we have worshiped in a tabernacle of rude construc- 
tion of rough boards, but which was comfortable in the 
summer season, and which we were enabled to make so to a 
limited extent in the winter." The name generally given 
to this building was " The Tabernacle." 

The subscription papers mentioned above were duly cir- 
culated, and the one on the south side was so far considered 
the most favorable that in May, 1842, it was determined to 
build a new church on lot No. 5, block No. 2, in the village 
of Flint River. This was what is now known as the " Old 
Church," having been situated on the lot now covered by 
the Judd Block and Pratt's store. It was determined to 
build a church '■ o4 feet broad and 48 feet long." Mr. 
Benjamin Pearson took the contract for the new church, to 
be completed by November 1st. but owing, as the rector says, 
" to unavoidable delays and disappointments," it was not 
completed until July, 1843. On the 30th of that month 
it was duly consecrated to the service of Almighty God. 
Of this event the bishop .saj's, in his address to the Conven- 
tion, '• July 30th, I consecrated St. Paul's Church, Flint, 
and preached twice in the same, and confirmed two persons. 
The Rev. Mr. Hollister and Rev. Mr. Welby, of Canada, 
were present and assisted in the services." In his report to 
the Convention, in 1844, the Rev. Mr. Brown speaks of lib- 
eral donations " received from the friends of the church in 
New York, of an elegant set of communion plate, also a 
superb copy of the Bible, and the Book of Common Prayer, 
for the use of chancel and reading-desk." May 30th of this 
year five persons were confirmed, among whom were Messrs. 
Grant Decker and Isaac Schram. When cold weather came 
in the fall of 1843 with it came the following resolution : 

'* liesulccJ, That each warden and vestryman bo required to furnish 
at the church door a cord of good wood, ])repared for the stove." 

This resolution curiously illustrates the shifts and de- 
vices often rendered necessary for the support of feeble 
parishes. 

Feb. 10, 1845, the bishop confirmed eleven persons, 




~^<^#*^"'*s^^^^~*^"^^"~ 



GEORGE CROCKER. 



George Crocker, son of Sanuiel Crocker, was horn 
in Devonshire, England, April 19, 1808. The 
Crocker family were numerous and influential agri- 
cultural people in that part of England. George was 
the oldest of thirteen children. He came to America 
in March, 1832, stopping at Stafford, Genesee Co., 
N. Y., where he was married to Miss Susan Parkie, 
Aug. 8, 1835. 

In the spring of 1837 he came to Genesee County 
and purchased from the government four hundred 
acres of land in the townsiiip of Flint, and the 
following spring he went on to his land and i)egan 
improving it. As it was covered with a heavy 
growth of timher, the progress was slow; the first 
five years a log house, frame barn, and twenty-five or 
thirty acres cleared, was the result. At this time his 



younger brother, Stephen, arrived from England and 
purchased of him one hundred and sixty acres of 
land for cash. With this capital, wielded by sagacity 
and good judgment, the road to affluence was en- 
sured. His principal business outside of farming 
was dealing in lands. He was one of the parties to 
organize the First National Bank of Flint; was one 
of its first directors, and vice-president at the time of 
his death, wliicli occurred Nov. .'50, 1874. He was 
a nuui of strong common sense, deliberate in coming 
to conclusions, but when iiis opinions were once 
formed, inflexible in his purpose. Systematic in busi- 
ness, and a man who made few mistakes, by his good 
judgment and judicious management he accumulated 
a handsome property. Politically he was a Demo- 
crat, but never a seeker after office. 



FLINT ClTi'. 



169 



among wlioin were 5Ir. and Mrs. J. B. Walker, ^Ir. and 
Mrs. lionjauiin roar^on, Mr. and Mrs. II. M. Henderson, 
Mrs. Elvira Koosevelt, and Mrs. E. II. Thomson. In his 
addres.s to the Convention, the bisliop sajs, " During my 
visit I met llie vestry of tlie ehurcli, and was mueh grati- 
fied to learn from them that their condition, in every point 
of view, was most cheering. Tlie eliureh was free from all 
embarrassments, and its continued increase confidently ex- 
pected." During this year the congregation purchased and 
placed in the tower the bell which is still in use, having 
cost about S200. 

There seems to have been nothing more of special in- 
terest to the public until on the 21)th day of August, 1840, 
the resignation of the rector was tendered, and accepted 
" with deep regret." 

This closed the services of the llev. Daniel E. Brown 
willi this parish, having extended over a period of nearly 
seven years. His official acts during that period are as/ol- 
lows : Baptisms (infant. 33; adult, 14) 47; confirmations, 
24; funerals, 21 ; marriages, 12. 

An active effort was at once made to fill the vacancy in the 
rectoi'ship. Correspondence was bad with several rectors. 
Finally, at a meeting of the vestry, held Sept. 25, 1846, it 
was 

" licHvlfrd^ That the Kev. Charles Reighlcy be called to take eharge 
of this church as its reotor provijetl a subscription can ba ra'sed 
amuuiiting to SlOO, besides tho $3U0 pew or slip rent devoted to the 
payment of a clergyman." 

The condition seems to have been complied with, for in 
October the Bcv. Charles lleigliley took charge cis rector 
of the parish. 

At a meeting of the vestry, held November 8th, it was 

*' HemiUeily That the se.\ton be instructed to ring the bell on Sun- 
days for the benefit of the Presb_vterian society (who had no beilj, if 
they request it, when the Episcopal society has no service." 

At the same meeting it was resolved to lower the pulpit 
and the chancel railing. Until this time the pulpit seems 
to have been one of the old-fashioned kind set up about 
half the height of the room, from which the parson literally 
" looked down upon the people." 

In November of the next year the assessment on the pews 
was raised to S500. 

At the Convention held in Detroit the previous Juno, the 
rector reports that " soon after entering upon the duties of 
my new eharge, nine families identified themselves with the 
congregation, by taking sittings in the church, and since 
that time the number has increased." He also anxiously 
inquires, " When will the bishop visit us?" The result 
was that the bishop vi.-ited the parish immediately after the 
Convention, on June 13th, and confirmed seven candidates. 

On the 10th of May, 1849, the bishop visited the parish 
again, and confirmed five candidates. There were no 
further confirmations till 1853, under the next rector. 

On the 18th of September, 1850, the rector sent in his 
resignation, having served a little less than three years. 
His official acts for that lime are: Baptisms (infant, 28; 
adult, 7), 35 ; confirmed, 12 ; marriages, 3; burials, 33. 

Mr. Keighley was requested by the vestry to officiate in 
the church as long a.s he remained in the city, and no 
doubt did so. 
22 



The vestry seem to liave had considerable trouble after 
this in filling the rectorship. In Febiuary, 1851, a call was 
extended to llev. John A. Wilson, of Ypsilanti, at $500 
jier annum. He having declined, the Rev. George AV. 
Hathaway, from the diocese of Uliode Island, was called in 
June, at a salary of SGOO per annum. lie having also de- 
clined, a committee was appointed " to obtain a clergyman," 
Meanwhile, at a meeting held Feb. 15, 1851, it was deter- 
mined to build an addition to tho church of 24 feet, on the 
rear end, "provided sufficient funds can be raised." In 
August a committee was appointed to let the job. The job 
was duly let and tho addition well towards completion be- 
fore the church had a rector again. 

April 12, 1852, a committee was appointed to engage 
the services of the Rev. John Swan as rector, at a salary 
of $(J00 per annum. Tho committee was successful, and 
the Rev. Mr. Swan entered upon his duties July 1, 1852. 
The church was not fully completed until that time, when 
the pews were rented. In August the vestry un-t together, 
anil having ascertained that there was a debt of $320.48 
due, they proceeded to open a subscription among them- 
selves, which resulted in a li<iuidation of the whole amount. 
The older vestrymen who are still living assert that this 
process was nothing new. In those days it cost something 
to be a vestryman. Feb. 17, 1853, the bishop visited the 
parish and confirmed nine persons. From this time on 
there is little more to record during the rectorship of Mr. 
Swan than the usual items of parish work, — so many bap- 
tized, so many confirmed, — until Oct. 11, 1858, when the 
rector sent in his resignation. This the vestry refused to 
accept. Finally, Oct. 17, 1859, the rector sent in a per- 
emptory demand that his resignation of the year before 
should take efi'ect November 1st. This was finally accepted. 
A committee appointed reported very strong resolutions of 
regret and endorsement of character, prepared by it, and 
unanimously adopted by the vestry. This terminated the 
labors of the Rev. Mr. Swan, which included a period of 
seven years and four months. His official acts were : Bap- 
tisms (infant, 06 ; adult, ISj, 84 ; confirmed, 55 ; marriages, 
28 ; burials, 47. 

Nothing seems to have been done towards getting a rec- 
tor until January, 1860, when a committee was appointed 
to invite the Rev. Mr. Gillespie (now Bishoii Gillespie), of 
Palmyra, N. Y., to visit Flint. The Rev. Mr. Gillespie 
having declined to " visit Flint," in March, 1860, a call was 
extended to the Rev. Sir. Birehniore, of Rochester, N. Y., 
to become rector at a salary of $900 per annum. He ac- 
cepted and took charge on Easter Day, 1860. On the 7lh 
of JIay,when the rector had been in charge about a month, 
the bishop visited the parish and confirmed thirteen jjcr- 
soiKS. Almost at once a fund was raised, and the church 
repaired, the ba.setnent being i)lastered and floured for Sun- 
day-school u.se. Tho next year .showed the confirmation 
of a large class (seventeen), the purchase of the fine font 
now in use, and also the new coinniuniun service, the whole 
eo.sting between two and three hundred dollars. In his 
report to the next Convention, the rector speaks of the old 
communion service that it " has been intrusted to Rev. Mr. 
Brown, for the parish at East Saginaw." There \» very 
lillle in the next tbicc years to be found, except items of 



170 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



church work, with the results reached, and recorded as such. 
Ill April, 18G5, the rector's salary was increased to $1200 
per annum. In the same year au organ built by the rector 
was purchased and put in the church at a cost of $925. It 
was estimated by the builder to be wortli about $1750. 
Early in 18G6 the " limited accommodations" were deemed 
so serious a matter that the gallery was enlarged, giving 
twelve new pews. In his report to the Convention, the 
rector says that the ladies have purchased an eligible lot for 
a new church. It is worthy of note that the Congregational 
church now stands on that lot. 

During the same year the rector started a parish school, 
'' having twenty-five scholars and four teachers." This 
school was kept up at considerable sacrifice for several years, 
but was finally discontinued. 

In the next year a rectory was bought in what was con- 
sidered an excellent location for a church, at a cost of 
$5000. The same property was afterwards exchanged for 
the present location. As an instance of the decline in val- 
ues in real estate, it is interesting to note that the same 
propertj' has since been sold for $2800. 

In Blarch, 1868, the pari.sh school was given up, except 
a small class which was taught at the rectory by the rector's 
wife. 

As early as Feb. 4, 18G7, it was moved in vestrj'- 
meeting by Mr. Geo. M. Dewey, and unanimously carried, 
" That it is expedient to build a new church," but when 
they began to take the preliminary steps it was found to be 
quite impossible. In July of that year the parish was 
called to mourn the loss of Benjamin Pearson, one of the 
original vestrymen who had held the office ever since, ex- 
cept one year (or twenty-eight years in all), having been a 
warden for seven years out of that time. The death of 
Mr. Pearson undoubtedly postponed for a time the project 
of building a new church. 

In May, 18G8, the ladies of the congregation were given 
permission to repaper and whiten the church, and a com- 
mittee was appointed to confer with them. 

In the latter part of 1SG8 and the early part of 1809 
an unfortunate dissension was created in the parish by 
some social questions which it is probable that the less that 
is .said about them the better will it be. It resulted in the 
rector's accepting other employment, still retaining the 
nominal rectorship. 

In September, 18G9, the vestry finally received the res- 
ignation of the rector. This closed the connection of the 
Rev. Mr. Birchmore with the parish af\er nine years and 
five months of service, the last five months being merely 
nominal. His ofiicial acts were : Baptisms (infant, 179 ; 
adult, 53), 232 ; confirmed, 116; marriages, 38; burials, 
102. 

At a meeting of the ve.stry, held September 17, 18G9, 
the resignation of the llev. John W. Birchmore was re- 
ceived and accepted. At the same meeting it was 

" Rcsolfcd, That the secretary be instructed to invite Rev. Mr. 
Lnne to preach in this church on the 2f>th inst." 

The letter was sent and the present rector ofiBciated for 
the first time in St. Paul's church, Sept. 26, 1869. He 
was requested at that time to officiate the next Sunday and 
administer the holy communion. On the occasion of the 



second visit, arrangements were made by which the church 
was practically placed under his charge till the ensuing 
Easter. On the 6th day of April the Rev. Marcus Lane 
was called as rector, at a salary of $1200 per annum. 

But a few weeks afterwards the parish met with a seri- 
ous loss in the death of the Hon. Henry M. Henderson. 
He was one of the original vestrymen, had been identified 
with the parish from the beginning, and had been, as the 
resolutions of the vestry read, " one of its oldest and most 
valued members " At a meeting of the vestry, held March 
25, 1871, the subject of building a new church was duly 
considered, and the announcement made that Mrs. Hender- 
son would give $8000 to head the subscription list. At 
the same meeting it was 

" Jicsoh-cfl, That this vestry arc of the opinion that of the several 
propcsitions submitted, the Bcecher lot on Saginaw Street is the 
most desirable location available for the site of a new church." 

A committee was appointed to secure subscriptions. At 
a meeting of the vestry, held Sept. 23, 1871, it was deter- 
mined to build upon the Beecher lot. The rector and 
Mr. F. W. Judd were appointed a committee on plans ; 
Messrs. Judd, Decker, and Denham, a building committee. 
At a meeting of the congregation, held September 25th, the 
rector, wardens, and vestrymen were authorized to sell the 
church lot and the pareonage property. 

The church lot thirty years before had been a gift from 
the proprietors of the village of Flint River, — A. C. and 
Sherman Stevens, who owned five-sixths, and Ira D. 
Wright, who owned one-sixth. The compensation fixed in 
the deeds, nominal, of course, was $400 in the Sherman 
deed, and $50 in that of Mr. Wright. There seems also 
to have been some flaw in the title, for some years after- 
wards Mr. J. B. Walker gave a quit-claim deed of his 
right and title to the whole lot, compensation $100. This 
also was probably nominal. 

The church lot, valued as it would seem iu the beginning 
at $450, had in thirty years so increased in value that its 
sale netted the parish nearly $6000. 

The parsonage lot was exchanged for the Beecher lot, 
the parish paying $2000 in addition. 

The winter was spent in collecting subscriptions, fixing 
up the new rectory, quarrying and hauling stone. The 
stone of which the new church was built was taken from the 
quarries of John Sutton, near Flushing, he having liberally 
donated the same, provided the parish " would get it out." 

It took nearly 400 cords of stone to build the church, 
from which one can easily see the magnitude of the task 
undertaken. April 29, 1872, proposals having been invited, 
the bids were opened. The bids for mason-work ranged 
from $11,270 to $18,000, and the whole job from $26,000 
to $34,G26. Mr. Peres F. Cleveland, of this city, being the 
lowest bidder, the contract was let to him, the church pro- 
viding all material for the mason-work. 

On Ascension Day, May 9, 1872, ground was broken 
fjr the new church, Mr. Judd, the chairman of the build- 
ing-committee, throwing out the first shovelful of dirt. 
May 29th the corner-stone was laid. October 14th a parish- 
meeting was held and the vestry were authorized to make 
a loan not exceeding $10,000. Under this authority the 
vestry borrowed $6000 from Miss Cumings. 



FLINT CITY. 



171 



Jan. 6, 187:1, the rector and Messrs. JudJ and Tliomson 
were appointed a committee on stained ^lass. From this 
time ou till the completion of the church the records .show 
constant labore under many di.scoura^cments and many hard 
struggles, which resulted in the adoption of various expe- 
dients for the raising of the moneys needed, some of which 
were successful and some not. 

While the wardens and vestry were thus laboring to get 
the now church completed, the Young Ladies' Society had 
undertaken to provide a suitable organ. They took the 
whole thing into their own hands, closed a contract with 
Messrs. Johnson & Co., of Westfield, Ma.ss., and in due time 
raised the money and made all the payments, and placed 
the new organ in the church as their share of the work, 
and as a free gift to the honor and glory of Almighty God. 

After it was supposed that the last service had been held 
in the old church, and before the new one could be used, 
came the unexpected death of the Rev. Daniel E. Brown, 
the first rector of the parish. The church was reopened 
and the last service in the old church was the funeral of 
its builder. Very strong and eulogistic resolutions were 
adopted by the rector, wardens, and vestry, who attended 
the funeral in a body. August 24th the first service was 
held in the new church. Intending to give due credit to 
all engaged in this good work thus brought to completion, 
the writer would briefly state their several parts as follows : 
Architect, Gordon W. Lloyd, of Detroit ; Committee on 
Plans, the Hector and Mr. Judd ; Building Committee, 
Messrs. Judd, Decker, and Denliam ; Stained Glass Com- 
mittee, the Rector, Messrs. Thomson and Judd ; Contractor, 
Peres F. Cleveland, of Flint ; Painting, etc., Stephens Bros., 
of Flint; UphoLstering, Marcus, Stevens & Co., of Detroit. 

The stained glass of the chapel was procured from Ham- 
ilton & Co., of New York, for the church from A. Fredrick, 
of Brooklyn, N. Y. Many of the minor details and little 
episodes connected with the building would be very interest- 
ing to the members of the church, but they would not be 
of like interest to the general reader. Hence they are 
here omitted. 

Unfortunately with the new church came a church debt, 
which would never have been a great burden but for the 
general financial prostration of the whole country. The 
record of proceedings since would be a plain story of many 
and determined efforts to reduce it. These efforts have 
been so far successful that the debt can never be the burden 
in the future that it has been in the past. The total indebt- 
edness is now a little more than S12, 000. On the 20th of 
April, 1878, it was $17,895. 

Tiie record of the spiritual work of the church, its gains 
and losses, are of little interest to the public. It is, there- 
fore, sufiBcient to sum them up. The present rector has 
had charge of the church nine years and eight months, the 
longest lime of any rector in its history. His official acts 
are as follows : Baptisms (infant, 1G5; adult, 71}, 23G ; 
confirmed, 195; marriages. 111 ; burials, 129. 

The foregoing sketch was prepared by the rector. 

ST. Michael's rojian catholic cnuRcn. 

Bishop P. Lcfever, of the diocese of Detroit, was the 
impulse which placed in form of organization the material 



for a Roman Catholic Church in Flint. The first efforts 
date back to September 2, 1813, though the building was 
several years in process of erection. The ground on which 
it stands was deeded by Chauncey S. Payne, and Hon. 
George 1*1. Dewey gave $200 towards the fund, while many 
leading citizens contributed more or less liberally, as their 
means permitted. 

Among the first missionary clergymen to visit the field 
were Rev. Lawrence Kilroy and Rev. Martin Kindig, now 
vicar-general of Milwaukee, Wis., who figured so conspicu- 
ously in the cholera epidemic which decimated Detroit in 
1834. The reverend father was indefatigable in his efforts 
to alleviate distress among all sects and classes, and used 
his private means so liberally as to impoverish himself and 
contract an indebtedness which it required years to liquidate. 
He died recently, after a long life of ceaseless toil and be- 
nevolence, at the ripe age of seventy-two years. Among 
the friends from Detroit who rendered material aid to the 
struggling enterprise were Hon. Lewis Cass, Joseph Cam- 
pau. Bishop P. Lefever, Peter Desnoyer, and many other 
names well known in olden times. 

D. O'SuUivan, whose arrival in Flint occurred in July 
of 1834, was largely instrumental in the construction of 
the building, having contributed both in means and labor 
to the enterprise. The first regularly installed pastor was 
Rev. Michael Jlonaghan, who remained some time after 
the completion of the church, and was succeeded by Rev. 
Joseph Kinderkins, brother of Vicar-General Kinderkins, 
of Detroit, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. C. L. De- 
ceuninck, in 1856, who organized a school under the man- 
agement of two lay teachers. His pastorate extended over 
a period of fifteen years, during which time he was active 
in many benevolent enterprises and did much for the relief 
of the poor of the church. 

His successor was Rev. Father Flanigan, who remained 
two years. The school during his administration was dis- 
continued. Rev. James Gillespie was installed as pastor in 
1873. He organized a school, and occupied for this pur- 
pose the church and an adjoining building, and had as 
instructors a principal and two assistant teachers, and an 
average attendance of 200 scholars during the regular 
term of ten months. A substantial school building of brick 
was meanwhile erected, at a cost of $7000, with rooms in 
which the various societies of the church hold their 
meetings. 

The present pastor is Rev. Robert W. Haire, who was 
installed Aug. 1, 1875. His administration has been suc- 
cessful, his energies being mainly directed to the main- 
tenance of the parochial school, to which he gives much of 
his time and attention. It at present numbers about 300 
pupils, who are instructed by an efficient corps of teachers. 
The primary department is under the supervision of Sister 
Catherine, assisted by three rtlir/ii:!iscs, all of the order of 
the Immaculate Heart of IMary, from Blonroe, Mich. 

Tiie annual expenditures, which in tlie aggregate amount 
to $1300, are defrayed from the revenues collected from 
the congregation. The families who compose the parisli 
number about 300, and the amount of current expenses 
incurred by the church reaches the sum of $4000. About 
400 persons compo.se the congregation during the early 



172 



HISTORY OF GExNESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



morninj: sorvico, and 500 are present at the later service. 
The music of tlie eliuicli reflects much credit upon tlie 
choir. The (Ireu'oriaii chnnt is about bein;^ introduced, 
which will embrace the finest male voices in the church. 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. 

This society was orpranized as the result of a series of 
tent-nieelinj;s, hold in Flint and its vicinity by Elders D. 
II. Larason, of Armada, Mich., and E. R. Jones, of Battle 
Creek, same State. Their raeetin;^s bogau June 11, 1875, 
and continued with various intermissions until September 
13th of the same year, when a district camp-meetiiii; closed 
their labors. On the 24th of October, 1875, a society 
comprising 46 members was formed. Prior to the forma- 
tion of this society, it is claimed that the only families of 
this belief residing in Flint were those of Elias J. Bump 
and John Harmon. Coggins' Hall was first used as a place 
of wcrship. Soon after Coven's Hall was leased for the 
same purpose at a rental of SlOO per year. A reorganiza- 
tion took place April 30, 1876, and S. H. Daniels cho.sen 
elder, Allen D. Newbury and llobert W. D.iy deacons. 
The first board of trustees, consisting of Robert W. Day, 
S. II. Daniels, and Samuel Woodhull, was chosen 3Iay 20, 
1876. In April, 1877, Mr. Klias J. Bump donated Ibr a 
church-site a lot situated on the corner of Third Street 
and Stockton Avenue. Elder D. II. Lamson had received 
pledges for S1700, and the work of building a house of 
worship was immediately begun. S. H. Daniels, W. C. 
Althbuse, H. C. Thompson, and Horace Bristol formed the 
building-committee, and Dec. 27, 1877, the church edifice 
was completed and dedicated. The dedicatory services were 
conducted by Elders Uriah Smith, D. H. Lam.son, and E. 
R. Jones. The house is a neat structure with (iotliio roof, 
but without spire or bell. It is beautifully finished inside, 
and has patent sittings for 300 persons. The present 
membership is 75. They have no local pastor, and at 
present no elder. A flourishing Sabbath-school exists, 
which includes nearly all of the members. William J. 
Farrand, Superintendent ; Sarah E. Talliafero, Secretary. 

GARLAND STREET JIETIIODIST EPI.SCOI'AL CUURCII. 

This church is located on the corner of Garland and 
Second Streets, on the north side of the river. The society 
was organized in the early part of the year ISGl. 

Previous to this there had been but one church of this 
order within the limits of the city. The circumstances 
which called the new one into existence were at the time 
sorely afllictive to a majority of the good men and women 
connected with it. 

The noble edifice of the parent society had substantially 
passed out of human hands a few months before, though 
the ofibrings of a people, mostly poor in this world's goods, 
were embodied in it, — offerings made in human interests, 
yet unto Gml alone ; and, though an eloquent memorial of 
the faith, prayers, and heroic struggles of Christians, yet 
its fud was hastened. In the dead of night the cruel 
flames reduced it to ashes, with all its contents, in an hour. 
The black and smouldering mass that remained of the beau- 
tiful temple called fur tears and prayers. The teare were 
not wholly restrained, and prayers went up from sad Iiearts, 



imploring submi.ssiveness of spirit, and courage, and wisdom. 
Before the morning sun had come to look for the first time 
on that scene of desolation the losers were saying, " By 
the help of God we will build again." The pastor, Rev. 
T. J. Juslin, was laid aside at the time by severe and pro- 
tracted sickness, but amid all the discouragements it was 
decided to build at once. 

It was at this juncture that the pertinent question of lo- 
catton anchored itself in the harbor of a peaceful and united 
people. It was one of great importance to those at both 
extremes of city, north and south, and naturally swept with 
more or less toiichinrj force under other points of the com- 
pass. ]Members in the northern portion of the city pleaded 
for a central location, equally accommodating all parts of 
the town. Discu.ssion retarded initial steps, yet discussion 
closed with a n)ajority for the old site. This decision was 
as a signal at which a considerable number of men and 
women, young and old, including as good material in all 
respects as the old church ever contained, moved out of the 
old and honored lines, for the ])rotection and upbuilding of 
Methodism in their own part of the city. Thus to break 
up the pleasant associations of former year.«, and sei)arate 
themselves from those with whom they had long walked 
and taken sweet counsel, was the most grievous and trying 
point of their associated history. But the action of others 
liad made it necessary, and they were left to " cro.«s the 
Rubicon," which they did promptly but kindly. Their 
first board of trustees was appointed without delay. It 
consisted of Daniel S. Freeman, William Stevenson, Joseph 
Kline, John Owen, and Dr. Wood. The first board of 
stewards was also composed of the same men. 

The actual charter members were Rev. Daniel S. Free- 
man and wife, William Stevenson and mother (Maiy Stc- 
vensorO, John Sutton and wife and mother, and Helen, 
Josephine, and George (children of John Sutton), Sarah 
Freeman, Louisa Freeman, Mrs. Joseph Freeman and 
daughter (Ellen), Mr.s. Cynthia Abornethy, Joseph Kline 
and wife, Johanna Parrit^h, John Owen and wife, Charlotte 
Raymond, and Dr. Wood and wife, 24 in all. By means 
of transfers from the old church, their numbers were soon 
swelled to 80. 

The edifice in which the congregation has worshiped ever 
since was completed and dedicated before the close of IStJI , 
which, being the year of the inception of the enterprise, 
shows with what celerity these brethren carried on their 
work. The late Rev. Dr. T. M. Eddy, then editor of the 
Nortli- Western Christian Advoeate, of Chicago, III., ofll- 
ciated at the dedication. The lots on which the church 
was built had been generously donated by Chauncey L. 
P;lyne and Charles P. Avery. The structure itself cost 
something over $2500, and was free from debt when dedi- 
cated. 

The annual Conference of September, 1861, appointed 
Rev. Isaac Crawford as the first pastor of the new and then 
vigorous organization. He remained but one year, during 
which there were a number of accessions to the church, but 
not so many as might have been realized under other cir- 
cumstances. 

The man succeeding Mr. Crawford was essentially differ- 
ent. Endowed liberally with nature's best gifts, well edu- 





J. R. CHAMBERS. 



MRS. J. R. CHAMBERS. 



J. E. CHAMBERS. 



Jeremy R. Chambers was born in Madison Co., 
N. Y., in December, 1816. When he was twelve 
years of age his parents moved to Jefferson. Tiie 
family were poor, and Jeremy, the oldest boy, soon 
became the main support. Thinking he could better 
secure a home for the family in a new country, 
he and his brotlier William started for Micliigan on 
foot, witii only a few dollars. At Detroit he pur- 
chased an axe and pursued his journey; arrived in 
Burton, Genesee Co., March 27, 1836, walking the 
entire distance from Jefferson Co., N. Y., in fourteen 
days. Arriving in Burton, he hired out for a year. 
In July his employer let him have one hundred 
dollars, with which he entered eighty acres of land 
in Richfield. Not being satisfied with the location, 
he continued to work by the montii or job for three 
years, when he bought forty acres of land in Burton, 
and made improvements as best he could. In 1841 
he built a house and sowed ten acres of wheat. 

In the spring of 1842 his parents, with five chil- 
dren, came on to live with him. In June a heavy 
frost killed his wheat, which was a serious blow, and 
he was obliged to sell the eighty acres of land in 
Richfield for thirty dollars, needed to buy seed-wheat 
the next fall. 



The fiimily struggled on for eight years, when 
the father and mother died, and the family was 
broken up. Mr. Chambers and two of his brothers 
engaged in fishing on Lake Huron for three years; 
from this enterprise he saved a few thousand 
dollars. Returning to Genesee County, he pur- 
chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
the town of Flint, and built a house on the land. 
From that time the improvements went on until 
he now has a fine farm, with such surroundings 
as indicate the wealthy farmer. In 1868 he sold 
the farm and moved to Flint, to enjoy a well- 
earned competency. 

On the 25th of October, 1853, he was mar- 
ried. Mrs. Chambers was the daughter of Charles 
Johnson, formerly from Ovid, N. Y. He moved 
to Oakland Co., Mich., and settled on the bank 
of Elizabeth Lake, in 1824; in 1836 he moved 
to Burton, this county, where he died in 1864. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers united with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church some twenty years 



ago. 



and have since remained consistent mem- 



bers. They have been the parents of two daugh- 
ters, one of whom died ; the other lives with her 
parents. 



FLINT CITy. 



173 



catod, of extensive and careful readinfr, and experienced l)y 
more than a score of successful years in the ministry, he 
entered the field to give sermons of cultuie and Gospel 
power, and to he a real pastor to his people and beloved 
by them. Such was the llev. Orin Whitniore, who re- 
mained the full term of three years, and left under the 
benedictions of those he had served. 

The close of this term brings us to September, 18C5, 
■when the Rev. E. E. Castor was appointed to the charge, 
lie was eminently fitted for tlie place, — a good pastor, an 
earnest and eloc|uent preacher, crowding his house with 
hearers till enlargement became necessary, and was accom- 
plished by adding 20 feet to the length of the auditorium, 
at a cost of SI 200, which was paid in full before the .sound 
of the liammer-strokes had fairly died. Mr. Castor left at 
the end of two years in response to an earnest demand else- 
where. 

The fall of 18G7 brought, under Conference appointments, 
tlie llev. E. K. Haseall to Garland Street, as its pastor, and 
the/o«r//i one in number. Several names were added to 
the church list through his labors, but for sonw. rea.son he 
remained but one year. He was followed by the llev. 
William Q. Burnett, who proved to be an invpre.-^sible and 
successful worker. During his pastorate an addition to the 
church edifice, including three commodious rooms and a fine 
parsonage, located on the corner of Garland and Third 
Streets, — one block from the church, — was built at an aggre- 
gate cost of about §:;()0(), all paid, and an extensive revival 
of religion was wrought. Of course such a worker re- 
mained three years. 

llev. Wni. Fox was his successor, comniencing his labors 
September, 1871, and after two years of judicious, dignified, 
and successful efibrt was called to the presiding eldership 
of Romeo district, and left the people regretting his depart- 
ure. Rev. Jacob Ilorton was next appointed to the charge, 
and, with a somewhat varying suece.-is, remained for two 
years. He was a fine preacher and a decided worker. Under 
liis administration the church was internally repaired and 
beautified, at a cost of S700. 

Rev. George W. Lowe came to the charge in September, 
1875, and had a successful term of three years, considering 
the adverse circumstances which, independent of the pastor 
and beyond his possible control, connected themselves most 
unfortunately with the church. Mr. Lowe's qualities of 
mind and heart need no eulogy other than that of his life- 
work. This brings us to September, 1878, when Rev. T. 
J. .loslin was appointed pa.stor, and now occupies the place. 
During the.«e eighteen years of the church's existence, its 
several clas.ses have been served at different intervals by 
the following li.st of class-leaders, namely: D. S. Freeman, 
Jo.seph Kline, R. \V. Dullam, Moses JIann, L. N. Moon, 
Thomas Stiltson, Porter Fleming, John C. Vincent, Wil- 
liam Haver, Daniel Frost, and J. II. Failing. 

The present official board is composed as follows : Class- 
licaders, D. S. Freeman, II. W. Dnilam, J. II. Failing, and 
Jo.seph Kline; Stewards, Jnhii Sutton, Alanson Bradford, 
Dr. Bela Cogsliall, J. II. Failing, Lewis Kline, John An- 
drews, Albert Hakes, Meno Kbe, and Joseph Freeman ; 
Trustees, D. S. Freeman, J. R. Chambers, John Whiting, 
John Armstrong, John Sherff, Cyrus Pomcroy, and J. D. 



Ilaight ; Located Ministers, D. S. Freeman, Hiram Adams, 
and Erwin Wilder. 

From the beginning there has been a fine Sunday-school 
connected with this church, and it is at the present time 
favored with a good corps of officers and teachers, and is 
in a fairly pro.sperous condition. 

The degree of success realized by the Garland Street 
Church in leading souls to Christ, and in mutually edifying, 
guiding, and cheering on to duty and to heaven the ser- 
vants of our God, and seen also in the fact that a membership 
of nearly 300 is now within its pale, after an almost equal 
number have been removed by certificates and by death, 
is, at least, suggestive of high approval, and disarms criti- 
cism of those who at first led the way, and, with others, 
have carried on the work. 

This sketch is prepared by the pastor. 

TUE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The Congregational Church of Flint came into being 
during the fall of 18G7. Its first membership was com- 
posed mainly of those who had been members of other 
churches of the same order elsewhere in the State, in the 
Western Reserve (of Ohio), or at the East, and who since 
the impetus given to Flint by the building of the Flint and 
Pere JIarquette Railway had cast in their lot with its en- 
terprising people. Many of these had connected themselves 
with the First Presbyterian Church of Flint, of which the 
Rev. H. II. Northrop was then the able pastor; but their 
independent ways were hardly congenial to the staid habits 
of the old families, and in the summer of 18G7 they be- 
came aware that in the opinion of the pastor and leading 
members it would be better for the old hive if they would 
swarm. After a few weeks' reflection and consultation 
a meeting was held, on the evening of the ISth day of 
September, 1867, at the house of Wm. L. Smith, Esq., to 
consider whether it was best to form a Congregational 
Church in Flint. The record shows there were present 
Mr. and Mrs. Wni. L. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Royal C. Rip- 
ley, Mr. and Mrs. George II. Ilolman, Mr. and Mrs. 
Henry II. Lovell, Mr. and i^Irs. Egbert L. Bangs, Mr. and 
Mrs. Charles C. Farrar, iMr. and Mrs. George 11. Gold, Mrs. 
Sarah 0. Strong, 3Iiss JIargaret T. Olcott, Mr. George 
Andrews, Mr. Zelotes Truesdel, and Mr. Thomas Smith, 
and with them, by invitation. Rev. Frank P. Woodbury 
and wife, late of Mcriden, N. H. The meeting was or- 
ganised with Mr. Gold as chairman, and Mr. Truesdel as 
secretary. After earnest consultation it was agreed — Mr. 
Ripley alone di.s.senting — that there was room and work for 
a Congregational Church in Flint, and that steps should be 
taken to form one. Rev. Mr. Woodbury was invited to 
preach at Awanaga Hall on the following Sabbath, morning 
and evening. A provisional committee of .seven was chosen, 
consisting of Measrs. Lovell, Bangs, W. L. Smith, Ilolman, 
Farrar, D. W. Parker, and Gold. To them was committed 
the full guidance of affiiirs. Notice of the intended ser- 
vices was given in the local papers issued on Saturday, and 
William Stevenson, E.-^q , was secured as organist. The 
weather was fine, and the hall was well filled in the morn- 
ing and crowded in the evening. After the morning .ser- 
vice a Sunday-school was organized with about 23 children, 



174 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and Mr. AVilliam L. Smith was shortly afterwards made its 
.superintendent. On tlic Mondiiy following these services 
the committee made a formal contract with llcv. Mr. 
Woodbury to serve as pastor of the enterprise for one 
year, at a salary of SI 500, of which it was understood the 
Home IMis.sionary Society would pay §500, and to secure 
the regular payment of the remaining $1000 in monthly 
installments the committee gave the pastor their personal 
bond. Awanaga Hall was rented for Sunday services and 
other rooms for the weekly devotional meetings. The finan- 
cial support was secured by subscriptions payable monthly, 
and by Sunday collections. 

The interest in the enterprise continually increasing, on 
Oct. 18, 1867, letters missive were issued to the churches 
of the order in Lansing — St. John's, Owasso, East Saginaw, 
Pontiac, Detroit, Romeo, Almont, Adrian, Vienna, Burton, 
Grand Blanc, and Goodrich — to assemble on Oct. 20, 18G7, 
at Flint, by pastor and delegate, with Rev. J. W. Hough, 
of Saginaw City, Rev. Frank P. Woodbury, of Jackson, 
and Rev. Herbert A. Reed (the State Home Missionary 
agent), of Marshall, in council, to advise as to the forma- 
tion of a church, and to aid therein if the enterprise were 
approved. The council duly convened, organized with Rev. 
J. G. W. Cowles, of East Saginaw, as moderator, and C. 
B. Stebbins, Esq., of Lansing, as scribe. 

After mature consideration the proposition to form the 
church was heartily indorsed, the confession of faith fully 
approved, and on the following day (Sunday) a committee 
of the council as.sisted in the formation of the church, and 
in behalf of the council extended to it fraternal recognition. 
There were 40 members, 38 of whom joined by letter and 
2 on profession of faith. On November 1st following, 6 
more were received; on Jan. 3, 1868, there were 15 ac- 
cessions; on February 28th, 31 ; on June 25lh following, 
5; and on December 30th next thereafter, 11 ; making a 
membership of 108, gathered during the first fifteen months. 
George H. llolman and Egbert L. Bangs were chosen the 
first deacons. 

Meantime proper steps were being taken to form an eccle- 
siastical society to take care of the temporalities of the 
church, and on the 12th day of November the Congrega- 
tional Society of the city of Flint became fully organized 
by the election of nine trustees, three for one year, three 
for two years, and three for three years, pursuant to the 
articles of association. 

The first trustees were Royal C. Ripley, Charles C. Far- 
rar, William L. Smith, Henry R. Lovell, Isaac C. Van 
Epps, Robert Pearson, George R. Gold, George Andrews, 
and De Witt Parker. Of these Royal C. Ripley was made 
president of the board of trustees, George R. Gold, clerk, 
and Henry R. Lovell, treasurer. The enterprise having 
thus become organized in its several departments, the pro- 
visional committee resigned their powers, and received the 
thanks of the church and society for their labors. 

On Jan. 3, 18G8, Rev. Frank P. Woodbury was by 
unanimous vote of the church " invited to become the 
pastor and teacher of this church," and on the 11th day 
of the same month this action was unanimously concurred 
in by the society, and the salary fixed at §1500, with a 
vacation of six weeks during the year, at such time as the 



pastor should choose to take it. The call was cordially 
accepted, and the pastorate filled with entire acceptance to 
the people until the close of July, 1870, when Mr. Wood- 
bury resigned on account of ill health. 

Early in May, 1868, a church site was secured at the 
southeast corner of Saginaw and Second Streets, in the 
Second Ward, and on the 11th of the same month, on 
motion of William L. Smith, the society voted, " that wo 
proceed at once to erect a house of wor.ship for the church 
and society." Thereupon, R. C. Ripley, Charles Smith, 
H. R. Lovell, G. H. Holman, and Zelotcs Truesdel were 
chosen a building-committee, with power to designate their 
chairman, and discretionary power to adopt plans, raise 
funds, and carry on the work, subject to revision of the 
society or trustees. The committee made H. R. Lovell 
their chairman, and set vigorously about the execution of 
their trust. Plans for a chapel, prepared by F. T. Oliver, 
architect, were procured and adopted, and the building was 
begun in June and completed and dedicated on November 
22d following. The chapel was furnished by the Ladies' 
Aid Society very tastefully out of funds raised by it for 
the purpose. The whole expense of site, building, and 
furnishing was about §8500. Cordial and timely aid was 
given the project by many citizens not members, and gen- 
eral goodwill was shown to the young church and society. 
Among the donations noticeable for the generosity and 
modesty of the giver may be named that of the late Hon. 
Levi Walker, then an elder of the Presbyterian Church, 
who, in the evening before dedication, unsolicited and in 
the dark slipped into the hands of the chairman of the 
building-committee a hundred-dollar treasury note '' to help 
the cause," and hastily left before the extent of his gift 
could be known. The Congregational Union gave $500 
" to pay last debts." But still the bulk of the funds came 
from the pockets of the members of the church and 
society. 

On Feb. 6, 18G9, the building-committee assumed all 
the indebtedness of the society on account of building its 
chapel, the society having relinquished to it all unpaid sub- 
scriptions therefor, and the latter then became possessed of 
its chapel free of debt. During the following spring lec- 
ture-rooms wei'e finished oS' in the basement at an expense 
of about SoOO. 

The church coa.seJ to bo a missionary one at the close of 
the first year. It steadily increased in membership during 
Mr. Woodbury's pastorate, and numbered 129 when he 
left. His salary after the second year was §1800. His 
departure was deeply regretted by all. After months of 
weary candidating, in January, 1871, the Rev. B. D. Conk- 
ling was unanimously called to the pastorate. He accepted 
and entered upon his labors the first Sunday in February 
following, — salary §1500. He was an able and godly young 
man, but his temperament was so different from that of Mr. 
Woodbury that he failed to give general satisfaction, and 
resigned in September following. Fifteen joined the church 
during his pastorate. 

In January, 1872, the Rev. Edward W. Baron, of New 
Haven, Conn., was unanimously called to the pastorate, — 
salary §2000, and §500 removal expenses, and accepted 
the call. He served the church and society until failing 



FLINT CITY. 



175 



health compelled him to resign in March, 1875. During 
his ministry 84 were added to the church. In the second 
year of his pastorate the parsonage was procured for the 
society, and its use furnished him as added support. Under 
his lead tlie church took decided ground in favor of tem- 
perance during the women's crusade, a position it has ever 
since maintained. This cost the society considerable loss 
of support from those engaged in and sympathizing with 
the liquor traffic, but the loss was borne rather gladly than 
otherwise. It was felt a great reproach was removed. 

In September, 1875, the Rev. Richard Cardely, D.D., 
came from Lawrence, Kan., to minister to this people, 
and continued his labors among them until April, 1878. 
His salary, at first S1500, was the second year increased to 
61500 and the use of the parsonage. Forty- four were added 
to the church during his ministry. He was an able scrmon- 
izer and discreet pastor, with " an eye single to duty." 

In July, 1878, the present pastor. Rev. Frederick S. 
Ilaydcn, was called to the pastorate and accepted it the 
following August. Since his coming there have been 14 
accessions to the church, making a total of 28C members 
since its formation to May 10, 1879. Of these, 117 joined 
on profession of their faith and 169 by letter. Seventy -one 
members have withdrawn by letter and 15 have "entered 
into that rest," leaving a present membership of 200. 

Deacon Holman having declined re-election was, in No- 
vember, 1873, succeeded in office by Washington A. Baron, 
who vacated it by death October G, 187G. In October, 
1874, Ira Chase was chosen deacon, and in November, 
1877, 1. C. Van Epps was also chosen to that office. The 
last two, with Deacon Bangs, are still in office. In Octo- 
ber, 1874, Mrs. Mary M. Gold and Mrs. Sophronia B. 
Gordon were chosen deaconesses. 

The Sabbath-school of this church has been well cared 
for and usually prosperous. Formed with Wm. L. Smith 
as superintendent, it attained its greatest strength and in- 
fluence during Mr. Woodbury's pastorate. Mr. Smith 
continued superintendent by annual re-election until Janu- 
ary, 1870, when, declining further service, he was succeeded 
in turn by Deacon Ilolman, Prof. Rufus E. Phinney, Wm. 
Stevenson, Esq., Miss Julia A. King, Chas. T. Bridgman, 
and Damon Stewart, the latter of whom " continues to the 
present time." 

The singing of the church is congregational in charac- 
ter, is led by a precentor accompanied by the organ, and 
generally aided by a choir. It was at first led for several 
years by that best guide of congregational singing, William 
Stevenson, E.sq., and afterwards by ^Irs. Woodbury, Mr. 
Haver, Mr. Parker, Mr. Ncale, Mr. Holman, and others, 
and now by Prof. Gardner with his cornet. In addition to 
the trustees first chosen the following-named persons have 
served the society a.s trustees, viz. : Charles Smith, Henry 
H. Woodruff, Zelotes Truesdel, Oscar M. BrowiLSon, Chas. 
T. Bridgman, David P. Halsey, John Orrell, David S. Fox, 
Hiram Smith, Bonj. W. W. Symington, Ira W. Wilder, 
Edward B. Clapp, and William Fobcs. The present offi- 
cers of the board arc G. H. Holman, President; C. T. 
Bridgman, Secretary ; and Charles Smith, Treasurer. The 
church and society are well united in their pastor, and have 
a pro-sperous outlook for their work. 



THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH. 

This church, which is located in the Fourth Ward, was 
organized in the year 18GS, with a membership of 40. 
Very soon after the formation of the society measures were 
taken for the erection of a church, which was completed 
the same year. The edifice is of brick, 60 feet in length 
by 34 in width, and was built at a cost of S5200. The 
membership has since increased to 70. The pastor is Rev. 
Lewis Brumm, and the trustees are John Zimmerman, J. 
Baker, K. Raab, E. Sager, W. Weimer, J. Foub, and G. 
Ackerman. 

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This society was organized about three years since, and 
own a hou.se of worship located on Seventh Street, near 
Saginaw Street. Service is held every other Sabbath, the 
officiating pastor being Rev. C. W. E. Gilmore, who resides 
in Saginaw, and includes the church at Flint in his circuit. 

The young men of the church have a debating society, 
the meetings of which are held on Friday evening of each 
week. A small admission fee is charged, which is devoted 
to the payment of the church debt, for which purpose the 
club was organized. The trustees are Geo. Bradley, Henry 
Fields, and Samuel Lawrence. 

THE CEMETERIES. 

In the year 1835 a piece of ground, an acre in extent, 
and known to the present residents of Flint as the " Old 
Patterson Homestead," in the Third Ward (bounded on 
the south by Fifth Street, west by Grand Traverse Street, 
north by Court Street, and east by Church Street), was 
deeded by Wait Beach and Eunice, his wife, to the super- 
visors of the county of Genesee, to be used for a burial- 
ground. This plat was in use about eight years, and 
25 interments were made in it, when it was vacated. 

" An Act to authorize the County Connnisitoiierg of the County of Gene- 

ace to vacate a certain bttri/ing-f/ronnd. 

"Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives of the State of Michigan, tliat the County Coinmipsioncrs of tljc 
County of (Jeuesec be, and they are hereby, authorized to vacate the 
present burying-ground in the village of Flint in said county ; pro- 
vided they, the said County Commissioners, shall tirst procure an equal 
quantity of ground in said village of Flint, or adjacent thereto, to bo 
used and occuj)ied as a common burying-ground. 

"Section 2. That said burying-ground shall not bo vacated until 
after all bodies interred on said ground shall be raised and re-iutcrred 
in some other grounds. 

"JOHX BiDDI.E, 

" Speaker of the ITouse of Represeutalicet, 

"Thomas J. Dhake, 

" Pretiiticnt of the SenntCfpro teln. 

"Approved April 9, IS41. 

"J. WUIGIIT GoKDON. 



" A true copy. 



'Thomas Kowlaxd, 

''Secretary of State." 



The disinterments were made, and a new location chosen 
in 1841, on a plat now known as the " Old Burial-G round," 
which may be described as located on the north side of the 
Richtield road, about one-half mile east of Saginaw Street, 
on Kcarsley Street. The deed of conveyance is annexed : 



176 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



'Charles C. IIascall 



WXSIllP OF Fl.IXT. I 



BoAnn OF Health for the Toi 
" This inilenturc, niafle the fiuvcnth day of AIa,v, in the year of oiir 
Lord one thousand fight hundred and thirty-nine, between Charles 
C. liascall and Nancy, wife of the said Charles, (tf the first l)art, and 
the Board of Health for the township of Flint, in the County of 
(icncscc, and their succcs-Jors in oIKce of the seeond part: AVituesseth 
that the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the 
sum of three hundred dolhirs to thcui in hand paid by the said party 
of the second part, tiic receipt whereof is hereby confessed and ac- 
Ivuowled^ed, have granted, bargained, sold, remised, released, aliened, 
and eonfirtncd, and by these prcscn's doth grant, bargain, sell, remise, 
release, alien, and confirm unto the said party of the second part, and 
to their successors in oifice fopcver, the following described parcel of 
land to boused for a burying-ground, and for no other purpose what- 
ever, viz.: beginning at a point being the intersection of the north 
line of road number forty-nine, running from the cast end of Court 
Street north twenty-four degrees east and the west line of said ilascall 
land J thenee north along said line north thirty-two degrees ten min- 
utes west six chains fifty-eight links to an oak-tree on bank of marsh ; 
thenee on a line ]>arallel with said road (No. 49) three chains seventy- 
seven links; thence southerly at right angles we? t said road to the north 
line of the same; thence south twenty-f«)ur degrees west on said north 
line seven chains forty links to the place of beginning, containing three 
acres of land, together with all .and singular the hereditaments and ap- 
purtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise ajipcrtaining, and the 
reversion and reversion's remainder and remainder's rents, issues and 
profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, claim, or demand 
whatever of the party of the first part, either in law or equity, of, in, 
and to the above i>remises, with the said hereditaments and appurte- 
nances ; To have and to hold the said premises as above described, to- 
gether with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the seeond part 
and to their successors in office forever. And the said party of the 
first part, for their heirs, executors, and administrators, doth covenant, 
grant, bargain, and agree, to and with the parties of the second part 
and their successors in ofiice, that at the time of the unsealin'^ and 
delivery of these presents they are well seized of the premises, con- 
veyed as of a good, absolute, and indefeasible estate of inheritance in 
the law, in fee-simple, and that the said lands and inheritance are free 
from all incumbrances whatever, and that the above-bargained prem- 
ises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said parties of the 
second part and their successors in office .against all and every person 
or persons lawfully claiming, or to claim the whole or any part there- 
of, he will forever warrant and defend. 

" In witness whereof, the said parties of the first part have here- 
unto set their hamls and seals the day and year first above written. 

" Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of Asa Andrews, John 
L. Gage. 

"Charles C. Haspall. [seal] 
" NANcr Hascall." [seal] 

In the year 18-12 a plat of ground was deeded by John 
Beach to the county commis,siunei"s of Genesee County 
" commencing at the southeast corner of the town buryinsr- 
ground, heretofore deeded by Charles C. Ilascall to the 
board of health for the township of Flint, in the county of 
Genesee, State of Michigan, on tlie road leading from the 
village of Flint_^to E. S. Walker's; thence along the line of 
said buryiiig-ground to the northeast corner of said ground ; 
thence on a line parallel with the afore-menlioned road one 
chain eighty-one links; thence southerly to said road five 
chains and fifty-one links ; thence westerly on the line of 
said road one chain and eighty-one links to the place of be- 
ginning, containing one acre of land." This was, as the 
location of the plat would indicate, intended as an addition 
to the " Old Burial Ground." Some years later its di- 
mensions were found insufficient, and in 1878 a deed was 
given by Artenias Thayer and wile to the city of Flint of 
a second addition, described as follows : "All that certain 



piece or parcel of land in the Second Ward of the city of 
Flint, included in Vine Street, as platted between the north 
line of Orchard Street and the south line of Mill Street, 
also included in Summit Street, as phitlcd between the 
north lino of Orchard Street and the south line of Mill 
Street, all in ]']ast Flint, as platted by Thayer & Stewart." 
This burial-ground is still in use, and is free to all citi- 
zens who desire to use it as a place of interment. The city 
also allows individuals to inclose portions which may be 
selected with a neat fence or coping, and reserve it for 
family use. 

The dimensions of this burial-ground proving inadequate 
to the demands of the growing city of Flint, a number of 
gentlemen formed an association known as the " Glenwood 
Cemetery Association of the city of Flint," each member 
of the corporation being a subscriber to its stock. The 
original subscribers were as follows : B. Pearson, Jas. Hen- 
denson, Artcmas Thayer, A. JIcFarlan, Levi Walker, 5Ior- 
rison & Eddy, C. Roosevelt, George S. Hopkins, Wm. M. 
Fenton, Wm. M. Tliurber, F. R. Tracy, A. T. Crosman, 
J. B. Hamilton, E. S. Williams, William Clark, J. B. 
Clark, H. M. Henderson, G. Decker, George W. Fish, 
Beecher & Higgins, G. M. Dewey, Leonard Wesson, Bishop 
& Bro., L. G. Buckingham, Reuben SIcCreery, Warner 
Lake, G. J. W. Hill, E. H. Ilazelton, J. B. Walker, Wm. 
Stevenson, E. N. Pettee, G. W. Thayer, E. H. Thomson, 
W. ODonoughue, E. H. McQuigg, E. C. Turner, J. 
Hamilton. 

The first officers of the as.sociation were as follows: Pres- 
ident, Benjamin Pearson ; Vice-President, Henry M. Hen- 
derson ; Secretary, Leonard Wesson ; Treasurer, James 
Henderson ; Trustees, William M. Fenton, George M. 
Dewey, George S. Hopkins, Levi Walker, Edward H. 
Thomson, Grant Decker, Alexander McFarlan ; Civil En- 
gineer, George T. Clark ; Standing Committee on Grounds, 
Edward II. Thomson, Leonard Wesson, Geo. S. Iloiikins. 

The location of the cemetery grounds was tiie result of a 
careful and extensive survey of the entire vicinity of Flint. 
The original inclosure is nearly 4'2 acres. Broad, substan- 
tial roads, bordered on the declivities with paved gutters, 
furnish, at all seasons, a hard and pleasant carriage-path of 
a number of miles, and conduct the visitor to every part 
of the cemeter}'. Commodious and inviting foot-paths, 
still more numerous and extensive, wind round every hill 
and explore each dell and shady nook. The work of 
grading the entire grounds, involving a large amount of 
labor, has been prosecuted with a constant regard both to 
beauty and utility. 

The entire surface of the cemetery has been surveyed 
and divided into rectangular sections where practicable. 
By reference to the field-book in which these are all platted, 
and where the occupied lots are duly entered, every foot of 
ground within the inclosure may henceforth be defined or 
identified with absolute certainty. As another result of 
this survey, a new and large map has been made, and is 
now in use. The visitor may avail him.self of a plain and 
perfectly reliable chart, on which he will find depicted not 
only the numerous and various inequalities of these grounds, 
but all their avenues and paths clearly delineated and dis- 
tinctly named. 





George E. Taylor was born in Oakland Co., 
Midi., March 21, 1838. His father, Isaac R. Taylor, 
was from Pennsylvania ; his mother was a Davis, 
and born near Belfast, Ireland. They were early 
settlers in Oakland County, where he was engaged 
in hotel and mercantile business until 1850, when, 
in consequence of some unfortunate business trans- 
actions, he lost most of his property. He then came 
to Genesee County, and purchased one hundred and 
twenty acres of unimproved land in the town of 
Richfield, and commenced anew to make a farm 
and home. With poor health and a family of four 
children, the prospect was discouraging. The im- 
mediate subject of this sketch was then a lad of 
twelve years, and the oldest of the children. Upon 
him largely fell the burden of the family. He at- 
tended school at the log school-house near by, and 
finished his education at the academy at Clarkson, 
Oakland County. When eighteen years of age he 
commenced to teach school, and taught ten winters. 
When he was twenty-one he commenced the study 
of the law, and soon after, on Jan. 23, 1861, his 



father died, and he went home and took charge of the 
farm. Buying out the heirs, he commenced to make 
substantial improvements, building a large and fine 
residence, etc. ; he ha.s since added eighty acres of 
land, and now owns one of the finest farms in the 
county. 

Politically, Mr. Taylor is a Republican ; he was 
elected supervisor in 1865, and re-elected consecu- 
tively for eight years, at which time he was elected 
register of deeds for Genesee County, which office he 
held for six years. Since retiring from that office 
Mr. Taylor has been associated with Leroy Parker 
in the law and real-estate business, in the city of 
Flint. Mr. Taylor married Sarah E. Beardslee, of 
Oakland Comity, February, 1867. She died April, 
1868, leaving an infant child. He was again mar- 
ried, January, 1871, to Miss E. Freeman, by whom 
he has had two children. His mother resides at the 
homestead in Richfield, in good health and spirits. 

In social relations Mr. Taylor is genial and com- 
panionable, in business matters prompt and reliable, 
and as a citizen respected and influential. 



FLINT CITi!'. 



177 



Wliether considered in reference to its position of near- 
ness iind accessibility, tlie uvailableness of its entire surface 
for purposes of interment, the extent, the diversity, and 
the beauty of the grounds, its native and varied forest- 
growth, or the loveliness of its surrounding landscapes, 
Glenwood compares most favorably witli other rural ceme- 
teries. To tliese unsurpassed advantages derived from 
nature must also be added all wliich has been accomplished 
by the unremitting care and toil of human ingenuity. 

With tile results of tlie experiment thus far, as exiiibited 
in the improvements of tlie cemetery and its daily manage- 
ment, the community for whose benefit it was designed 
seems to be more than satisfied. 

A substantial receiving-vault has been constructed for 
use during the period wlien the frost.«? of winter make 
burial in the grounds impossible, and near the centre of 
the cemetery is a commodious chapel where services may 
be held. 

Tlie present officers of the a.ssociation are Alexander 
McFarlan, President; Russell Bishop, Vice-President; 
Frederick Tracy, Secretary ; E. H. McCjuigg, Treasurer ; 
K. II. Thomson, U. W. Hill, Jerome Eddy, B. F. S. Card, 
E. C. Turner, Leonard Wesson, W. O'Donoughue, Directors. 

CALVARY CEMETERY. 

Calvary Cemetery is the burial-place exclusively of the 
Homan Catholic population of the city of Flint, and is 
located on the Flusliing road, about two and a half miles 
from the city. It was purchased during the pastorate of 
Father Deceuninck, and embraces about six acres. It is 
modest in its pretensions, and, though in its general appear- 
ance it indicates care and thoughtfulness on the part of 
its owners, lays no claim to beauty of design or imposing 
memorial structures. 

CITY OFFICERS. 

The following is a list of the principal city ofiicers, from 
1855 to 1879, inclusive. 

Mayors. 
1855. Grant Decker. 
1850. Robert J. S. Page. 

1857. H. M. Henderson. 

1858. William M. Kenton. Charles Ilascall. 
1850. " " " " 
ISCO. Henry II. Cr.ipo. 
ISCI. E|.li. ••<. Williams. 
1862. William Patterson. 
1803. William Hamilton. 

1864. " " 

1865. Wm. B. McCrcury. " " 
1800. " " " " 

1867. Austin B. Witherbec. George R. Gold. 

1868. Samuel M. Axford. " " 
180'.). Wm. .S. Patrick. Anson S. Witheo. 

1870. James B. Walker. " " 

1871. Davi.l S. Fox. Chas. E. McAlest«r. 

1872. " " Franeis II. Rankin. 

1873. George II. Durnn.l. Solomon V. Hakes. 



Recordei-s.* 
Levi Walker. 
Chas. B. Hissins. 



Treasurers. 
Elihu F. Frary. 
John C. Gri.swoId. 
George F. Hood. 



Lewis G. Bickford. John A. Kline. 
L. R. Buckingham. ** *' 

Julius Brousseau. " " 

H. R. Lovell. 
Alvin T. Crosman. 



Anson S. With.ce. 



William W. Barnes. 



1874. " " 

1875. Alex. .McFarlan. 
1870. Wm. Hamilton. 

1877. Ediv. H. Thomson. 

1878. Jerome Ed<Iy. 

1879. James C. Willson. 



Francis II. Rankin. 



J. B. F. Curtis. 



Charles C. Beahan. 



Jared Van Vleet. 



* The olTicc of city recorder was abolished in 1876, and since that, 
timi- a i-i)y clerk hold?* odicc by appointment of the common cuuiicil. 



1857. 

185S. 
1859. 
1800. 
18C1. 
18G-2. 
1863. 
18G4. 
1805. 
186C. 
1807. 
1808. 
ISO'J. 
1S70. 
1871. 
1872. 
lS7:t. 
1S74. 
1875. 
1870. 
1877. 
1878. 
1870. 



SUPERVISORS. 

-50. Clmrli's N, Bccchor. city ut large. 
Geor^o S. Hopkins, city at large. 

First Ward. Seconil Ward. Third Ward. Fourth Ward. 

Fi-ancis Bilker. Win. II. Lyon. Goo. S. Hopkius. 



W.O'Donnughuc. S. N. Warren. 
D. S. Frccanin. " " 

John C. Clonu^nt. " " 



And'w B. Cliapin. 



L. G. Buckingham. 
G. S. Hopkins. 



P, H. Stewart. 
JosiaU W. Begolc. 

Paul U. Stewart. 
Wm. Patterson. 
Paul II. Stewart. 



Gen, E. Newall. 



D. S. Freeman. 
L. C. Whitney. 



Corn. Itooserclt. 



S. Mathewaon. 



Geo. W. Thayer. 
George L. Walker. 



.lolin Algoe. 
Kph. S. Williams. 
Jas. Van Vleet. 



Albert Crosby. 



1850. 
1857. 

1858. 

1850. 

18G0. 
1801. 
1802. 
1863. 

1864. 

1865. 

1860. 

1867. 

1868. 

1860. 

1870. 

1871. 

1S72. 

1873. 

1874. 

IS?.";. 

1876. 

1877. 

1878. 

1879. 



18,W. 
I8r>G. 
1*17. 
IS.'iK. 
18.59. 
1800. 



Fi 1st Ward. 
J. W. Armstrong. 
Geo. W. Dewey. 
H. W. Wood. 
C. S. Piiyne. 



Jno. C. Allen. 
C.S. Payne. 
Jno. C.Allen. 
Oscar Adams. 
Alex. McFarlan. 
Pavid S. Fox. 

0. F. For.«yth. 



ALDERMEN. 

Second Ward. Third Ward. 



Fourth Ward. 



Benj. Pearson. 
David Mather. 
Charles Rice. 



Wm. M, Fenton. 
A. T. Crosman. 
Henry T. Iliggins. 



Saml. N. Warren. Geo. W. Fish. 
Lewis AV.alker.f 
Saml. N. Warren. " '* 

Saml. It. Wicks. G. W. Skidmore. 
SaTnl. N. Warren, (i. W. Kisli. 
Saml. B. Wicks. J, Skidmore. 



Wm. Hamilton. 
Edw. i'. Turner. 
Wm. Hamilton. 
K. U. Turner. 
I. N. Eldridgo. 



Wni. Patterson. 
Wm. Clark. 
Paul II. Stewart. 

David Footo. 



Wm. Stevenson. Edw. C. Tcriior. Hiram Parsell. 

Geo. n. Dnrand. L. II. Roberts. David Foote. 

John Ilawley. " " " " 

Geo. H. Durand. I. N. Eldridge. Simmer Howard. 

Aimer Randall. Wni. Hamilton. Charles Smith. 

Geo. II. Durand. Orson B. Gibson. Sunmer Howard. 

Abner Randall. F. W.Judd. P.H.Pierce. 

M. S. Elumre. Wilson S. Tousey. W. O'Donoughue. 

" " " " " J. R. Clu-uiibers. 

Damon Stewart. J<»tin Willctt. AV. Buckingham. Chas. D. Smitli. 

Saml. C. Randall. " " Edw. B. Clapp. '• " 

Wm. Dnilani. J. B. F. Curtis. Josiali W. Bcgolo. James Williams. 

Benj. Cotliarin. " *' " '* " " 

.Saml. C. Randall. II. C. Spencer. P. Cleveland, Jr. Chas. D. Smith. 

Benj. Cotharin. J. B. F. Curtis. Wm. R. Morse. James Williams. 

Thomas Page. " " " " " 

Saml. C. Randall. Wm.Fobea. P. Cleveland, Jr. Chris. Becker. 

Chas. A. Mason. " " '* " " " 

Tlumias Pago. J. B. F. Curtis. Henry Brown. Clias. D. Smith. 

" " " " Wm. A. Atwood. " " 

Chas. A. Mason. Andrew J. Ward. Wm. A. Burr. J. Zimmerman. 

" " " " Henry C. Walker. " " 

Thomas Page. S. N. Androus. Wm. A. Atwood. Jos. M. tlorkey. 

Geo. L. Caldwell. Andrew J. Ward. S. 1. Beecher. A. R. Michaels. 



STREET COMMISSIONERS. 
First Ward. Sccoml Ward. Tliiid Ward. 

Wm. Moon. Wm. Eddy. John C. Griswold. 

Thos. McElhany. George Andrews. James McAlester. 
Wm. Baker. John A. Klino. John W. Palmer, 

.lolin S. Kyno. Benj. Peai-aou. Chas. II. Cudney. 

" " Elijah Diake. " " 

Benj. V. Goir. William Miller. " " 



Fourth Ward. 



t To fill vacancy. 



178 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Firet Wiird. Si-cond Ward. Third Ward. Fourth Ward 


1861. 


L. Brivlf..rd. S. C. Smith. 


Wm. Boomer. 


1802. 


A. M. Hurd. L. Buckingham. Josiah Pnitt. 


1863. 


L. H. Hobcrts 


James D. Hai^ht. 


1864. 


David AVat8(in. Thos. Simons. 


L. Buckingliam. 


1805. 


" " " " 


" " 


1806. 


Wm. W. Joyner. Leonard Wesson. Jacob B. Covert. 


1867. 


" Orson B. Gibson. Edmond Curtis. 


1808. 


Wm. 0. Bassctt. " " 


Wm. Boomer. 


1809. 


Jno. C. Clement. Josiah Pratt. 


Josiah Pratt. 


1870. 


Itobt. W. Dullam. L. H. IU.bcrts. 


Sibis Austin. 


1871. 


Robt. Patrick, Sr. " 


Almon Ueynolds. George Stanard. 


1872. 


S. B. Wicks. 


" " Henry Stanley. 


187.'!. 


" " Edmond Curtis. L. Biickinf;liam. Henry TIjayer. 


1874. 


" " " " 


Josiah Pratt. " " 


1875. 


" " •' " 


*' ** John Becker. 


1876. 


Jolin Andrews. " " 


Augustus Itoot. " " 


1877. 


" " " " 


John C. Dayton. D. C. Andi-ews. 


1S78. 


Thomas Sullivan. '* " 


M. H. Whitn. 


1879. 


Airred Ingalls 


William PiJd. 




JUSTICES OF 


THE PEACE. 


1S55 


— Charles Sc;pinour. 


1867-68.— Levi Walker. 




Levi AVnlker. 


1869.— L. G. Bickford. 




Lewis G. Bickford. 


Lewis Buckingham. 




Wiliard E<ldy. 


Levi Walker. 


1856 


—Paul H. Stewart. 


1870-71.— Wm. Stevenson. 


1S57 


—Lewis G. Bickford. 


Levi Walker. 


1858- 


-59.— Paul II. Stewart. 


L. G. Bickford. 




Charles Seymour. 


Nelson Norton. 




Lewis G. Bickford. 


1872.— Levi Walker. 




R. W. Jenny. 


L. G. Bickford. 


ISCO. 


—Peyton R. Cook. 


Lyman P. Andrews. 


1861. 


— Lewis G. Bickford. 


Wm. Stevenson. 


1862. 


— B. J. Lewis. 


1873.— L. G. Bickford. 


1863. 


— Lewis G. Bickford. 


Lyman P. Andrews. 




Peylon R. Cook. 


Samuel B. Wicks. 




William Blades. 


Wm. Stevenson. 


1864. 


— B. J. Lewis. 


1874-75. -Geo. M. Walker. 




L. 6. Bickford. 


Lewis G. Bickford. 




Wm. Blades. 


Charles H. Wisner. 




P. R. Cook. 


Wm. Stevenson. 


1865. 


— Levi Walker, 


1876. — Benjamin J. Lewis. 




B. J. Lewis. 


George M. Walker. 




L. G. Bickford. 


L. G. Bickford. 


1S66. — C. A. Pomrojr. 


Charles II. Wisner. 




Wm. Blades. 


1877-78.— Wm. Stevenson. 




Levi Walker. 


George M. Walker. 




L. G. Bickford. 


L. G. Bickford. 


1867-68.— L. G. Bickford. 


Chai-les II. Wisner. 




L. G. Buckingham. 


1879.— William Stevenson. 




Wm. Stevenson. 






MARS 


HALS. 


1855. 


— Cornelius Roosevelt. 


1864.— L. G. Buckingham. 


1856.- 


—Joshua Vose. 


1865-66.— J. D. Morehouse. 


1857.- 


—Nathaniel Dodge. 


1867-68.- .lohn S. Freeman. 


1858-59.— Cyrus U. Goff. 


1869-70.— William A. Miller. 


1860.- 


-George Andrews. 


1871-77.— Samuel B. Wicks. 


1861- 


62.— J. A. Owen. 


1878-79.— Michael Soran. 


1863.- 


— J. D. Morehouse. 





BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIA3I MATTHEW FENTON 

was born in Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., on the 19th of 
December, 1808. In 1826, while yet scarcely more than 
a boy, he graduated at Hamilton College, at the head of 
his class. In less than a year from his graduation he 
sailed from Charleston, S. C, as a common sailor. Four 
years later, when he decided to leave the seafaring life, he 



was first mate of a merchantman, and was offered the cap- 
taincy of a similar vessel, which position he declined. In 
April, 1835, he married a daughter of Judge James Bird- 
sail, of Norwich, N. Y., and in July of the same year set- 
tled at Pontiac, Oakland Co., where he engaged in mercan- 
tile busines.s with Robert Le Roy, Esq. 

In April, 1837, he removed to Genesee County, and settled 
in the village (then Dibbleville) which afterwards took his 
name. There he was first engaged in mercantile pursuits, 
milling, and real-estate transactions, but soon commenced 
preparation for the practice of the law, and was admitted to 
the bar in 18-12. In 18-14 he was the Democratic candi- 
date for Representative in the State Legislature, but was de- 
feated by the opposing candidate. In 1846 he was elected 
to the State Senate for the district composing the counties 
of Genesee, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston. While in 
the Legislature, he was active in securing the establishment 
of the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, 
and its location at Flint. In 1848 he was elected lieuten- 
ant-governor of the State, and was re-elected to the same 
office in 1850. In 1852, having removed to Flint, he was 
appointed by President Pierce register of the land-oflBce 
at that place, and held the position until the removal of 
the oflice to Saginaw. In the year 1856 he traveled with 
his family in Europe, and in 1858 was elected mayor of 
Flint, ill which posiliun his ability and good judgment 
did much for the good of the city and for all the public 
interests represented. 

When the great war of the Rebellion broke out, the 
voice of Mr. Feuton was raised for his country above the 
dill of party discord. He had been, and was, a Democrat, 
but he was also more than Democrat, or Republican, — he 
was a patriot ; and he instinctively dropped all considera- 
tions of party, and offered his services to his country in a 
way that proved his devotion most conclusively. When the 
first Michigan troops were called to organize for the field, he 
telegraphed to Governor Blair that five thousand dollars of 
his private means was at the disposal of the State for the 
equipment of the forces. Early in 1861 he was made 
major of the 7th Michigan Infantry ; but before being mus- 
tered in with that rank he was commissioned by Gov- 
ernor Blair colonel of the 8th Infantry. Col. Fenton pos- 
sessed extraordinary organizing and executive ability, and 
entered upon his work with such zeal and energy as to in- 
spire every officer and private in the regiment with a simi- 
lar spirit, and to cause the 8th to be organized, drilled, 
equipped, and led to the front with remarkable celerity. 
Of Col. Fenton's distinguished services as commander 
of the regiment, and of the brigade of which it formed a 
part, a more extended account is given with the history of 
the heroic 8th, to be found elsewhere in this volume. 

After two years of incessant service in the field, Col. Fen- 
ton was obliged to resign his commission on account of his 
ill health. On his return home he became the Democratic 
candidate for Governor, but that party was too much in the 
minority in Michigan to make his election possible. He 
then devoted himself to his profession, and to the details of 
his private business, among the enterprises of the latter 
being the erection of the block of stores and public hall 
which still bear his name in the city of Flint. In the 



FLINT CITY. 



179 



orjianiziitiun of the citj' government, Col. Fenton was 
chosen chief engineer of the Flint Fire Department, and 
his zeal in the performance of the duties of that office caused 
his death, on the 12th of November, 1871. On the pre- 
vious night he was summoned by an alarm of fire, and, in 
his haste, he ran against a post with such force as produced 
fatal internal injuries. ''This event ciist a gloom over the 
entire city. Resolutions expressive of the great sorrow felt 
by the community were adopted at a public meeting of 
citizens. Similar resolutions were adopted by the members 
of the bar, the common council of Flint, the fire depart- 
ment, and the Knights Templar Commandery, of which he 
was a member. On the day of liis funeral most of the 
business places in Flint were closed, and nearly all of them 
draped in mourning. He was a ripe scholar, an able law- 
yer, and a wise counselor. The elements of true manhood 
were combined in his character in such nearly perfect pro- 
portions that, as a man, a neighbor, friend, and Christian 
gentleman, he won the entire confidence of his fellow-citi- 
zens." He left a family of four children. His wife, his 
beloved com))anion during more than thirty years of mar- 
ried life, had died three years before him. 



GEN. M. D. McALESTKR. 

Miles D. McAlestcr was born March 21, 1833, at Bel- 
fast, Allegany Co., N. Y., and moved thence in 1830, with 
his parents, to Flint, Mich., where he resided at the time 
of his appointment to the Military Academy at West l^oint, 
in 1852. He graduated third in his class, and was made 
brevet second lieutenant, July 1, 185G. On the 1st of 
December in that year he was promoted to second lieutenant 
in the corps of engineers, and subsequently served as assist- 
ant engineer at Fort Taylor, Fla., to the Board of Engineers 
for Atlantic Coast Defenses, and on Fortifications in New 
York Harbor. In 1859 he was promoted to the charge, as 
superintending engineer, of the defenses of the city of New 
York, and in 18(!1, of the repairs at Fort Mifflin, Pa. 

In the early part of the great Rebellion, having just re- 
ceived his promotion as first lieutenant, he served with dis- 
tinction in the Army of the Potomac, first as assistant en- 
gineer on the defenses of Washington, then as chief engineer 
of the 3d Corps in the Peninsula, directing the con.struc- 
tion of field-works, and taking part in the battles of Wil- 
liamsburg, Fair Oaks, and Malvern Hill ; and for meri- 
torious services in this campaign received the brevets of 
major and lieutenant-colonel, July 1, 18G2. 

He served with the same army in the Maryland campaign 
of 18(J2, and was in the battles of South Mountain and An- 
tietam ; and at the close of the campaign Wiis transferred to 
the Department of the Ohio as its chief engineer, and re- 
mained in tliat duty till August, 1803, during which lime he 
was promoted to the grade of captain of engineers. A short 
respite from his arduous duties in the field was afforded him, 
by his detail as instructor of practical military engineering, and 
principal a.ssistai)t professor of engineering at West Point, 
in the fall of 18G3 ; but the exigencies of the campaign of 
1804 made his services again neces-sary to the arjny, and in 
June of that year he was ordered into the field in the South- 



west, where he served as chief engineer of the Military Di- 
vision of West Mississippi from July 15, 18G4, to July 16, 
1865, and from that time as chief engineer of the Depart- 
ment of Louisiana, being engaged in the sieges and capture 
of Forts Gaines and Morgan, and Spanish Fort, and also in 
the storming of Blakely, all in the Mobile campaign ; and 
for his gallant and meritorious services in these operations 
he received the brevets of colonel and brigadier-general. 
United States army. After the close of the war, Dec. 23, 
1865, he was made superintending engineer of the construc- 
tion of defenses of Ship Island, Miss., and New Orleans, 
and March 13, ISGG, received, in addition, charge of the 
dcfen.sos of Mobile and Pensacola, and of improvements of 
the mouths of the Mississippi. May 22, 1867, he was ap- 
pointed engineer of the Eighth Liglit-Hou.se District, and 
during the same year was superintending engineer of the 
survey of Bayou Manchac and the Amiie River, *ith view 
to the forming of first-class steamboat navigation between 
the Mi.ssissippi River and the Mississippi Sound. And in 
18G7 and '68 he superintended the survey of Galveston 
harbor, with view to its improvement. 

Gen. McAlester was married at Wilkes Barre, Pa., Oct. 15, 
1868, to Miss Louisa Bowman, daughter of Col. Bowman, 
formerly superintendent of the Military Academy at West 
Point. Shortly after his marriage he was assigned (Jan. 
1, 18G9) to duty as superintending engineer of Lake On- 
tario harbor works, and the modification and completion of 
Forts Ontario and Niagara, taking station at Buft'alo, N. Y., 
and was also appointed engineer of the Tenth Light-House 
District ; but before he had fairly entered on his ngw field 
of duty he was attacked with dysentery, which afterwards 
changed to intermittent typhoid fever, and finally, worn out 
by recurrence of combined attacks of both disorders, and 
completely exhausted by the unequal conflict, he passed 
calmly away, in the morning of April 23, 186!). His re- 
mains were interred at Wilkes Barre, Pa. The Army and 
Navy Jiiiirmil, in noticing the death of Gen. McAlester, 
said, " His record speaks for itself, and renders unnecessary 
further comment on the great loss which the army, and es- 
pecially his own corps, has sustained." 



GOVERNOR H. H. CRAPO. 

Henry Howland Crapo was born at Dartmouth, Bri.stol 
Co., Mas.s., May 24, 1804, and died at Flint, Genesee Co., 
]\Iich., July 22, 1869. He was of French ancestry. His 
father was a small farmer of Dartmouth. His educational 
advantages wore limited, and he was to a great extent self- 
educated. He early manifested a passion for literary pur- 
suits, studying night and day. When quite young he 
Wits given charge of the Dartmouth primary and high 
.schools, and passed a severe examination at the Friend.s' 
Academy, New Bedford, to which city he removed in '1832, 
and held several municipal offices, — among others tliat of 
police ju.sticc and treasurer of the city for several years. 
He was largely instrumental in the establishment of the 
free public library of New Bedford, tlie first institution of 
its kind in Ma.ssachnsetts. While a resident of New Bed- 
ford, AL-. Crapo ac(|uired (piite a taste for horticulture, 
established a nursery, and contributed by his pen to various 



180 



HISTORy OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



horticultural periodicals, as well as exhibiting; the produc- 
tions of his nurseries at local and district fairs. An aifcct- 
ing eulogy on Mr. Crapo's death was pronounced in 1869, 
by the president of the National Horticultural Society, at 
Philadelphia. During his residence in New Bedford he 
was engaged in the whaling business. He was colonel in 
the Massachusetts State militia, an officer of two insurance 
companies, and a compiler of the New Bedford City Di- 
rectory from 1836 to 1845. 

Mr. Crapo removed to Michigan in 1856, having made 
large investments in pine-lands many years before, making 
the city of Flint his home. Ho was largely engaged in 
the manufacture and sale of lumber at Flint, Fentonville, 
Holly, and Detroit, soon becoming one of the most success- 
ful business men of the State. He was the main promoter 
of the Flint and Holly Railroad, and was president of that 
road till its consolidation with the Flint and Pire Marquette 
Railway. He was mayor of Flint, and in 1862 was elected 
to the State Senate, taking rank among the leaders of that 
body, being chairman of the committee on banks and in- 
corporations, and a member of the committee on bounties 
to soldiers. He was elected Governor in 1864, when the 
war of the Rebellion was drawing to a close, and re-elected 
in 1866, filling the position with n)arked ability. 

The principal features of his administration wore the 
cordial and hearty support which he gave President Lincoln 
in cru.shing the Rebellion, his veto of the then popular 
mea.sure to permit the ruinous bonding of municipalities 
in aid of railroads, and his refu.sal to pardon convicts from 
the penitentiary unless upon the clearest proof of their 
innocence. Of his administration Judge Campbell says, 
" Governor Crapo was a very conscientious and valuable 
public servant, and his careful supervision saved the State 
from mismanagement in some of the multitudinous contracts 
which require almost the eyes of Argus to watch them. 
His great business experience and strict economy and integ- 
rity induced him to give a degree of personal supervision 
to the details of road-building and other outlay.s which was 
more than any one man could devote to such work without 
injury to himself. His untimely death was owing to 
neglect of health in attending to the details of public 
affairs." 

With his removal to Michigan Mr. Crapo did not lose 
his taste for rural affairs, horticulture, and agriculture. 
He had a farm of eleven hundred acres in the town of 
Gaines, which he reclaimed from a swamp, and made ex- 
tensive improvements thereon, stocking it with fine breeds 
of cattle and sheep, many of which were his own im- 
portation. The farmers of Genesee County chose him 
president of their society. He was a regular contributor 
on agricultural topics to the Albany Country Gentl-.man. 

In politics Mr. Crapo was originally a Whig, but became 
an active member of the Republican party when it was 
organized. 

Jan. 9, 1825, he married Miss Mary Ann Slocum. Her 
people were of the denomination of Friends. Her plain 
taste and frugal habits aided her husband and contributed 
largely to his success in life. She was benevolent and 
charitable to the poor. Slie, as well as Mr. Crapo, were 
members of the Christian, or Disciples' Church, of New 



Bedford. After coming to Flint they were identified with 
the Presbyterian Church. 

The unobtrusive pleasures of domestic life were Mr. 
Crapo's peculiar enjoyment. He was the kind father of a 
large and loving family of one son and nine daughters. The 
son, William W. Crapo, now represents the New Bedford, 
Mass., district in Congress. 



HON. ALEXANDER McFARLAN. 

Among the foremost men who have largely contributed 
to the building up of the city of Flint, the name of this 
gentleman stands second to none. His early life was a 
checkered one, constantly struggling with difficulties, which 
nothing but an indomitable will and unflagging perseverance 
and industry overcame. 

He was born on the 14lh day of February (St. Valen- 
tine's Day), A.D. 1812, in the town of Broadalbin, Mont- 
gomery County, State of New York, of Scotch parents. 
His father died when he was but a year old, leaving him- 
self and another child to the truest and best of mothers, 
who, like the father, had emigrated from old Scotland, and 
in whose veins ran the true " blood of the Covenanters" of 
her native land, and under whose guidance the education of 
the then youthful Alexander was committed. With the 
meagre advantages procured from a common district school, 
and with the ordinary certificate in his pocket that he 
" was graduated," he became himself a teacher at the enor- 
mous sum of ten dollars per month. 

It was in obedience to the wishes of his father (to his 
mother) that he and his brother should receive a good 
English education, and such as a new country afforded he 
obtained. 

At the early age of fourteen years he commenced learn- 
ing the trade, like a distinguished President of the United 
States, of a tanner, but soon afterwards, becoming dis- 
gusted with his new vocation, he went to the city of 
Rochester, and there became a student in one of the prin- 
cipal seminaries; and during his residence in Rochester 
boarded himself, and worked for his support each day three 
hours. Afterwards he taught school for two years, and 
then returned to finish the trade that he had abandoned, at 
Pavilion Centre, in the county of Genesee, in the State of 
New York, and while so doing earned less than a dollar a 
day, the greater part of which he subsequently lost by the 
financial embarrassment of his employer. Finding himself 
capable to carry on his trade, two Scotch countrymen came 
forward and generously advanced him one hundred and 
forty-three dollars, and with this small sum he started on 
the " voyage of life." The bu.siness of tanning by strict 
economj' produced a Aiir profit, and after the expiration 
of a two years' lease he surrendered it to the owner, with 
one thousand dollars in his pockets and over three hun- 
dred dollars in notes and accounts. 

At this time the great tidal wave of emigration had com- 
menced from the East to the West. Thousands of active 
young men, who knew no difficulties and obstacles but what 
perseverance and li<niesfi/ would surmount, followed the ju- 
dicious advice of the then leading journalist of the country. 




^ ^r^: 



f^X-^^-^Z-^l-n^ 




-"^g "iyEGWilliartsS-BroN^ 




FLINT CITY. 



181 



Horace Greeley, and journeyed West, and among the num- 
bers was Alexander McFarlan. 

The State of Indiana held out sceininijly great induce- 
ments for investing money in the purchase of lands. A 
purchase was made by Mr. McFarlan in fee-simple of over 
a half-section of laud situate on the celebrated Tippe- 
canoe River. Like a thousand of similar instances, it 
proved an unfortunate investment, for, after keeping it for 
over a quarter of a century, he realized from the sale of it 
less than one-half he had paid upon it for taxes. Fol- 
lowing the pathway made by the early French voyagcurs, 
he traveled on foot from Chicago to the head-waters of 
the Illinois River ; here he took a boat and proceeded to the 
city of St. Louis, thence down the Mississippi, and up 
the Ohio to its junction with the Alleghany and Mononga- 
hela Rivers, visiting St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh, 
then small villages and but sparsely populated. 

The time consumed in these wanderings took money, 
and with barely enough in his pocket he managed to reach 
Caledonia, Livingston Co., N. Y., and commenced anew at 
his trade of a tanner by hiring a building owned by a 
Scotchman of the name of Alexander Simpson, and, al- 
though he was successful for ten years and made money, the 
tannery caught fire and burned up; and though in pecu- 
niary matters he was a great loser, he soon found himself 
more than compensated, and not only captivated, but mar- 
ried, one of the owner's daughters, and who, after a period 
of over thirty-eight years of married life, still lives to be hi.s 
noble and loving helpmate. 

After a ten-years' residence in Caledonia, Mr. McFarlan 
moved to Alexander, remained ten years, and then with his 
family and with the hard-earned accumulations of fourteen 
years, came to Flint, in June, 1850. He soon afterwards 
jmreha.sed a one-half interest in the unfinished steam saw- 
mill of G. H. Hazeltcn. This was destroyed by fire the 
following year, when, in order to make good his original 
iiivestraeiit and protect himself, he purchased the remaining 
interest, and commenced without delay in erecting a larger 
steam-mill, which ran with great success for a period of 
twelve years, when it was again destroyed by fire. 

Again Wiis called into requisition the indomitable will 
and nil desperamlani of the owner ; a third mill was speed- 
ily in its place, containing all the new improvements con- 
nected with the business of making lumber. 

Mr. McFarlan became readily pos.sessed of a fortune at 
this period, when, for the fourth time, the all-devouring 
element of fire, after eight years of wonderful success, not 
only destroyed his mill, but, with the large amount of lum- 
ber burnt and otherwise rendered nearly valueless, entailed 
a loss of over one hundred thousand dollars. 

I'hocnix-like, another mill was built, more complete than 
any previous one, which is now in operation to its utmost 
capacity, and again has success crowned his untiring labors. 
It is fairly estimated that during his residence in Flint his 
various mills have cut over one hundred million feet of pine 
lumber. 

Mr. McFarlan is the owner of large tracts of pine-lands 
in various jiarts of the State. Within the limits of the 
city of Flit)t he has a very heavy and valuable interest in 
the First Ward, having become the purchaser and owner of 



a one-third portion of the Payne property, the entire cost 
of which was one hundred and twenty thousand dollars. 
He is the president of the " Citizens' National Bank," and 
is its largest stockholder. He has been one of the aldermen 
of the city, and in 1870, the centennial year, became its 
popular mayor. As an agriculturist, he is the owner of 
some of the most valuable farms in the county. 

In all the relations of life " honesty and economy" have 
been his motto, and these two cardinal principles are seen 
in his everyday walks of life. 

Shunning ostentation of every kind, he seeks home for his 
happiness, and here, surrounded by his family, he finds his 
greatest enjoyment. His family now consists of his wife 
and three children — two daughters and one son — and two 
sons-in-law, the latter managing largely the practical por- 
tion of his business. 

In business matters, Mr. McFarlan is a man of large dis- 
cernment, of most excellent judgment, firm and decided in 
his opinions, and, above all, resolute in the execution of his 
plans, and in all of his principles, whether religious or polit- 
ical, is as firm as the granite hills of old Scotland. 



HON. JOSIAII W. BEGOLE. 

This gentleman was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 
20, ISl.'j. His parental ancestors were French, and set- 
tled at an early period in Hagerstown, Md. His maternal 
grandfather, Capt. Bolles, of the same place, was an officer 
in the war of the Revolution. At the beginning of the 
present century, both of the grandparents of IMr. Begole, 
becoming dissatisfied with the institution of slavery, al- 
though themselves slaveholders, emigrated to Livingston 
Co., N. Y , then a new country, accompanied by a number 
of their former slaves. Mr. Begole's father was born in 
Maryland in 178G ; was a non-commissioned officer in the 
war of 1812, and married a daughter of Capt. Bolles in 
1814. One year after the birth of Josiah Begole, his 
father moved to Mount Morris, where the son received his 
early education in a log school-house, and subsequently at 
the academy at Temple Hill, in Genesee County. 

In August, 183G, Mr. Begole emigrated to Genesee 
Co., Mich. 

During the winter of 1837 and 1838 he was engaged in 
school-teaching. In the spring of 1839 he married Mi.ss 
Harriet A. Miles, daughter of Manly Miles, formerly from 
Connecticut, and commenced work on a new and unim- 
proved farm. From that time onward his progress was 
steady, until he became the owner of a well-cultivated farm 
of five hundred acres. 

Mr. Begole has served his townsmen in the capacity of 
school inspector and justice of the peace. In 185C he was 
elected county treasurer, holding the office four successive 
terms, and during the civil war. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he took an active 
part in recruiting, furnishing supplies to the army, and 
looking after the interests of soldiers' families. The death 
of his eldest son, near Atlanta, by a Confederate bullet, in 
18G4, was the greatest bereavement of his life. In 1871 
he was nominated by acclamation for State senator, and was 



182 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



elected by a large majority. In that body he served on the 
committees of finance and railroads, and was chairman of the 
committee on the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb and 
the Blind. He took a liberal and public-spirited view of the 
question of a new capital of the State, and was an active 
member of the committee which drafted the bill for the es- 
tablishment of the same. He was a delcLcate to the National 
llepublican convention held at Philadelphia in 1872. In 
the same year he was elected a representative from Michi- 
gan to the Forty-third Congress, in which body he was a 
member of the committees on agriculture and public ex- 
penditures, and took an eflScient, thougli unobtrusive, part 
in all its proceedings. Since the close of his Congressional 
term lie has devoted his entire time to his large and pros- 
perous business. 



GEORGE M. DEWEY. 

The life of this gentleman has been comparatively un- 
eventful, marked by few incidents .save such as occur in the 
life of every successful business man. Industriou.s, saga- 
cious, and enterprising, and so thoroughly identified with 
the material interests and development of Genesee County 
that a sketch of his life will be appropriate at this time 
and in this connection. 

Mr. Dewey was born at Canandaigua, N. Y., Jan. 1, 
1817. His father, Ebenczer B. Dewey, was from Vermont, 
and returned to that State in 1822, where he was largely 
interested in staging between Albany and Montreal. In 
1848 he came to Genesee Co., Mich., where he now resides 
on a farm in Mount Morris, at the advanced age of ninety 
years. 

The immediate subject of this sketch was educated at 
the Royalton Acadamy, Vermont. After leaving school he 
was clerk for his father in the stage-office until 1837, when 



he came to Michigan, stopping at Detroit one year. He 
came to Flint in the fall of 1838, with a stock of goods, 
and opened a general store, in which business he continued 
until 1843, when he sold the stock and good-will to his 
brothers, Charles E. and D. D. Dewey. 

When Mr. Dewey commenced business at Flint, the In- 
dians were not only numerous but well represented among 
his customers, bringing to him their characteristic com- 
modity, furs, which were exchanged for goods, and con- 
stituted an important part of the commerce of the country. 
Mr. Dewey saw in the fertile soil and dense forests of the 
new country future wealth, and commenced buying land 
soon after his arrival. He has continued to purchase and 
sell lands from that time to the present, making it the busi- 
ness of his life, and being one of the largest land-owners in 
the State. He has also been largely interested in agricul- 
ture; has improved and now owns several fine farms. The 
home, or " Dewey farm," in Mount Morris embraces more 
than six hundred acres improved. He was one of the first 
to advocate the formation of a county agricultural society. 
He was also one of the projectors of the Flint and Pere 
Marquette Railroad, and was its first president. 

Politically, Mr. Dewey is a Republican, and although not 
an ofiice-seeker he has been honored with several important 
positions, notable among which was that of Receiver of 
Public Money for the United States Land-office at Flint, 
under Presidents Taylor and Fillmore. 

In 1848, Mr. Duwey married Miss Ellen, youngest 
daughter of Judge Simeon Cumming.s, of Batavia, N. Y. 
Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have been identified with St. Paul's 
Church at Flint since its organization ; he has served as 
vestryman, assisted in building the first church, and con- 
tributed liberally towards the erection of the present church 
edifice. In social relations Mr.- Dewey is genial and com- 
panionable ; in business matters prompt and reliable ; and 
as a citizen, respected and influential. 



1 



i 



HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS OF GENESEE COUNTY. 



FLINT TOWNSHIP. 



The township of Flint w.xs ori<;inally organized in 1836, 
by act of Legislature, from " all that part of the county 
embraced in surveyed townships 7, 8, and 9 north, in 
ranges 5, 6, and 7 east," and the first township-meeting was 
lield at the house of Wait Beach, at the Flint llivcr settle- 
ment. In the year 1855 the city became a separate cor- 
poration, and the territory of the township was divided, — 
the west half retaining the name of Flint, and the east 
half receiving the name of Burton. 

This history of the township is so closely allied to the 
early history of the city that it is difficult to define the line 
which separates them, and the interest which attaches to 
the settlement of the township is so entirely absorbed by 
the city record as to leave but a mere mention of the arrival 
of early settlers, — their location and the story of early strug- 
gles, persevering effort, and a final condition of compe- 
tence, as the reward of their industry. The township as it 
at present exists, together with its early settlement, will 
be described and the original entries given, which were as 
follows : 

Section 1. 

Acres, 

Luther Dickenson, June 9, 18.14 94.44 

" " Oct. 8. 1835 80.80 

John P. Kellogg. May 9. IS'JD IGO 

Robert Mathus, Jan. 2B, 1836 80 

Section 2. 

Daniel Curtis, Dec. 17, 1834 40 

John 1'. Kellogg, M.ay 19, IS.'So 80 

" " Aug. 1, 183a 34.92 

Pcnbody I'raK, July 10, 1835 61.92 

John Pick, Dec. 9, 1S34 157.30 

Josiah Kellogg, Jr., March 19, 1836 40 

Simeon M. Johneim, Juno 28, 1836 40 

Jason Swift, ** " 120 

Sk<tio.v 3. 
David M. Jcwctt, May 27, 1836 J37.56 

Skition 4. 

Nathan M. Miles. June 5, 1833 139.94 

Andrew Ilynlcip, July 13, 1835 158.70 

Wm. \V. Urewster, Oct. 12, 1835 45.1)5 

Section 5. 

Nathan M. Miles, June 5, 18.33 65.24 

Levi Gilkcy, Aug. 21, 1833 50.04 

John I'altm, June 17, 18.34 (55 74 

" Sept. 2, 18.34 i.!!.'.'."!.' 47!52 

Daniel Sullivan, Oct. 25, 1834 39.65 

llussell Welsh, June 3, 1835 38.77 

" " June 9, 1835 39.82 

John Orecnficlil, Aug. 5, IS35 153.87 

Sept. II, 1835 .''.... SO 

Levi (iilkey. May 3U, 1835 38.77 



Section 6. 

Acres. 

Niithanicl Nelson, Sept. 11, 18.33 15.30 

llonry ('"hh, March 30, 1835 80.47 

Dudley Hrowu, May 26, 1835 136 

Anson (Jilhcrt, June 21, 1836 160 

Robert Mathes, Juno 21, 1836 74.66 

Henry Diamond, May 25, 1S36 147.48 

Section 7. 

Tho?. L. L. Rront, March 28, 1836 160 

Caty K. ISalding. April Hi, 1836 80 

Robt. II. Wallis. June 4, IS36 117.20 

J. R. liowman, June 13, 1836 149 

Wm. Lockver, July 6, 1836 40 

Thos. J. Drake, July 16, 1836 40 

Section 8. 

John Evnns, Nov. 9, 1835 80 

AVilliam Tilton, J.an. 8, 1836 40 

John (iroenliclil, Jan. 25, 1836 40 

Norton Cronk, March 28, 1836 40 

T. L. L. l!rcn(, " " 160 

John Taylor, April 1, 1S36 120 

Section 9. 

Wni. W. Brewster, Oct. 12,1835 129.5S 

Wm. Tilton, Jan. 8,1836 SO 

W. Barclay, and Greenfield, June 13, 1836 113.59 

Section 10. — RcHervalwu. 



Section 11. 
Oliver G. Wesson, Dec. 16, 18.35 206 

Section 12. 
Oliver 0. Wesson, Dec. 16, 1835 44.71 

Section 13. — JlcKcrvalimi. 

Section 14. — Heserratitm. 

Section 15. 
Thomas L. L. Brent, March 28, 1836 153.72 

Section 16. — Public S<hoot LundK. 

Section 17. 

David McDonald, April 25, 18.36 80 

John and Thos. Kenedy, April 25, 1836 160 

Royal Chainberlin, Mny 2. IS36 160 

May'27, 1836 SO 

James Wadsworlh, Jiily 7, 1836 80 

Royal Chnmberlin, May 4, 1836 80 

Section IS. 

flinlon D. Cuddehack, Juno 3, 18.36 149.44 

Henry Si)encer, July 7, 1830 149.80 

Jiimes Wad.-<worth, " " 240 

ThoB. J. Drake, July 16, 1836 80 

183 



184 



HISTORY OF GENP]SEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Section 19. 

Acres. 

Thom.is SInde. JuDe 2, 18.36 SO 

Iliniuiin Roxfonl, Se|)t. 12, 1836 SO 

Eh.n aiul Ik-nry FreU(;h, Oct. 1 1, 18.36 70.41 

Will. B. Clifloi-.l, " " 80 

Elwizcr 0. Belknnp, " " 160 

0. D. Richardson, Oct. 19, 1836 ... 152 

Section 20. 

John anil Thos. Kennedy, April 2o. 1S36 160 

Royal t'hainbcrlin. May 25, 1836 160 

David M. Jewilt, May 27, 1836 160 

Thomas Slade, Juno 2, 1836 SO 

Thomas J. Drake, June 16, 1836 SO 

Sectiom 21. 

John D. Melntirc, April 25, 18.36 240 

John and Thos. Kennedy, April 25, 1336 400 

Section 22. 

Jlorrison Paulding, ) 

D. S. Hickcox, ^ Jan. 1, 1836 80 

AVm. P. Patrick, J 

Calvin Hotchkiss, Jan. 4, 1836 75.05 

Wm. Pavne, March 28, 1836 80 

John D. Mclntiro, April 25, 1836 80 

Daniel McKercher, " " 160 

Archibald Kennedy, " " 160 

Section 23. 

Alonzo Torroy, July 21,1835 80 

John Gotten, Sept. 21, 1S35 80 

Timothy Walklcy, Nov. 19, IS44 80 

Morrison Paulding,") 

D. S. Ilickco.'C, [• Jan. 1,1836 137.12 

Win. P. Patrick, J 

Calvin HoteUkiss, Jan. 4, 1836 94.26 

Section 24. 

Jesse Torrcy, July 21, 1S35 397.91 

Section 25. 

Elijah Carmen, June 9, 1835 SO 

Joseph Carmoii, Sept. 1, 1835 80 

John Boaiiian, Sept. 21, 1835 160 

Asa Torrev, Oct. 29, 1835 80 

Margaret Moon, Jan. 23, 1836 80 

Wm. Moon, " " 80 

Alonzo Torrey, April 2, 1836 SO 

Section 26. 

Lysander Phillips, Sept. 16, 1835 80 

Jeremiah Relsey, Sept. 17, 1835 160 

Hiram Judd, Oct. 19, 1835 80 

Delia Walklev, March 22. 1830 SO 

Thos. L. h. Brent, March 28, 1836 80 

Juba Barrows, M.ay 4, 1836 80 

Joseph Nichols, May 6, 1836 80 

Section 27. 

Jesse AVclch, Oct. 29, 1835 40 

.Tames M. Welch, Dec. 26, 1835 40 

Timothy Walklcy, March 28, 1836 160 

William Bondle, " " 80 

Willard Eddy, " " 80 

Thomas L. L. Brent, " " 80 

James Warren, May 6, 1836 80 

Uenry Warren, " " 80 

Section 28. 

William Bondle, March 28,1836 240 

George Crocker, ** " 160 

Williiim Bendio, April 4, 18.36 80 

Nalh:in C. Dayton, M.ay 2, 1836 SO 

P. G. Cochrane, "" " SO 

Section 29. 

David McDonald, April 25, 1836 320 

H. M. Henderson, May 30, 1836 160 

Orion Blodget, June 2, 1836 160 

Section 30. 

H. M. Henderson, May 30, 1836 80 

Edmund F. Opps, '" " 236.12 

Mark Ilcaly and B. B. Kerchoval, May 31, 1836.. 314.68 



Section 31. 

Acres. 

John W. McNair, May 30, 1836 318.88 

George .J.aspersoil, June 10, 1836 159.50 

Erastus Cash, June 25, 1836 160 

Section 32. 

Timothy Walklcy, April 0, 1S36 80 

John D. Tolc, June 1, 1836 240 

Hiram Wright, June 25, 1836 160 

Erastus Cash, " *' 160 

Section 33. 

George Crocker, March 28, 1836 160 

Jolin T'horne, " *' 80 

Willard Eddy, " " 160 

George Crocker, April 4, 1836 80 

Jonathan Shearer, May 6, 1836 160 

Section 34. 

T. G. Ilolden, May 4, 1836 160 

Juha Barrows, " " 160 

William A. Rup]!, May 4, 18.36 160 

Amaiidcr Gardner, Julv 5, 1836 80 

Thomas H. Perkins, July 6, 1836 80 

Section 35. 

William N. Stanard, April 22, 1836 400 

Timothy Walklev, May 20, 1836 80 

John Keale, May 26, 1836 120 

M. Hcaly and B. B. Kerchoval, May 31, 1836... 40 

An effort has been made to obtain the early records of 
the township from its organization, but the most diligent 
search has failed to discover any book of records earlier 
than 1 854. When the city was set apart some discussion 
arose as to which organization should have the custody of 
the old records, each having claimed them. It was finally 
determined that Flint township was entitled to them, and 
they were consequently accorded her. The present clerk has 
never had them in his custody ; the oldest township official 
has no knowledge of them ; neither are they to be found 
among the archives of Burton or the city of Flint. The 
historian also applied to the county clerk for aid, but was 
successful only in obtaining a list of the supervisors from 
1836, and not finding the memory of any old settler sufii- 
ciently retentive to fill in the blank, submits the fragment- 
ary list as the best obtainable : 

1836-37. — Lyman Stow, Supervisor. 

1838.— Robert F. Stage, Suijcrvisor. 

1839-41. — No supervisor's name recorded, 

1842. — John L. Gage, Supervisor. 

1843. — G. H. Hazeltou, Supervisor. 

1844. — John L. Gage. Supervisor. 

1845-46. — William Patterson, Supervisor. 

1847. — Williiim M. Fcnton, Supervisor. 

1848-49.— John L. Gage, Supervisor. 

1850. — A. P. Davis, Supervisor. 

1851. — Wiiliam Patterson, Supervisor. 

1852-53. — Porter Ilazelton, Supervisor. 

1854. — William Patterson, Supervisor; John C. Griswold, Treasurer) 
Daniel S. Freeman, William S. Crandell, Justices of the 
Peace; Orville D. Chapman, Township Clerk: William 
Gage, Highway Commissioner ; Robert D. Lamond, School 
Inspector ; John Dclbridge, Daniel Mathew, Overseers of the 
Poor; Alonzo Cary, Philo Fairchild, D. L. Nash, and M. 
Ide, Constables. 

1855. — John L. Gage, Supervisor; Harlow Whittlesey, Township 
Clerk; Daniel Torrey, Treasurer; Robert P. Aitkin, H. G. 
Conger, Abel S. Donclson, Chandler H. Rockwood, Justices 
of the Peace; William Boomer, Highway Commissioner; 
Dwight Frost, Daniel McKercher, School Inspectors; Lewis 
Buckingham, Lysander Phillips, Directors of the Poor; An- 
drew J. Eggleston, Charles R. Bristol, Dewitt Parker, Jacob 
Eldridge, Constables. 





Ira D.Wright. 



MRS. IRA D.Wright. 



IRA D. WRIGHT. 



Ira D. Wright, one of the founders of the city of Flint, 
was born in Washington, N. H., August 3, 1809. His 
father, William Wright, moved with his family to Genesee 
Co., N. Y., where he carried on the business of farming, 
in connection with tanning and shoemaking, until 1837, 
when he died, leaving four sons and three daughters. 

In 1834, Ira D. Wright, Robert F. Stage, and A. C. 
Stevens came to Flint, and purchased some three thou- 
sand acres of land in Genesee County, including a tract 
of two hundred acres which embraced what is now a 
portion of the city of Flint, lying between Court Street 
and the river, and east of Saginaw Street. Upon this 
land no improvements had been made. They at once 
employed men to clear a i)ortion of this tract, and re- 
turned to the State of New York. 

The next spring Mr. Stage and Mr. Wright came 
on and commenced the improvement of their property. 
In October, 1835, they opened the first general store in 
the county, at Grand Blanc, and were thus engaged 
until a suitable building could be erected at Flint, which 
was done, and the goods moved to Flint the following 
June. This building had an upper room where the 
pioneers, without regard to sect or creed, met for their 
deliberations. 

Messrs. Stage and Wright have also the honor of erect- 
ing the first building for school purposes in Flint. 
This was a board shanty, twelve by sixteen feet, erected 
in 1836, on the east side of Saginaw Street. They 



employed Mi.ss Philinda Overton, and furnished free 
education to the rising pioneers. There was an attend- 
ance of twelve scholars, and the school was maintained 
for two terras, when a school-house was erected. About 
this time they built a saw-mill wiiere the old mill now 
stands, just above Hamilton's flouring-mill. This was 
the first mill on the Flint River. 

In 1840, Messrs. Stage, Wright, Payne, and Mor- 
rison, built a large mill on the north side of the river 
on the site now occupied by the Crapo mill. This they 
operated for six or seven years, when Mr. Wright turned 
his attention to dealing in lands. He was appointed 
timber agent for the government, the duties of which 
office took him through all the forests of Michigan, 
giving him a valuable experience. He made several 
trips with Prof. Houghton, and assisted in selecting the 
Salt Springs lands, the Internal Improvement lands, 
and others. 

In 1853 he moved to the farm where he now resides, 
— adjoining the city, — and since that time has made 
farming his avocation. 

In 1842 he was married to Miss Marietta Ingersoll, 
daughter of Peter Ingersoll, who settled in Oakland 
County in 1836; was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and participated in all the battles of the frontier under 
Gen. Scott; the last few years of his life were 8{)ent 
with his daughter, Mrs. Wright; he died April, 1869, 
in his seventy-eighth year. 



FLINT TOWNSHIP. 



185 



1S56. — R. P. Aitkin, Supervisor; D. McKcrcher, Township Clerk; 
Clark Boumer, Treasurer: William J. Colvin, Commissioner 
of Highways; Elijah D. Farnham, Charles C. Parrish, 
School Inspectors; Thomas II. Be^ole, Abel S. Donelson, 
Directors of the Poor; Lorenzo 1). Mortie, Horace Bristol, 
Lewis Buckingham, Justices of the Peace; Andrew Fau- 
cheon, Theodore Tupper, Henry Bristol, Abram D. Cudney, 
Constables. 
1857. — Robert W. Duthim, Supervisor; Thomas 11. Ncsbitt, Town- 
ship Clerk: Marvin Tupper, Treasurer; Andrew Hyslop, 
Justice of the Peace; George Crocker, Highway Commis- 
sioner: John Russell, School Inspector; Lysander Phillips, 
Dewitt C. Cuddeback, Directors of the Poor; William V. 
Hilton, Philip Washburn, Corydon Cronk, John Lane, Jr., 
Constables. 
ISbS, — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Brookins, Township 
Clerk; Lyman M. Murray, Treasurer; Elijah Faruham, 
School Inspector; Fred. A. Begole, Justice of the Peace; 
Lysander Phillips, Roswcll Hilton, Directors of the Poor; 
George Persons, Highway Commissioner; Epbraim Foster, 
Henry Bristol, AVilliam V. Hilton, Abram D. Cudney, Con- 
stables. 
1859. — R. P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Brookins, Township Clerk; 
Lyman M. Murray. Treasurer; John Russell, School In- 
spector; George C. Murray, Highway Commissioner; Ben- 
jamin Boomer, Sr., Horace Bristol, Directors of the Poor; 
George F. Hood, Justice of the Peace ; Henry Bristol, Fran- 
cis F. Brewer, Martin Cuddcback, Constables. 
ISGO. — Robert P. Aitkin, Sujiervisor; John Brookins, Township 
Clerk: Lyman M. Murray, Treasurer; Thomas Partridge, 
Justice of the Peace; George Crocker, Highway Commis- 
sioner; Barnabas M. Fay, School Inspector; Ephraim 
Foster, Jesse Birdsall, Harman W. Whitney, William Part- 
ridge, Constables. 
I8G1. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Brookins, Township 
Clerk; Lyman M. Murray, Treai^urer; Andrew Hyslop, 
Isaac N. Robinson, Justices of the Peace; A. Clark Merritt, 
School Inspector; Peter Sellers, Ilighwjiy Commissioner; 
AVilliam Turver, M'illiam Parkhurst, Squire E. Foster, Ben- 
jamin Boomer, Constables. 
1862. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor: John Brookins, Township 
Clerk; Lyman M. Murray, Treasurer; Barnabas M. Fay, 
School Inspector; Marvin B. Person, Highway Commis- 
sioner; Frederic A. Begole, Justice of the Peace; Benja- 
min Boomer, Jr., John Hodge, De Witt C. Cuddeback, Wm. 
V. Hilton, Constables. 
1863. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; Charles M. Williams, Township 
Clerk; Lyman M. Murray, Treasurer; John Russell, School 
Inspector; John Brookins, Highway Commissioner ; Isaac 
N. Robinson, E. M. Tupper, Justices of the Peace; Stephen 
Hempsted, Henry C. Gilbert, David Rush, Benjamin B. 
Boomer, Constables. 
1864. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Brookins, Township 
Clerk; Lyman M. Murray, Treasurer; Abel S. Donelson, 
Justice of the Peace; John M. Dresser, Highway Commis- 
sioner; A. Clark Merritt, Barnabas M. Fay, School Inspec- 
tors; Albert Van Slyke, Benjamin Boomer, Stephen Hemp- 
sted, Henry C. Gilbert, Constiibles. 
1866. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor: Leander Church, Township 
Clerk; Horace Bristol, Treasurer ; John Russell, School In- 
spector; Horace J. Brockway, Henry C. Van Tifflin, High- 
way Commissioners; Andrew Hyslop, Justice of the Peace; 
Charles Rice, Horace J. Brockway, Stephen Hempsted, Ben- 
jamin Boomer, Constables. 
1866. — R. P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Wilson, Township Clerk; 
John Brookins, Treasurer; W. J. Cronk, School Inspector; 
Geo. Crocker, Highway Commissioner; Edw:inl M. Tupper, 
Justice of the Peace; James Funcheon, Thos. D. Partridge, 
Stephen Hempsted, A. Van Slyke, Constables. 
1867. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John Wilson, Township Clerk; 
Andrew Hyslop, Treasurer; Edward M. Tupper, Scho«»I In- 
spector; Philip Bcttcsworth, Isaac N. Robinson, Highway 
Commissioners; Isaac N. Robinson, Justice of the l*eacc ; 
David Persons, Horace B. Boomer, Wm. V. Hilton, Warren 
Buckley, Conslablcs. 

24 



1868. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; John AVilson, Andrew Hyslop, 
Treasurers; George L. Walker, School Inspector; Clark 
Boomer, Highway Commissioner; Abram S. Donelson, 
Justice of the Peace; Benjamin Boomer, Newall Bristol, 
Eli'ha Brewer, Stephen Hempsted, Constables. 

1369. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; George F. Hood, Township 
Clerk; John II, Carey, Treasurer; Edward M. Tupper, 
School Inspector; Lyman P. Andrews, Highway Commis- 
sir)ner; Marvin B. Persons, Justice of the Peace; Horace 
B. Boomer, Wm. H. Utley, James Williams, Eugene Curtis, 
Constables. 

1870. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; James Williams, Township 
Clerk; John H. Carey, Treasurer; George Walker, School 
Inspector; Philip Bcltcsworth, Highway Commissioner; 
Edward M. Tupper, Charles Rice, Justices of the Peace; 
Brivdford G. Reed, Oliver Dye, George Darling, Abrum V. 
Green, Constables. 

1871.— R.P.Aitkin, Supervisor; William H. Aitkin, Township Clerk; 
Mortimer Carter, Treasurer; E. A. Brewer, School Inspector; 
Clark Boomer, Alfred Gifford, Highway Commissioners; 
Hugh Nichols, Justice of the Peace; Bradford G. Roed, 
Henry Olds, George Pci-sons, Horace B. Boomer, Consta- 
bles. 

1872. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; William Ransom, Mortimer 
Carter, Treasurers; Minor S. Newhall, School Inspector; 
Alfred Gififord, Highway Commissioner; John H. Gotshall, 
Dram Commissioner; Frederick A. Begole, Samuel Bickley, 
Justices of the Peace ; Bradford G. Reed, Horace B. Boomer, 
Samuel Bickley, James Begole, Constables. 

1373. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; Thomas H. Nesbitt, Township 
Clerk; E. A. Brewer, Treasurer; Stephen R. Hall, Highway 
Commissioner; John C. Vincent, Justice of the Peace; 
James M. Torrey, School Inspector ; Henry C. Gilbert, Drain 
Coinmi.-sioner; Peter Gordon, Horace B. Boomer, Samuel 
Sellers, George Utley, Sr., Constables. 

1374. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor: A. Torrey, Township Clerk : E, 
A. Brewer, Treasurer; Minor S. Newall, School Inspector; 
John Mackin, Highway Commissioner; Albert Torrey, Drain 
Commissioner; Edward M. Tupper, Justice of the Peace; 
William II. Darling, Samuel Bickley, William D. Johnston, 
Peter Gordon, Constables. 

1875- — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; Andre Torrey, Township Clerk; 
Stephen R. Hall, Treasurer; Clark Boomer, Justice of the 
Peace; James M. Torrey, Superintendent of Schools; S. 
Eugene AVarner, School Inspector; Hugh Nichols, Highway 
Commissioner; Milo Donelson, Drain Commissioner; Hor- 
ace Boomer, Robert Ellsworth, Bradford G. Reed, Peter 
Gordon, Constables. 

1876. — Robert P. Aitkin, Supervisor; Thoma.s II. Ncsbitt, Township 
Clerk; Stephen R. Hall, Treasurer; James M. Torrey, Su- 
perintendent of Schools ; Hugh Nichols, Highway Commis- 
sioner; Milo Donelson. Drain Commissioner; F. A. Begole, 
Justice of the Peace; Wm. Blackinton, Peter (Jordon, Hor- 
ace B. Boomer, W. I). Juhnston, Alvaro Boucher, Constables. 

1877. — Thomas U. Nesbitt, Supervisor; James M. Torrey, Township 
Clerk ; Andre Torrey, Treasurer; B. H. J. Jackson, School 
Inspector; Robert A. Blackinton, Superintendent of Sciiools; 
Hugh Nichols, Commissioner of Highxvays; John C. Vin- 
cent, Drain Commissioner; John Mackin, Justice of the 
Peace; Peter Gordon, Hiram Hull, George Sellers, William 
Welch, Constables. 

1378. — Thomas H. Nesbitt, Supervisor; Robert A. Blackinton, Town- 
ship Clerk; Andre Torrey, Trea-surer; Zorrie House, Super- 
intendent of Schools; Calvin C. Warner, School Inspector; 
Hugh Nichols, Highway Commissioner; William A. Colmer, 
Drain Commissioner; John H. Carey, Justice of the Peace; 
Peter Gordon, John Signer, Cbas. McElhany, George Bot'.es- 
worth, Constables. 
1379. — Thomas il. Ncsbitt, Supervisor; Robert A. Blackinton, Town- 
ship Clerk; Lyman Kgglcston, Treasurer; Alfred Torrey, 
School Inspector; Zorrie House, Superintendent of Schools; 
Hugh Nichols, Highway Commissioner; Peter Gordon, 
Drain Commissioner; Clark Boomer, Justice of the Peace; 
Thomas House, George L, Utley, George Bcttesworth, Con- 
Htables. 



18G 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Some difference of opinion exists as to whom should be 
accorded the honor of first breaking the forests of the 
township. Elijah Carman it is generally conceded erected 
the first log house, and the historian has not been able to 
discover any records or information which materially inter- 
feres with the claim of Mr. Carman's family to be consid- 
ered as the earliest settlers. Jesse Torrey was the founder 
of the Torrey settlement, and came the same year with 
Mr. Carman, but the latter's advent antedates that of Mr. 
Torrey. 

Elijah Carman removed from Oakland County early in 
1835, and located in the township 80 acres, described as 
" tlie east half of the southeast quarter of section 25." 
He immediately cleared upon this tract a piece of land 
embracing about three acres and erected a log house, which 
there is little doubt was the first in the township. In Sep- 
tember of the same year he was comfortably housed in his 
new quarters. At the raising of this house were five men 
and one boy from the village of Flint, which embraced 
nearly the whole male population of the place. The band 
was reinforced the following day by two men, who arrived 
with a view to settling. 

Mr. Carman endured many privations, and does not seem 
to have much enjoyed his pioneer life. He was a skillful 
hunter, and depended greatly upon his rifle for table sup- 
plies. The skins of the deer he shot were tanned and 
converted into trousers and mittens, making durable if not 
elegant garments. Fodder was so scarce that the cattle 
were browsed upon the limbs which were cut from the 
trees and piled for them. A man with an axe upon his 
shoulder was the inevitable suggestion of dinner to them, 
and the hungry quadrupeds would follow him for miles. 

Mr. Carman's log house was the scene of many religious 
gatherings in 1836-37, when, on alternate Sabbaths, the 
neighbors heard the Gospel expounded by Revs. James 
McAlester and Blanchard. In the year 1837, Cor- 
nelius Mars, the father-in-law of Mr. Carman, came and 
erected a log house on his farm. His residence was brief, 
death having removed him from the little circle of pioneers 
two years later. Mr. Carman survived him but a brief 
period, his death occurring in 1840. 

In 1835 arrived an emigrant from Genesee County, 
N. Y., who proved an important element in the growth of 
the township, and who has been already alluded to, — Jesse 
Torrey. With him came his wife, daughter, and four 
sons, — Alonzo, Asa, Albert, and Alma. He located 400 
acres on section 24, which was a fractional section. Alonzo, 
his son, entered on sections 23 and 25, each 80 acres. Asa 
entered 80 acres on section 25. These were the first 
entries made in the locality known as the Torrey Settle- 
ment, which these gentlemen founded, and among the very 
first in the township. 

There arc also the Dye, Utley, Cronk, Bristol, Stanard, 
and Carter settlements, all originally founded by the gentle- 
men whose names they bear, who were leading spirits in 
these particular localities. 

Mr. Alonzo Torrey states that his father's land was the 
first cleared, Mr. Carman's having been previou-sly entered 
but not improved. Their approach to the new home they 
were about establishing was made under many difficulties. 



After leaving the Thread they were obliged to cut their 
way, crossing the creek where it was most easily forded, 
and choosing the route which it seemed possible to render 
most accessible. The country was uninhabited save by 
wolves and deer, which roamed the forests unmolested. 

Rufus Stevens' mill, at the Thread, afforded Jesse Torrey 
an opportunity to erect for himself and family a comfort- 
able habitation of logs, cut from the immediate spot, while 
slabs did duty, in lieu of shingles, for a roof. 

The Torreys' advent in the town.ship was made in Octo- 
ber of 1830, the previous July having afforded father and 
sons an opportunity of prospecting and locating their lands. 
Jesse Torrey was the first pioneer who may in any sense 
be regarded as a moneyed man. He brought with him, after 
purchasing his land, about $4000 in cash, and devoted it, 
with exceeding liberality and public spirit, to the improve- 
ment and advancement of the neighborhood, affording em- 
ployment to many who were dependent upon their earnings 
for support, and giving opportunity to others, who desired 
to establish homes for themselves. 

The same year of Alonzo Torrey 's arrival he erected a 
house upon his land, having previously lived with his father. 
This house was quite pretentious in appearance, bavin" two 
roofs, — one on either side, — covered with shingles ayiVit 
from white ash. The owner well remembers the circum- 
stance of their manufacture, from the fact that in making 
them he cut his foot so severely as to render a crutch neces- 
sary during the remainder of the time the house was build- 
ing. On its completion, Mr. Torrey repaired to Orleans 
Co., N. Y., and took to himself a wife, who is still liv- 
ing, and recalls with much .satisfaction her early days in 
the wilderness. On their arrival at Detroit from the East 
they were charged by a teamster $40 for a conveyance to 
transport themselves and their goods to Flint. Mr. Torrey 
declined the questionable service for the best of reasons, — 
it was quite beyond the possibilities of his exchequer. 
Fortunately, they observed a man near by, making a bar- 
gain with another teamster to transport him to the Thread 
mills, which he had engaged to run for Mr. Stevens. They 
bargained with him at 12 shillings a hundred, and $3 
apiece was asked to transport the ladies, — the capacity of 
the vehicle being limited to 800 pounds. 

With them was a portion of their worldly goods, — the 
limited capacity of the vehicle obliging them to leave the 
remainder behind, where they remained until the following 
winter. Two cows were also brought, which proved a sad 
incumbrance to them on their travels. 

The ladies, for whom a comfortable means of transporta- 
tion had been engaged, found, very soon after starting, that 
they would not only advance their own comfort by walking, 
but that the traveling speed of the cattle would be greatly 
enhanced thereby. 

Mr. Torrey discovered that it would be necessary to de- 
vise some means to balance the load to prevent its tipping ; 
he therefore fastened a rope at one side, with which he 
prevented its falling from him, while with a pole he main- 
tained its equilibrium upon the other side. The Thread 
River was ultimately reached, where the goods were left 
until a more convenient opportunity offered for taking them 
farther. They then proceeded, and had made but little pro- 




STEWART H. WEBSTEE. 




MRS. STEWART WEBSTER. 



STEWART H. WEBSTER. 



Stewart H. Webster was born in Berkshire Co., 
Mass. When quite young his father, John Webster, 
moved with the family to Monroe Co., N. Y., and 
settled at Eush Village, where he engaged in milling, 
and in conducting a mercantile business, hotel, post- 
office, etc. He was the proprietor of the village, 
and politically was a leading Democrat. His influ- 
ence was deemed of such importance that Martin 
Van Buren went to see and consult him. He died in 
1850, at an advanced age. He reared a large family 
of children, six of whom were living at his death. 

Stewart H.Webster, the immediate subject of this 
sketch, was the oldest child of John Webster, above 
mentioned. When twenty years of age he married 
Miss Margaretta Amy Wiard, aunt of Norman 
Wiard, inventor of the celebrated Wiard steel 
cannon and contractor for building iron-clad vessels 
during the war. 

Mr. Webster lived at Rush some twenty years after 
he was married ; then, in the spring of 1835, came to 
Genesee County, and purchased one hundred and 



sixty acres of land three miles south of Flint, upon 
which there was a small improvement. Here he com- 
menced in earnest to make himself a home; the im- 
provements went steadily on. About 1844 he built 
a hotel which became quite famous. The "Webster 
Tavern" was one of the important stopping-places on 
the Saginaw road, and its proprietor one of the most 
hospitable and genial of men ; not only the traveler 
but the pioneer and neighbor felt the warmth of his 
genial nature and open-handed generosity. He died 
Oct. 10, 1864, leaving a wife and three daughters ; 
the former departed this life April 10, 1871. The 
daughters all reside in the city of Flint. The old- 
est is the widow of Dr. Drake, who was an early 
physician of Flint; the second daughter married 
Abel Donelson in 1855; he was from Coleraine, 
Franklin Co., Mass., and came witii his father to 
Oakland County in 1827. Mr. Donelson settled on 
a farm in Flint, where he resided until his health 
failed, when he retired to the city, where he now 
resides. 



FLINT TOWNSHIP. 



187 



gress when the horses were mired, and any further efforts 
to advance upon wheels seemed useless. With a persever- 
ing spirit which is inherent in the pioneer, they shouldered 
what few effects had been placed in the vehicle, and pro- 
ceeded on foot, the horses finally extricating themselves 
and returning to Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. Torrey finally 
reached their primitive home and prepared to battle with 
the privations that awaited them. Together with Hirara 
Judd, Mr. Torrey entered into a contract to cut the logs on 
40 acres of land, and float them down the Flint River. Tiiis 
involved a total change in the domestic arrangements of 
the family, and in consonance with it a shanty was erected 
in the woods, and Mrs. Torrey installed as housekeeper. 
Her hospitality, though not elegant, was exceedingly grate- 
ful to the sturdy woodchoppers, who frequently toiled till 
midnight with their saws and axes. These logs were the 
first ever floated down the river, and the number cut was 
1000, for which a compensation of fifty cents a log was 
received. Meanwhile, Mrs. Torrey, with a courage that 
would astonish the modern lady, remained the sole occupant 
of the shanty in the midst of the dense forest, with no 
sound save the murmur of the winds or the distant echo of 
the chopping, and no near companion but the wolves that 
prowled about the hovel in search of food. She facetiously 
remarked to the writer that even this required less courage 
than to endure the perilous journey to her old home again. 
After Mrs. Torrey had been two years in the uncleared 
forests of IMichigan nothing seemed more natural than a 
desire to visit the scenes of her childhood. No events 
marked this visit other than were exceedingly enjoyable. 
Her brother, Columbus Le Valley, accompanied her on her 
return, and purchased later ICO acres on section 27. The 
journey wa.s made without difficulty until their arrival at 
the Thread, which occurred as evening approached. They 
started for home on foot, groping their way through the 
forest, until night overtook them. Overcome with fatigue 
and prevented by the darkness from discovering any land- 
marks by which they could detect their present position, 
they both sat down, — Mrs. Torrey to meditate and weep 
over the strange vicissitudes of a pioneer life, and Mr. Le 
Valley to wish himself back in the fruitful valleys of New 
York State, asserting tliat if he had known the facts " he 
wouldn't have come for a thousand dollars." 

Finally, the lady, with a courage and strength of will 
that had enabled her before to overcome all obstables, arose 
and declared that " she would not sleep in the woods when 
she was so near her Alonzo." Tbrough the darkness her ears 
detected the ripple of a stream near by, and, groping her 
way thither, she discovered which way (he water flowed, 
and was thus advised of the points of the compass. Bid- 
ding her brother follow, slie advanced, pursuing her uncer- 
tain way until the log house of Jes.se Torrey was discovered. 
Then, with the aid of a lantern, their destination was 
reached. Mr. Torrey was seen through the window, his 
head buried in his hands, while he repined at the fate 
which had deprived him of his companion. He was no 
leas delighted than surprised at her coming, and the faith- 
ful wife declared that from that moment she would never 
leave him ; which promise she has through all the years 
kept with fidelity. 



Lysander Phillips and family lived with 5Ir. and Mrs. 
Torrey, having arrived the same fall in company with them. 
The following spring they moved into a log house erected 
upon land they purchased in the vicinity. Hiram Judd 
came with the Torreys in 1835, and was a.ssociated with 
them in the clearing of the first lands. He remained two 
years, and returned East. After an interval of eight years 
he returned again to Michigan. 

Daniel O'SuUivan, who has already figured conspicu- 
ously in the city history as one of its foreiuo.st pioneers and 
the first to advance its educational interests, was also a very 
early settler in the township, having purchased 40 acres 
not far from the Cronk settlement, where he remained for 
a period of years, and finally returned again to the city. 
His venerable form may still be seen daily upon Saginaw 
Street. 

In 1835 came also Andrew Hyslop, a gentleman of 
Scotch descent, who located ICO acres on section 4. AfYer 
his death his widow removed to the city, where she now 
resides. Mrs. Hyslop retains vivid memories of the depri- 
vations she endured on her arrival. The roads from Detroit 
were almost impas.sable when they came, and the usual diffi- 
culties were experienced. From Flint to their own land 
there was no road, and sufficient brush was cleared to admit 
of an opening, through which they made slow progress. 
John Greenfield, their neighbor, had purchased 300 acres 
on section 5, and begun the erection of a log house. In 
this uncompleted abode Mr. and Mrs. Hyslop were content 
to remain until they were able to build a home of their own. 

In the spring of 1836, William N. Stanard, of Stafford, 
Genesee Co., N. Y., entered the south half of section 35, 
and the northwest quarter of the same section. His sons, 
Jeremiah R. and Rosel, had preceded him, the latter having 
been induced to become a pioneer at the earnest solicitation 
of Jesse Torrey, who offered to aid him in the purchase of 
land when he should make a satisfactory location. Mr. 
Stanard, hearing of a tract now embraced in the city limits, 
and which had not been entered (a location which subse- 
quently proved invaluable), mentioned it to Mr. Torrey, 
who instructed him to complete his .arrangements. He also 
unfortunately gave the same information to a friend, and 
within hearing was the inevitable lounger, who may be 
found even at this late day sunning himself on the corner, 
or hanging about the neighboring bar-rooms. This indi- 
vidual was not slow to avail himself of the facts he had 
overheard. He went directly to James W. Cronk, and re- 
peated what he had heard. The following day Mr. Stanard 
and Jesse Torrey repaired to the land-office to make the 
entry. Mr. Cronk made his exit as they entered, having 
five minutes before purchased the tract they were about 
locating. Mr. Stanard, Sr., however, gave his sons each 
80 acres of the land he had purchased. Jeremiah R. sub- 
sequently removed to Lapeer County, and Rosel, who 
chopped the first acre of land in the Torrey settlement, 
still occupies the farm originally given him. George W. 
Rapp came in 1836, having married a daughter of William 
N. Stanard, wlio also received 80 acres of her father's 
entry. 

George Crocker came at nearly the same date and located 
OD section 27, 160 acres which he immediately improved, 



IS 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and lias brought to a high state of cultivation. Ox-teams 
were in common use at this early period, horses not being 
easily procured, and being less available in breaking the 
rough land. 

On the bank of Swartz Creek, where the Torrey church 
now stands, was erected in 1838 the first school-house in 
the township. It was built of logs and was at a later date 
burned, the fire being generally regarded as the result of 
accident. 

The teacher who disciplined the youth of this early 
period was Miss Louisa Kimball, who afterwards became 
Mrs. Joseph Freeman, and is now Mrs. Horace Bristol. 
After Miss Kimball's term expired, the school was placed 
in charge of Mi.ss Jane Watkins, whose brief career was 
terminated by the burning of the school-house. Fortu- 
nately the neighborhood by this calamity was not deprived 
of instruction, for Mrs. Alonzo Torrey opened her own 
house, and for three months the scholars were taught by 
her. During the interval a frame school-building of more 
extended proportions was being constructed, and on its 
completion Mrs. Torrey with her little band removed 
thither, and for four months longer filled the role of 
teacher. The new building was erected on section 24, 
opposite the old site, which was on the corner of section 23. 
In this school-house the early religious services were held. 

The following were the names of the first scholars : 
Albert Torrey, Orlando Sanborn, Apha Sanborn, Orminda 
Sanborn, Mary Jane Sanborn, Sarah Ann Sanborn, Isaac 
Kelscy, Almira Kelsey, Lorinda Kelsey, Charles Phillips, 
Emily Phillips, Lydia Colby, Clark Torrey, Levi Torrey, 
Mary Torrey, John Torrey, Almon Torrey, William 
Boomer, and Pliny Boomer. Soon after this school- 
houses were erected in other portions of the township, and 
at the present date capacious structures are seen dotting its 
territory at very short intervals. 

The mortuary record of these early years of the town- 
ship history was a matter of congratulation to the settlers. 
Good health and cheerful spirits everywhere abounded, and, 
as a remarkable fact, it may be stated that in the Torrey 
settlement no death occurred for a period of twelve years, 
the first remembered being that of a son of Lysander Phil- 
lips, in 1848. The earliest death in the township, as nearly 
as can be ascertained after very diligent inquiry, was that of 
a Mrs. Greenfield, who lived on section 5. Cornelius Mars' 
death occurred in 1839, and was among the earliest. Miss 
Sallie, youngest daughter of Capt. Benjamin Boomer, died 
in 1846, and her death has been stated to the writer as 
the first, but it is altogether likely that Mrs. Greenfield's 
occurred prior to either of the others, probably in 1838. 

The earliest marriage, as stated by Albert Torrey, was 
that of Horace Boomer to Samantha, daughter of Horace 
Bristol. 

Mrs. Alonzo Torrey having been accustomed to attend 
divine service, and finding no opportunity to gratify her 
desire at home, determined to go to Flint. Her first inten- 
tion was to yoke the oxen, but on further consideration 
she determined to walk. Rev. James McAlcster, who per- 
formed the functions of a local preacher and had just 
moved into the village, saw her pass and determined to 
pay his respects to the new aud church-going family. 



Taking his gun one morning, and throwing on a large 
gray overcoat, he sauntered towards their log house. Arriv- 
ing at the door the hostess saw the large coat, and suppos- 
ing it covered a wild Indian exclaimed, " There's an Indian ! 
don't bid him come in." The visitor, however, proved 
harmless, and received a hearty welcome. He arranged to 
hold service at Mr. Torrey's house on successive Sabbaths, 
and afterwards in the school-house. This occurred in 1836, 
and may be regarded as the first religious gathering in the 
township. 

Jeremiah Kelsey is another pioneer whose coming dates 
to early in 1836. He located on .section 25, having pur- 
chased 160 acres, which his industry and perseverance very 
soon rendered productive. 

Dewitt C. Curtis, who now resides on a farm on section 
11, arrived with his father. Comfort Curtis, in 1837, — 
being then fifteen years of age, — and resided with him on 
a tract described as the east half of the southwest quarter 
of section 8. His brother David, who is one of the rep- 
resentative men of the township, came the following spring. 

Capt. Benjamin Boomer located about the same time 
80 acres on section 25. He followed nautical pursuits and 
spent little time upon his land, but was highly esteemed as 
a good citizen and a genial gentleman. 

Horace Bristol purchased in March, 1838, of Thomas 
L. L. Brent, 80 acres on section 26. He resided upon it 
for many years, but is now living in the city. 

James W. Cronk's first purchase in the township bears 
the date of May 3, 1837. He came from New York State, 
and early settled in Macomb County in this State. While 
there he heard of the advantageous purchases of land 
which might be made at the Grand Traverse, and imme- 
diately wrote his father. Col. James Cronk, who had been 
prospecting in the northern part of the State, suggesting 
that they make a joint purchase of 640 acres. The elder 
Cronk at once responded to his son's request, and came im- 
mediately to Flint, but on the day of his arrival was taken 
ill. After lingering three days, he died at John Todd's 
tavern near the river ; his son, meanwhile, having been en- 
gaged in preparations to remove his family from Macomb 
County. It is proper here for the historian to correct a 
popular error which has obtained credence, that the senior 
Cronk resided in Flint for some years before his death and 
participated actively in the building up of the settlement. 
Such are not the facts. He was a total stranger in the 
neighborhood, and never entered the county until three days 
before his death. He was buried on the site of the pres- 
ent Presbyterian church, and some years later his remains 
were disinterred by Daniel O'SulIivan and reburied in the 
township, on the farm of his grandson, Walter J. Cronk. 
James W. Cronk, meanwhile, came on and made the pro- 
jected purchase of 640 acres, embracing some of the 
ground now covered by the city. Soon after, through the 
instigation of some interested parties in the East, a suit 
was begun, in behalf of the estate of James Cronk, to 
recover a supposed interest in this tract. James W. Cronk, 
being alone as contestant in this suit and with every pros- 
pect of being discomfited in the contest, prevailed upon 
certain Detroit parties, Messrs. Morrison & Dubois, to pur- 
chase the land. 





ANSON GILBERT. 



MRS. ANSON GILBERT. 



ANSON GILBERT. 



Anson Gilbert was born in Galway, Saratoga, 
N. Y., June 27, 1806. His father was a farmer, 
but lie learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. 
In 1832 he came to Detroit, where he worked at his 
trade. In 1835 he was married to Miss Judith Ann 
Garland, formerly of New Hampshire. At this 
time, 1836, there was a strong tide of emigration to 
Michigan to secure land for future homes. Having 
saved a few hundred dollars, he came out to the then 
remote wilderness of Genesee County, and entered 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in the north- 
westerly portion of Flint, taking his title from the 
government. Returned to Detroit, and the following 
winter moved to Saginaw, where he worked at his 
trade until May, 1838, when he employed six Indians, 
with three or four ciinoes, to take his family and 
household effects up the river to the land he had 
previously purchased. TIk- trip was wild and ro- 
mantic, and occupied three or four days. Follow- 
ing the crooked river through a dense wilderness, 
occasionally the stream would be obstructed by drift- 



wood ; then the canoes were unloaded, taken from 
the water, and again launched above the obstruction. 
There were but two or three settlers the whole dis- 
tance; they camped out at night. In due time they 
arrived at the spot which was to be their future home, 
built a shanty for the first year, and cleared a few 
acres of land. The next year he built a good frame 
house, which is now in good order and occupied by the 
family. Although it was heavily timbered, there are 
now broad and fertile fields; other lands have been 
added to the original purchase until a large and valu- 
able farm has been made, which furnishes all the com- 
forts of life. He died Sept. 4, 1876, leaving a wife 
and three children, — two sons and one daughter. 

The oldest son lives in the city of Flint; the 
daughter is married, and lives adjoining the old home ; 
the youngest son lives on the old home, where the 
mother resides, in her seventy-third year, in good 
health and spirits, enjoying a well-earned competency, 
and taking great pleasure in relating incidents of 
" Auld Lang Syne." 



FLINT TOWNSHIP. 



189 



After this event, James W., desiring to make the county 
of Genesee his home, entered, in the year 1837, 160 acres 
of land in the township of Flint, on sections 7 and 8. 
With his arrival dates the first clearing of ground in the 
present Cronk settlement limits. These facts are obtained 
from his grandson, Walter J. Cronk, who now resides in 
the city of Flint, and is an extensive land-owner in the 
township. 

James W. Cronk has left a reputation as a keen lover of 
the hunter's life, and in his rambles about the country in 
search of land his trusty gun was ever at his side. His 
aim was unerring, and many choice saddles of venison, and 
wild turkeys, were among the spoils of the chase. Mr. 
Cronk had a favorite dog that often accompanied him on 
these occasions. A morning's hunt resulted in the killing 
of four splendid deer, which were piled together near the 
spot now occupied by the residence of Hon. Sumner How- 
ard in the suburbs of Flint. The next morning a sleigh 
was drawn to this spot for the purpose of bringing home 
the game. The morning was a stormy one, the air being 
filled with heavy flakes of snow. While busily engaged, 
Mr. Cronk discerned, through the storm, an animal ap- 
proaching him having the appearance of a wolf He 
raised his gun, which was synonymous with death to the 
victim, and, to his great dismay, learned soon after that his 
favorite dog lay writhing in agony. The animal lived some 
hours, but the aim of the sportsman had been too certain 
to hope for life. 

On another occasion Mr. Cronk was in the woods, and 
encountered a splendid specimen of what is known as the 
"spike-horn buck," whose horns are constructed especially 
for defense, and whose ferocity when driven to bay makes 
them exceedingly dangerous as a foe. The animal, after 
being wounded, dropped motionless, and his victor, think- 
ing him dead or dying, approached and drew his knife 
across his throat. As the blood spirted from the wound 
the animal revived, and at once sprang upon his pursuer. 
In an instant he was thrown upon his back, while the buck 
made a desperate charge upon him. His only possible de- 
fense was in the use of his feet, with which he was able to 
ward off the attack. This method of warfare was fast 
depleting his strength, and with every renewed charge liis 
legs were being mangled and torn. In his almost helpless 
condition the buck was fast gaining ground, when a dog 
belonging to Mr. Cronk appeared upon the scene in an op- 
portune moment, and grappled with the buck. In a moment 
more the rifle had ended the contest. 

Mr. Cronk died while doing service in the Mexican war. 
His widow still survives, and resides in the city of Flint, 
maintaining the old-time hospitality her husband was wont 
to exercise ; and their son, Walter I., is a successful farmer 
in the western portion of the township. 

Marvin B. Persons came a year later than Mr. Cronk, 
and for twelve months made his home with him, assisting 
him in clearing the farm. Later he effected an arrange- 
ment with Thomas L. L. Brent, a large land-owner, to clear 
a tract for him in the present township of Flushing, and 
received as compensation for this service 80 acres of his 
present farm, which lie immediately proceeded to improve. 
He erected a log shanty, and subseijuciitly married and 



made his home upon this tract. Since that time he has 
added to its dimensions, and ho is now one of the represen- 
tative men of the township. 

William Van Slyke came from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 
1837, having originally entered land in Richfield, which he 
exchanged for 80 acres on section 35, entered by Wil- 
liam Stanard. Mr. Van Slyke brought with him a superior 
span of horses, but as it was almost impossible to obtain 
grain for them, and oxen were better adapted to the wants 
of that early period, he disposed of them in Pontiac, at a 
considerable sacrifice. Mrs. Van Slyke, who still resides in 
the township, has a keen memory of facts pertaining to her 
first residence in Michigan. The snakes were so numerous 
that they almost drove her family from the first log house 
occupied by them. It seemed impossible to build a house 
so securely as to make it impregnable to these marauders. 

Philip Beltsworth located, in 1S3G, 99 acres on .section 
11, and soon became prominent in the various interests 
connected with the township. 

J. D. Eggleston removed from Orleans Co., N. Y., in 
1837, and took possession of 120 acres his father had 
given him on section 17, this being a portion of 400 acres 
purchased by John A. Eggleston on sections 17 and 20. 

At the time of his coming, the country was almost en- 
tirely unsettled, thick woods covering the land now marked 
by well-cultivated farms. The nearest neighbor was James 
W. Cronk, who was two and a half miles distant. When 
Mr. Eggleston arrived he had two yoke of oxen and one 
team of horses. He crossed the Flint River in a canoe, which 
was drawn across by the oxen. He afterwards removed 
to his present farm of 1G8 acres. 

John Thome was among the pioneers of an early date, 
and found little more than a wilderness to greet his coming. 
He established himself on section 32, and has resided there 
since. 

Jabez Blackinton first settled in Oakland County, and in 
1837 located in the township. He resides on section 15, 
as does also Charles Blackinton. 

The founder of what is known as the Dye settlement is 
Ruben Dye, who came in 1843, and purchased 40 acres on 
section 20. This had already been improved, and a log 
house built upon it. He afterwards added another 40 acres, 
and later still another, of improved land. His sons estab- 
lished themselves around him and populated the settlement, 
— hence the name. 

F. A. Begole removed to the township in 1838, choosing 
a farm in the extreme southwest corner, on section .31. He 
occupies a position of influence, and is successful in the 
vocation which he follows. 

Anson Gilbert came early and purchased 174 acres on 
section G. His son now occupies the farm. 

Edward Tupjier located on section 29, and his brothers 
Marvin and John located on the northeast portion of sec- 
tion 32. They have each followed agricultural pursuits, 
and won a reputation as successful farmers. 

A. Hcrrick came early to the southern portion of the 
township, and established himself upon a farm. He is also 
well known as a local preacher. 

Robert P. Aitkin settled in Flint in 1842, and pur- 
cliased of George M. Dewey, who was acting as agent for 



190 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



T. L. L. Brent in the sale of lands, 80 acres on section 8. 
3Ir. Aitkin is known as a successful farmer and a public- 
spirited gentleman. His election for years in succession 
to the office of supervisor, bears witness to the esteem in 
which he is held by the town's people. 

A portion of Morgan Chapman's farm lies in the town- 
ship of Flint, on the line between it and Clayton. Alfred 
Gifford was an early settler, having chosen a tract embracing 
120 acres in the northeast quarter of section 8. Cornelius 
Lane located 40 acres on section 3 in 1840. S. Sellers 
purchased 44 acres on section 2. 

Thomas Daly came very early, and is spoken of as a lead- 
ing spirit in all the enterprises connected with the first set- 
tlement of the township. J. Sally was also a pioneer, and 
improved 30 acres on section 11. He was employed by 
Chauncey S. Payne, of Flint, as were also P. McCloskey, 
James Gillespie, and M. Gillespie, who all came from New 
York City. James and Andrew Fancheon located on sec- 
tions 16 and 17, and Thomas D. Partridge came as early 
as 1839, and established himself in the township, while 
Nathan J. Rublee was still an earlier settler. Jasper Bristol 
came in 1837, A. Goodlier the year previous, and B. B. 
Krewsen in 1844. They are all successful farmers. Elias 
J. Bump located in 1841, and has recently removed to the 
city, having gained a competence by his labors. 

T. H. Nesbitt moved from Cayuga Co., N. Y., in the 
spring of 1854, and purchased the southwest quarter of 
section 23, comprising 140 acres. Only 25 acres of this 
was improved. He introduced the first harrow into the 
township, which was made to order by James JIcAlester, of 
Flint. When Mr. Nesbitt came, most of the marketing 
was done on foot, butter and eggs being often carried many 
miles by the pedestrians. 

The year 1842 witnessed the advent of Hiram Hall, who 
purchased a farm of 80 acres on section 23. He afterwards 
located on the southeast quarter of section 26. His son, 
Anson Hall, married a daughter of Capt. Benjamin Boomer, 
and now owns 165 acres on sections 26 and 35. James 
Carter purchased on sections 4 and 9, and William Boucher 
settled on section 20. James Chase located on section 11. 

The surface of the township is undulating, comprising 
some fine stretches of level land, varied by gentle declivi- 
ties, which give variety to the landscape and make it one 
of the most attractive townships in the county. The soil 
is a mixture of clay and sand, and generally of good quality, 
though varying in localities, and affording a bountiful crop 
to the farmer. The streams of water which traverse its 
surface are the Flint River and Swartz Creek, the first of 
■which passes through the city, flows through the northern 
portion of the township, and passes out near the northwest 
corner. Swartz Creek rises in the township of Gaines, 
and enters the southwest corner of the township of Flint, 
meandering in a northeasterly direction, flowing into the 
Thread, and eventually into the Flint River. The Chicago 
and Northeastern Railroad enters the southwest corner, and 
runs northeast to the city of Flint. 

The town-house, which is a convenient and accessible 
building, erected for the purpose of holding elections and 
meetings pertaining to the business of the township, is 
located on section 22. 



The township cemetery embraces a tract of land pur- 
chased from the forms of Marvin Persons and James W. 
Cronk for the purpose. It is inclosed with a neat and sub- 
stantial wire fence and ornamented with well-grown shade- 
trees. The many beautiful marble slabs which it contains 
bear witness to the tender memories which departed friends 
have left behind. 

BRISTOL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Bristol Methodist Episcopal church is so named 
from the fact that it is within the boundaries of the Bristol 
settlement and embraces among the congregation a large 
number from this immediate locality. It is a wooden struc- 
ture, and was built, in 1872, by subscription, the only 
church in the immediate locality not being sufficiently 
large to meet the wants of the growing congregation. 

The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Mosher, who remained 
one year, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Goss. His suc- 
cessor was Rev. Mr. Seeley, who was followed by the Rev. 
Mr. Goss, the present pastor, now (1879) filling a second 
term. 

This church was formerly a part of the Torrey class, 
and was connected with the South Flint circuit, but is now 
a part of the Swartz Creek circuit. 

TORREY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

In 1836, Rev. James McAlester, whose accidental ac- 
quaintance with the neighborhood has already been alluded 
to, formed a class and held service at the house of Alonzo 
Torrey. The members of this class embraced the follow- 
ing persons : Jesse Torrey, Eunice Kelsey, Melissa Torrey, 
Orissa Torrey, Jeremiah Kelsey, and Jane Bristol. After 
a school-house was erected, a meeting of the class was held 
each Sabbath and preaching once a fortnight, the distance 
from the residence of the pastor making it inconvenient to 
hold service more frequently. 

The first circuit preacher who ministered to the spiritual 
wants of the little flock was Rev. Luther D. AVhitney, who 
held services during the years 1838-39, and the last pastor 
was Rev. John McEldowny. 

A year since the Torrey class was attached to the Court 
Street charge, and since that time there has been no regu- 
lar service. 

The church building was erected in 1852, and is an un- 
pretentious structure of wood. The records indicate that 
the first trustees were Jesse Torrey, James Ellis, R. Cum- 
mings, O. Sanborn, Albert Torrey, Asa Torrey, and Alonzo 
Torrey. It was attached to the Grand Blanc circuit at 
that time, and the preacher in charge was William Blades. 
The records are not sufficiently complete to enable a con- 
secutive history of the church from that time to be pre- 
sented. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ROBERT P. AITKEN 

was born in 1819, in Montgomery (now Fulton) County, 
State of New York, of Scotch descent, his mother's maiden 



FLINT TOWNSHIP. 



191 



name being Chalmers, and grandmother's on the mother's 
side being Stewart, chiiming descent from the family of 
." Royal Charlie," of Scotland ; but, as Mr. Aitken is a 
staunch Republican, he claims no preferment on this account. 
At the age of seventeen he went to the city of New 
York, and served as clerk six years, having by strict 
economy saved a few hundred dollars. Seeing little chance 
for a young man having a small capital to commence in 
business in a largo city, he decided to try his fortunes in 




ROBERT P. AITKEN. 

the West. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1842 he started 
for the then small town of Flint, in the State of Michigan, 
taking with him a small stock of merchandise. Owing to 
the extreme scarcity of money, he exchanged a portion of 
his goods for eighty acres of wild land on section 8, in the 
town of Flint, where he now resides, and forthwith went to 
work improving the same. On the 12th of March follow- 
ing he was married to Miss Sarah J. Johnstone, who, with 
her father's family, had preceded him from New York City 
only a few months. Miss Johnstone was born in the city 



of New York in the year 1823, and up to this time had 
never spent much time in the country ; but a board shanty 
was speedily erected on this land of their own, and to- 
gether they commenced under new auspices the journey of 
life. Many privations had to be endured, but their farm 
has increased to two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred 
and sixty being improved. Any success or improvement 
made may be set down as the result of constant labor. They 
have raised a family of ten children, — five sons and five 




MRS. ROBERT P. AITKEN. 



daughters, — of whom two sons and four daughters only now 
survive. Besides having improved a large farm, mainly by 
his own hands, Mr. Aitken has served his township as 
supervisor twenty-one years (twenty yeai-s consecutively), 
and his district four years in the State Legislature. 

Mr. Aitken has lived an active life. He has done faith- 
ful service in both public and private walks of life during 
the past thirty-seven years, and claims at least the credit of 
making two blades of grass to grow where only one grew 
before. 



FREDERICK A. BEGOLE. 

Prominent among the most successful and intelligent 
farmers of Genesee County, and as a representative man of 
the rich township of Flint, is the gentleman whose name 
stands at the head of this brief biographical sketch. His 
grandfather, one of that steadfast band of French Hugue- 
nots who were compelled to leave their native land for the 
enjoyment of religious liberty, came to America during 
the last quarter of the eighteenth century, and settled in 
the quiet town of Hagerstown, Md. ; and there, in the 
year 1786, was born his son, William Begole, who, in 1802, 
emigrated northward with his father, and settled in the 
then remote wilderness of Livingston Co., N. Y. The 
son, William, was then a youth of sixteen years, the pos- 
sessor of health and an energetic spirit, but, beyond these, 
having little or nothing, in hand or in expectation, to aid 
him in the battle of life which he was then about to com- 
mence. He chose the vocation of agriculture, and entered 



upon it with an industry and persistence which at last 
brought their inevitable reward, though not until after 
several years of hard labor and privation. In the war of 
1812 he entered the army as a soldier, and served his 
country with credit, though not without serious detriment 
to his business. In January, 1814, he was married to a 
daughter of Capt. BoUcs, formerly of Maryland, who had 
emigrated thence to Livingston County with the elder 
Begole. The fruit of this union was ten children, — seven 
sons and three daughters, — all of whom he raised to maturity 
except one son, who died in youth. Three of these sons 
he afterwards established upon farms in Genesee Co., Mich. 
He died in Livingston County, June 28, 1862, aged 
seventy-six years. 

Frederick Augustus Begole, the second son of William, 
was born at Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., on the 
11th of March, 1817. The early years of his life were 
passed amid the labors of his father's farm and the disci- 



192 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



plinc of the common school (such as it was) until his 
twenty-first yc;ir, when he left the paternal roof to seek a 
fortune for himself in the wilderness of Michigan, to which 
a strong tide of emigration was then setting from Western 
New York. His destination was the then recently organ- 
ized county of Genesee, where, two years before, his father 
had purchased for him the northwest quarter of section 31, 
in the present township of Flint. In due time, the young 
pioneer reached the spot which was to be his future home ; 
and if at first view the prospect seemed to him a discour- 
aging one, it is not to be wondered at, for, although the 
soil was deep and fertile, it was covered by a dense growth 
of the heaviest timber, and long years of severe labor must 
intervene before this wilderness could be made a productive 
farm. In the seven weary miles which lay between him 
and Flint River, on the east, there was only one solitary 
cabin, but to the westward at a distance of a few miles was 
the house of a settler, at which he took board while en- 
gaged in underbrushing a few acres of his land during the 
first season after his arrival. In the succeeding winter he 
worked by the month at the settlement of Flint River, and 
having saved a small amount of money, he returned in the 
summer of 1839 to his property, on which he built a log 
house, but could not cover it for lack of shingles. These 
he split out and shaved during the winter of 1839-40, 
and in the spring of the latter year, after having roofed his 
cabin (though as yet it had neither door nor windows), he 
returned to his father's farm in New York. 

On the 23d of February, 1841, he married Angeline, 
daughter of James Chapman, of Livingston County (who 
afterwards removed to Clayton, Genesee Co., and died there 
at the age of seventy-one years), and in May, 1842, re- 
turned to his lauds in Michigan, sawed out a door and 



windows to his cabin, established his family withiu it, and 
planted a few potatoes among the stumps to help eke out 
his scanty means of subsistence during the following winter. 
Then he commenced in earnest the work of clearing his 
farm, and by dint of hard labor succeeded in preparing a 
field of about four acres in time to sow it with wheat the next 
autumn. In this work of clearing he lay under most dis- 
couraging disadvantage, for, being entirely without money 
to purchase stock or team, for his early farming operations 
he was compelled to hire the latter at the rate of three 
days of his own labor for each day of team work with 
wagon, and at the same time was obliged to labor for 
others to procure the necessaries of life for his family. 
Thus times continued to be exceedingly hard for the young 
settler, and he found the struggle for a livelihood to be a 
most arduous one through all of the first season and the 
succeeding winter and spring, until his first crop of wheat 
was ready for harvest ; but from that time scarcity gave 
way to plenty, and his privations were succeeded by a 
prosperity which has never since been interrupted. The 
heavy forest has been driven back from his pioneer clear- 
ings, field after field has been added to his tilled acres, the 
log cabin has long since given place to fine and substantial 
farm-buildings, and the addition of an adjoining tract has 
given him a faim of two hundred and forty acres, as fer- 
tile and highly cultivated as any in the county of Gene- 
see. 

Mr. Begole has never been a seeker after public position, 
but has several times been called to township offices, among 
these being that of justice of the peace, which he has held 
during more than twenty consecutive years. His children 
— two sons and a daughter — are married, and well estab- 
lished in life upon farms adjoining the homestead. 





^>^>. 



G. J. W. in LI.. 



MKS. 0. J. W. HILL. 



G. J. W. niLL 
Was born in Gioucostcrshirc, Kii^lund, .Ian. 14, 1S20. When 
twelve year.s of .nge he came to America and joined his 
niullier, llion residing at Dansvilie, N. Y. Her hu-sbaiid 



Iteilig deceased, she had iigaiu married at that place Josiah 
Kent, 

In the fill of 1832, Mr Hill Went to loavn the cabinet^ 
maker's tiadj. In 1840 \h'. oauic to Flint, and, in company 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



193 



with David Footc, established the furniture business, which 
was the first in that line in Flint. This firm was dissolved 
the following year, but Jlr. Hill continued the business for 
more than thirty years. 

Jan. 5, 1848, he was married to Miss Helen Bidwell, 
formerly of Bath, N. Y. Her mother was a Grant, from 
Galloway, Scotland. 

In 1870, Mr. Hill concluded to change his business and 
try agriculture. He sold his fine property in Flint, and 
purchased a farm of two hundred acres some five miles west 
of the cit)', embracing fine and commodious buildings and 
land in the highest state of cultivation. Here, with their 
family of nine children (having buried two), they enjoy 



the comforts of a country home, and at the .same time 
retain their position in society in Flint, where they have 
been identified with the Presbyterian Church since 1845. 
lie has been leader of the choir in that church for twenty 
years, and his wife a prominent member of the same for a 
like period. She was one of the charter members of the 
Ladies' Library Association of Flint, and is still an active 
member. 

Mr. Hill was for many years a member of the first 
band in Flint, which was organized in 1848. 

In social life Mr. Hill is genial and companionable, in 
business matters prompt and reliable, and commands the 
respect of all. 



•^ i I f ■'^ Q C i < < >- 



FENTON. 



The township of Fenton includes township 5 north of 
the Michigan ba.se-linc, in range C east of the principal 
meridian, as designated on the United States Government 
survey. It lies in the southern portion of the county, and 
is bounded east and south by Oakland and Livingston 
Counties respectively. Its physical features are varied and 
interesting. The principal stream is the Shiawassee River, an 
insignificant affair at its entry in the southeast corner of 
town, but attaining to respectable proportions ere it leaves 
it on the west. Its general course is northwest, and its 
waters furnish several excellent mill-powers, — notably at 
Fenton and Linden villages. After leaving Fenton it re- 
ceives the surplus waters of numerous lakes, large and small. 
Of these lakes the township contains no less than 20, cov- 
ering a total area of about 21 GO acres, apportioned as 
follows: Long Lake, on sections 2, 11, 13, 14, 23, and 24, 
850 acres; Hibbard's Lake, section 12, 30 acres; Crooked 
Lake, section 13, 50 acres; Loon Lake, sections 15 and 
16, 150 acres; Squaw Luke, principally on section 15, GO 
acres; Ball Lake, section 21, 40 acres ; Mud Lake, section 
22, 225 acres ; Silver Lake, sections 27, 28, and 33, 275 
acres; Pine Lake, sections 28, 29, 32, and 33, IGO acres; 
Byram Lake, sections 29 and 30, 130 acres; others, not 
named on the map, 190 acres. Aside from these are mill- 
ponds, covering perhaps 80 acres, making the total lake 
and pond area of the township about 2240 acres, or more 
than that of the entire balance of the county. 

Many of the lakes of Fenton possess clean, bold shores, 
sandy bottoms, and deep waters, and most of them abound 
in numerous varieties of fish, such as bass, perch, and others. 
Thj Detroit and Jlilvvaukee Railroad passes between Silver 
and Mud Lakes, which arc separated by but a narrow 
space; Silver Lake is tributary to Mud, and through the 
latter to the Shiawassee River, and is so named from its 
clcii. .laters and bed of light sand. Byram Lake was named 
from an early settler on its shore, and the others from 
various circumstances and surroundings. 

Long Lake, the principal sheet of water in the township 



and county, is about three miles in length, and averages 
nearl}' half a mile in width. With the exception of its 
southwestern shore, which is marshy in places, its borders 
are most picturesque and lovely. The southern extremity, 
below " the narrows," is in most places shallow, and wild 
rice grows profusely in localities. " McOmbcr Point," ex- 
tending in a northeast direction to the narrows, is low and 
marshy, and below it is a grove of pines. The timber on 
the western shore is mostly cleared away, while on the east 
considerable has been left, extending to the water's edge, 
and rendering the effect one of great beauty. Occasional 
sombre pines are seen, the dark green of the foliage con- 
trasting with the lighter hues of the oak. High banks ex- 
tend along a great part of the eastern shore. The outline 
of the lake is broken by " points" and bays, and a fine 
island of over 20 acres is situated near the centre, north 
and south, and somewhat nearer the western than the east- 
ern shore. Another small island is near the extreme 
southern margin of the lake. 

The vicinity of the lakes of Fenton was the favorite re- 
sort of the red tribes who occupied the region ere the 
advent of a paler race. The clear waters tempted them to 
launch their canoes thereon and entice from their depths 
their finny inhabitants, or disport in wanton glee amid their 
waves. The surrounding hills and forests afforded them 
rare sport in the chase, for deer, wolves, bears, and other 
animals — fit targets for the hunter's skill — abounded. So 
much attached were the red men to this beautiful " land 
of lakes" that it was their desire, when their days of 
hunting on earth were over, to be laid to rest amid the 
scenes made dear by life-long association. Here, on the 
border of the lake, their remains were laid, their faces to 
the setting sun, and the rippling waters murmured their 
funeral songs, while the breezes wailed a mournful requiem 
through the pines, as the spirits of the warriors journeyed 
to the ha])py hunting-grounds of their fathers. 

The principal Indian burial-place in the township was 
on the northeast shore of Mud Lake, and close by was 



194 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



their camping-ground. A large number of graves were 
long to bo seen in the burying-ground. Others were also 
found, but not as extensive. The Indian corn fields were 
sometimes sources of inconvenience to farmers, as they were 
difficult to plow, owing to the fact that corn was year after 
year planted in the saiue hills, while the latter were raised 
a little higher each year, and were often ten or twelve feet 
apart. Quite an extensive corn-field was found east of the 
present village of Linden. This was on a farm once owned 
by Alonzo J. Chapin, and now the property of -John Welch. 

In the edge of the township of Mundy dwelt a small 
tribe whose chief was one " King Fisher," or Fisher,* as 
he was generally called. Their burying-grouiid was the 
one mentioned as having existed near Mud Lake, in Fen- 
ton, and at present no traces of it can be found, owing to 
long cultivation. Fi.shcr's name will be found on another 
page, in an article bearing upon the history of Fenton, 
written by Col. William M. Fenton. He (Fisher) was a 
lover of athletic sports, as well as whisky, and on occasions 
of town-meetings was accustomed to visit the village and 
join in whatever of the nature of sport was going on. 
Among the feats of the young men of that day was the 
one of jumping over a string held at a certain distance 
above the ground. Alonzo J. Chapin was rather more 
than the equal of Fisher, one of whose toes was so long 
that it would catch on the string. The chief would take 
hold of it angrily, and exclaim, " D — n toe no good ! Me 
cut him off, — me jump you !" He was exceedingly loath to 
speak English, except when under the influence of liquor. 

In the fall of 1877, while constructing a dirt-road across 
Crane's Cove, on the west side of Long Lake, a party of 
workmen found a skeleton of very large size, some two or 
three feet below the surface. As it is a well-known fact 
that this locality was the favorite Indian resort for hunting 
and fishing, the skeleton was supposed to have been the 
frame-work of a gigantic warrior, though why he should 
have been buried just there was not satisfactorily explained, 
as it was some distance from their common burial-place on 
Mud Lake. 

ORIGINAL LAND ENTRIES. ' 
The following is a li.st of the land-entries in the township 
of Fenton, from the records of the land-offiee. Tlie first 
land entered in the township was taken in March, 1831, by 
Clark Dibble, and included the southwest quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 34, — forty acres, and the south- 
west quarter of the northwest quarter of section 3G, — forty 
acres. The remaining entries were as follows : 

Section 1. 

Acrca. 

Joshua L. Wheeler, Wayne Co., Mich.. May, 1836 160 

William Tanner, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Alay, 1S36 195.90 

h. O. Gorilon ami John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 18:i6... 160 

William Ayhvaiil, (ienisec Co., N. Y., March, 1837 80 

Alanson Shelley, Wayne Co., Mich., October, 18a0 3i>A2 

Section 2. 

Wilkes Durkee, Oakland Co., Mich., February, 1836 69 40 

John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1S3C SO 

K. I>. (iregory an J John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836. 80 

Wilke^s Durkee, Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1S36. 80 

Cook and (Sregorv. Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 118.69 

Feli.x WcWilliams, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 80.67 

Ja*ob Snyder, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 77.05 

* Corrupted from Viei/cr, the name of a Frcn.'h-Indian half-breed. 



\ 



Skctio.v 3. 

Acres. 

Cook and Gregory, Wayne Co., Mich., March. 1836 80 

Edward liingham, Wayne Co., Mich., iMay, 183(1 SO 

Michael Mct^hiffy, Or.ange Co., N. Y., June, ls:'.(i 81.44 

Lyman Turner, Liyingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 79.72 

John Turner, New London Co., Conn., June, 18311 160 

James Turner, New London Co., Conn., June, 1836 160 

Section 4. 

William H. Cook, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 159.23 

LJ 0. Gordon and John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836.. 79 
John Turner, New London, Conn., June, 1836 400 

Section 5, 

Cook and Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836 79.16 

Lyman Turner, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 238.76 

John Weaver, Oakland Co., Mich., Peceniber, 1836., 40 

Charles W. Johnson, Genesee Co., Mich., March, 1843 40 

Carlton L. Sage, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1843 40 

Asahel Martin, Jr., (ienesee Co., Mich., September, 1847 80 

Anna Martin, (icnesee Co., Mich 40 

Swamp land 40 

Not entered 40 

Section 6. 

Abijah B. Dunlap, Scneea Co., N. Y., April, 1836 74 14 

John Turner, New London, Conn., June, 1830 158.92 

Lyman Turner, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 16') 

Cook and Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1836 147.20 

Calvin P. Austin, llutland Co., Vt., Noycmhor, 1836 74.12 

Section 7. 

Hiram L. L.amb, Wnvne Co., N. Y., May, 1836 160 

Peter Lamb, Wayne Co., N. Y., May, 1836 145.76 

William Kellogg, Ontario Co., N. Y., June, 1836 120 

Reuben Kellogg, Ontario Co., N. Y., June, 1836 120 

Jesse B. Odell, Genesee Co., Mich., March, 1839 06.24 

Section 8. 

Ilir.'iin L. Lamb, Wayne Co., N. Y., May, 1836 80 

Cook and Gordon, \Vayne Co., N. Y., June, 1836 SO 

Richard L. Lamb, Wayne Co., N. Y., July, 1836 40 

Cook and Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., July. 1836 240 

Francis 11. llermon, Genesee Co., iMich., December, 1836 40 

George Page, Washtenaw Co., Mich., January, 1837 SO 

Andrew Potter, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1853 40 

Swamp land 40 

Si'X'TION 9. 

John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1836 SO 

James Mdlenry, Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1830 120 

Ne\vltold Lawrence, New York City, May, 1836 400 

John Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 1830 40 

Section 10. 

Samuel Allison, O.akland Co., Mich., December, 1835 100 

Walter Daven|iort, Orange Co., N. Y., December, 1835 160 

E. B. tiregory and .lolin Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1830 80 

John Peniiiman, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 160 

Gregory and Cook, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 SO 

Section 11. 

Samuel Allison, Oakland Co., Mich., December, 1835 42.83 

Walter Davenport, Orange Co., N. Y'., December, 1835 82.67 

J. Thom))son and II. Lyon, Fairfield Co., Conn., May, 1836... 123.35 

Edward Bingham, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 71.70 

Section 12. 

P. H. and Eliza McOmber, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1836.... 160 

James Tui-ncr, New London, Conn., June, 1836 160 

Moses W. Scott, Saratoga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 320 

Section 13. 

J.din Dunenn, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1836 111.40 

P. 11. and Eliza McOmber, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1836.... 152.85 

Philip H. McOmber, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Philip 11. McOmber, Jr., Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Conrad Forbes, Oakland Co.. Mich., September, 1848 80 

Hugh McCully, Oakland Co., Mich., December, 1848 40 

John Pitte, Genesee Co., Micb., September, 1852 40 

Not entered SO 

Section 14. 

P. II. McOmber and wife, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1S36 23.01 

H. and V. R. Hawkins, Genesee Co., N. Y., June, 1836 230.70 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



195 



Section 15. 

Acres. 

WiilU-r Davenport, Oningo Co., N. Y., December, 1835 76 

Wullace Ditible. licncsco Co.. Mich., KeUniarv, I8:i6 "10 

H. :ui(l V. U. Hawkins, (iencsie Co., N. Y., June. lS:iG 241) 

Cook an. I (Jordon. W.i.vne Co.. Midi., Augu.«t, l^'M 80 

Abraham Xoyes, Wttjnc Co., Mich., February, 1S;!7 120 

Section 17. 

Sihvs Warner, Hampshire Co., Maps., February, 1836 240 

.lames Ripley, Warren Co., N. Y., May, KSIifi..". :i20 

Orcn Skut, Wayne Co., Mich., October. lS:i6 40 

Ira Lamb, Oonescc Co., Mich., November, 1836 10 

Section 18. 

William Manifold, Washtenaw Co , Mieh., June, lS3fi 64.72 

A\iM. and Wni. li. llawlcy, Ontario Co.. N. Y., Juno, 1836 80 

Samuel W. I'altison, (Jencsee Co., X. Y., June, 1S3C 65.24 

Jcdin S. Cooley, Wavne Co., Mich., July, 1S36 40 

Robert T. Winehelli (ienesee Co., Mieh., August, 1836 80 

John W. Hyatt, Oakland Co., Mieh., August, 1836 80 

J<phti .Tones, Ciencsco Co., N. Y., September, 1836 SO 

AU in Hanuier, Wayne Co., Mich., October, 1836 120 

Section 10. 

Charles Byram, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 1836 160 

Philemon C. .Murray, Washtenaw ('o., Mich., February, 1S30. 67.52 

Chiirlos livram, (ienesee Co., JHch., February, 1836 40 

K. J. I'cnnimau, Wayne Co., Mieh., March. 1836 120 

Henry D. Harrison, Wayne Co., Mieh., October, 1836 160 

E. J. Pcnniiunn, Wayne Co., Mich., November, 1836 05.64 

Section 20. 

James Ball, Bradford Co., Pa.. July, 1835 40 

Dustin Cheney, (Jcnesoe Co., Mich., October, 1835 80 

Oliver P. I.amb, (ienesee Co., Mich., October, 1835 40 

Richanl L. I.amb, Geue>ec Co., .Mich., October, 1835 40 

Samuel Castle, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1835 80 

(ieorgo Page, Washten iw Co., Mich., July, 1S3B •. 120 

Consider Warner, Genesee Co., N. \'., February, 1836 240 

Section 21. 

Alden Tuppcr, Lapeer Co., Mich., July, 1835 40 

" •• (Jenescc Co., Mich., October, 1 835 40 

Charles Tujipcr. Genesee C.>., Mich., December, 1835 SO 

George Page, Washtenaw (,'o., Alicb., July, 1836 40 

Perry Lainb, (ienesee Co., Mich., May. 1,S36 40 

Charles Tupper, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1836 40 

" '• " " •' June, 1836 SO 

John Herman, Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1836 40 

George Doty, Wayne Co., Mich., October, 1836 40 

Charles Tup])er, (lene^ec Co., .Mich., April, 1837 40 

Jefl'erson Eddy, Genesee Co., Mich., June. 1853 40 

" " '• " " December, 1854 40 

Seth C. Sadler, " " " July, 1855 40 

Not entered 40 

Section 22. 

J. Cranger and C. K. Carroll, New Y'ork State, August, 1836.. 160 

Hiram B. I^Iadison. Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1836 40 

Jefferson Bnwon, (Ienesee Co., Mich., February, 1S38 40 

Jctlcrson Kddy, Genesee Co., Mich., December, 1854 120 

Not entered 280 

Section 23. 

John Duncan, Wayne Co., Mieh., March, 1836 66.83 

1*. H. A E. MeOmbcr, Oakland Co., Mich., July, 1836 22.70 

Moses W. .Seott, Sarat.iga Co., N. Y., July, IS3V1 04.40 

Charles H. Carroll, Stale of Now Y'ork, August, 1836 135.30 

Hiram L. L:imb, <Jene.sec Co., Mit.-h., February, 1839 40 

Andrew Potter, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1852 80 

John L. Whiting, Wayne Co., Mich., December, 1853 80 

Andrew Potter, Genesee Co., Mich., December, 1854 40 

Section 24. 

P. H. A E. McOmber, Oukhmd Co. Mich., July, 1836 72.50 

Jlose.s W. Scott, Saratoga Co., N. Y., July. 1S36 80 

leaiah Scott, William K. I 

Bixby, .Samuel Morgan, | Addison Co., Vt., August, 1836... 100 

and Nelson Richards, I 

John Kddy, Wavne Co., Mich.. May, 1S37 80 

Joseph Parker, (lakland Co., Mich., November, 1837 160 

Joseph Dccuc, Northampton Co., Pa., November, 1845 80 

Section 25. 

Ebenezcr Pralt, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 1835 80 

'• " " June, 1S35 SO 

.lames Thorp, Gcneseo ('o., Mich., November, 1835 40 

William Remington, Dutchess Co., N. Y., November, 1835 .... SO 



Acres. 

Charles L. Pralt. Ontario Co., N. Y.. February, 18.36 80 

Joseph Thorp, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1S36 40 

Sol. Jcffenls, Monroe Co., N. Y., January, 1836 80 

Svlvester L. Sage, Livingston Co., N. Y., January, 1836 40 

John Patterson. Wayne Co., Mich., August. 1836 40 

R. Le Roy and William M. Fenton, Oakland Co., Mich., July, 

1837 80 



Section 26. 

William Nichols, Shiawassee Co., Mich., -lul}', 1835 

John Wilbcr, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 183.5 

William Remington, Dutchess ("'0., N. Y., November, 1835.... 

Archibald Duncan, Wayne Co., Mieh., February, 1836 

Dustin Cheney, (ienesee Co., Mich., March, 1836 

William Gage, Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1S36 

Samuel F. Cheney, Monroe Co.. N. Y., Jlay, ls:;C, 

Theron M. Young. Oakland Co., Mich.. July, 1830 

David D. Young, Livingston Co., N. Y., July, 1836 

Henry Sackner. Monroe Co., N. Y., October. 1830 

James M. Briarty, Wayne Co., Mich., April, 1837 



40 

40 
200 
SO 
40 
40 
40 
40 
40 
40 
40 



Section 27. 

William Remington, Genesee Co., Mich., December, 1835 40 

Archib.ald Duncan, Wayne Co., Mich., February, 1836 80 

Dustin Cheney, Genesee Co., Mich., March, 1836 120 

Mary Piatt, (ienesee Co., N. Y., April, 1836 80 

Elijah Piatt, Genesee Co.. N. Y., April, 1S36 160 

Murzan and Alonzo Chapin, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836... 80 

James Woodruff, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1850 40 

Not entered 40 

Section 28. 

Harrison Tupper, Lapeer Co., Mich., .Tuly, 1836 80 

Morris Miller, Wavne Co., Mich., March. 1836 76.20 

Jamis Ball, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1836 80 

Harrison Tupper, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1836 40 

Zenas Fairbank, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1S36 40 

Harrison Tupper, (ienesee Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Otho D. Bedon, Wayne Co., Mieh., February, 1S37 40 

James WoodruB', (ienesee Co., Mich., November. 1853 40 

Andrew Potter, Geuesee Co., Mich., November, 1853 40 

" " " February, 1854 40 

Hiram Chandler, Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1854 80 

E. Potter : 40 

Section 29. 

George Page, Washtenaw Co., Mich., January, 1836 SO 

Charles Byram, Wayne Co., Mich., January, 1836 108.40 

" " February, 1836 48.75 

Consider Warner, Genesee Co., N. Y., February, IS36 160 

Henry R. Butler, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1S36 54.35 

Section 30. 

Charles Byram, Wayne Co., Mich., January, 1836 2.33.44 

Consiikr Warner, Genesee Co., N. Y., February, 1836 133.35 

Jirah Uillman, Lewis Co., N. Y., May, 1836 149.84 

Section 31. 

Edmund Downer, Oakland Co., Mich., September, 1835 40 

Elisha W. Postal, Macomb Co., Mich., July, 1836 80 

Jefl'erson 11. Downer, Oakland Co., Mich., July, 1836 40 

Elijah Crane, Wavne Co., Mich., March, lS3o 67.18 

E. J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1836 147.81 

Seth Thompson, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Mareli, 1836 80 

Samuel Averill, Oaklan<l Co., Mich., March, 1836 40 

Joseph II. liyrani, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 40 

Enoch T. Glass, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 80 

Section 32. 

Edmund Downer, Oakland Co., Mich., September, 1835 80 

Gardin L. Downer, Oakland Co., Mich., September, 1835 80 

Elisha Larned, Allegany Co., N. Y., November, 1835 160 

(lardin L. Downer, Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1835 40 

E. J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1836 40 

Morgan L. (iago, Monroe Co., Mich., April, 1836 80 

" " May, 1836 60.75 

Joseph L. Byram, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 24.75 



Section 33. 

Ri>bert T. Winchcll, Ocnesco Co., Mieh.. October, 1835 

Consider Warner, Genesee Co., N. ¥., February, 1836 

Frederick F, Riggs, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1836 

David W. Woo.lworth, Livingston Co., N. Y., October, 1836... 

John Weaver, Oakland, .Mich., December, 1836 

Phileua Lalhrop, Ot-sego Co., N. Y., March, 1S37 

Henry Larned, Oakland Co., Mieh., April, 1848 



40 
200 
40 
132 
80 
SO 
40 



196 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, iMICIIIGAN. 



Section 34. 

Acres. 

riark Diblile, Lnpcer Co., Mich.. March, 18.34 40 

AValhicc Diliblc, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 1835 SO 

Lauren P. Kigf;s. Shiawassee Co., Mich., June, 1833 40 

Abram liale.v, Allegany Co., N. Y., June, 1835 40 

lluslin Clieney, Shiawassee Co., Mich., .Tulv, 1835 40 

.John Thorp, Chautauqua Co., N. Y.. October, 1835 240 

AValhicc Dibble. Shiawassee Co., Mich., November, 1835 80 

Henry Howard, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 183G 80 

Section 35. 

Abram Baley, Allegany Co., N. Y., June, 1835 SO 

Ji.hn Thorp. Chaulauqua Co., N. Y.. October. 1835 240 

Hiram li. JIadison, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1830 120 

Daniel H. Chandler, Genesee Co., N. Y., June, 1860 160 

Samuel VV. Patlison, Genesee Co., N. Y., June, 1836 40 

Section 36. 

Clark Dibble, T.apcer Co., Mich., March, 1834 40 

James Thorp, Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1835 40 

John K. Jones, .St. Clair Co.. Jlich., April, 1835 40 

Ebenezer Pratt, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 1835 40 

AVallaec Dibble, Ontario Co., N. Y., M.ay, 1835 40 

John Galloway, Monroe Co.. Mich.. June. 1835 40 

James Thorp. "Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1S35...-. 40 

John Torrct, Oakland Co., Mich.. October, 1835 80 

Wallace Dibble, Shiawassee Co., Mich.. November, IS35 80 

]I. it V. R. Hawkins!, Gcnisee Co., N. Y.. June, 1S36 80 

Levi Warren. Genesee Co.. Mich., 'May, 1836 40 

Norris Thorp, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

John F. Bliss, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Assuming that section IG, reserved for school purposes, 
contains 040 acres, the foregoing figures will make the area 
of the township, aside from its water-beds, 21,629.91 acres. 
This would exclude only the larger lakes, as Long, Mud, 
Pine, Silver, Byram, etc., while the many small ones aid 
to swell the water area of the township to the figures given 
at the opening of this chapter, 2240 acres, or in that neigh- 
borhood. Much of the land originally in the midst of 
swamps, long left untouched, has been drained and re- 
claimed, and in places is among the most valuable in the 
township. The area apportioned to tlie larger lakes, as 
given in the preceding table of entries, is but 1410.09 
acres, or 1000 acres less than the real water area of the 
township. The swampy portions were and are still in most 
places grown up to tamarack timber. 

EAULY SETTLEMENTS— INCIDENTS. 

The settlement of the township of Fenton dates back to 
1834. In April of that year Dustin Cheney and family 
located where now is the village of Fenton, coming from 
Grand Blanc township, where they had lived a short time. 
They were followed the same month by other families, and 
soon a r&spectable settlement was flourishing. These will 
all be found mentioned in the history of the village. The 
southern portion of the town received the first settlers, and 
the years 1834, '35, '36, and '37 witnessed the arrival of 
a considerable number, some coming from other portions of 
Genesee County, others from Oakland and Livingston, with 
many direct from the State of New York. 

The village of Linden was settled two years later than 
Fenton, or in 1836, and at present is a prosperous borough 
numbering several hundred inhabitants. The northern 
part of the township received attention from settlers within 
a few years after the first pioneers had located on the 
southern border. 

Across the southeast corner extends a ridge of sand and 
gravel hills, rising perhaps a hundred feet above the Shia- 
wassee River. Similar elevations are found in the north- 



eastern part, though not as high nor well defined. The 
region between and extending westward is fertile and pro- 
ductive, and there were the farms of the pioneers, which 
in a few instances are yet occupied by the original owners, 
although most of them have changed hands many times. 
The first entries in the township, outside of what are now 
the incorporated villages, wore made, a few in 1835, and 
the greater proportion in 1836, which latter was the year 
which witnessed the most extensive immigration of any in 
the history of the State. From the few original settlers 
yet remaining are ascertained the following facts : 

Alonzo J. and Murzah L. Chapin, from Irondequoit, 
!Monroc Co., N. Y., were among the early settlers in Fenton. 
They came to Wayne Co., Mich., in 1833, and located in 
the township of Dearborn, where each owned a farm. 
Alonzo was a young man without a family, while his brother 
was married. The former during his residence in Wayne 
County came in 1835 to Fenton and located land, and in 
1836 or '37 was here and voted. He moved his brother 
and family to the township in 1836, the latter settling one 
mile east of where is now the village of Linden. Return- 
ing to Dearborn County, he remained until the following 
year (1837), when he came with his wife, having been but 
a short time married, and located on a farm northwest of 
the village of Fenton, in the present Cheney neighborhood 
and near Mud (or Pinery) Lake. He afterwards removed 
to a farm near Linden, now owned by John Welsh, and 
in 1844 to the farm he still owns, immediately west of 
Fenton village, section 35. Upon this he continued to 
reside until the fall of 1867, when he moved upon his 
present village property. His farms are occupied by his 
sons. 

The circumstances which induced jMr. Chapin to locate 
in Fenton township were about as follows: In 1835 he 
and his brother left their homes in Dearborn, for the pur- 
pose of looking for land. Upon reaching Brighton, Living- 
ston Co., they fell in with a party of six men from Ann 
Arbor, and all set forth in company, hardly knowing in 
what direction to proceed. A man who knew of the dwell- 
ing-place of the Fisher tribe of Indians directed them on 
the trail towards that locality. Following this for some dis- 
tance, finding it well beaten, they came in time to branch- 
ing trails, and arriving at the site of Fenton village, or 
" Dibbleville," as the small settlement was then called, tliey 
concluded to locate in its vicinity, as five trails centered here, 
and they deemed it most' favorable on that account, and the 
abundance of water in the surrounding country. Mr. 
Chapin and his brother, together with two of the Ann 
Arbor men, located in the township, while the other four 
subsequently settled farther west, having found, on reaching 
the land-office at Detroit, that the sites they had selected 
had already been taken by other parties. When on their 
way hither from Brighton, they noticed occasional wagon- 
tracks leading away from the trail, — a few settlers having 
ventured into the wilderness, miles from any clustered 
hamlet, or " village." One of the gentlemen from Ann 
Arbor who located in this township was a Mr. Manifold ; 
the name of the other is not now recollected. Of the entire 
party, it is believed Alonzo J. Cluipiu is now the only one 
living in the township. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



197 



The inhabitants of the Indian village luentioneJ as that of 
Fisher and his tribe, situated near the southern line of the 
township of Mundy, in time became scattered. Many of 
thcni removed, while others purchased lands and became 
farmers on a limited scale. A portion of them weut to the 
neighborhood of Gaines and others to Flushing. Wabanesa, 
quite noted among them, still owns a farm in Gaines town- 
ship, whore two of Fisher's .sons are also living. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Chapin, wife of Alonzo J. Chapin, has 
been a resident of Blichigan since 1828, and has witnessed 
the transition of the wilderness into a productive garden 
and the f\iding away of nearly an entire generation of pio- 
neers, while those who were but children, or were yet 
unborn when she first became acquainted with the State, 
have grown to mature manhood, and turned upon the down- 
ward slope of the way. Fifty years of life in the West have 
left their impress upon her, and filled her mind with a won- 
derful store of recollections, among which those of her ex- 
perience in her pioneer days are chief. In 1828 she came 
with her father, Henry S. Gale, from the town of Greece, 
Monroe Co., N. Y. (originally from Albany County, had 
lived in Monroe two years). 5Ir. Gale settled in Su- 
perior township, Washtenaw Co., Mich., and there spent 
the remainder of his life. He purchased the land from the 
government, and died upon the same place he originally 
entered. His daughter was married to Mr. Chapin during 
her residence in Washtenaw County, and soon after re- 
moved with him to Fenton (then Argentine). 

With the exception of two years of the time Mr. Chapin 
has resided in Fenton, his occupation has been that of a 
farmer. During the two years he aided in the construction 
of the Michigan Central Ilailway. He has known of the 
building of every house now standing in Fenton village. 
When, in 1836, he moved his brother into town, his team 
became mired where the Everett House now stands in the 
village. The spot seemed to have been caused by springs. 
The way taken by teams lay as close to the river as it was 
then thought expedient to drive, and passed over numer- 
ous places which at this day would scarcely be considered 
desirable for a road-bed. Mr. Chapin's team was a fine 
one, and had cost him four hundred dollars, yet there were 
not men enough in the .settlement to get the horses out of 
their muddy prison. Mr. Chapin took his axe, went into 
the neighboring woods and cut some stout poles, with 
wljich they literally pried the animals out of the mire, and 
the journey was resumed. 

About the year 1839, while doing hi.s spring plowing on 
his farm near Linden, Mr. Chapin unfortunately broke his 
plow-point. The nearest place at which he could procure 
another was " Piety Hill," now Birmingham, in Oakland 
County, seven miles south of Pontiac. Peter Lamb, who 
lived a short distance north of Linden, owned a span of 
ponies, with which he teamed between Linden and Detroit, 
being on the road almost constantly. He was, at the time 
Mr. Chapin broke his plow, aw.iy on a trip and had not yet 
started from Detroit on his return. This Mr. C. knew, as 
he was perfectly acquainted with Lamb's " time-table." 
Going into the house, he told his wife he was going to 
walk to Birmingham that night (it was then late in the 
afternoon, buy a new point, and return with Lamb the 



nest morning. Accordingly, collecting all the money in 
the house, amounting to fifty cents, and taking a loaf of 
brown bread, which Mrs. Chapin had just baked, he started. 
When he reached Dibbleville it was after sundown, and 
the distance through the woods to the Saginaw turnpike, 
in Springfield, Oakland Co., was sixteen miles. Nothing 
daunted, however, he started on. Twisting some hickory- 
torches, and taking them in one hand while in the other 
he carried a stout cudgel, he plodded along in the darkness, 
replacing his torches as necessary, and having sometimes to 
feel carefully for the trail to avoid becoming lost. Anon 
the howl of a wolf startled him to a more rapid pace. 
Soon it was answered from another direction, and in a 
remarkably short space of time numbers of the rapacious 
brutes had gathered in the forest around and were following 
liim, all the time keeping up their di.scordant and savage 
howling and barking. It may be supposed his nerves were 
not entirely in a state of rest when, at last, he reached the 
beaten turnpike. Pushing still on, he arrived at Pontiac 
some time after midnight, and, stopping but a few minutes, 
walked to Birmingham, which place he reached at daybreak. 
As soon as people began to stir he looked around and 
found that Lamb had not yet returned from Detroit. He 
concluded, after purchasing his plow-point, — which co.st 
" three bits," — to start on the back-track, and ride with 
Lamb when the latter should overtake him. This did not 
happen, however, and Mr. Chapin reached home in the 
afternoon at about the same time he had left it the previous 
day, having walked the entire distance to Birmingham and 
back, or more than sixty miles ! 

He thinks no other man in Genesee County ever under- 
took and completed as great a journey for as small a pur- 
pose or with as little money in his pocket. He states that 
the loaf of brown bread had disappeared beneath his waist- 
coat by the time he reached home, and he had not spent a 
cent for food while away. 

During the early years of his residence in Michigan, Mr. 
Chapin was engaged in teaming over various portions of 
the State, transporting goods for settlers and making trips 
as far west as Lake Michigan. In this way he became ex- 
tensively acquainted with the pioneer families and the re- 
gion in which they located. When he came from the State 
of New York he brought with him a cast plow of the 
Wood pattern, very likely the firet one brought to tlic 
State. Upon arriving in Detroit he was accosted by a 
stranger who desired to purchase it, but was unwilling to 
sell. Finally the man told him he owned a furnace in the 
place, and if he (3Ir. Chapin) would allow him to use the 
castings for patterns he would mould others and give him 
two for the one he had. The bargain was made, and the 
plows cast were unc^oubtedly the first of that design manu- 
factured in Jlichigan. Mr. Wood heard of the transaction, 
and came to Detroit and claimed damages for inlringement. 
He finally, however, for a stated sum (in the shape of a 
note), gave the founder the right to manufacture the plows. 
Wood was a machinist, or moulder, by trade, and on one 
occasion while in Canada had secured the patent from the 
inventor, and returning to New York had the first ones in 
that State cast in the furnace where he worked. 

Mr. Cluqiin has in hi.s possession an old-f;ishioncd splint- 



198 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



bottomed rocking-chair, one of the firet made in the town- 
ship. The frame was made by Seth Rhodes, an early 
settler at Linden, and the bottom was put in by a man 
named Ball. For the frame Sir. Chapin worked an entire 
day at breaking with two yokes of oxen. For the first 
two years after the chair was purchased it was scarcely at 
liome a day, being loaned to families afflicted with the ague 
or other ills which flesh was heir to in those days. 

Mrs. Chapin has the second loom built in the township, 
upon which she wove cloth for settlers living far and near, 
and her fame as a weaver was something of which any 
matron in those days might well be proud. At one time 
she wove some cloth for Lauren P. Riggs, one of the first 
settlers at Dibbleville, her charges amounting to three dol- 
lars, and for her labor she received an iron shovel and a 
pair of tongs. The former was eventually broken and the 
pieces lost, but the tongs she still posse-s-ses. The first loom 
owned in town was made by Zenas Fairbank, at Linden, 
for use in his own family. 

The number of wolves and other wild animals which 
abounded in the forests was something remarkable. A ven- 
ture into the darkness of the night was almost certain to be 
rewarded with the sight of one wolf or more, and occa- 
sionally a more savage animal made his appearance, to the 
terror of the settlers. One night, while living in the pres- 
ent Cheney neighborhood, Mr. Chapin was aroused by the 
barking of a small dog which belonged to him. It was 
during warm weather, and the door was usually left open, 
while a smudge was built outside to keep oif the mosqui- 
toes. This night, however, owing to a rain, the door was 
closed. Anxious to see what the dog was barking at, he 
stepped from the door en dishahiUe, and noticing an ani- 
mal which in the darkness he took for a large dog, he 
threw several stones at it to frighten it off, but it only 
snapped at them and refused to move. Mr. Chapin, think- 
ing by this time that the better part of valor was discre- 
tion, made a quick spring inside the house, closed the door, 
and placed his back against it. No sooner had he done so, 
than crash ! came a huge form against the door, with such 
force as to nearly floor Mr. Chapin and frighten him into 
the belief that the door would bo broken in despite his 
efforts to prevent it. The animal's designs were happily 
frustrated, and he bounded away into the forest. Mr. 
Chapin, Perry Lamb, and another settler were at the time 
the only persons in the neighborhood in sufficient health to 
attend to the needs of the sick, and they usually took cer- 
tain routes among the log cabins of their neighbors and 
administered to their wants. Near Silver Lake resided 
Harrison Tupper and hi* brother, and to the house of the 
former Mr. Chapin went one night on his charitable round 
•some time after his adventure at homo with the unknown 
animal. Arriving at Tupper's, he found the man lying 
sick, with the head of his bed next to the window ; 
Mrs. Tupper had gone out to milk. While Mr. Chapin 
sat in the room he noticed the curtain moving at the 
head of the bed, and the next instant a huge paw 
pushed it aside and a savage looking head reached in and 
moved close to the fiioe of the sick man. Mr. Chapin 
cried out and started towards it with a chair, when it disap- 
peared from the window. Soon after, Mrs. Tupper came 



in from milking, and Mr. C. asked whose large dog was 
prowling around. She answered that she did not know, 
but she had seen it in the darkness several times of late. 
Mr. Chapin stepped out, and the animal sprang upon the 
house of Mr. Tupper's brother, across the way. He threw 
a stone at it, and it leaped off and disappeared. The glance 
he obtained revealed to him the fact that the animal was a 
panther. It was shot at a number of times afterwards, and 
finally, doubtless considering the locality too warm for com- 
fort, went off into Springfield, Oakland Co., where it was 
at last killed and the settlement rid of a dangerous intru- 
der. Numerous similar experiences fell to the lot of others, 
and the stories which most of them delight in relating of 
their adventures here when yet the forest was almost un- 
broken and the Indian trails occupied the places where now 
are well-constructed highways and a prosperous community, 
would fill volumes. 

In the spring of the year 1835, Joseph Thorp, from 
Genesee Co., N. Y., came to what is now Fenton town- 
ship, and located on section 25. Having previously pur- 
chased land on section 30, and owning none where he first 
stopped, he soon after removed to his farm on 36, — this 
after he had built a log house and prepared it for the re- 
ception of his family. This house stood on the south side 
of what is now the street in Fenton village leading to 
Holly, nearly opposite the present brick residence of his 
son, Joseph Thorp, and on the spot where now stands the 
dwelling of Charles Bu.sh. Joseph Thorp was but a boy 
when his father settled here, and has grown to mature man- 
hood since he became a resident of the State. The elder 
Thorp passed his remaining days here. 

Oliver Warren, now of the town.ship of Holly, Oakland 
Co., arrived in Fenton July 10, 1836, with his father, 
Levi Warren, who purchased land on section 30 and erected 
his house near the site of the present residence of M. Wal- 
ton. The elder Warren had been a soldier during the war 
of 1812, and received the bounty for his services after 
coming to Michigan. Both he and his son were members 
of the first Methodist class organized in Fenton (then Dib- 
bleville) in March, 1837. Oliver Warren was at the time 
a young man of eighteen. The old furm is now within the 
limits of the Fenton corporation. Mr. Warren, Jr.. in 
May, 1852, removed to the township of Holly, where lie 
has since continued to reside. 

William Remington, a native of Rhode Island, and after- 
wards a resident respectively of New Bedford, Mass., and 
Dutchess and Ulster Counties, N. Y., came from the latter 
to Michigan in November, 1835, the trip from New York 
being made by canal to Buffalo, thence up the lake by boat 
to Detroit, and on foot, in company with Elislia Larned, 
from the latter place to Fenton. Mr. Remington located 
where he now lives (land now partially within the corporate 
limits of Fenton), built a log house immediately south of 
the site of his present frame residence, and returning for 
his family brought it to the new home in 1830. Upon 
Mr. Remington's form, bricks were first manufactured in 
1870. His son, John Remington, is engaged in this busi- 
ness, and burns from three to four hundred thousand bricks 
annually. Some years none are burned. Mr. Remington has 
been entratred in farminir durinic his residcuce in Miclii"an. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



109 



■ All amusing incident is related in connection with Mr. 
Rcmington'.s land-looking tour, and the parties concerned 
can scarcely be offended if it is here placed in print. Mr. 
Kemington's intention had originally been to go to Kalama- 
zoo, but in Detroit he met Eii.sha Larned, who was going 
out on the north trail and who persuaded him to do like- 
wise. Starting out afoot, they left the Saginaw trail in 
Springfield, Oakland Co., and proceeded to Dibblevillc and 
the southern portion of what is now Fenton township. A 
farm towards the southwest corner of town was selected by 
Mr. Remington, but Larned chose to take the same land 
himself, and it was given up to him. Tlie next choice was 
where he now resides, but Larned also said he propo.sed to 
have the land if he could get to Detroit first and make the 
entry. As he had succeeded in procuring a horse to ride 
the chances appeared slim for Remington, but the latter took 
the matter coolly, and refused to start with Larned that 
evening for Detroit. Larned, however, pushed on, in com- 
pany with Morgan Baldwin, of Mund}', who had a.scertaiued 
that Remington was a " Yankee," and told Larned he had 
better " look out or he would beat him yet." That idea was 
scouted, for with a horse to ride he was certain to reach De- 
troit before Remington could by any possibility do so. The 
man without a horse, however, might have been noticed to 
wink slyly after Larned and his companion had disappeared 
from view, and he, not long after they had departed, shoul- 
dered his pack and started through the woods to the turn- 
pike, which he reached in due time. Near the point where 
the trail joined the turnpike was a tavern, with another 
half a mile farther on. Towards the latter Remington bent 
liis footsteps, thinking to stop there for a short rest, not 
dreaming but that his competitor in the race had stopped 
at the first one. What was his surprise at seeing, as he 
walked up towards the house. Lamed pacing the floor 1 
Thinking no more of resting he resumed his journey, 
and neither stopped nor stayed till Pontiac was reached, 
although expecting every minute that his rival would over- 
take and pass him. Baldwin, at intervals, asked Larned if 
he didn't feel afraid " the Yankee" would get ahead of him, 
but the answer returned was full of confidence that such 
could not po.ssibly be the case. In the mean time Reming- 
ton was plodding his weary way towards Detroit, which 
place he ultimately reached and entered his land in triumph, 
being hours ahead of the others, whom, to at least the sur- 
prise of one, he met on his return trip. Larned was crest- 
fallen. Remington triumphant, and Baldwin exultant over 
his correct estimate of the " Yankee's" character and per- 
severance. All three of the parties are yet living, — Mr. 
Remington on the farm he then located, Mr. Larned, in 
Fenton village, and Mr. Baldwin in the township of Mundy. 

Elisha Larned was from Yates Co., N. Y., and settled 
on the farm he had located in 1835 (.section 32). lie 
moved in the spring of 1837, arranged for improvements 
to be made upon his place, and came to the village and was 
employed by Messrs. Lc Roy & Fenton, then just starting 
business in the place. He is at present engaged in the sale 
of agricultural implements in Fenton. 

C. Kelly settled near Long Lake in 1844 with his fam- 
ily, consisting altogether of eleven persons. This was in 
the fall of the year, and he had not a dollar left with which 



to help him through the long winter. He '■ made a party," 
sent out invitations to the settlers, and, with the proceeds, 
paid pari down for a fat hog, promising to pay the balance 
before tax time. It is not stated whether the family had 
anything besides the " fat hog" mentioned to live on during 
the winter. 

Walter Sluytcr, froom Broome Co., N. Y., purchased 
land on sections 10 and 11 in Fenton, and settled here in 
1839. The farm occupies a most picturesque location on 
the northwest shore of Long Lake, and is now the properly 
of Mr. Sluyter's son, Isaac Sluyter. It is finely im- 
proved and a most desirable property. 

Theophilus Stone emigrated to Michigan in 1834 from 
Niagara Co., N. Y., and in 1838 settled upon section 10 
in Fenton township, where his son, Samuel Stone, at pres- 
ent resides. 

Charles Cooper, from Bradford Co., Pa., located on sec- 
tion 28 in 1840. Elijah Bird settled early on section 21 
in Argentine, purchasing from government ; and Norman 
Collins, from Lewis Co., N. Y., located on section 36, in 
the same township, in 1838. These latter afterwards be- 
came residents of Fenton (?). 

Among others who settled in this townshij), the following 
names appear in the records of the Genesee County Union 
Pioneer Society : 

George S. WoodhuU, now president of the society men- 
tioned, 1843; M. Walton, from Genesee Co., N. Y., Nov. 
10, 1837; A. Kirby, 1836; R. A. Carman, 1834; Joel 
Dibble, born in township in 1837 ; Jonathan Shepard, of 
Linden (now deceased), 1835 ; H. M. Thomp.son, 1836; 
H. ]jee, 1836; George Murray (Linden), in State, 1831 ; 
S. P. Thompson, 1839 ; L. D. Sweat (Linden), 1845 ; G. 
W. Curtis, 1841; E. G. Traver, now of Fenton, settled 
early in Livingston County, afterwards removing to Linden 
— came to State in 1831 ; J. Van Winkle (Fenton), 1837 ; 
A. S. Donaldson, 1834; James W^oodruff, 1840; W'illiam 
Mlddlesworth, early (now deceased) ; John Rceson, early, 
now living west of Fenton. Many others will be found 
mentioned in the histor}' of the respective villages of the 
township in which they settled and became influential 
citizens. Comparatively few of the early jiioneers of the 
township are now residing within its limits, and it is a 
most difficult matter to procure satisfactory information 
concerning those who once lived here but have since died 
or removed to other localities. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZ.VTION— CIVIL LIST. 

From 1836 until 1838 the present township of Fenton 
was a part of Argentine, and officers were elected jointly 
for both. In the spring of 1838, however, a petition 
having been sent forward praying for a division, owing tu 
some dissatisfaction over the election of officers as affairs 
then existed, the new township was organized under the 
name of Fenton. " At a town-meeting held at the Fenton- 
ville hotel, April 2, 1838, Samuel W. Pattison was chosen 
moderator and Benjamin Rockwell clerk. It was resolved 
that the officers be appointed on general ticket; also it was 
voted to elect three constables ; also a vote was taken to 
raise a tax of §50 towards building a bridge over the river 
at Fen'.onvillc, and carried unanimously ; also a vote for 



200 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



raising $140 for town expenses, and carried; also a vote 
for raising S25 for poor-money ; also it was voted to raise 
$12.50 to compensate the highway commissioners for hiy- 
ing and surveying roads in this town the past year ; also it 
was directed by a majority that the next annual town- 
meeting be held at the house of H. Harris, in Linden ; also 
it was directed by a majority of 34 votes that it was unex- 
pedient to authorize the supervisor to borrow money towards 
erecting county-buildings at Flint."* The following officers 
were chosen, as attested by the record, " by decided major- 
ities:" Supervisor, Walter Dibble; Town Clerk, Lauren P. 
Riggs; Justices of the Peace, Asahel Tickuor, Thomas 
Irish, John Cook, Elisha Lamed ; School Inspectors, Asa- 
hel Ticknor, Charles J. Birdsall, R. J. Gage; Asse.ssors, P. 
H. McOmber, Herman Lamb, Jacob Knapp ; Commis- 
sioners of Highways, James Thorp, Seth C. Sadler, H. 
Garfield ; Collector, Elisha W. Postal ; Directors of the 
Poor, James Thorp, E. A. Byram ; Constables, John 
Nichols, Norris Thorp ; Pathmasters, William Nichols, 
Seth C. Sadler, Elisha Bailey, Perry Lamb, Charles Tup- 
per, William Remington, Philip H. JlcOmber, Jolin Cook, 
Hiram Lamb. 

The principal officers of Fenton township from 1839 to 
1879, inclusive, have been the following persons, viz. : 

]S39.— Supervisor, Wallace Dib'jlc ; Town Clerk, William M. Fenton; 
Ju.stice of the Peace, .4sahel Ticlinor ; Assessors, II. L. 
Lauib, William M. Fenton, A. D. Hunt: Collector, John 
Herman ; School Inspectors, William M. Fenton, Abel I>. 
Hunt, D. F. Morris; Directors of the Poor, Jacob Little, L. 
Fairbank ; Commissioners of Highways, Jacob Little, Seth C. 
Sadler, Hollis Garfield. The latter removed from town, and 
Lauren P. Riggs was appointed to fill vacancy. 

1840.— Supervisor, Wallace Dibble; Town Clerk, William M. Fenton; 
Justices of the Peace, AVilliam Tanner, William M. Fenton 
(to fill vacan:;y) ; Treasurer, 0. P. Lamb; School Inspectors, 
H. W. K. Donaldson, A. D. Hunt, M. W. Easton ; Poormas- 
ters, Peter Lamb, Thomas Fairbank ; Commissioners of 
Highways, Elisha Holmes, Hiram L. Lamb, J. Harris, Jr. ; 
Assessors, Heman Harris, William JI. Fenton, Abel D. 
Hunt ; Collector, Jonas G. Wicker. 

18-11. — Supervisor, Asahel Ticknor; Town Clerk, William M. Fenton ; 
Treasurer, 0. P. Lamb ; Justice of the Peace, William M. 
Fenton; Assessors, E. C. Waterman, D. F. Morris, Henry 
Bradley ; Collector, Jonas G. Wicker ; Commissioners of 
Highways, Jacob Little, Seth C. Sadler, John Herman ; 
School Inspectors, Don F. Morris, H. Bradley, Abel D. 
Hunt. 

1842.— Supervisor, Wallace Dibble ; Town Clerk, William .M. Fenton ; 
Treasurer, Abel D. Hunt; Justices of tbc Peace, William 
F. Moseley, Heman Harris; Assessors, Edgar C. Waterman, 
Heman Harris; Commissioners of Highways, Morris Rip- 
ley, Elisha Holmes, Seth C. Sadler; School Inspectors, 
Aliel D. Hunt, Thomas Steere, Jefferson Bowen ; Directors 
of the Poor, 0. P. Lamb, Levi Warren. 

184.3. — Supervis.)r, Wallace Dibble; Town Clerk, James M.Wilcox; 
Treasurer, Abel D. Hunt; Justice of the Peace, Seth C. 
Sadler; Assessors, Elisha Holmes, Morris Ripley: Commis- 
sioners of Highways, Elisha Holmes, Seth C. Sadler, Morris 
Ripley ; School Inspectors, D. F. Morris, Je.Terson Bowen : 
Directors of the P(jor, Levi Warren, Samuel Carter. 

1844. — Supervisor, Augustus C. Riggs ; Town Clerk, William M. 
Thurber; Treasurer, Abel D. Hunt; Justice of the Peace, 
Samuel M. Marcy; Assessors, C.W.Johnson, H. Harris ; 
Commissioners of Highways, Morris Ripley, Lauren P. 
Rigg-=, Elisha Holmes ; School Inspector, II. P. Steward ; 
Directors of the Poor, Elisha Holmes, II. W. Cooper. 

^ Township records, 1838. 



1849.- 



1850.- 



1345. — Supjrviaar, Au^astus C. Ri^ga ; Town Clerk, William M. 
Thurber; Treasurer, Abel D. Hunt; Justice of the Peace, 
Charles Kelly; Assessors, Soth C. Sadler, William Thurber; 
Commissioners of Highways, Lauren P. Riggs, Charles 
Cooper, Morris Ripley ; School Inspector, Don F. Morris ; 
Directors of the Poor, Levi Warren, H. W. Cooper. 

1846. — Supervisor, Augustus St. AmanI; Town Clerk, William M. 
Thurber; Treasurer, Seth C. Sadler; Justice of the Peace, 
Claudius T. Thompson ; Assessors, Charles Kelly, P:irdon 
Hicks; Commissioners of Highways, Charles W. Johnson, 
David H. Baker, Elisha Holmes ; School Inspector, William 
H.Shaw; Directors of the Poor, Elkanah Parker, Parley 
Warner. 

1847. — Supervisor, Heman Harris; Town Clerk, David Smith ; Treas- 
urer, Seth C. Sadler; Assessors, Parley Warner, William 
Tann3r; Commissioners of Highways, D. H. Baker, Pardon 
Hicks, William W. Booth; School Inspector, Henry C. 
Riggs ; Directors of the Poor, James Thorp, Parley 
Warner. 

1848.— Supervisor, J. P. C. Riggs; Town Clerk, George Le Roy; 
Treasurer, Seth C. Sadler ; Justices of the Peace, William M. 
Thurber, R. F. Morris; Assessors, William H. Shaw, Charles 
W. Johnson ; Commissioner of Highways, Joseph Harris, 
Jr.; School Inspector, R. F. Morris; Directors of the 
Poor, Parley Warner, James Thorp, Hiram B. Madison. 
Supervisor, J. P. C. Riggs; Town Clerk, J. B. Hamilton; 
Treasurer, Seth C. Sadler; Justice of the Peace, Charles 
Kcllcy ; Assessors, Parley Warner, William Tanner; Com- 
missioner of Highways, Martin Dast; School Inspector, H. 
C. Riggs; Directors of the Poor, P. Warner, J. Thorp. 
-Supervisor, Heman Harris; Town Clerk, David Smith ; Treas- 
urer, Abel D. Hunt; Justice of the Peace, S. N. Warren; 
Assessors, Hiram Lamb, Walter Davenport; Commissioner 
of Highways, John Sackner; School Inspectors, Luther 
Field, Abel D. Hunt; Directors of the Poor, James Thorp, 
Parley Warner. 

1S5I. — Supervisor, S. N. Warren ; Town Clerk, Luther Field; Treas- 
urer, Wm. H. Shaw ; Justice of the Peace, Seth C. Sadler ; 
Assessors, Daniel Odell, Parley Warner; Commissioner of 
Highways, Joseph Harris; School Inspector, Abel D. Hunt; 
Directors of the Poor, Parley Warner, James Thorp. 

1852. — Supervisor, Morris Ripley; Town Clerk, Charles II. Turner; 
Treasurer, William H. Shaw; Justice of the Peace, Henry 
C. Riggs; Commissioner of Highways, Charles E. Stroup ; 
School Inspector, Thomas Hollowell ; Directors of the Poor, 
Parley Warner, James Thorp. 

1853. — Supervisor, Joseph Harris ; Town Clerk, William H. Shaw ; 
Treasurer, William Colbrath; Justices of the Peace, William 
Birdsall, Homer B. Smith; Commissioner of Highways, E. 
M.Crane; School Inspectors, Charles H. Turner, Abel D. 
Hunt; Directors of the Poor, Parley Warner, James Thorp. 

1854. — Supervisor, Lorin C. Miles; Town Clerk, Alva U. Wood; 
Treasurer, Abel D. Hunt, Jr.; Justices of the Pe.ace, Wm. 
11. Shaw, Charles Kelly; Commissioner of Highways, II. 
W. R. Donaldson ; School Inspector, Marshall M. Johnson ; 
Directors of the Poor, Parity Warner, James Thorp. 

1855. — Supervisor, John P. C. Riggs; Town Clerk, Alva U.Wood; 
Treasurer, John Sackner ; Justice of the Peace, Joseph 
Harris; Commissioner of Highways, George F. Gamber; 
School Inspector, George W. Wilmot; Directors of the Poor, 
William H. Shaw, Charles Cooper. 

1856. — Supervisor, John Galloway ; Town Clerk, Constance G. Young ; 
Treasurer, John Sackner; Justices of the Peace, Lorin C. 
Miles, Luther Field ; Commissioner of Highways, David 
Springsteen; School Inspectors, Lewis Severance, William 
F. Hovey; Directors of the Poor, Parley Warner, Morris 
Birdsall. 

1857.— Supervisor, John Galloway; Town Clerk, William P. Guest ; 
Tieasurer, F. A. Waterman; Justice of the Peace, Jacob 
Little; Commissioner of Highways, Asa Martin; School 
Inspestor, W. H. Cook; Directors of the Poor, Seth C. 
Sadler, D. Smith. 

1858.— Supervisor, Claudius T. Thompson; Town Clerk, Elias M. 
White; Treasurer, Frederick A. Waterman; Justice of tho 
Peace, Robert B. Reed; Commissioners of Highways, Ben- 



FENTON TOWNSllII*. 



201 



jainin Bung', Elain W. Crnnc ; Sehnol rnspeclors, John 
Booth, Wm. White; Directors of the Poor, Seth C. Sadler, 
John Sackncr. 

1S59. — Supervisor, Claudius T. Thimipson ; Town Clerk, Elias >r. 
White; Treasurer, James B. Mushier ; Justice of the Peace, 
Benj. F. Fry; Commissioner of Highways, Y. E. Benton; 
School Inspector, B. F, Stone; Dire:;tors of the Poor, J. B. 
Hyatt, Elam W. Crane. 

1860. — Supervisor, Claudius T. Thompson; Town Clerk, George W. 
Wilmot; Treasurer, James B. Moshier; JusticL'S of the 
Peace, AVilliam P. Guest, Henry C. Riggs; Commissioner of 
Highways, George W, Ripley; School Inspector, Dexter 
H or ton. 

1S61. — Supervisor, James B. Moshier; Town Clerk, Cicero J. K. 
Stoner; Treasurer, P. Y. Foote; Justice of the Peace, Jacob 
Little; Commissioner of Highways, II. W. R. Donaldson; 
School Inspector, Edwin Hovey (resigned, and AVilliam R. 
Marsh appointed to fill vacancy). 

1862. — Supervisor, James B. Moshier; Town Clerk, James F. Bishop; 
Treasurer, P. Y. Foote; Justices of the Peace, II. C. Riggs, 
Wm. H. Cook; Commissioner of Highways, Julian Bishop; 
School Inspectors, James M. Jameson, William II. Marsh. 

1S63. — Supervisor, David Smith; Town Clerk, C. J. K. Stouer ; 
Treasurer, Myron Ripley: Justice of the Peace, Aaron B. 
Durfee; Commist^ioner of Highways, George W. Ripley; 
School Inspector, Thaddeus G. Smith. 

1SC4. — Supervisor, David Smith; Town Clerk, James E, Busscy; 
Treasurer, Myron Ripley; Justice of the Peace, William P. 
Guest; Commissioner of Highways, Ficicrick Waterman; 
School Inspector, Xelsou B. Covert. 

ISGo. — Supervisor, David Smith; Town Clerk, J. E. Busscy; Treas- 
urer, Allen Beach; Justice of the Peace, Jacob Little; 
Commissioners of Highways, A. B. Durfcc, John Reeson, 
Asahel Martin; School Inspectors, Thaddeus G. Smith, 
Lorenzo D. Cook. 

1S6G. — Supervisor, James B. Moshier; Town Clerk, J. E. Busscy; 
Treasurer, John Sackner; Justice of the Peace, Erastus M, 
Stevens; Commissioners of Highways, Henry G. Clark, 
John Reeson ; School Ins])ector, William R. Marsh. 

ISC". — Supervisor, James B. Moshier; Town Clerk, John W. McCoI- 
lum : Treasurer, Elbert N. Chandler; Justice of the Peace, 
' J. B. Fairbank; Commissioner of Highways, John Keeson; 
School Inspector (no record). 

ISCS. — Supervisor, Lorenzo D. Cook ; Town Clerk, James E. Bussey ; 
Treasurer, Elbert N. Chandler; Justice of the Peace, Wil- 
liam B. Cole; Commissioner of Highways, Aaron B. Durfcc; 
School Inspector, Edwin M. Adams. 

ISGO. — Supervisor, Lorenzo D, Cook; Town Clerk, J. E. Bussey ; 
Treasurer, E. N. Chandler; .Justice of the Peace, Hugh 
McCann; Commissioner of Highways, Noel Harris; School 
Inspector. Aaron B. Durfee. 

1870. — Supervisor, James B. Moshier; Town Clerk, J. E. Bussey; 
Treasurer, E. N. Chandler; Justices of the Peace, Edwin K. 
Briilges, Micliael W. Johnson : Commissioner of Highways, 
John Keeson; School Inspector, William K. .Marsh, 

1871. — Supervisor, Lorenzo D. Cook; Town Clerk, F. D. Adams; 
Treasurer, Delos A. Perkins; Justices of the Pence, Aaron 
B. Durfee, Robert Deining; Commissioner of Highways, 
Aaron B. Durfee; School Inspector, S. W. Pearson. 

1872. — Sujicrvisor, Lorenzo D. Cook; Town Clerk, F. D. Adams; 
Treasurer, D. A. Pcrkns; Justice of tlie Peace, Robert 
Deming; Commissioner of Highways, Noel Harris; School 
Inspector, John Owen; Drain Commissioner, Asahel Mar- 
tin. 

1873. — Supervisor, Elbert N, Chandler ; Town Clerk, Lewis V. Curry ; 
Treasurer, John Owen; Justiei'S of the Peace, Samuel S. 
Knight, John W. Ingram; Cominisgioncr of Highways, 
John Keeson; School Inspectors, Silas K. Warner, Kul'us Z. 
Smith; Drain Commissioner, Jerome Z. Fairbank. 

1874.— Supervisor, Elbert N. Chandler; Town Clerk, John W. Davis; 
Treasurer, Noah G. KeUey ; Justices of the Peace, Elniund 
E. Bridges; Commissioner of Highways, Jesse D. Crane; 
School Inspector, Cicero J. K. Stoner; Drain Commissioner, 
Noel Harris. 
1875. — Supervisor, Elbeit X. Chandle.-; Town Cle.k, John W. I>avis; 

20 



Treasurer, Alonzo M. HoUiV lay ; Justice of the Peace, .Icromo 
Z. Fairbank: Commissioner of Uiglnvays, John Reeson; 
To\vuslii|i SuperiutcnJent of Schools, Jo-cpli M. Mcfirath ; 
School Inspector, Cicero J. K. Stoner; Drain Commissioner, 
Noel Harris. 

1S7G. — Supervisor, Elbert N. Chandler; Town Clerk, John W. Davis; 
Treasurer, Noah (J. Kelsey ; Justice of the Peace, Joim AV. 
Ingram; Commissioner of Highways, John Ilceson : Town- 
ship Superintendent of Schools, J. M. M(;(irath ; School lu- 
ei»ector, Anson Morehouse ; Drain Commissioner, Noel Har- 
ris. 

1S77. — Supervisor, Dexter Horton ; Town Clerk, Robc-rt Deming; 
Treasurer, Albert H. Buck: Justice of Peace, Isaac Sluy- 
tcr ; Commissioner of Highways, A. R. Durfee; Townsliip 
Sujicrintcndent of Schools, George E. Cochran; School In- 
spector, Cicero J. K. Stoner; Drain Commissioner, Addison 
v. Chapin. 

1S7S. — Supervisor, Benjamin F. Stone; Town Clerk, Charles H. Tur- 
ner; Treasurer, Anson Morehouse; Justice of the Peace, 
Edmund E. Bridges; Commissioner of Highways, Ambrose 
S. Sadler; Townshij) Superintendent of Schools, George E. 
Cochran ; Scliool Inspector, Cicero J. K. St juer; Drain Com- 
missioner, John Reeson. 

1879, — Supervisor, Benjamin F. Stone; Town Clerk, Charles H. Tur- 
ner; Treasurer, Edwin M. Hovey; Justice of the Peace, 
Leon:xrd H. Pierce; Commissioner of Highwa,ys, Joseph 
Thorp; Township Superintendent of Schools, George E. 
Cochran; School Inspector, Aaron W. Riker; Drain Com- 
missioner, John Reeson ; Constables, Andrew E. Downer, 
Thomas Balis, Edwin Rogers, Emerson C. Horton. 

FENTON CENTRE MILLS. 

In the year 185C, W. W. Booth built a grist-mill on the 
Shiuwiissee llivcr, south of Long Lake and northwest of 
Fenton village (section 23), at which he carried on a con- 
siderable custom business. He built a dam and raised a 
pond, which latter was long known as " Booth's Pond." 
The jjroperty was finally purchased by Williixm Colbratli, 
who made extensive improvements in the mill, — set in 
place new turbine wheels and three runs of French burrs, 
thereby affording facilities for grinding and packing 100 
barrels of flour daily. He conducted a largo and profit- 
able business. On the night of Jan. G, 1873, the mill was 
burned down, and was never rebuilt. The dam has also 
been destroyed, and the mar.sh exists as it did previous to 
1856. The business of the mill was principally transferred 
to the mills at Fenton, which are among the heaviest in 
this portion of the State. 

IMPROVED STOCK IN FENTON. 

Considerable attention has been paid in late years to the 
breeding of fine-wooled sheep and short-horn Durham 
cattle in this township. About 1855-56 a man pa.s.sed 
through this vicinity with a large flock of merino sheep, 
and wintered them on the farm of Alonzo J. Cliapin. 'J'lie 
latter purcluvscd ten head, and became the first breeder of 
this variety in town. For a number of years afterwards 
merino sheep were (he j)riiicipal ones handled, but in more 
recent years sheep-breeding has declined somewhat. Mr. 
Chapiii's second son, Addison P. Cliaj)in, was the first 
veteran breeder of short-horns in the town.ship, and tlic 
first bull recorded from Genesee County (recorded at 
Buffalo, N. Y.) was owned by him. This was about 
1870-71. This well-known breed has since boon exten- 
.sivcly introduced in this region. Mr. Cliapin still breeds 
to as great an extent as the size of his farm will allow. A 



202 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



gentleman named Stewart, residing in the township of 
Grand Blanc, started a herd with animals purchased of 
Mr. Cliapin,anJ has since become an extensive breeder and 
dealer, having probably the largest herd at present in the 
county. The qualities of the short-horn Durhams have 
rendered this particular breed the favorite with most 
farmers and dealers throughout this section of the State, 
and they were introduced farther westward even before 
they were here. 

RESIDENTS OF TOWNSHIP IN 1844. 

From the assessment roll for the year 1844, is taken the 
following list of tax-payers in this township at that time. 
Some are yet residents. A considerable number of those 
named were non-residents, and the list is perhaps half made 
up of those living at the time in the two villages of Fen- 
ton and Linden. The names are : 

William Crawford, John Cook, Murzah Chapin, Cook & 
Gordon, Solomon F. Cook, Joseph Child & Co., Walter 
Davenport, Michael Davenport, Eial Durkoe, John P. Dur- 
kee, Wallace Dibble, Nathan Eddy, Lafayette Fairbank, 
Zenas Fairbank, Henry C. Fairbank, Francis C. Fairbank, 
Joseph S. Fenton, John Findley, James Green, Asahel II. 
Lamb, Hiram L. Lamb, Richard S. Lamb, Henry Leo, 
Jacob Lurvey, Don F. Morris, H. B. Madison, Joshua 
Meeker, Philip H. McOmber, Sr., Philip H. McOmber, 
Jr., Peter MeCollum, John Nichols, Daniel Odell, Jes.se 
Odell, John Orr, Thomas Owens, JIary Owens, Alanson 
Owens, Z. L. Perkins, H.irvey Smith, Jonathan Shepard, 
Claudius T. Thompson, James A. Thorp, John Thorp, 
William Tanner, Asahel Tioknor, Aiden Tapper, David 
Terrill, John Wilber, Benjamin Westerbce, Samuel N. 
Warren, Moses Walton, David W. Woodwoi-th, E. C. Wa- 
terman, Parley Warner, William White, Levi Warren, 
Augustus St. Amand, Joseph Jacobson, Henry H. Brad- 
ley, Charles R. Pratt, Thomas Steere, Sr., Jefferson Bowen, 
Charles Beardslee, John Harmon, S. W. Pattison, Leonard 
Wesson, C. J. Blrdsall, Josejih McLean, Benjamin Rock- 
well, Daniel lluuyon, John Decker, David Smith, Henry 
C. Stanard, Samuel N. Warren, Joseph Harris, D. D. 
Young, Isaac Russell, Warren Fdkins, Eber Weed, Joseph 
Hedges, Elisha Holmes, William M. Thurber, James M. 
Wilcox, Lorin H. Norris, D. Burrows, William M. Fenton, 
Henry Bradley, H. W. R. Donaldson, Augustus R. Hall, 
John C. Gallup, J. A. Hamilton, Joseph Parker, Ebenezcr 
S. Pratt, Charles R. Pratt, Seth Rhodes, William Reming- 
ton, John Reeson, Anson Ripley, Morris Ripley, Alanson 
Ripley, John Roberts, Lauren P. Riggs, Augustus C. Riggs, 
Mrs. Walter Sluyter, Seth C. Sadler, Ephraim Stone, 
Samuel Stone, Matthias Graves, William Gibbs, Abel D. 
Hunt, Heman Harris, Joseph Harris, James Houghton, 
Robert Jadwin, Patience Jones, Charles W. Johnson, John 
Kimball, Elisha Larned, Peter Lamb, Oliver P. Lamb, Ira 
Lamb, John Ball, Elias Baley, Jarcd Ball, Jesse Bugbee, 
O. D. Beden, Jefferson Bowen, Samuel Cheney, Mrs. 
Dustin Cheney, Orlin Chipman, Alonzo J. Chapin, 5Ier- 
rick S. Chapin, Henry W. Cooper, Benjamin Castle, Estate 
of Samuel Castle, Richard H. Carl, Liberty Chamberlin, 
Jeremy Chapin, Warren Clough, E. A. Byram, E. T. 
Glass, E. Crane, D. Averill, W. Iloisington, G. Pratt, G. 



L. Downer, Frederick F. Riggs, P. Lathrop, Judge With- 
erell, D. H. Chandler, J. F. Bliss, J. L. Wheeler, James 
Turner, John Turner, J. Sturges, A. Colvin, Jeremiah 
Odell, Reuben Kellogg, William Kellogg, H. II. Dennison, 
William Gutridge, Newbold Lawrence, George Odell, 
Thomson & Lyon, E. D. Bingham, D. Sutherland, M. W. 
Scott, John Duncan, II. & W. R. Hawkins, A. Noyes, 
W. Blair, J. S. Clark, J. M. Murray, M. Singleton, E. J. 
Penniman, C. B. Baldwin, A. Bunce, George Doty, Gran- 
ger & Carroll, Solomon Jeffreys, John Patterson, D. B. 
Moore, S. S. Sage, John Sackner, M. Miller. 

Tlie tax levied in the township for the jear mentioned 
(1844) was apportioned as follows: 

.State, county, and township tax $7.^4.07 

lli!;hwav tax 4,i.05 

gchool tax ]:i;i.7:i 

Four per cent 37. .S8 

Total $'J7l.i:i 



POPULATION.— OTHER STATISTICS. 

From the pages already written a close estimate may bo 
made of the resources of the township of Fenton during 

its earlier years. For the sake of comparison the following 
table is made up from the State census of 1874 : 

Population (males, 1S41 : females, 1965) .■5,806 

Number of acres of taxable land 1U,024 

'' *■ laud owned by individuals 

and fompiinies 10,2111 

Number of acres improveil land ll,4H.i 

" '* of land exempt from taxation. ISO 

Value of same, witb improvements $1.'JO,000 

Number of acres in scbool-hiuise sites 30 

" " chui-ch and parsonage sites 5 

** ** burying-grouuds 45 

" " railroad right of way and 

depot grounds 100 

" of farms in township 221 

" acres in farms 17,fi.oO 

Average number of acres in farms 7!'. 86 

Number of acres of wheat sown in 1S74 2,724 

" " " harvested in 1873.. 2,fiU'J 

" " ' corn " '• 787 

" bushels of wheat " " 28,233 

" ■' corn " " 20,320 
" " of all other grain h.arvested 

in 1S73 27.320 

" " potatoes raised in 1S73.. 8,718 

" tons of hay cut in IS73 2.222 

" lbs. of wool sheared in 1873 1.3,717 

** " jiork marketed *' 26,345 

" " butter made " 14,595 

" acres in orchards " 548 

Value of all fruit and garden vegetables, 1S72.. $8,395 

" " " 1S73.. ?7,296 
Number of horses, one year old and over, 

owned in 1874 436 

Number of mules, 1874 I 

" work-oxen, 1874 22 

" milch cows, 1874 4S9 

" neat cattle, one year old and over, 

other than oxen and cows, 1S74. 452 

" swine over six months old, 1S74... 426 

" sheep " " " " ... 4,318 

" •' sheared in 1873 3,972 

Number of flouring-mills in township in 1874.. 2 

Number of persons employed in same 9 

Amount of capital invested $40,00(1 

Number of runs of stone 6 

Number of barrels of flour made 18,000* 

Value of products $137,000 

Number of saw-mills, 1874 2 

Number of persons employed 3 

Capital invested $5,500 

Number of feet of lumber sawed 355,000 

Value of products $5,680 

Foundries and machine-shops 2 

Persons employed 9 

Capital invested $15,000 

A''aluo of products $9,000 

* See description of mills as at present operated. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



203 



Agricultural implement works 1 

I'erson^ employed .'i 

Ciipital invested $7,000 

Value of products $10,00{) 

Ciirriage-fiictories..- 3 

Persons emplovcd 1.S 

Capital invested $29,500 

Value of pntducts $1-1, ."iOO 

Furniture- and chair-factories 2 

l^ersons employed U 

Capital invested STj.'iOO 

Value of products S7,i'00 

Pump- and safe-factory 1 

Persons employed 5 

Capital invested $8,0110 

Value of products $5,260 

Stave-factory 1 

Person.-* emploved 11 

Capital invested SS,000 

Value of products $11,000 

Coopering establishments 2 

Persons employed 14 

Capital invested $7,500 

Value of products $13,500 

Tannery I 

Persons employed 2 

Capital invested $5,000 

Value of product-J $5,000 

Sa<ldle-, harness-, and trunk-factories 3 

Persons employed 10 

Capital invested $17,000 

Value of products $18,400 

Breweries (one since discontinued) 3 

Persons employed 6 

Capital invested $18,500 

Barrels of beer brewed 850 

^'aluo of products $7,050 

Woolen-factory (burned 1S7») 1 

J*ersons employed 30 

Capital invested $30,000 

Value of products $22,000 

Artificial and cut-stone works I 

l*ersoiis ctnplnyed 6 

Capital invested $4,001) 

Value of products $4,500 

Nuiiierous changes have been luatle in the five yeans 
which have ehipscd since the compilation of the last census, 
and that for 1880 will show a great difference in inanj 
respects. 

VILL.VGE OF FENTOX. 

The village now bearing the above name is located in the 
extreme southea.st corner of the township, on the Shiawas- 
see lliver and the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee 
llailroad. Its site is one of great beauty, extending as it 
docs across the valley of the Shiawa&see and over the hilly 
and undulating ground in the vicinity. In the southern 
portion rises the gravelly ridge previously mentioned, from 
the summit of which fine views may be obtained of the 
surrounding country, the vision covering an area of many 
miles. The improvements of the village arc many and 
excellent, and are evidence of the taste of its inhabitants. 
Numerous elegant residences and fine blocks for business 
purpos&s have been erected, shade-trees planted in abun- 
dance, yards and lawns tastefully laid out, and pleasant 
homes reared where, but a comparatively short time since, 

" Along the narrow, winding trail, 
The dusky warrior boundeil. 
And cries of wolves through sunny vale 
And forest aisles resounded.'' 

The fir.st settlement in this portion of the county was 
made here by persons who had previously located in the 
township of Grand Blanc, which they reached by follow- 
ing the main trail leading from Detroit to Saginaw. From 
there tlioy prospected in this direction, and established them- 
selves permanently in a settlement where Fenton now stands. 



The following extracts are from an address delivered by 
Hon. Dexter Ilorton at the dedication of the new engine- 
house and firemen's hall in the village, March 9, 187G: 

" Karly in the year 1834, Clark Dibble was threading 
his way through a trackless wilderness from Shiawassee to 
Grumlaw* (now Grand Blanc), and by some mistake he got 
on the Wiiite Lake trail. Reaching what is now Hill- 
man's, he started to make farther north, and first discovered 
this beautiful place which is now our village. He was so 
forcibly struck with its location that he stopped for a day 
and examined thoroughly the lay of the land. So taken 
up was he with the place that on his arrival at ' Grumlaw' 
he induced Dustin Cheney, Loren Riggs, and John Gallo- 
way, with their families, to come with him to this spot. 
Cheney and family came first, then Clark Dibble, then 
Galloway and Riggs, — all in April, 1834. 

" Mrs. Dustin Cheney was the first white woman that 
stepped on the spot where our fluurishiiig village now 
stands. To day she is slowly passing away. She resides 
within one mile of where I now stand, having acted well 
her part in the great drama of life, — the mother of eight 
children. For the la.st fifteen years she can truly say, ' I'm 
blind, oh, I'm blind.' Go and visit her, as I have done, 
and listen to her words of wisdom and her tale of pioneer 
life, and then say, if you can, if she has not performed well 
her part in life. Though blind to the world, though dark- 
ness obstructs her vision, she sees across the river with a 
vision as bright as the dazzling rays of the noonday sun. 
What a chapter, what a history might be written of this 
truly good woman ! 

" Harrison Cheney was the first white child born here, 
and both mother and child are living. Clieney's family 
built the first house, on the ground where Mrs. B. Birdsall 
[now Mrs. Gass] now resides ; Riggs the next, where Ellery 
Anderson now lives ; Galloway the next, near the gate to 
the fair-ground. 

" Many weeks had not passed before the cry came from 
the little band in the wilderness, Lost ! lost ! Louisa Che- 
ney, a little prattling, sweet cherub of seven years, had 
strayed away. Her mother, with some of the older chil- 
dren, had gone around a little swale, where Chandler's 
house now stands, to see if there would not be a good 
place to plant corn. She told the little girl to go back, 
but soiuehow she strayed away, and the cry of lost ! lust ! 
reached Grand Blanc, Groveland, Holly, and White Lake, 
and the pioneers came to assist. 

" On the third day, R. Winclicll, who had been at work 
on Dibble's mill, and who had been hunting for the child, 
came in nearly exhausted, and threw himself on the bed at 
about twelve o'clock. At about two o'clock he awoke, 
having dreamed where the child was. He immediately 
put on his hat, and went and found the child in the exact 
spot where, but a few moments before, he saw her in his 
dream. She had been lost three days, and was found just 
over beyond the hill where the Baptist seminary now stands, 
near a little pool of water. She was in nearly an exhausted 
condition. The little thing would crawl down atid take a 



^ Thus pronounced in the almost unintelligible Canadian patuh,- 
mi.vturc of poor French, worse Eugli.-h, and Indian. 



204 



HISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



drink of water, and then crawl back on dry ground to die. 
She afterwards became the first wife of Galen Johu.son. 

" Dibble built the first .saw-mill, in 18:54,' and got it run- 
ning in the fiill. One by one the pioneers came: P. H. 
MtOmbcr and family. Uncle Dick Donaldson and family, 
R. Le Eoy, W. M. Fenton, E. Larued, W. Remington, 
Walter Dibble, E. Pratt, A. Bailey, etc. 

"The first hotel was built, in 1837, by R. Le Roy and 
W. M. Fenton, where the Everett House now stands, and 
Mr. Fenton opened it with a dance. July 4th of the same 
year, Uncle Dick Donaldson's band did the fiddling and 
Elisha Larned gracefully made music with the tumblers 
and decanters behind the bar. 

" R. Le Roy opened the first store, where Richardson's 
wagon-shop now stands, in 1837, and in 1838 was ap- 
pointed first postmaster, and held that office for thirteen 
years. A Mr. Taylor succeeded him, and after his death a 
part of the post-ofiice was found in his pocket. 

" This year (1838) the first school-house was built, and 
a IMr. Nottingham was the first teacher. At that time the 
right of the schoolmaster to whip was not questioned, and 
a deeper and more lasting impression was often made with 
the gad than with the blackboard. 

" At this time, and in this old log school-house, a pioneer 
and gentleman, now living a short distance from here, was 
called, as he thought, to preach, and in an hour of work 
and religious excitement, he had what w.is called in those 
days the ' power.' Ho rolled over and over on the floor. 
Scott McOmber played that the young man had fainted, 
seized a pail of water, and immediately the 'poicev left 
him and the would-be preacher revived. 

" The first physician was Dr. Pattison ; the first black- 
smith was Elisha Holmes, and the first bricklayer John 
Harmon. The first church organization was that of the 
First Presbyterian Church, which took place Feb. 28, 1840, 
in the third story of the now Britton store, and the following 
constituted its membership : Silas Newell, Sarah Newell, 
George H. Newell, John Hadley, Jr., Sophia Hadley, Ben- 
jamin Rockwell, Louisa Rockwell, Daniel Le Roy, Mrs. Le 
Roy, Lucy Thorp, John Fenwick, Jane Fenwick, James 
K. Wortman, John C. Gallup, Mrs. Gallup, Eliza McOmber, 
and Lucy Le Roy.* The giant oaks were felled, migra- 
tion continued to flow in, and God was in the wilderness, 
and soon other churches were organized. In the same year 
the clerk reported 75 persons able to do military duty. 

" March 2, 1841, the town board licen.sed as tavern- 
keeper, H. M. Le Roy; retailer.3, M. S. McOmber, L. 
AVesson, A. St. Amand, Consider Warner, and D. Smith ; 
common victualler, S. C. Sadler. . . . 

"I first became a resident of Fenton in 1859, and the 
prominent business men then were : 

" H. Beach, who ran a dry-goods store where Clark's 
liquor and cigar store is now ; B. Birdsall, who also sold 
dry goods in a wooden store on the same ground where his 
brick store stands ;f J. Buckbee also sold dry goods from a 
little wooden store where Thurber & Murray now keep a 
clothing-store; H. A. Willover kept a little shanty grocery 



^■"Sec history of this church on another page. 

t Store recently occupied by William Oiberson, Jr. 



on the east side of Le Roy Street, where Whittle & Algoc 
are now located ; A. G. & W. C. Davis sold drugs from a 
little wooden store where Curry's hardware-store now stands ; 
N. T. Thurber & B. F. Stone rattled out the hardware 
from a .small store on the ground of Howard's crockery- 
store ; M. Ayers bought wheat in a little shanty on the 
ground where the post-ofiice now stands ; W. W. Booth 
was tinkering at watches in the building where George the 
Barbour now is ; R. Le Roy sold groceries and licjuors 
where he is to-day ; C. H. Turner, in the building just 
vacated by George the Barbour, fitted nearly every one with 
boots and shoes, as well as gave nearly every one a letter ; 
R. L. Sheldon was cutting tape and tearing calico where 
Johnson now sells harnesses; L. C. Miles, H. C. Riggs, E. 
II. White, and A. U. Wood were the prominent attorneys. 
There were, of course, other business men, whom I will not 
stop to mention. 

"The war came upon us in 18G1. The scenes of fifteen 
years ago rise again before us. The signal-gun on Sumter 
ushered in the bloody strife, and we heard the call to arms 
which came from the national capital. 

..." The boys who wont from Fenton have a history 
in every army. Thick they .stood and nobly fell in the 
Army of the Potomac; they took good aim with Grant in 
the Vicksburg campaign ; they wore close at hand when 
Hooker was fighting among the clouds at Lookout Mountain ; 
they stood like a stone wall with Thomas at Chickamauga 
— yes, at Chickamauga. How well some of you remember 
how the line wavered back and forward, like a flag in the 
wind, and seemingly how little one could do in that blind- 
ing tempest, when a great, broad-shouldered man rode up, 
with lines of courage and pluck written all over his face, 
realized his situation, took the flag from the color-bearer, 
glanced his eye along the wavering front, and, with that 
voice that could talk against the rattle of musketry. Gen, 
Stedman said, ' Go back, boys, go back ! but that flag can't 
go with you !' — wheeled his horse and rode on, and Michi- 
gan columns containing some of our Fenton boys closed 
up, swept down on the foe, and made a record that -will 
live. . . . 

" A number of the Fenton boys, who took their lives in 
their hands, sleep in unknown graves ; others sleep here, 

" Luman Van Wert died at Edwards' Ferry at the age of 
twenty-one. A noble youth, a gallant soldier, he sleeps, 
as do the brave, in our burying-ground. 

" Carlton, his brother, at the age of nineteen, sleeps near 
Culpeper in an unknown grave. He laid down his young 
life that the Government might stand. 

" David A. Colwell, a brave and true boy of the Sth 
Michigan Cavalry, was a victim of typhoid fever at Mount 
Sterling, Ky. He rests in yonder burying-ground, a willing 
sacrifice on the altar of his country at the age of eighteen. 
God will take care of him. 

" Exposed to the damp, cold ground and the cold rains of 
Virginia, a fine soldier boy of the Sth Michigan Infantry 
died of inflammation of the lungs. George C, Hall rests 
in a soldier's grave, at the age of twenty-three, at Fairfax 
Court-Housc, Va. Miles, his brother, — his brain was crazed, 
— -a minieball at Antictam was the cause of his death, and 
he died without a murmur, and sleeps just over here. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



205 



" Theodore McOniber was captured first by guerrillas and 
was released by paying §60. He soon joined his regiment, 
the 8th Michigan Cavalry, and while on the Stonenian raid 
was taken prisoner and send to Andcrsonville. It was his 
fate to beg for water; it was his lot to plead for a morsel of 
bread, and have it denied him ; he was starved — slarinf ! 
He was exchanged in time to once more see the old flag, 
and, seemingly, immediately expired. True, large-hearted 
boy, he rests quietly over yonder with the rest of them, at 
the age of twenty-three. 

" Chester Kinney enlisted for the war in the 5th Michi- 
gan Cavalry. He served faithfully nine months in the 
adjutant-general's office at Jack.son, and before the call 
came for him to go to the front (for which he was ready) 
he was taken with congestive chills, and this good and true 
soldier boy died Nov. 23, lS6-t, at the age of twenty-three. 
Our burying-ground is where he sleep.s. 

"J. W. Anderson, first a gallant soldier of the Ilth 
Michigan Cavalry, then a captain in the 6th United States 
Ilegiment, fought the battles of his country with zeal and 
bravery. He did not enlist as a Fenton boy, but after 
fighting the battles of life, and for ten years a citizen of 
Jlidlaud, he sought the quiet of our beautiful village in 
which to die and be buried. Michigan had no truer soldier, 
no better citizen. Aged thirtj'-five years. . . . 

" The war closed in 1865, and our boys returned home 
to pursue the vocations marked out for them. From that 
time to this we have been marked with evidences of thrift 
on all sides. Blocks and stores have been built, streets have 
been laid out and nicely arranged, and seemingly but little 
has arisen to mar our progress." 

Dr. S. W. Pattison, the first physician to locate in the 
village of Fentonvillc, in 1836, furnished the following 
article to the Washtenaw County Pioneer Society in 1878 : 

INCIDENTS AND EVENTS IN THE EAllLY UlS- 
TOUY OF MICHIGAN. 

" My first visit to Michigan was in the summer of 1835. 
I came in company with two friends, who were on an ex- 
ploring expedition to what was then considered ' the far 
West.' We came up the lake, landing at Detroit, and took 
the Chicago road to Ypsilanti, then in its inchoate condi- 
tion, stopping overnight with my two friends on the east 
side of the river, at a house kept by a Mrs. Ballou. In 
the morning my associates concluded to continue West to 
Illinois, while I made up my mind to confine my visit to 
Michigan, and hired a Mr. Freeman, who had been an 
Episcopal preacher in Ypsilanti, to carry me to Ann 
Arbor, where I took a stage for the town of Sharon, walk- 
ing some miles to John Everett's, Esq., a pioneer in that 
(own. Inhabitants were ' few and far between.' Uncle 
Everett furnished me a horse and I went through Una- 
dilia, following most of the way an Indian trail, to a point 
on Grand River, twelve miles north of Jackson. I began 
to feel uneasy, fearing I should fail to find .shelter for the 
night; all appeared like one vast wilderness; but my mind 
was soon relieved by coming in sight of a newly-erected 
board shanty, around which lay several recently emptied 
boxes, and on which I read Kilwiinl Freeman. The name 
called to my niLinory that a cousin had married a gentle- 



man of that name, and approaching the door, there being 
no picket-fence to hinder, I hailed the inmates, and was 
cordially and unexpectedly welcomed, having an interesting 
visit with these relatives. 

" In the morning I continued my short trip, and went 
to Jackson and made up my mind to make that my future 
home. I returned to Esq. Everett's, who was my mother's 
youngest brother, and spent the Sabbath very agreeably, 
and attended a prayer-meeting in a rough school-house. 
This was conducted mostly by Methodists, who were the 
pioneers in introducing and sustaining religious meetings in 
Michigan. 

" I then returned to my home in New York, stopping, 
however, in Detroit long enough to have an interesting visit 
with my father's old friend and family physician, Judge 
Wetherel, father of Judge Benjamin Wcthcrel ; both father 
and son now in the spirit world. 

" The next spring, near the last of May, I started with 
my family to seek a new home in the Territory of Jliclii- 
gan, expecting to go directly to Jackson, but after landing 
in Detroit was persuaded to take the northern route instead 
of the central. 

" The spring of 1836 had been up to this time dry, and 
the roads were in good condition, but heavy rains came on 
and the lowlands between Detroit and Birmingham were 
almost impassable, — in fact, we had to exchange teams with 
each other, and then, with four horses to almost empty 
wagons, we made slow progress, having to go back and 
bring on the wagon we left behind. While doing so I met 
George AVashington Patterson, who was then or shortly after 
lieutenant-governor of New \''ork, and at present, in his 
advanced age, a representative in Congress from the 33d 
District, New I'ork. He was on foot, with pants rolled up 
to his knees and boots and stockings in his hand, splashing 
through mud and water. 

" Mr. Patterson had been West, making some purchases 
as a speculator, and was now returning home. We were 
about two days in reaching Birmingham, then called ' Piety 
Hill.' It obtained this title from a circumstance which 
occurred at an early day, when one of those pioneer Meth- 
odist preachers, at a prayer-meeting, in his fervid zeal, with 
his voice on a high key, pra3'ed that this might become a 
'■ hill <if jncty — ahr Here we rested our jaded team and 
refreshed ourselves, feeling that we were on solid earth. 
At Pontiac we remained a day or two, and then took the 
Saginaw turnpike. Near Sianard's we left the turnpike 
and took a new road, hoping to find our way to Grand 
Ilapids, by the way of Dibbleville. And now again came 
the tug of war, especially in low places. The long rains 
had made the ground soil, and our progress was slow in- 
deed. Though the distance is but a few miles, we had to 
stay overnight at a Mr. Bunyon's, the first house on the 
route for several miles. I think there was but one room, 
but we were made very comfortable, .sleeping on the floor, 
— seven of us and other travelers. This road was through 
oak-openin?s, and the ground was really beautiful with 
flowers, filling the air with their fragrance. There was 
something quite inspiring in the novelty of the scene, and 
my wife and children seemed to enjoy it, though one of 
them, about ten years old, was an invalid. I could nut but 



206 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



remember the words of Jacob, ' I will lead on softli/, for the 
children are lender.' The next morning we reached Dib- 
bleville (now Fenton), on the east branch of the Shiawassee. 
The rains had swelled this little stream so that we crossed 
with great difficulty, but kind helpers aided, and we found 
ourselves on the west side. This place was named Dibble- 
ville, from a Mr. Clark Dibble, an Indian trader, trafficking 
mostly in whisky with the Indians. Mr. Dibble, however, 
was naturally a generous, kind-hearted man. The roads 
were so bad at this time, and the stream so high and without 
bridges, we concluded to occupy an old house used by Mr. 
Dibble as a store in his Indian traffic, and which he had 
just vacated, and, having no furniture, we commenced 
housekeeping in a truly rural style, but all were cheerful 
and hopeful of the future. After making the best arrange- 
ments for my family that circumstances would allow, I left 
them, aud, in company with a young merchant who was 
returning to Milwaukee, continued on to the mouth of the 
Looking-Glass, where it empties into the Grand River, 
across which we were ferried by two Indians ; and here, 
giving my friend one horse aud riding the other myself, we 
took an early start, and before breakfast rode eighteen miles 
before we had an opportunity to break our fast, which we 
did at a Frenchman's shanty. His wife was a squaw. I 
never relished a meal better than I did this. Fresh ven- 
ison and well cooked, but we had to envelop ourselves in 
smoke to prevent being devoured by mosquitoes. They 
were an improved breed ; myriads is a faint word. This 
was not uncommon in the new settlements, and a terrible 
scourge to man and beast. A day after I had a demon- 
stration of this. While taking my own dinner my horses 
became wild and frenzied from the constant stinging and 
biting of the horse-flies. They actually ran several miles 
without stopping, and it cost me five dollars to obtain them 
again. 

" After exploring a few days through parts of Shiawassee, 
Clinton, Ionia, Barry, etc., I returned to my family, and as 
the roads leading to the various settlements were mostly 
dry and pas.suble, concluded to stop for a short season any- 
way. Dibbleville, now Fentonville, was a central point 
where several Indian trails came together, about sixty* 
miles from Detroit and twenty-eight miles from Pontiac, 
having Holly on the east. Hose on the south, Byron on the 
west, and Mundyon the north. I was satisfied that event- 
ually it would become a place of some importance, and time 
has justified my expectation. 

" At this time the Indians were in the neighborhood in 
large numbers, cultivating .some land near by. I will relate 
a little circumstance to illustrate the state of society in 
Dibbleville in 1836. While I was abroad exploring, as 
already stated, leaving my fomily in the building where the 
Indians had for a long time procured whisky, they could 
not realize the change, and still visited the house in search 
of their poison, — -whisk j'. One day a very fierce and ugly- 
looking Indian came in and insisted upon being furnished 
whisky. Peeking around, he discovered a small trunk, and 
shaking it, produced quite a jingling, as it contained -SI 00 
or S200 in silver. His conduct quite alarmed my wife, 

* Fift^' miles r in Detroit. 



who feared she would receive another visit from this ugly- 
looking savage. Her fears were fully realized, for about 
one or two o'clock at night he commenced a violent knock- 
ing at the door, which was well barricaded, saying he 
wanted scoter (fire). He continued his knocking until it 
was evident he would break down the door. Wife calling 
for a gun to shoot the Indian, my son (the editor of the 
Ypxilimti Commerciul), then twelve years of age, found 
his way out from a chamber entrance and alarmed Mr. 
Dibble, who scared the marauder oflf, and the next day 
scared him from the vicinity. 

" It soon became known that a physician had settled at 
Dibbleville, and I had professional calls quite a distance, — 
to Highland, White Lake, Grand Blanc, Deerfield, Hart- 
land, etc. I was guided to many of these places through 
timbered openings by marked trees, often following Indian 
trails. At this time government lands were beiflg rapidly 
taken up, and while some lands were taken by speculators, 
the country was being dotted all over by real residents, and 
the greater number were enterprising, thrifty, and intelli- 
gent, making good society. Highland, generally known as 
' Tinney Settlement,' and White Lake are samples, building 
school-liouses and churches almost from the first settlement. 

" Many of the first settlers, however, were poor, and 
when they had taken up their homes had but little left to 
live on, and provisions were very high. I well remember 
paying SI 5 for a barrel of flour, and every kind of eatables 
in proportion. Much of corn, oats, etc., came from Ohio, 
but Tinney settlement was our Egypt. There was corn 
there. The second year I made several meals among the 
farmers on boiled wheat for bread, and it was no sacrifice. 
This scarcity was of short duration. Soon there was a sur- 
plus of provisions, and Detroit, sixty miles awaj', was our 
market, and money was as scarce as provisions had been. 
During the months of August and September the inter- 
mittent and remittent fevers — diseases peculiar to low or 
flat countries — prevailed to a large extent. The well were 
the exception ; whole families were down ; many became 
discouraged, aud some fled back to New York, but it w;is 
remarkable that most of these returned again to Michigan. 
But here and there an old pioneer can realize the privations 
and hardships of the first settlers of this part of Michigan. 
They were generally industrious, and the axe and the plow 
soon converted the forests, oak-openings, and prairies into 
fruitful fields. 

" The first Sabbath-school at Dibbleville was begun in 
my house and conducted by my wife, assisted by Norris 
Thorp, then a young man. It was soon after removed to 
a log school-house on the east side, and, strengthened by a 
Mr. Warren's family aud others moving in, it became a 
permanent institution.. 

" The first clergyman I met in Michigan was the highly- 
esteemed Rev. John Booth, then settled at Pontiac. My 
first opportunity with him was short but very pleasant. 

" The next was a Methodist circuit-rider, the Rev. Mr. 
Jackson, a real pioneer, visiting the new settlements, and 
where practicable forming a class ; thus doing much to 
break up Sabbath desecrations, visiting, hunting, and fish- 
ing. In the fall of 1836 the Rev. Samuel Jones settled 
in Holly, and preached in several neighborhoods up and 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



207 



down the cast branch, making Dibblevillc rather a central 
point. Mr. Jones was a Baptist clorirynian, quite an ac- 
ceptable preacher, and a warm supporter of temperance, 
Sabbath-schools, etc. 

" In the spring of 1837 a Rev. Mr. Dudley, a very 
worthy and self-denying man, — a Presbyterian, — conducted 
a protracted meeting in Dibblevillc, which was mostly at- 
tended by children, and wa.s blessed in the conversion of 
several, among them were my oldest two. Society was 
gradually undergoing a change. That you may realize 
something of the hardships of a pioneer physician, I will 
relate one or two instances among many. 

" Quite late in the afternoon a message came for me to 
go to Esq. Crawford's, in Byron, Shiawassee Co., sixteen 
miles off, and that I would have to leave my horse two and 
a half miles short of Mr. Crawford's, as there was uo 
bridge across the Shiawassee. I made all diligence, leaving 
my horse in good hands at the river, and crossed on trees 
fallen in and across the stream. It was early in November, 
and my path was an Indian trail leading through oak-open- 
ings, and through what is now Byron village, but at this 
time not a house, only one, a Mr. Jennings', between the 
crossing and Mr. Crawford's. It soon began to snow, and 
darkness almost like Eg^'pt hid every object, my only 
guide being the Indian trail, and the snow soon covering 
that, so that I had to find it by kicking away the snow ; 
and to add to my perplexity there were two trails from the 
river, meeting in perhaps half or three-quarters of a mile, 
and when I came to the junction I was bewildered and 
took the upper trail back to the river. I now had to re- 
trace my weary steps, and finally reached Mr. Jennings', 
expecting he would guide me, but he was on the bed sick, 
and his wife with the sick family half a mile farther ; I 
undertook it, and soon found my.self back, and Mr. Jen- 
nings, sick as he was, guided nie till I could see the light 
of Mr. Crawford's house, where I was joyfully received, as 
I was needed. Had I lost the trail so well worn by Indian 
feet, I had no guide many miles north, — not a house, — and 
I should probably have wandered in vain for a shelter. 
My organ of locality is pretty good, but here it failed. 

"My readers will pardon a little egotism in relating the 
following incident: At the organization of the town in 
■which Dibblevillc is located, I was chosen supervisor and 
re-elected next year, serving two terms. Esq. Stow, of 
Flint, and Judge Iliee, of Grand Blanc, with myself organ- 
ized the county of Genesee. 

" In the month of October, I received a message from 
Judge A. L. William.s, of Owasso, to make him a profes- 
sional vi.sit, — distance thirty miles and twenty-five miles 
from Flint, — where the board were to meet next day, at 
nine o'clock a.m. The twenty-five miles was through an 
unbroken wilderness, much of the di.stance heavy timber, 
and the traveler was guided only by blazed trees. I found 
Mr. Williams very sick with the malarial fever, and assum- 
ing a somewhat typhoid type, and I felt it my duty to 
remain with him until two o'clock the next day, when I 
left, with that noble man, John Swain, for a guide, well 
supplied with fireworks and Indian blankets, in case we had 
to lie out overnight, a.s the nights had become cold and 
frosty. We met with some hindrances, but when night 



came we were some three miles short of Flint village, 
and although Mr. Swain was an experienced woodsman, he 
failed to find the marked trees, so we struck a fire and 
waited for the day. And although the wolves bowled in 
the distance, being very tired, I slept a portion of the night 
very sound, taking a severe cold, but able the next morning 
to meet the board, and assist in transacting the usual busi- 
ness of the county. At this meeting we awarded several 
bounties for wolf scalps. 

" William M. Fenton, afterwards lieutenant-governor, 
after whom the town and village were named, and Robert 
Lc Roy, made purchase of quite a large portion of Fenton- 
ville, and moving in, made improvements, which gave a 
new impetus to the place. Although, in the result, the 
Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad came through Fentonville, 
the original plan was a northern, central, and southern 
road ; the northern from Port Huron, through Flint, 
Owasso, etc., to the mouth of the Grand River at Grand 
Haven, leaving Fentonville without a thorouglifarc. This, 
with the unsettled state of society, and its being the out- 
side of the county, together with the prospect that Owasso 
would be the county-seat, led me to make the change, 
which, however, I did with great reluctance, having formed 
a wide acquaintance north, south, cast, and west, through 
good roads for a new country. . ." 

In the issue of the Fenton Gazette for Feb. 27, ISGO, 
H. C. Riggs, Esq., began a series of articles upon the 
early history of the village, published over the nom tie 
plume of " Fabrlcius." In Blay following the historical 
pen was taken up by Hon. William M. Fenton, and some 
very interesting chapters furnished by him, extracts from 
which it is thought proper to reproduce here. They were 
published under the head of 

HISTORICAL INCIDENTS. 

" Dibblcville— so called from Clark Dibble— in 1S:5G 
comprised a small saw-mill, situated where the flouring- 
mill in your village now stands, a small frame shell of a 
house, near Clark's house (a shell also), and another occu- 
pied by Dr. S. W. Patterson * 

" The road from Springfield passed the house of James 
Thorp east of the village and crossed near the present 
bridge. Dibble's house was near the west end of the 
bridge. Thence the road to the ' Grand River Country' 
passed on to the west, striking the pieseut road near the 
public square ; thence by L. P. Riggs' and Bailey s farms 
and on by ' Sadler's Tavern' west. Another road branched 
off to ' Warner's Mills,' now Linden, passing John Wil- 
bur's and Dustin Cheney's farms. Wallace Dibble occu- 
pied tlie farm south and Ebcnezer Pratt that north of tiic 
village, and a road ran north passing McOmber's and so on 
to William Gage's and thence to Grand Blanc. 

" The above names comprise the nearest settlements at 
that time, and the above all the roads, which were simply 
tracks marking the first passage of teams through the 
country. This point was early noticed by business men 
of Pontiac, which was the market for flour at that time 
from Scott's Mills at De Witt ; the flour being drawn down 



« This name KhouUl bo sp'.'llcJ I'liltison. 



208 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



this road crossed the stream here, thence to Springfield and 
to Pontiac. Scott's gray team was familiar with its load 
to all on this line, walking at the rate of four miles an hour 
day after day, and fed only nights and mornings. 

" In the year 1836, llobert Le Roy and William M. 
Fenton were selling goods in Pontiac. Their attention was 
turned in this direction. Judge Daniel Le Roy (father of 
Robert) predicted that this point would be on the great 
and principal thoroughfare and line of railroad to the 
western portion of the State, and Le Roy and Fenton, 
having the choice of buying here or that part of Flint west 
of Saginaw Street and south of the river, chose by Judge 
Le Roy's advice this point, established themselves here in 
December, 1836, and at the judge's suggestion platted and 
named the village Fentonville in the spring of 1837. The 
work of starting a village was commenced by putting the 
little uncovered saw-mill, with its single saw, in motion ; a 
road to Flint (present plank-road), another to AVliite Lake, 
etc., were projected, and a new saw-mill, a grist-mill, tavern, 
store, and dwellings begun. Benjamin Rockwell purchased 
a third interest, and added by his means to the enterprise. 
The first building they erected was the house corner of 
Adelaide Street and Shiawassee Avenue (southwe.st corner), 
built of plank, sawed within the week in which it was 
erected, and at once occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Fenton as 
residence and boarding-house for fifteen to thirty mechanics 
until the hotel was built. 

" The household goods were brought on lumber-wagons 
from Pontiac, and the stream was crossed on a bridge of 
logs. I well remember driving such a load, reaching the 
stream after dark, finding it swollen by rains, hailing ' Claik,' 
who came down to the river-side with a lantern, and then, 
with its light as my 'guiding star,' cracking my whip and 
driving across, every log afloat and sinking a foot or more 
under the horses' feet ; but we were safely across, and that 
little pioneer experience only added a zest to our etrjoyment 
of new scenes and primitive modes of life, which must be 
seen to be appreciated. 

" la the spring of 1837 a township-meeting was held at 
the house called ' Sadler's Tavern,' four miles west of Fen- 
tonville. The towns of Fenton and Argentine were then 
one, and called Argentine. About two o'clock p.m. of 
town-meeting day, a load of working-men (as were all the 
pioneers) from Fentonville drove up to the polls and offered 
their votes. James H. Murray and Dr. S. W. Patterson 
were on the board and refused to accept the votes, stating 
they had voted for supervisor in the morning and ' declared 
off.' The secret was they had declared off fur a Whig and 
the load were Democrats. They feared the result. An ar- 
gument ensued ; they canvas.sed and counted up, and find- 
ing the vote offered would not change the result, received 
them. Dr. Patterson stating their way of declaring off was 
the law, because they did so in ' York State.' We couldn't 
see it, and the result of this trifling affair was that applica- 
tion was made at the next session of the Legislature, and 
through the influence of Daniel 13. Wakefield, then Senator 
from this district, the township of Fenton was .set oft", and 
henceforward managed its own business in Michigan, and 
not in York State, fashion. . . . 

" Prudence and forethought arc seldom the characteris- 



tics of the pioneer. To illustrate : On visiting this place 
in the winter of 1836-37, Clark Dibble's house furnished 
the only entertainment. He was a pioneer proper. He had 
a wife and plenty of small children ; his house was a shell, 
only sided up ; rooms it had none, but a blanket separated 
the boarders from the family ; the latter occupied the stove- 
room, in which were a bed, a few chairs, and a table. Here 
were the family, and what few clothes belonged to them, 
with some broken sets of crockery, knives, and forks ; and 
here we must eat or starve. Clark would arise with the 
lark, go to a log he had drawn up before the door, chop off 
enough to make a fire, then take his gun and go to the woods, 
and, in a little time, bring in a deer. Venison was the staple 
meat, and buckwheat-cakes the bread. Tea could be had 
at intervals, and whisky occasionally ; butter, wheat, flour, 
and pork were scarce commodities. 

" Many a curious scene has transpired in that .shanty. 
Old Nate Bailey was one of the characters, John Wilbur 
another, and the traveler stopping to warm would be regaled 
by a conversation, and see the peculiar leer of the ej'e and 
shrug of the shoulders of those half-ragged and bandit-look- 
ing men, and feel, as he left them, he had escaped a danger. 
Peace to Clark Dibble's ashes ! He has gone from among 
us, killed bj' the fall of a tree on his own place, to which 
he had removed over the hills south. But his housekeeper 
must come in for a note in ' historical incidents.' 

" At dinner, one day, the boiled venisou and buckwheat- 
cakes were being rapidly bolted by hungry men; more 
venison was called for; she put her fork into the kettle for 
another piece and raised, to the consternation of his guests, 
what? — not a piece of venison as was anticipated, but one 
<if C/iiik's cust-ojf stockiiiffs, no doubt accidentally inserted 
in the boiling vessel by one of the little imps cutting capers 
around bed and stove ! It can be better imagined than de- 
scribed how hungry men seized a buckwheat-cake, and de- 
clared themselves perfectly content to go their ways and eat 
no more of that particular mess of pottage. 

" One of Wilbur's familiar illustrations, when he wished 
to be considered as saying something shrewd, was, ' There 
is a wheel within a wheel, Mr. Le Roy ;' and for many years 
the settlers were amused by his sayings, while they recol- 
lected and recounted their earliest impressions of Uncle 
John and old Nate Bailey, — the latter peculiarly looking 
the brigand, although in fact as harmless as a dove. 

" One of the maxims of that day was that a barrel of 
whisky was better in a family (especially to bring up a fam- 
ily) than a farrow cow. This may be so, — it is not neces- 
sary to argue the point, — but there seemed reason to believe 
that ' Argentine Madeira,' as whisky from Murray's was 
called, had a good deal to do with the brigands, their queer 
looks and mysterious sayings and shrugs. 

" Let not Old Nate be confounded with one of the earli- 
est settlers, — Elisha Baily. He was a well-digger, and, al- 
though advanced in years, at one time received upon his 
back, in the bottom of the well, a falling tub filled with stone. 
Most men would have been killed by the blow ; Baily sur- 
vived, and while much injured, still recovered and dug 
more wells. . . . 

'■ The immigration of 1836 was continued, but with 
some abatement, in 1837. The influx of settlers in and 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



200 



around Fciitonvillc was larijc ; fanners settled about the 
village, and for several miles in each direetion, and each 
uiado his bee and summoned all to his aid ; niechanics and 
men of all cniployuients soui;ht this point, and soon after 
the opening of the spring a store and hotel, saw-mill, grist- 
mill, blacksmith-shops, and carpenter's and painter's shops, 
and houses were under way and in rapid progress of con- 
struction. The hotel first built Wiis what is now known as 
the Kiggs House ;* the first store on the opposite corner of 
the street, since changed south, and is the building now 
standing on the northwest corner of Shiawas.scc Avenue 
and Le Hoy Street ; no better store or tavern was known 
north of Detroit in those days. The house on north 
side of public square (occupied by Sheldon) was erected 
al.so by Wm. M. Fenton, and then considered a big thing; 
houses on both sides of the river were erected ; Judge Le 
Hoy built the house now constituting part of Le Roy Hotel, 
and Benjamin Rockwell one on the north side of the river, 
now occupied by Nathaniel Hodge. 

" These, in my recollection, not to forget Elisha Holmes' 
blacksmith-shop, were among the first buildings, and mostly 
finished in 1837-38. The lumber was sawed principally at 
the old mill, and the new, after it was up, — 'including some 
pine logs from Long Lake. Whitewood and basswood were 
used to a considerable extent, but the better ([uality of 
pine required, including sash- and door-stufF and shingles, 
were hauled from Flint. 

" This tpot showed in that year all the bustle, activity, 
and enterprise of a village soon to grow into large propor- 
tions; and here let me remark, as a well-known fact, that 
but for the pecuniary embarrassment and want of capital 
of the early proprietors, Feutonville in its first three-years' 
growth would have increased in population at least fourfold 
beyond what, with its limited means at hand, it was des- 
tined to reach. Hut there was no lack of perseverance and 
unit)' of feeling then among its population ; all labored late 
and early, and when any public occasion called them out 
none remained behind. 

The Fourth of July was celebrated that year in perhaps 
as gay and festive style as it ever has been since. The 
hotel was unfinished, but its roof was on and sides inclosed 
and floors laid, and Esquire McOmbcr invited to deliver the 
usual address. Marshal Hamilton, as he was called (a car- 
penter, since removed to Tuscola), in the red sash of one of 
his ancestors, directed the procession, and an extensive one, 
rest assured, it was ; not a pioneer-wagon for ten miles 
around had deposited its load in the forest but it was here 
that day, wiih all its former living freight, and the new- 
born infants to boot. Fifes and drums, too, — the reminders, 
perhaps, of some York State militia-training, — were in re- 
quisition, and guns were fired from Holmes' anvil. Shia- 
wassee, Livingston, and Oakland turned out in numbers 
large for the time, and seats of rough boards were placed for 
the assemblage as they gathered to that promising building 
— the hotel. Esquire McOmber delivered one of his finest 
speeches, a free lunch was zealou.sly partaken, the toasts 
were ). i-.riotic to the core, and, to crown all, we had, as usual, 
not un.y great heat, but a violent thunder-storm just at the 



* Present *' Everett Hoasc." 



close of our feast, which shook the earth and heavens, and 
made the building tremble and dishes rattle, whereat 
Es(|uire McOmber, being in his happiest mood, turning his 
eyes upward, poured forth a stream of fervid eloquence, 
and made use of some tremendous expletives which it be- 
comes not a veracious writer of history — to be read by all 
the human family hereabouts — to relate. The old settler, 
if any read this, will remember and supply the omission. 

"Philip H. McOmber, the father of the McOmbers now 
known in Fenton, was a lawyer from Saratoga Co., N. Y. 
At an early day (say 1835 f) he settled in Genesee County. 
Long Lake was the spot he selected, and upon its banks, 
where now stands the Long Lake Hotel, he erected a dwell- 
ing. Enterprising and talented as a lawyer, he soon became 
widely and favorably known, . . . and it is due to Philip H. 
McOmbcr, as well as to his sons, that honorable mention in 
this sketch of our early history should be made of one who, 
with others, made the wilderness ' to bud and blossom as 
the rose.' For many years, on the banks of Long Lake, a 
hospitable mansion welcomed all who came, and the deli- 
cious peaches raised by him for many years on the banks 
of the lake were freely bestowed, and gratified the palates 
of all who ranked among his friends, or who made his house 
their home for the time being. He, with many other pio- 
neers of this region, has gone to his last resting-place, and 
to him, with others, we who survive should not hesitate to 
award the meed of praise for their untiring energy in bring- 
ing into notice this region of country, now teeming with its 
busy population and its industrious citizens. 

• • ■ " Among the many incidents of interest in the 
early settlement of this town, let me not forget to name the 
fact that the first piano, the tones of which were heard in 
Fcntonville, was brought here in 1837 by Mrs. Benjamin 
Rockwell, a sister of W. M. Fenton. It was placed in the 
hotel (now Riggs House), in the large room southeast coi- 
ner, second story. Mrs. Rockwell and Sirs. Fenton were 
both good players. At a place north of Long Lake resided 
a band of Indians; many of them were well known, but 
more especially the one called ' King Fisher.' lie was the 
chief of the tribe, and from year to year received the pres- 
ents of his tribe, not only from the United States, but from 
Canada, traveling annually fur that purpose to Detroit and 
Maiden. The band was large. Fisher, the chief, was, on 
occasions of his visits, dressed in a frock coat of navy blue, 
a tall hat of furs, ornamented with silver bands and medals, 
rings pendent from his ears, gaiters and leggings of deer- 
skin, and strings of wampum and beads appended. Take 
him all in all he was worthy of his name. Small in stature, 
but with a bold, manly bearing, erect and dignified, he 
trod the earth as one of nature's noblemen, which he 
certainly was. His house (of logs) was always open to 
welcome and cherish the weary traveler, and no more hus- 
pitablc board or convenient lodging was found in all the 
country round. The traveler was furnished with the skins 
and furs of the wild beasts of the forast for his bed ; and 
as by magic, when he retired to repose, around him fell, in 
gentle folds, the light gauze protection from the enemy of 
sleep (mosquitoes), in those days so little known to ordi- 



t is:!l ; liail livi'l two jcars in t!riivt'l;in 1, Oaklund Co. 



27 



210 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



nary inhabitants, but carcrully provided for his quiet by 
' King Fislicr.' Would you know how in tliose days he 
looked, find the portrait of Aaron Burr, or one wlio has 
seen him as he trod Wall street in his failing days, and the 
one is a counterpart of the other. Fisher, with some of 
h's family (now living and known to most of tlie readers), 
came down to hear the music of which he had been told. 
He in his full dress was, with some of his tribe, ushered up, 
and in his kingly majesty took the chair offered him and 
sat, but without uncovering ; his attendants stood respect- 
fully about him and a little retired. Petowauoquet, an 
Indian and a good deal of a joker, familiar to the pioneers 
and usually full of fun, awed by the presence of majesty, 
stood back in respectful silence. Mrs. Rockwell struck the 
keys ; the Indians generally seemed enchanted ; King 
Fisher's muscles were rigid, not a movement or sound of 
surprise from him; he was all dignity, and bore himself as 
a king ; the piece played, the song sung, and he turned to 
Mrs. Fenton and, through Dan Ilunyon, who was present 
as his interpreter, — for he disdained to speak English, al- 
though he fully understood it, as in his squilji/ (drunken) 
moods was readily seen, — axJccd her to dance I Of course 
this was too much, and was respectfully declined, but" it 
was about as much as kingly dignity could do to prevent 
all the little Indians from tripping it on the light, fantastic 
toe, to the music of the piano as played by Mrs. Rockwell. 
Arising with the dignity peculiar to his race, Fisher ex- 
claimed, as he gazed on the piano, ' Man cuuld not make 
it; Manitou made it !' . . . 

" In front of the Riggs Hotel, and near the sidewalk, 
stood then two or three oak-trees of medium size and fine 
shape. In preparing for building, these were carefully 
preserved until after the hotel was completed, and travelers 
and others began to hitch their horses near, when the con- 
stant stamping of horses and cattle about their roots caused 
their decay. I have often thought it would have been 
money well invested to have inclosed these trees with a 
substantial fence, far enough from their roots to have pre- 
served them. Like the one which .still remains at the house 
of Ben. Birdsall, those trees would now have towered up in 
the grandeur of the ' tall oak of the forest,' and spread their 
branches wide, and shaded and sheltered and protected from 
storm and sun not only the hotel, but many buildings near, 
and the traveler and pedestrian as they passed along Le Roy 
Street. But they have gone ; the doom of decay was upon 
them, and, like all things terrestrial, they were soon passing 
away. 

" My recollection is that the first preaching we had in 
Fentonville was from Elder Jones (late of Holly, and whose 
sons are settled there, or near), a Baptist minister, and that 
he held forth at the house of Dr. I'atterson. 

'• On the north side of the river, about where David 
Smith's house is, was a log school-house. Ministers of 
other denominations made occasional visits, and preached 
there. The want of some convenient place for church and 
public meetings was soon seen, and a house for that purpose 
was built by William M. Fenton on the southwest corner 
of Elizabeth and Le Roy Streets. It was a one-story 
building of fair length and width, fitted up with seats and 
a plain desk, and answered the purpose, not only for relig- 



ious but public meetings for some years, and was free of 
rent. The first Presbyterian minister was Mr. Van Ness, 
who was succeeded by Sir. Burghardt, and all seemed very 
glad to have a place for worship. Several political meet- 
ings were held there also, and a debating-school was started 
with headquarters in the same building. It may bo that 
the numerous young men of Fentonville who have become 
somewhat eminent in the legal profession gained their first 
ideas of oratory in that same first church edifice, which, after 
the building of the First Presbyterian church, was sold to 
Robert Le Roy, who removed it to where Roberts' Hotel is, 
and it now constitutes his bar-room. Among the young 
men, graduates from Mr. Feuton's law-ofiico, which stood 
adjoining, may be named Thomas Steere, Jr., now of Woon- 
sockct, R. I., and late United States consul at Dundee, Scot- 
land ; Thomas A. Young, late a soldier iu the 13tli Michi- 
gan Infantry, killed and buried on the battle-field of Shiloh ; 
J. G. Sutherland, of Saginaw, now judge of that circuit ; 
and Henry Clay Riggs, Esq., well known among us, now 
journeying to the far West, seeking perhaps a new home 
and more room for his ambition to soar in. They have all 
done them.selves credit in their profession, and we need not 
be ashamed that their first training constitutes part of our 
early history. Among the merchants of Fentonville may 
be named Samuel N. Warren and William jM. Thurber, 
now of Flint, and David Shaw, of the same place. Phy- 
sicians of an early day were Dr. Patterson, before named ; 
Dr. Thomas Steere, long and favorably known, whose re- 
mains, with those of his wife, now repose in the cemetery ; 
Dr. Gallup, now principal of a female seminary in Clinton, 
N. Y., all intelligent and highly respectable as practitioners 
and as citizens, and doing themselves and the residence of 
their adoption credit while among us. 

" The log house was soon found too small for the rising 
generation (for be it known that pioneers are generally young 
married people, whose offspring come fast upon the stage, 
and require schooling), and a school-house of fair dimen- 
sions and tolerable appearance was erected near the site of 
the First Presbyterian church. The lot for this, as well as 
the church, were donations — so was the cemetery — to tlie 
public, but church and school-house have disappeared. 
The title to the lots is vested in private persons, but the 
cemeterj' remains a monument to those who have passed 
away, and there are none among us who visit its scenes 
without being reminded of the familiar and beloved faces of 
friends, relations, and companions, who once trod the stage 
of life and mingled in the busy scenes of the little village 
in its incipient enterprise and gradual development. 

Among the earlier mechanics were one Sage, a very neat 
joiner ; Snapp, a millwright, living now, I believe, and one 
of the first who helped to start East Saginaw in building 
its first mill. David Smith was prominent among them, 
and could then do more work in a day than any man I ever 
knew ; perhaps he can now, — at all events, he is reliable 
every way. Ed. Franks was another ; he is father-in-law 
of Russell Bishop, of Flint, and keeps hotel at Mackinac. 
Jlrs. Bishop was born in Fentonville (I believe in the second 
story of the store, corner Le Roy and Shiawassee Avenue, 
where Franks kept house). Let me not forget Seth Rhodes, 
who was a timber-hewer, and one of the best ever known. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



211 



It was said after a stick was tolerably scored and Rhodes 
had strucic liis line, each blow of his broad-axc (and it was 
a very broad one) would carry the keen edge through the 
stick, leaving a surface as straight and smooth as if counter- 
shaved. Rhodes had Ibrty acres of land adjoining Wilbur's, 
enough to have made him couifortable. could he have kept if. 
TJut, alas ! like many others, his running expenses outran his 
income, and after he had got out and hewed the timber for 
the first grist-mill and settled his accounts, he found it 
necessary to sell out to pay liis debts ; and it was familiarly 
said of him that he with his family (all huge caters and 
provisions high) had eaten up his year's work and forty 
acres of land. He, too, has gone from among us, — peace 
to his ashes, — yet history would be imperfect without men- 
tion of iiis name. 

" The first regular hotel-keeper was Thomas Irish, and at 
that hotel the first town-meeting was held after the organi- 
zation. Irish was a carpenter also — in fact, there was no 
man among us who could not turn his hand to building 
fences, putting on siding, laying floor, painting, etc., and 
this all who participated in the earlier settlement of our 
place will remember well. In the early part of March, 
1S!!S (say 5th), the ground between Ben Birdsall's house 
and the west line of the village, extending from Shiawa.ssee 
Avenue down north to the marsh, had been plowed and 
was sowed with oats. It was protected by a rail fence. 
During the month there was no rain in the daytime, but, 
like the period in the building of King Solomon's temple, 
gentle showers watered the earth at night. The air was 
balmy and warm as in the months of June and July, and 
vegetation was far advanced, until before the close of the 
month (say 2.5th) there could be seen, where now stand 
several fine dwellings, a beautiful green field — oats spring- 
ing up luxuriantly, and the oak-openings all around pre- 
.sented to the eye the beauties of spring. In the early his- 
tory of the country it was not unusual to plow in February, 
but in this year (1838) crops were generally sown in March. 
The variation of the seasons then was remarkable, fur the 
preceding year ice was upon the ground up to April. 

" Some one who has preceded me in relating the his- 
torical incidents of this town has said that the changes in 
streets have created .some confusion, and that the record 
thereof could not be found. For the convenience of refer- 
ence to inquiring minds in that regard, I have caused ex- 
amination to be made, and find that the record exi.sts 
among the archives of the Circuit Court for the county of 
Genesee, iu the first volume, on page 75. It is an order 
vacating certain streets, and was made the 7th of March, 
1842. Before that time the highway commissioners (in 
1839) had altered Shiawassee Avenue, and the dwelling- 
house of Judge Le Roy had changed ends. Its front, once 
north, had been reversed to face the new street, and in a 
short time after, by the aid of the first ciiurch moved to its 
new front, was converted into the ' Le Roy House,' and kept 
for a while by Robert Le Roy. It is a little curious to ex- 
amine that old record. It was made at a time when the 
court had what the lawyers called epaulettes — that is, as.so- 
ciate judges. At that time the counties kept in ulTiee by 
election two judges, who .sat ujioti the bench with the cir- 
cuit judge (who was also a justice of the Supreme Court, 



as then formed), and that is about all thcj' did, viz. : to sit 
on the bench with the presiding judge. True, the two 
could, being the majority of the bench, overrule the pre- 
siding judge, but they seldom did it. Sometimes their 
.sympathies for their neighbors involved in litigation, per- 
haps under indictment, would lead them to act, and in such 
case, if they happened to differ with the learned circuit 
judge, he would, after consultation, give the judgment of 
the court accordingly, but with a frown and a distinct an- 
nouncement that it was not his opinion, but he was over- 
ruled by his learned (?) associates. 

" In the court where the order referred to was made .sat 
only one, as the records show, — -Lyman Stow, formerly of 
Flint, now sleeping that long sleep that knows no waking. 
No one accused Judge Stow of any remarkable legal acu- 
men, but he was one of the earliest of the pioneers of our 
county, and as such deserves honorable mention. When 
the red man was almost the only human being in all the 
country round. Judge Stow penetrated the forest and pre- 
ceded at first, but ultimately lived to see developed the 
march of civilization which levels the forest and brings in 
train enterprising villages, mills, and manufactories, and 
converts the wilderness into productive farms. May he be 
as happy iu the home to which he has gone as his honest 
worth in this world would seem to entitle him ! 

" One of the earlier settlers of the town was Joseph A. 
Byram, who lived on a lake bearing his name ( Byram 
Lake). He was from Flushing, Long Island, and with his 
family had lived in luxury. The quiet of his grounds was 
seldom disturbed by the white man's tread until Augustus 
St. Amand — then a young Frenchman, just from Paris, who 
by the way of Now Orleans and the Missi.s.sippi had reached 
Michigan — made Byram's acquaintance. The result was 
he came out with Byram from Detroit and purchased near 
him. His fowling-piece and fishing-rod brought with him 
afforded him amusement, and in the bachelor's hall which 
he erected out of logs were all the various articles of lux- 
ury he had been able to bring with him. He was hospit- 
able and glad to entertain any friend who might visit him — - 
indeed, wo found in the first experience of pioneer life a 
real treat and pleasure in visiting the beautiful openings 
and clear lakes, as well as the ho.spitable dwellings of both 
Byram and St. Amand. Not the least romantic of the 
earlier scenes of pioneer life was what befel St. Amand. 
In one of hi.'s journeys to Detroit for provisions (for be it 
known what little money a man brought here was soon used 
up in that way), on his return, when on the Saginaw turn- 
pike, near Springfield, he found a carriage broken down ; a 
gentleman and lady were there — father and daughter; the 
lady appeared to be in distress, the gentleman taking things 
easy as was his wont. But the chivalric feelings of St. 
Amand could not be restrained, cspcciall}' as he gazed on 
that young form and saw the youth and beauty, with the 
intelligence and sparkling eye of a damsel in distress, and 
quick as thought he was upon his feet, rendering such a.s- 
sistance as was required to repair damages and see the 
travelers on their way to Pontiac. St. Amand could at 
that lime speak but few words of English, but a look of 
gratitude and admiration beamed in tender eyes, and St. 
Amand felt the dart of love piercing his heart, as moving 



212 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



his liaiid he bade the damsel adieu, and exclaimed, ' «k 
rci-oir.' It was indeed with them ' an rcvoi'r,' for the 
attachment formed on that then romantic and forest road 
soon culminated, and Augustus St. Amand became the 
husband of Caroline Le Koy. Sweet girl she was, and 
became the mother of sons, one of whom has laid down 
his life in the cause of his country, falling a .sacrifice in the 
war to restore the Union. 

" Farewell, Caroline ! You rest in your quiet grave, but 
there is hope you will meet in the realms of bliss those 
you loved so well and so kindly eared for in this world. 

..." In times gone by there was an excitement known 
as ' Anti-Masonry,' in Western New York, and there was 
a place called Stafford, near Batavia. At the first-named 
place dwelt, among others, a man named Eli.sha Holmes, 
who removed to and became one of the pioneers of Fenton- 
ville. In the days of our early settlement, after Holmes 
had finished his labors in his shop (he was a blacksmith), 
he would regale his listeners with racy anecdotes, and many 
a tale of how iMorgan was supposed to pass through Staf- 
ford, inside the stage-coach of the ' Swiftsure Line,' gagged 
and manacled, on his way to ' that bourne from which no 
traveler returns,' just before the dawn of day, and, as he 
was postmaster, he would say, ' If there was anything of 
the kind, wouldn't I have known it?' And so he would 
defend those who had been accused of the high crime of 
abduction, and wind up by saying that ' Weed, the whis- 
ker-clipper, circulated the story, and boasted that the body 
he found was a good enough Morgan until after elec- 
tion.' 

" Elisha Holmes was a man of strong memory, and e.=po- 
cially in the political history of the country uner|ualed. 
From his post-ofBce of Stafford he brought barrels of 
newspapers, and, if ever at a loss for facts (which seldom 
happened), would ransack the barrels until he found the 
document, — and ho was always right, his memory infallible. 

" The first mail obtained in the new village was by a 
mail-route, procured after a long effort, running from 
Pontiac via White Lake twice a week. I well remember, 
in those days of slow mails, the anxiety we experienced on 
the eve of any important event. One with which Holmes 
was connected is illustrative of many : 

" The national convention of Democrats was assembled 
for nomination of a President in 1841, and anxiety to hear 
the result was general. Cass was a candidate, and others. 
A crowd had assembled, waiting for the expected mail, 
which was sure to bring the news, and after much specula- 
lation, Holmes, in his dry way, said, 'Gentlemen, you are 
all mistaken. The nominee will be a now man ; guess 
who.' Many names were mentioned, but not the right 
one. At last Holmes said, ' Gentlemen, I have got the 
history of this country, and its statesmen in and out of 
Congress, in my head, and the nominee will be James K. 
Polk.' 'Polk— Polk— who is he?' ' Why,' said Holmes, 
' you don't read the newspapers : it is James K. Polk, of 
Tennessee.' Yet the bystanders were not satisfied ; indeed, 
they all agreed that for once Holmes was mistaken. But 
the mail came, and Holmes was right. The old anvil was 
brought out, the nomination saluted in ancient style, amid 
shouts of 



* James K. Polk, of Tennessee, 
The very man I thought 'twouUl be,' 

and Holmes was triumphant. But the town goes on ; 
enterprise still exists. Even at an early day David L. La- 
tourette, 'Esq., now an enterprising citizen and banker 
among us, came to a Western home. He was th.e first to 
encourage the growth of flax, and entered into the manu- 
facture of linseed oil. Like many other pioneers, this 
didn't make him rich, but his enterpri.se in another sphere 
of action did (so said) ; and now, with new life and energy, 
he is putting his shoulder to the wheel to open another iron 
road to our pleasant village. May his efforts meet the suc- 
cess they deserve ! 

" Among the men of Pontiac who came here at an early 
day was Judge Daniel Le Roy, of whom mention has be- 
fore been made. He was singular in many things, not the 
least of which was that he became pious, joined the church, 
and thereupon became one of the abolitionists of the old 
stamp, who, though in a very small minority, thought they 
were right, and went ahead, believing that time would, with 
patience and perseverance, accomplish all things, and, like 
AVellington at the battle of Waterloo, that they could pound 
the longest, — and so they have. . . . This is a digression, 
perhaps, but illustrative of the times when the judge took 
the only abolition paper circulated in Fentonville, — the 
.SV(()- //( the East, — published in the State of Jlaine. 

" While on this subject let me call to mind some of tlie 
scenes of 1840, — 'Tippecanoe and Tyler too.' There was 
an immense gathering and great excitement in our usually 
quiet village. Tom Drake and others were here, and the 
frame of the new flouring-mill was up and the roof on. 
There the people began to assemble. Drake walked to and 
fro in front of the hotel, — hands in his pockets, cj'es on 
the ground, — digesting the matter for the coming speech 
and preparing, as well as he could, to digest the pork and 
beans and hard cider with which the crowd was to be re- 
galed. Wagons with hard cider were drawn up in front, 
the kettles were on the fire, the pork and beans were boil- 
ing, and one team had arrived from Flint with a load of 
shingles to be used in dealing out the refreshments; for be 
it known that knives, forks, and spoons were alike inter- 
dicted, and pork and beans were served on shingles, and 
from a split shingle spoons were formed. The speeches 
went on in the usual way ; the people were told that in the 
^Vliite House gold .spoons were used,— that Van Buren con- 
templated a standing army of at least 20,000 men, and in- 
sisted on that odious scheme called the ' Sub-Treasury,' 
whereby the money of the people was to be locked up and 
we were all to bo reduced to beggary, — a shilling a day and 
a sheep's pluck for wages and meat, — and ' that same old 
coon,' dead but stuffed, was run up on a pole, and all the 
people shouted and roared, and drank hard cider, and pulled 
out their 'latch-strings,' and ate pork and beans off a shin- 
gle with a split shingle for a spoon, while Elisha Holmes, 
quietly hammering away at his anvil, looked down the vista 
of time, ransacked his memory for a parallel, and, with 
prophetic vision, exclaimed, ' Go it while you're _voung, 
boys; feel good while you may ; but if my name is Eiijha 
Holmes, your " Tyler too" will be a Tartar ; for my history 
tells me Tyler is a life-long Democrat, and you will find 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



213 



liis policy stamped on the next administration, or I aui not 
Eli.slia Holmes.' 

" And history has recorded the truth of his prophecy. 
Would that there were more among us who looked to the 
lessons of the past, and so performed tlicir duties as good 
citizens to bring about the greatest possible good in the 
future I 

" Another of our early .settlers deserves mention here, — 
Hon. Jeremiah l!iggs, who settled in Michigan when it 
was a Territory, was a member of the Territorial Council 
(as was Judge Le Koy), and at the formation of the State 
government took part as one of the framers of the first 
and best constitution, — for surely innovations have not im- 
proved our first constitution. He was a man of kind and 
genial disposition, beloved by all, and for man}' years after 
he came to this village might be seen at the lliggs Hotel, 
his mind treasured with meiuories of the past and his con- 
versation instructive and amusing beyond what is often 
found. He has left behind him sons, some of whom are 
among us, and a memory which will be cherished with 
respect by all to whom he was known." 

Clark Dibble saw service in the war of 1812, and in his 
after-years was wont to sing numerous patriotic songs, 
among which one was called "Granny O'Wale," which he 
sang lustily, displaying his mu.sical powers in a most ener- 
getic manner, and so loudly that the forest re-echoed his tones 
far and near, and all knew that one man, at least, was a 
staunch patriot. Dibble was also noted for being a most 
excellent rifle-shot, and many a deer fell before his unerr- 
ing aim. 

After Dustin Cheney had arrived and built his log cabin, 
roofing it with elm-bark, those who followed immediately, 
viz., Clark Dibble, George Dibble, Lauren P. Higgs, John 
Galloway, and Eobert Winchell, camped on a flat south of 
where the mill now stands, and remained therefor a month 
while constructing their log shanties. Those who attended 
these early raisings were the persons above mentioned, to- 
gether with Alexander Galloway, William Gage, and Han- 
nibal Vickery, and their voices were lifted up in the wil- 
derness as they strove with their might in rolling up the 
logs of which their shelters were composed, and the sturdy 
backs of the pioneers bent and their muscles knotted in 
resjioMse to the hearty ^'i/o-heave-oh's" of the " boss." The 
primitive habitations appeared almost like magic, and the 
foundations of a prosperous settlement were rapidly laid. 

John Galloway, one of the persons who settled at Dib- 
bleville in April, 1834, was born Sept. 23, 1805. His 
father was a native of Orange Co., N. Y. In March, 
1819, the son left Marion, Wayne Co., N. Y., to which 
his father liad removed, and proceeding to Black Rock, 
below Buffalo, embarked there, April 4ih, on the steamer 
" Walk-in-the- Water," the first that braved the perils to be 
met with on Lake Erie, and at the ti-mc new, and came to 
Detroit, where he arrived on the 10th, after a six days' 
trip. He was accompanied by his father's family, and at 
Detroit met Col. Hotchkiss and family. In a short time an 
open Durham boat was procured, and the two families placed 
them.sclvcs and their baggage on board, rode up the Detroit 
Kiver, across Lake St. Clair to the mouth of the Cliriton 
lUvcr, and up lliat to ihc.sitcof Utiea, Macomb Co. Thence, 



with two carts drawn by oxen, they proceeded across the 
country, following an Indian trail to the banks of the Clin- 
ton at another place, camping where tiow is the village 
of Auburn, Oakland Co., southeast of Pontiac. The next 
day they moved on to the land owned by Col. Hotchki.-is, 
near Pontiac, where, with the assistance of a few men fur- 
nished by the " Pontiac Company," they built a log hou.se, 
covered it with elm-bark, and the two families slept that 
night beneath its roof The following day a log hut was 
built on Alexander Galloway's land, and the Galloway fam- 
ily at once occupied it. A lake near by is still known as 
" Galloway's Lake," and its proximity to the farm owned 
by that gentleman rendered the property of considerable 
additional value. 

After four years John Galloway returned to the Slate of 
New York, where he remained until 18154, when he again 
removed West, and took up his abode with the hardy few at 
Dibblevillc. Mr. Galloway was quite prominent among the 
early settlers, and was much respected by them. His de- 
cease occurred on the 19th of October, 1870, when he 
had reached the age of sixty-five years. Perhaps the first 
potatoes planted in the township were these placed in the 
ground by Mr. Galloway upon his arrival here, in April, 
1834. 

John Wilber was another veteran of 1812 who settled 
early in the village, and he is well remembered by many 
yet living here. He was so unfortunate, during the strug- 
gle in which he served, as to be captured by the British, 
taken to 3Iontreal, and cast into pri.son, where he was kept 
for some time on an exceedingly meagre diet, consisting of 
bread and water. Such a mixture of solid and lifjuid as 
this was more than he was used to, and he languished 
under a troubled spirit and with sharp cravings at the 
.stomach. In time, however, he was exchanged, and the 
heart of the hero was glad within him. 

" Johnny," as he was called, became quite a character in 
Fenton. He was not possessed of a remarkable education, 
but withal was a jovial companion and a person noted for 
his ((uaintness and honesty. It being too much of a task, 
possibly, to write his name in full, he always signed it with 
a cross, and there was no mistaking his mark for that of 
any one else, for, like all his sayings and doings, it was full 
of originality. 

Politically, during the days of Whig and " Locofoco" 
parties, he was conservative. On one occasion arrange- 
ments were made for the celebration of the anniversary of 
the nation's independence in a manner befitting so impor- 
tant an event. Dr. John C. Gallup, an earnest Whig, and 
since a prominent educator in Oneida Co., N. Y., was de- 
puted to read the Declaration of Independence. The day 
arrived, the village was filled with those who had come to 
" the Fourth of July ;" all faces wore looks of pleasurable 
anticipation, and they were not disapjiointed, for the cele- 
bration passed off" perfectly satisfactorily, and everybody 
was happy. Dr. Gallup read the Declaration in his best 
.style, the assembly cbeored, and thoughts of other days 
undoubtedly filled the minds of those present ; but Johnny, 
true to his political instinct, emphatically pronounced the 
whole thing a ^y/llff lie, to the no small amusement of the 
listeners. 



214 



HISTORY OF GEXESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



When, in October, 1856, the rails were being hiiJ on the 
extension of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, Johnny 
watched the operation earnestly. Placing himself in the 
middle of the track and gazing intently eastward, he at 
length, with earnest tone and sober mien, remarked, " Hut, 
tut ! they'll have to steer their wagons pretty straight to 
run 'em on these !" 

At the age of seventy years he became a widower. Ac- 
cording to the fa.shion of the day, he placed weeds on his 
hat, but after forty-eight liours of mourning, he began to 
pay attention at one and the same time to two widows. 
Neither suspected that the other was being courted, and the 
result was that as each had promised to become his bride, 
elaborate preparations for wedding-dinners were being made 
in both houses. The day approached (the same day had 
been set with both widows), and it appeared that Johnny was 
rapidly being entangled in an inextricable predicament. At 
length Rumor, with her thousand tongues, secretly whispered 
to Mrs. N. that Mrs. P. was her rival in love, and forthwith 
her temper was roused, and she set herself to seek satisfac- 
tion. Repairing to her neighbor's domicile, her strawberry 
nose changing to a deeper hue as her anger rose nearer to 
fever heat, she demanded an explanation and a settlement 
for damages. Her wrath was finally appeased by the pay- 
ment of a ten dollar bill by her rival ; the wedding cookery 
of the latter was transferred to the house of the former, and 
the wily Johnny and the energetic Mrs. N. were soon made 
one. 

Mr. Wilber lived more than fourscore years, and in 
April, 1879, was taken home to rest in the bosom of mother 
earth. His good qualities are kindly remembered ; his de- 
fects are overlooked ; and his memory is cherished as that 
of one who braved the perils of the wilderness, and aided, 
to the extent of his ability, in developing and improving it. 

Richard Donaldson was another of the pioneers of Fen- 
ton. He was familiarly known as " Uncle Dick Donald- 
son," and settled here at some date previous to 1840. His 
death occurred Feb. 22, 1868, when he had reached the 
age of seventy-four years. 

Silas Bullard, now engaged in business in Fenton, al- 
though not numbered among the first arrivals in the village, 
is still a pioneer of the State, having located in 1831! in 
the township of Commerce, Oakland Co., together with his 
brother, Benjamin Bullard. Their farm in Commerce was 
near what are known as Barrett's Corners. The Bullard 
brothers brought into Commerce the first threshing-machine 
ever used in that township. Silas Bullard has, during his 
residence in Michigan, lived in Oakland, Calhoun, Living- 
ston, and Genesee Counties, and has formed a large ac- 
quaintance with the southern portion of the State. 

Asa Reynolds, Esq., another of Oakland's pioneers, came 
to that county from the State of New York in October, 
183(5, and purchased and settled upon land in the township 
of Rose, where he lived for upwards of thirty years. He 
was chosen to fill numerous offices in the gift of the people 
of his township, among them serving many successive terms 
as supervisor. Subsequent to the war of the Rebellion he 
removed to Fenton, where he yet resides, a respected and 
honored citizen. 

Dustin Cheney, the first settler in the villatje or town- 



ship of Fenton, .saw considerable service during the war of 
1812, and was in several engagements along the Niagara 
frontier. In December, 1833, he came to Genesee County 
from the town of Parma, ^Monroe Co., N. Y. He arrived 
with his family a few days before Christmas, and located in 
the township of Grand Blanc, where he remained until his 
removal to Fenton, in April, 1834. His log shanty — the 
one he first erected — stood on the lot afterwards owned by 
Ben Birdsall, and some distance back from what is now 
Shiawassee Avenue, or nearly on the spot where the present 
residence of BI. T. Gass (estate of Mr. Birdsall) is located. 
Mr. Cheney's son, Harrison Cheney, now living northwest 
of the village, was the first white child born in the town- 
ship, the date of his birth being July 22, 1835. The elder 
Cheney has long been dead, but his widow is yet living — 
over eighty-two years of age — with her son, James Cheney, 
Mrs. Cheney deserves special mention for her noble deeds 
during the early years of her residence here, for few have 
passed through the experiences she has and lived to so 
great an age. For many years she has been totally Wind, 
owing to the fact that she at one time cared for a smallpox 
patient so faithfully that she caught the terrible disease, 
and ruined her eyesight in consequence. She was at once 
a most kind friend, a philanthropic neighbor, and a noble 
mother, and her care and watchfulness over the sick, and 
her generosity in affliction, are no mere idle subjects; all 
are cognizant of them who knew her in those years, and 
they render her the honor which is her due. 

Robert Le Roy, the partner of William M. Fenton in 
laying out and building up the village, came with his father, 
Daniel Le Roy, from Binghamton, Broome Co., N. Y., to 
Detroit, in 1818. About 1830 he removed to Pontiac and 
engaged in business, entering partnership, during his resi- 
dence there, with Mr. Fenton, and coming with the latter 
to the village now bearing his name, in the winter of 1836 
-37. 

Messrs. Le Roy and Fenton opened the first mercantile 
establishment in the village upon their arrival, and its mag- 
nitude and importance were considered great for the time. 
Previous to the time these gentlemen started here in bu.si- 
ness, the trading-points for the settlers had been Ann Arbor 
and Pontiac. Those living at Dibbleville went usually to 
Pontiac, twenty-five miles away. 

!Mr. Le Roy is now the oldest merchant in the place, not 
having, however, continued in the same business since his 
first arrival. He has been for many years in his present 
location on the west side of Le Roy Street, south of the 
river, and next door south of the Everett House. 

David Baker, familiarly known as " Uncle Dave Baker," 
died in Fenton, June 7, 1871. He was a native of the 
State of A'^ermont, and about the year 1840 settled at Pon- 
tiac, Oakland Co., Mich. He subsequently purchased a 
f\u-in in Holly township, in the same county, to which he 
removed. About 1847 he came to Fenton, and established 
the first wool-carding-mill in the township. 

William Treniper, from Fairport, N. Y., emigrated to 
Michigan in 1834, and at some date previous to 1850 lo- 
cated in Fenton village, where his death occurred on the 
13th of March, 1875. 

Austin Wakeman, long and well known in this place, 



y 



FENTON TOWNSniP. 



215 



came to this section of tlie State in 1S28. For twenty-five 
years lie was one of the most prominent among the business 
men of the community. He died Dec. 13, 1876, aged 
seventy-three years. 

Hon. Dexter Ilorton, a resident of Fentou .since 1859, 
is a native of Michigan, his father, Henry \X. Horton, 
having settled in Groveland, O.ikland Co., in the winter 
of 1830-31, entering his land in Maich of the year first 
named, and settling with his family in the following Feb- 
ruary. On the form still beloriging to his father, Dexter 
Horton was born in 1837. After attaining to sufficient age 
he attended the college a short time at Albion, Calhoun Co., 
Mich., and afterwards taught school and worked on his 
father's farm until twenty-one years of age, when he came 
to Fenton and located. His entire capital at that time con- 
sisted of two colts and fifteen bags of corn. His persever- 
ance and business tact have enabled him to accumulate a 
competency. He deals extensively in grain and agricultural 
implements. In 1801, when in his twenty-fourth jear, he 
received the appointment of postmaster at Fenton, but iu 
18G3 resigned the office and accepted a commission in the 
army as captain and commissary of subsistence. He was 
promoted to the rank of major during his service. Was 
with the Western army uuder Sherman. At the close of 
the war he was reappointed postmaster, but for political 
reasons was removed by President Johnson. In 18G7 he 
was appointed assistant sergeant-at-arms in the State Senate, 
and in November, 18G9, was elected to represent his district 
in the lower house of the Legislature. He was nominated 
also in 1871, but was defeated by thirty-one votes. He is 
at present one of the prominent business men and most re- 
spected citizens of the village. 

Hon. Jeremiah Riggs, an early resident of Fenton, came 
from Litchfield, Conn. Id the employ of the father of the 
celebrated divine, John Pierpont, he learned the trade of a 
clothier, or cloth-dresser. In 1828 he removed to Michi- 
gan, and in Grand Blanc township purchased 400 acres 
of land, lying principally on section 15. He located 
upon it in April, 1829. In the winter of 1835 or '30 he 
removed to Saginaw, having received the appointment of 
" Indian farmer" for the tribe in this locality. In 1813 he 
changed his dwelling-place to Fenton, where his son, 
Henry C. Itiggs, now a prominent attorney, had previously 
settled. Another son, J. P. C. liiggs, had also come to 
Fenton and entered one of the stores as a clerk ; he is now 
living on a farm near Silver Lake, on the road from Fenton 
to Linden, while a third sou, Frederick F. Itiggs, also re- 
sides in the village. 

Mr. Kiggs, Sr., upon locating here, became proprietor 
of the hotel which had been built by Messrs. Lc Hoy & 
Fenton, and which was then given the name " lliggs 
House." 

Another early resident of the Slate is Maxwell Thomp- 
son, of Fenton village. lie is from Cayuga Co., N. Y., 
and first visited Michigan in 1833. In 183(j he returned 
and purchased large tracts of land in various portions of 
the Stale, including considerable in what is now Guiues 
township, and also in Barry, Calhoun, Livingston, and 
other counties. Finally, about 1839, having made various 
improvements in previous years, he settled in the town.shlp 



of Mundy, although not pornianontly until 1841 or 1S42. 
Since the spring of 18C7 he has resided in Fenton village. 
He has, since his removal to Michigan, been engaged in 
farming and mercantile pursuits, although his principal oc- 
cupation has been speculating in land. That which he 
purchased from the government in 1836 lias long been dis- 
posed of, and he owns none at this day which he bought 
then. Upon that trip he stayed in Mundy with Morgan 
Baldwin, who was keeping public-house on the same place 
where he yet resides. Mr. Thompson's business operations 
have been generally successful, and he is not liable to be 
reduced to want in his age. 

South of Shiawassee Avenue, the Indians were accu.s- 
tomed to congregate in considerable numbers, camping and 
hunting and fishing in the neighborhood. Until they lost 
control of themselves under the influence of whisky, they 
were at all times peaceable and quiet, but with the liquor 
down their throats, their savage nature often showed itself. 
After Alonzo J. Cliapin had moved to the farm now owned 
by him immediately west of the village, 300 or 400 In- 
dians on one occasion camped upon it. Peter McColIum 
kept a tavern in a building now standing in the western 
part of the village. At that tavern the stages plying over 
this route changed horses after a trip west fiom Pontiac or 
eastward from some point farther west. Mr. Chapin told 
McColIum that the Indians would want whisky, and warned 
him not to give it to them lest they make trouble. He 
(McCoUum) paid no heed, but went into his tavern, and 
when liquor was called for dealt it out to them. Several 
of them soon became intoxicated, and it was evident to 
McCoUum that he had made a mistake, for two of them 
drew their knives and drove the whole family out of doors. 
At that crisis Mr. Chapin entered the house and was ac- 
costed by one of the drunken Indians, who wished him to 
" treat." This he refused to do, and the Indian threatened 
to knife him if he persisted. He backed towards the stove, 
reached around and picked up an iron griddle, and, the 
Indian becoming altogether too demonstrative, he struck 
him a terrible blow with it and felled him senseless to the 
floor. The others crowded around him, shook hands, and 
culled him " brave che-mo-ke-man !" His courage had won 
for him friends, even though he had nearly killed one of 
their warriors. It was characteristic of the Indians to 
think much more of a man who proved himself no coward 
even if his display of prowess caused subsequent mourning 
among them. 

The first circus which showed iu Fenton arrived here 
about 1850, and pitched its canvas in the rear of the lot 
now owned by A. J. Chapin. It had no regular tent, — 
only a cauv.is cover, and, iu comparison with the gorgeous 
pageants of to-day, was but a small affair. Yet people 
came from near and from far to see it, and returned home 
happier for having done so. A circus was an event of as 
much or more importance then as now, and the country 
maid and her dusty escort joined with the village people iu 
laughing at the antics of the clown and admiring the four- 
footed denizens of a far country, which they were privi- 
leged to gaze upon. And when the " show"' had disappeared, 
it was as great a matter of satisfaction to relate experiences 
after visiting it as it has ever been since. 



21G 



HISTORY OF GENESEK COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



PROMINENT PHYSICIANS. 

The first ph3-sician who located liere — Dr. Samuel W. 
Pattison — came in 183C, and extracts from an interesting 
article from lii.s pen are found elsewhere. He is now living 
at Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., in his eighty-second year. 

Dr. Tiiomas Steerc, the second to make the village of 
Fenton his home, came from Norwicli, Chenango Co., N. Y., 
about 18.38, and during his life here enjoyed an extensive 
practice. He died Oct. 6, 18(10, and his remains lie in the 
old cemetery. By his own reejuest he was buried just at 
sunset, and in a black-walnut cofiin. He was a most worthy 
citizen and an excellent physician. 

Dr. John C. Gallup was here at the same time with 
Stcere, and practiced a few years. The physicians in those 
days could scarcely collect money enough for their services 
to pay them or to enable them to live comfortably. Dr. 
Gallup subsequently removed to Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., 
where he established and became the principal of a well- 
known seminary for young ladies. 

Dr. Isaac Wixom, now of Fenton, has practiced in his 
profession for half a century in Micliigan. He was born 
near Hector, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1803. He studied 
for a time in tlie office of a country physician near his 
homo, and subsequently attended lectures and graduated at 
Fairfield, Herkimer Co. He was not at that time of age, 
and in consequence could not be granted a diploma, although 
liis standing entitled him to one. In 1824, when he had 
attained his majority, he received a diploma from the Med- 
ical Society of Penn Yan, Yates Co. He immediately began 
practice in Steuben County, continuing four years. In the 
spring of 1829 he emigrated to Michigan, whence his father 
had preceded him, and settled near the latter, in the town- 
ship of Farmington, Oakland Co. During his stay there 
he is found engaged in practice and in tavern-keeping. 
Fifteen years of constant labor in his profession, together 
with his other duties, wearied him, and in 1844 he removed 
to the township of Argentine, Genesee Co., where he en- 
tered the mercantile and milling business, thinking to avoid 
medical practice for at least a short term of years. He 
had been too successful and won too great a reputation for 
such hopes to be realized, and his fame followed him. It 
became necessary for him to continue in the path he had 
chosen, and pay attention to both medicine and surgery. 
The doctor purchased his land in Argentine in 1844, and 
moved his family the following year. For fifteen years he 
continued in business at Argentine, building up the greater 
portion of that village, which for years was a point of greater 
commercial importance than Fenton. The completion of 
the railway to the latter place blasted the prospects of Ar- 
gentine, and scarce a tithe of the business of former days 
Ls transacted there at present. 

While living at Argentine, Dr. Wixom was frequently 
called upon to perform diflScult surgical operations in re- 
mote parts of the State, as well as in other States. In 
1838 he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature, 
— then convened at Detroit, — and for two years was a mem- 
ber of the House Committee on Education. While in that 
capacity he took an active part in measures relating to the 
i'uunding of the University of Michigan. In 1841 he was 
elected to the State Senate. During his term he, in com- 



pany with Hon. James Kingsley, drew up the first (?) rail- 
road charter granted in the State. He is now the only 
surviving member of that Senate. 

In ISGl the doctor aided in raising " Stockton's Inde- 
pendent llegiment," afterward known as the 16th Slichigan 
Infantry, and accompanied it to the field as its surgeon. 
For two years he remained with it, participating in twenty- 
two engagements. Owing to his failing health he found it 
necessary to resign, and in 18G3 he returned to his home 
in Argentine. In February, 1869, he located in Fenton, 
where he has since resided. He contemplates returning to 
Argentine and giving up his practice to his son, thinking 
he has devoted as much of his life as is really necessary to 
the care of the afflicted. He has at present a large prac- 
tice, — attending principally to the surgical branch, and for 
thirty years has performed move of the necessary operations 
than all the other surgeons of the county. Some of his 
operations have rendered him one of the most distinguished 
surgeons the country has ever produced. His oldest son, 
William W. Wixom, is one of the most accomplished .sur- 
geons on the PaciKc coast, and is at this time a resident of 
California. 

Dr. Wixom's first vote was cast for Andrew Jackson. 
Since he was twenty-one years of age he has been a mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken all the degrees 
which can be conferred in this country. Has aided in or- 
ganizing various lodges, and was long a prominent member 
of Fentonvillo Lodge, No. 109. Although the doctor has 
earned enough in bis fifty-four years of practice to place 
him beyond the possibility of want, his circumstances are 
not such as might be wi.shed for, and it has been said of 
him that rather than dun a patient he would attend him 
free of charge. 

Fenton has its full complement of physicians at present, 
all of whom do credit to their profession and merit the 
confidence of the people whom they serve. Besides Dr. 

Wixom there are A. W. Rikcr, ■ Sue, and L. E. 

Knapp. 

Dr. H. F. Douglas is the oldest dentist now in the place, 
having located here in the fall of 1869, and taken the office 
of E. G. Miles, who had been engaged in the same business. 
P. R. Hovey, who left when Dr. Douglas came, had prac- 
ticed dentistry here for ten years. The oflice of Dr. Doug- 
las is over the post-office, and is one of the best arranged 
in the county or elsewhere. During his stay here he has 
won the confidence of all in his work, and enjoys an envi- 
able reputation. 

PllOMINENT LAWYERS. 

The first law-office in the village was opened by Hon. 
William M. Fenton, and several who afterwards became able 
practitioners received the rudiments of their legal educa- 
tion in his office. Mr. Fenton's father, Hon. Joseph S. 
Fenton, settled here early and became a prominent citizen 
of the place. He died Nov. 14, 1851. He is remembered 
as a thorough gentlemen, and many recollect his numerous 
deeds of kindness. 

Hon. Alexander P. Davis, an eminent lawyer of Fenton, 
died in the village March 4, 1871. He was a native of 
the town of Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., and at an early 
day emigrated to Livingston Co., Mich., where lie eu- 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



217 



gaged in the practice of his profession. In 1842 he re- 
moved to Flint, and eventually came to Fenton, wjiere his 
remaining years were passed. He was anolhor of the 
liiglily-csteemed citizens of the place of his adoption. For 
several years he held the position of prosecuting attorney, 
and was also chosen to the State Senate. At his dccca.se, 
the Genesee County Bar met and passed resolutions of re- 
spect to his memory, and attended his funeral in a body. 

J. L. Topping, of Fenton, removed to Livingston 
County in 1836, from Cayuga Co., N. Y., with liis 
father, Hon. Charles Topping. In 1855 he married a 
daughter of Dr. Isaac Wixoni, and was for .some time en- 
gaged with the latter in the mercantile business at Argen- 
tine. This he finally discontinued, and began the study 
of law. He was very successful, and in 1859 he was 
admitted to the Genesee County bar. He served, during 
two years of the war, as lieutenant in the IGth Michigan 
Infantry, and, in consequence of .severe injuries received at 
the battle of Fredericksburg, lie was di.seharged in May 
following, when he returned home to F'cnton, and resumed 
the practice of his profession. 

Hon. Thaddeus G. Smith, now of Flint, practiced in 
Fenton from IStJl to 1877. He came here from the city 
of New York, and during his sixteen years of residence in the 
place was chosen to fill several responsible positions, — Rep- 
resentative in Legislature in 1862, served two years; mem- 
ber of Michigan Constitutional Convention in 1867; State 
Senator, in 1868, serving two years ; and Judge of Probate 
in 187C, removing to Flint, in 1877, to a.ssuuie the duties 
of that office. 

JIERCHANTS. 

The person now in Fenton who has been longest in busi- 
ness is Hubert Le Roy, as previously mentioned. He has 
not, however, continued in the same branch of trade since 
he and Mr. Fenton started together on their arrival here. 

The oldest established business house in the village is the 
boot- and shoe-store of Charles H. Turner. This gentle- 
man came from Rochester, N. Y''., in 1850, and located 
in Fenton, beginning his trade here the same year. Heat 
first occupied a building on the south side of the river, 
which he still owns, and which is now occupied as a meat- 
uiarket. In 1806 he built his present store on the north 
side of the river, and east side of Lc Roy Street. He has, 
during his residence in the village, become one of its most 
influential citizens, and identified himself with its numerous 
interests to a great extent. He has long been connected 
with the Union School board, and done much to bring that 
institution to its present state of perfection. 

Ben Birdsall, who was at the time of his death the 
oldest dry goods merchant in Fenton, died at San Franci.sco, 
Cal., Nov. 15, 1873. His health had been failing for some 
time, and the trip to the Pacific coast was made with the 
hope of deriving some benefit from the change. At that 
time he had been in business here for nearly thirty years, 
and was a highly-esteemed citizen. His residence was at 
the northwest corner of Adelaide Street and Shiawassee 
Avenue, and was built by William M. Fenton. The hou.se 
is yet standing and occupied by Mr. Birdsall's widow, now 
the wife of M. T. Gass, the principal of the Fenton union 
school. 

28 



The firm of Beach & O'Hare was formed in 18GG. Mr. 
Beach is a native of the township of Troy, Oakland Co., 
Mich., where he was born in 1834. When but eighteen 
years of age he went to California to try his fortune, and 
during his stay there experienced many hardships, although 
he was successful in his search for wealth, lleturning to 
Michigan, he established himself in business at Fenton in 
1856, conducting it for ten years alone. In September, 
1874, this firm started a store at Byron, Shiawassee 
Co., but because of sickness were obliged to di.scontinue 
it in 1877. Mr. Beach's father, Michael Beach, was a 
Soldier of 1812, and received a grant of land from the 
government for his services. The father of Michael Beach 
served in the patriot army during the Revolution. 

John O'Hare, Mr. Beach's partner, came here in 1856 
from Redwood, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and for three years 
engaged as clerk. The stories of wealth to be obtained in 
the golden land of the West allured him also, and in 1859 
he went to the Pike's Peak region. His success was poor 
and he soon returned. In 1SG2 he raised a company for 
the 5th Michigan Infantry, afterwards transferred to the 
8th. A captain's commission had been promised him, but 
instead that of a lieutenant was tendered, which he indig- 
nantly refused and resigned. For two years, from 18G4 
to 186G, he held the position of postmaster at Fentonvillc, 
and in the latter year entered into a copartnership with 
Mr. Beach in the general dry goods trade. The store of 
this firm is located in the Masonic Hall Block, on Le Roy 
Street, diagonally opposite the post-office. The building 
was erected in 18G9, and is one of the numerous fine 
business blocks of the place. 

Zera Patterson, a prominent merchant of Fenton, came 
with his father, John Patterson, to Putnam, Livingston 
Co., Mich., in 1836. The elder Patterson had been a 
soldier of 1812. The son was for a number of years in 
trade in Livingston County, and in 1872 removed to Fen- 
ton and established a new dry-goods house, dealing also in 
wheat and wool. In May, 1879, he moved into a building 
on Le Roy Street, south of the post-office and near the 
jNIethodist church, where he has the finest salesrooms in 
the village. 

Nathan T. Thurber, of Fenton, emigrated to Michigan, 
from the State of New York, in 1849. For six years he 
was employed as clerk in stores at Pontiac and Flint, loca- 
ting first at Pontiac, and afterwards moving back there from 
Flint. From Pontiac he came to Fenton, built a store, 
and entered into the hardware and produce trade, continu- 
ing it until 1868. In 18GG he superintended the building 
of the Fenton Woolen-Mills, and in 18G9 purchased and 
refitted the old " Long Lake Hotel," at Long Lake, giving 
it the name of " Idlewild," and still owns that property. 
In 1871 he established a clothing-house at Fenton, and has 
remained in that branch of business to the present. Rooms 
in the Mitsonic Hall Block, the same in which those of 
Beach & O'Hare are located. 

Among other prominent merchants of the place are B. 
F. Stone, L. V. Curry, W. D. Murray, Dunlap & Ilovoy 
(druggists), and Mrs. M. A. Helm (druggist), on the north 
side, and J. M. Barrows, J. Van Winkle, and others on 
the .south side. 



218 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



FENTONVILLE POST-OFFICE. 

The settlement had grown to such dimensions in 1838 
tliat it was deemed necessary to have a post-office. There- 
fore, the requisite steps were taken to procure one, and be- 
fore the close of the year it was an established fact, and 
Robert Le Roy had received the appointment of first post- 
master. Mail was first brought here over the Grand River 
road. On one occasion it came wrapped up in a pocket 
handkerchief, wliich fact was duly reported to the depart- 
ment by Mr. Le Roy. It was usually carried on horse- 
back, but at last a line of stages was put on the road, and 
tiio mails were transferred to their care. 

Mr. Le Roy remained in office for thirteen years, — a 
longer term than any of his successors. A Mr. Taylor was 
the second, and was succeeded by Dexter Johnson. Charles 
II. Turner received the appointment in 1853, and held the 
office until 1861, when he was .succeeded by Dexter Hor- 
ton. Mr. Turner's commission came during President 
Pierce's administration, the appointment being made by 
James Campbell, then postmaster-general. Mr. Horton, 
after discliarging the duties of the office for two years, re- 
signed his position and entered the army. His place was 
taken in July, 18G3, by John O'Hare, who hold it until 
Mr. Horton returned, when the latter was reappointed. 
He was subsequently removed by President Johnson for 
political reasons, and his successor was E. 51. Ilovey. In 
1868 the present incumbent, Willianl P. Guest, was ap- 
pointed, and has most satisfactorily discharged his duties 
since ; in fact all who have held the office since it was 
established have been popular men. Mr. Guest came here 
from Madison Co., N. Y., in 1853. 

The post-office received the name of Fentonville, after 
that of the village at the time, and has retained it, although 
upou incorporation the last syllable was dropped from the 
name of the village. The office has once (1869) suffijred 
a visit from the fire-fiend, but fortunately not much incon- 
venience was caused. It at present occupies neat and com- 
modious quarters in the brick building next north of Col- 
wcU Hall, and is as well arranged and conducted as any 
office in a place of the size in the Stale. The front portion 
of the room is occupied by a well ordered news-room and 
jewelry establishment. Here also is located the telegraph- 
office. 

PLATTING OF VILLAGE — VARIOUS ADDITIONS. 

The original plat of " Fentonville" was laid by Fenton 
& Le Roy in August, 1837, and included the portion which 
extends from the section-line (Robert Street) on the north 
to South Street on the south, and from East to West Street 
in the other direction. The survey was made by Hervey 
Parke, of Oakland County, one of Michigan's veteran sur- 
veyors. The following additions have since been made, viz. : 
Booth & Miles' Addition, June 24, 1859 ; M. T. Spauld- 
ing's Addition, December 14, 1861 ; Thurber's Addition) 
May 10, 1860; Henry C. Riggs' Addition, May 14, 1862; 
Church's North Addition, May 13, 1864; Bangs' Addi- 
tion, July 5, 1865, and Aug. 15, 1866; Oakwood Addi- 
tion, by D. L. Latourette, Aug. 12, 1864 ; Thompson's 
Addition, January 11, 1866; Sackner's Addition, Oct. 19, 
1866; Wakeman's Addition, Nov. 15, 1866; Beach & 



O'Hare's Addition, June 13, 1867; Bergen's Addition, 
June 21, 1867 ; Davis & Thomp.son's North Addition, Aug. 
21, 1867; White & Mowry's Addition, Oct. 7, 1867; 
Trump & Wilmot's Addition, Dec. 14, 1867 ; C. O. Adams' 
Addition, March 28, 1868; Booth's Addition, March 28, 
1868; Joseph Thorp's Addition, May 10, 1868; Wood & 
Birdsall's Addition, June 29, 1868; Church's South Addi- 
tion, Aug. 6, 1868 ; Davis & Thompson's South Addition, 
Nov. 2, 1868 ; Miles' Addition, section 25 (west part cast 
half southwest quarter, and south part west part east half 
northwest (juartcrj, Nov. 1, 1869 ; Broad's Out Lots, Aug. 
24,1870. 

The place was called Dibbleville until Messrs. Fenton & 
Re Roy laid their plat in 1837, and at the present time 
Clark Dibble and the settlement which was named for him 
exist but in the memory of pioneers or the archives of the 
past. 

INCORPORATION — VILLAGE OFFICERS. 

On the 10th of September, 1862, a notice signed by 
twenty-five legal voters residing in the territory they de- 
sired to have incorporated was posted, according to law, set- 
ting forth that a petition for incorporation would be sent to 
the board of supervisors of Genesee County at their session 
iti the following October. The petition was duly presented, 
and the order for incorporation given Jan. 8, 1863, as fol- 
lows : 

"On rcaJing petition of R. A. Jenney ami eighty-five others, leg:il 
voters, residing within the territory hcreiiiiifter described, praying for 
an order incorporating said territory, situate in the town of Fenton, 
in said county, into n village undiT the name of the village of Fenton, 
and on recording the notice of this application and proof of posting 
tlic same, by which it appears that all the requirements of the act of 
the Legislature of the State of Jlicliigan, jiroviding for the incorpo- 
ration of villages, approved February, lS.i7, have been complied with 
by such petitioners : that such territory has the requisite number of 
pojiulation ; that said petitioners are all legal voters residing within 
such territory ; and that the notice of this application has been duly 
given ; and that no part of such territory is included within any in- 
corporated village. After hearing the respective parties for and 
against such application, it is ordered l)y such bttard that the follow- 
ing described territory, situate within the town of Fenton, in said 
ooutity of Genesee, and in the State of Michigan, to wit: the north- 
west quarter of section thirty-six (36): the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion thirty-five (35); the noith half of the southwest quarter of sec- 
ton thirty-six (3()) : the north half of the southeast quarter of section 
thirty-five (35); the south half of the southwest quarter of section 
twenty-five (25) : and the south half of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion twenty-six (20), all in town five north, of range six cast, and to- 
gether containing one square mile of territory only, shall be an in- 
corporated village, and the same is hereby made and constituted an 
incor])orated village under and by the name of the 'Village of Fen- 
ton ;' and it is hereby further ordered that William P. Guest, Charles 
II. Turner, and Benjamin Bangs, three legal voters residing within 
such territory so incorporated, be and they are hereby appointed in- 
spectors of elections to hold the first election in said village, required 
by the said act of the Legislature above referred to; and that Tues- 
day, the third of March, A.n. 1863, at the town-hall in said village, is 
hereby appointel as the time and place of holding the said first elec- 
tion. 

"S.VMUEL N. WAnnEN, ClKlirilutn. 

"George R. Goild, Ckrt." 

In 1S69 a new charter was granted, giving extended 
powers and taking in additional territory, so that now the 
corporate limits extend to the county line on the east and 
south. The first election was held April 20, 1863, instead 
of in March, and the following officers chosen, viz. : 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



219 



President of the Villiige, Hcnjiimin Hang!: Trustee?, Dexter Ilor- 
ton, Tliiidileus G. Siuilli, William Dunlmni, Iliniin Ceneb, Henry A. 
Wiilover, SaiiiucI G. Akxanilcr; Corjioralion Clerk, Benjamin F. 
Stone; Treasurer, Hubert L. Sheldon: Marshal, George (!. Perry; 
Assessor, David Smith ; Street Commissioners, Henry Judcvine, 
Kingsley Beekwith; Poundnuu^ter, Edward E. Bridges; FiruWar- 
dcns, Gordon 0. Chipman, George S. Rikor, Jnmos Baker. 

The principal oflBccrs of the village from 18G4 to 1879, 
inclusive, have been the fuiluwing : 

1S04. — PresiJeut, Henry A. Kipp ; Trustees, John L. E. Kolley, Wil- 
liam F. Hovey, Charles H. Turner, Orlando Topping, John 
B. Hamilton, William K. Marsh. 

ISCj. — President, Charles H. Turner; Trusties, Henry C. Kiggs, Ben- 
jamin Graee, William R. Marsh, Seth Byram, Henry A. 
Wiilover, William Albertson. 

1SC6. — President, Charles II. Turner; Trustees, Miehael Aycrs, H. A. 
Wiilover, William Albertson, C. Bergen, William P. Guest, 
B. F. Stone. 

1867. — President, Benjamin Grace ; Trustees, David G. Colwell, 
David B. Mason, Michael Ayers, John B. Hamilton, D. Bur- 
rows, Abner Roberts. 

18CS.— President, Charles H. Turner; Trustees, A. Parkhurst, D. B. 
Mason, Alva U. Wood, W. H. Jackson, E. M. Adams, Davis 
Terbush. 

18G9. — President, James E. Bussey ; Trustees, C. Bergen, C. Metz, C. 
Bush, M. M. Johnson, C. F. Rolland, W. H. Jackson. 
Under the new cluirter but three trustees arc chosen annually, and 

those for a term of two years. At the special election in 1SG9, after 

the charter was obtained, the following were chosen, viz. : President, 

Josiah Buckbee ; Trustees (2 years), V. R. Durfee, Aaron Riker, 

John Egan; Trustees (1 year), Cornelius Bergen, Michael Ayers, W. 

U. Jackson. 

1870. — President, Josiah Buckbee; Trustees, Abner Roberts, Peter 
Metz, A. Parkhurst. 

1871. — President, D. B. Mason; Trustees', John O'Hare, A. II. Law- 
rence, Orvillc Gurney. 

1S72. — President, E. M. Hovey; Trustees, Robert Deming, Lewis 
Algeo, Willi:im Albertson, Willi;im Russell (to fill va- 
cancy). 

1873. — President, AV. U. Jackson; Trustees, George L. Lee, John 
O'Hare, Lewis V. Curry. 

1874.— President, E. M. Hovey; Trustees, B. F. Stone, C. E. Rolland, 
E. H. Kimball. 

1875. — President, E. M. Hovey; Trustees, William Albertson, Walter 
Blackmore, Lewis V. Curry. 

1870. — President, Benjamin F. Stone; Trustees, Andrew J. Phillips, 
James E. Bussey, Dc.xter Horton. 

1877. — President, Charles H. Turner; Trustees, A. V. Anderson, Jo- 
seph Thorp, George W. Johnson. 

1878. — President, De.xter Horton; Trustees, Truman Ilinman, Lucius 
Fitch, James E. Bussey. 

1879.— President, Charles H.Turner; Trustees, A.J.Phillips, Walter 
Blackmore, J. B. Harris; Assessor, Benjamin F. Stone; 
Treasurer, Louis Walton; Clerk, Cicero J. K. Stoner; Mar- 
shal, E. Rogers. 

FIRES AND FIRE DEI'AUTME.VT. 

Fenton has been visited by numerous small and several 
destructive conflagrations, and many thou.saiid dollars' worth 
of property destroyed. At this writing ruins of but a few 
weeks' standing appear as blackened and crumbling monu- 
ments of once pro.sperous manufactories, and the citizens 
have awakened to the necessity of providing again.st as 
great inroads of the fire demon in the future. The two 
most disastrous conflagrations tlie village has suffered oc- 
curred Jan. 19, IBUy, and April 24, 1879. The former 
occusii<.iL-d a total loss of about $100,000, destroying the 
Towii-llull block, where now are Colwell Ilall and the 
post-office; al.so .several stores and the dwelling of iMrs. 
Perry. In the Town-Ilall building were the pcst^offjce, 



law- and insurance-offices, news-roora, jewelry-.store. Ma- 
sonic Hull, lecture-room, Ladies' Village Library, and in the 
basement a .saloon. The Cie broke out in the night (Tues- 
day). 

The last fire, that of April 24, 1879, also began in the 
night, and by many was supposed to be of incendiary origin. 
A terrific gale was blowing from the east, and the burning 
brands were swept in storms upon the doomed buildings to 
tlie westward of the cooper-.shop, where the fire was first 
discovered. The shop mentioned, the large sawmill and 
lumber piles belonging to Colwell & Adams, the fruit-drying 
establishment of Buskirk & Britton, and the woolcn-fictory, 
in turn were consumed, together with scvenil other build- 
ings and the bridge across the Shiawassee River. The 
property destroyed cost originally in the neighborhood of 
8100,000, but had greatly depreciated in value at the time 
it was swept away. The following is a list of the losses, 
to compensate which but about 85500 had been taken in 
insurance : 

Colwell A Adams, saw-mill $?,,M0 

" " lumber 21)11 

" barrel-factory 2.000 

A. V. Anderson, barrel ttock and tools I,.'tlKI 

J. H. Thompson, fruit-dryin*^ bouse 1,500 

Buskirk & Britton, evaporating machinery and 

stock 1.200 

George A. Lee, Fenton woolen-mills in.(HI0 

Leslie Lewis, groceries 1,000 

Mrs. C. Lewis, building l.iiiO 

A. Hoisington. ilwelling and store l.OIIO 

Le Roy Street bridge I,.i0l) 

C. E. Owen. Iiuggies and cutters 250 

Baptist church, daumged 200 

Firemen's Hall, " 100 

Manning A Bishop 2.'i 

E. Hirst 25 

Total estimated loss $25,000 

Efficient service was rendered by a fire company from 
Owasso, who reached the scene at five o'clock in the morn- 
ing, and played with good effect with their steamer on the 
ruins. The vilhige department did all in its power, and 
citizens aided manfully in the efforts to save property. It 
is a notable fact that the Ada Gray theatrical company, 
which was then filling an engagement at Colwell Hall, lent 
their aid also in the good work, and numerous strangers 
bore a willing hand in endeavoring to extinguish the flames 
and save property. 

Efforts had many times been made to organize a fire com- 
pany, but they were attended with poor success until 1874 
-75, when a hook-and-ladder company was formed, and 
proved to be competent to render sufficient service in 
time of need. It consisted of thirty-six members, as ac- 
cepted by the village board, March 4, 1875, and was given 
the name, " IIook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1." The fol- 
lowing apparatus was purcha.sed at the prices given : 

Hook-and-ladder wagon $.350.00 

Four Cham]iion extinguishers 108.02 

Twentv-four rubber fire-buckets 40.55 

Laddei-6 29.12 

Sundry fixtures 3:1.20 

Total $027.55 

Tlie officers of the company, as chosen for 1879, are: 
President, George W. Barbour; Vice-President, G. B. 
Smith ; Foreman, B. Byram ; A.ssistant Foreman, W. M. 
Lusk ; Secretary, Melvin J. Fitch; Treasurer, C. B. Al- 
bertson ; Janitor and Librarian, Dustin Thorp. 



220 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The experience of 1879 lias taught the inhabitants of 
Fonton that, liowevcr efficient a hook-and-laddcr company 
may be, — and tlic one in Fenton is by no means poor, — 
it still cannot cope successfully witli an extensive fire, and 
in the month of May of the year named a fine Silsby 
steamer was procured, and a greater sense of security will 
undoubtedly be enjoyed in tlie future. The apparatus be- 
longing to the department is kept in the new engine-house, 
on North Le Roy Street. The lots on which the building 
was erected were secured at a cost of §800. The building 
itself is of tasteful design, constructed of brick, is two lofty 
stories in height, surmounted by a bell-tower, and was dedi- 
cated March 'J, 1870, having been begun the previous year. 
Some time during the following autumn a fine town-clock 
and bell were placed in the tower. The bell is from the 
Buckeye Bell- Works, at Cincinnati, Ohio. It weighs about 
1600 pounds, and has a clear, deep tone. Its clanging on 
the night of April 23-24, 1879, and the anxiety of the 
people lest their engine-house, with its bell and fixtures, 
should be destroyed, will not soon be forgotten by those 
who witnessed the scones of that niglit. 

BUSINESS BLOCKS. 

The Andrews Block, consisting of five brick stores, was 
built by C. Andrews, in 1867, and is located on the corner 
of Le Roy Street and Shiawassee Avenue. In the upper 
portions are offices, the rooms of the Ladies' Library Asso- 
ciation, and those of the Fenton Independent. 

Culwell Hall Block is located on North Le Roy Street, 
and was built by D. G. Colwell and D. Horton, in 1869, 
on the site of the burned town-hall. The post-uffice was 
moved into it as soou as it was completed and ready. Mr, 
Guest was then (as now) the postmaster. The hall in the 
main building is named for Mr. Colwell, and is used as the 
place for holding township-meetings, etc., besides being 
neatly and conveniently fitted for the use of dramatic asso- 
ciations. It is one of the best halls for this purpose in the 
interior of the State, and was formally opened on the even- 
ing of Feb. 1-4, 1870, by the Fenton Amateur Dramatic 
Association. The play presented was entitled " Love's 
Sacrifice ; or, The Rival Blerehants," and the receipts 
were tendered as a "grand complimentary benefit to Mr. 
Colwell." The building has a most creditable appearance 
both outside and in, and the citizens of Fenton are justly 
proud of it. 

Mr. Colwell is at present ("spring of 1879) engaged in 
building a large brick block immediately south of the hall, 
and this will complete an imposing row, filling the gap 
between Colwell Hall and the store now occupied by Zera 
Patterson. The new building will also be fitted for stores. 

Another notable building is the Roberts Block, on the 
west side of Le Roy Street, next south of the Central 
Hotel. Many of the stores in the village are built of 
brick, while a few of the original fiame structures still 
remain. They must in time give place to more substantial 
edifices and lessen the danger from fires. 

HOTELS. 

The first hotel, or " tavern," built in Fenton was the one 
erected by Fenton & Le Roy, and afterwards named the 



" Riggs House." Its first regular landlord was Thomas 
Irish, and it was occupied in 1843 by Judge Jeremiah 
Riggs, from whom it derived its name. It has in recent 
years been extensively repaired. It is a large frame build- 
ing, standing north of Shiawassee Avenue, on the west 
hide of Le Roy Street, and is still in use, known at present 
as the "Everett House." 

The " Le Roy House," fitted up by Robert Le Roy 
subsequent to 1840, and formed by combining the residence 
of Daniel Le Roy and the first house of worship built in 
the place, is now known as " King's Hotel," from the name 
of its proprietor. It is situated on the north side of Shia- 
wassee Avenue, west of Le Roy Street. 

The large biick and frame hotel near the railroad, known 
as the " Fenton House," was built soon after the comple- 
tion to this place of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad, 
or about 1856-57, the road having reached here in 1856, 
Holly having been its previous terminus. Messrs. Seed & 
Flint were the builders and owners of the hotel, and Mr. 
Seed himself became its first landlord. It passed through 
several hands, and was for a number of years kept by 
Abner Roberts, who had previously kept the one now 
known as " King's Hotel." Mr. Roberts' widow is the 
present proprietor. This house has also recently under- 
gone much improvement. 

The " Everett House" as originally built was constructed 
of oak plank, the work being done by a man named Blan- 
chard. Thomas Irish, its first landlord, removed Xa Ann 
Arbor, Washtenaw Co., at or near which place he died. 
The present proprietor of this house is George Butcher. 

The " Central House," a frame hotel on the south side 
of the railroad, was originally built for a dwelling by Ebeu 
Pratt. After the advent of a railroad it was converted 
into a hotel by Lorenzo McGinnis, and has since been in 
use as such. 

MANUFACTCRES OF FE.VTON. 

A dam was constructed across the Shiawassee, and a saw- 
mill built by the Dibbles, previous to 1837. When Fenton 
and Le Roy came, in 1837, they purchased the property 
and improved the power greatly, building also a grist-mill 
afterwards. The Ibllowing explains itself: 

'•Know all men by these pkesexts, That we, WalLaoe Dlbhlo 
and Maria H., wife of said Wallace, of the town of Argentine, County 
of Genesee, and State of Michigun, in consideration of Fifty Dollars 
to us in hand paid by Robert Le R<jy and William M. Fenton, of the 
same place, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, have 
granted, bargained, .';old, remised, released, and quit-claimed, and by 
tliese presents do grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, and quit-claim 
unto the said Robert Lc Roy and William M. Fenton, and to their 
heirs and assigns, the right to flow with water all that portion of the 
southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section Thirty-six, in 
Township Five north, Range Six east, which adjoins the east branch 
of the Shiawassee River, and which is or may be flowed by means of 
the raising of the water to nine feet above low water-mark, at the 
dam now erected across the said river, on lands owned by the said 
Le Roy ,5; Fcnion, on the section aforesaid. And we, Wallace Dibble 
and iSIaria H. Dibble, do hereby covenant with the said Lerc»3^ Si Fen- 
ton that we are lawfull}' seized in fee of the afore-granted premises. 
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, the 
12th day of July, IS37. 

" Wallace Dibble. [seal] 
" Maria H. Dibble, [seal] 
*' Witness, Ebcnczer P.att and Thomas Steere, Jr." 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



221 



Tlic old mill gave place to a second one, which was built 
ou the same site by Hiker & Adams, in 1858. This mill 
was burned, and a new one put up. The property is now 
owned by Jlcssrs. Colwcll & Adams, who entered into busi- 
ness in 1SG7. Mr. Colwell is a native of Livingston 
County, and Mr. Adams came here from the army, after 
the close of the war of the Itebellion. The mill stands on 
the site of the original one built by Le Uoy & Fcnton, who 
expended §21,000 upon it in repairs and improvements in 
187G. The original building was much smaller than the 
present one. "The first operation was to raise this build- 
ing two feet, after which it was enlarged by an addition in 
front and rear, making its present dimensions 38 (?) by 102 
feet, with a new brick engine-house, 38 by 30 feet, erected 
on the north side, and also the addition of an elevator capa- 
ble of disposing of 500 bushels of grain per hour into 
bins which are situated in the second and third stories, and 
which are capable of storing 10,000 bushels."* The mill 
is four stories high, with an attic, and its full flouring ca- 
pacity is about 1000 bushels of wheat, or 200 barrels of 
flour, daily. It contains six runs of burrs. An annual 
average of 30,000 barrels of flour is manufactured, aside 
from all custom-work and retail trade, the latter being very 
large. From Aug. 1 to Nov. 1, 1S77, 10,000 barrels of 
flour were ground at this mill. 

Messrs. Colwell & Adams handle at their warehouse 
about 100,000 bushels of wheat annually, or more than any 
other firm in the place. The warehouse was built in 18(55, 
by J. R. Mason, and stands on the east side of Le Hoy 
Street, immediately north of the railroad. 

Before the fire of April 24, 1879, this firm was engaged 
to a large extent in the manufacture of lumber, coopers' 
material, and barrels, but their mills were destroyed at that 
time and are not yet rebuilt. 

FentoH WooIcn-MUh. — About 1855-56, Samuel G. Alex- 
ander located in Fenton. He was an Englishman by birth, 
and a practical worker in woolen cloths. lie had formerly 
been employed in the mills of the Jlcssrs. Stearns, at Pitts- 
field, Mass., and upon coming to Fenton engaged in buying 
wool and selling cloths for the Pittsfield mills, lie in time 
started a small woolen-factory here, but for want of capital 
could do but little. Finally the citizens became interested, 
and on the 15th of October, 18G1, "The Fenton Manu- 
facturing Company" was organized, with a capital stock of 
SGO,00(), taken by the principal business men and farmers 
ill the vicinity. David L. Latourette was the heaviest 
stockholder. The large factory was built and furnished at 
a cost of about 864,000, and the material manufactured was 
of the first quality, while for some time an extensive busi- 
ness was transacted. In January, 1868, the stock was in- 
creased to §100,000. Upon the failure of Mr. Latourette 
in 1871, and the consequent collapse of his bank, the 
woolen-factory was forced to suspend operations. A. Wake- 
man became Latourette's assignee. The factory long stood 
idle, and its price to any purcha-ser continued to decrease, 
until finally it was bought, in the spring of 1873, by Mr. 
AVakeman's son, L. B. Wakeman, F. H. Wright, and J. 
II. Earl (the latter of Flint), for $8000, the firm-name 

^ Fenton Gazvttc. 



being Wright, Wakeman & Co. Mr. Wright purchased a 
half-interest. Earl failed to pay up his entire share, and 
proved unscrupulous, and his partners bought him out, after 
which they continued the business, after the great panic of 
187.5, until they had sunk all their capital, and the stock- 
holders generally had lost. They were finally obliged to 
close up and make an ;issignment for the benefit of their 
creditors, since when the factory had not been in use up to 
the time it was destroyed. It had furnished employment 
for as many as thirty hands, and was closed in October, 
1877. It was subsequently purchased on a mortgage by 
George L. Lee, of Detroit, who owned it when it was 
burned (April 24, 1879). Its destruction caused a total 
loss to him, as it was uninsured. There is no present indi- 
cation that it wiJl ever be rebuilt. 

A steam carding and wool-manufacturing house was 
erected in 1871 by S. G. Alexander & Son, after the clos- 
ing at that time of the factory. It was subsequently trans- 
formed into a cotton-batting factor}' by the same persons, 
but is not now in operation. Mr. Alexander had been 
manager, and B. Bangs secretary of the Fenton Manufac- 
turing Company. 

Aldeii Fruit- Preserving Factory. — The subject of build- 
ing a factory of this character at Fenton was broached to 
the citizens of the place in March, 1873, through the 
columns of the Fenton Gazette, by Charles A. Keeler. It 
was not until 1876 that it was established, however. A 
Reynolds dryer was first put in, but proved unsatisfactory, 
and the proprietors, Messrs. Buskirk & Britton, inserted a 
Williams machine in its place, which dried the fruit very 
rapidly and without changing its color. In the fall of 
that year (1876) 100 bushels of apples were dried daily. 
The institution was destroyed, with others equally unfor- 
tunate, in the great fire of April 24, 1879, but will possibly 
be rebuilt ready for the fruit season, or at any rate will have 
quarters where the drying process may still be conducted, as 
this industry has become an important one in the vicinity. 

Wliip-Suclcct Factory. — The " Rose Manufacturing Com- 
pany" was incorporated under the general laws of Michigan 
on the 31st of January, 1879. It had commenced fitting 
up a building at Fenton about the first of the previous 
December, and early in March following began operations, 
having purchased also all the machinery, tools, etc., of the 
Ypsilanti Whip-Socket Manufacturing Company, and be- 
sides the new varieties, it makes all the styles formerly 
manufactured by the company named. The stock of the 
Rose Manufacturing Company is §10,000. George P. Rose, 
the patentee of the most of the varieties of sockets made, is 
the general manager, superintending the entire work at the 
factory. The main office and depository is at 71 and 73 
Jefierson Avenue, Detroit. The goods made arc undoubt- 
edly the finest the country produces, and Mr. Rose states 
that the factory is the best arranged of any in the United 
States. The rooms in use occupy three stories of the build- 
ing at the north end of Le Roy Street, erected fur a car- 
riage manufactory by Cole, Kimball & Campbell, which firm 
is not now in business. This half of the building is 22 by 
60 feet in dimensions. The motive-power is furnished by 
a twenty-horse engine. Mr. Rose had been engaged in this 
business for some lime before coming to Fenton. About 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUxNTY, MICHIGAN. 



thirty-five varieties of sockets are manufactured, and eiglit 
persons are at present employed. A fine jiipanning-oven is 
one of tlic features of the establishment, in which 1000 
sockets can be japanned at once. oMalleable iron sockets are 
cast from patterns made by Mr. Rose. Tubukir sockets 
are also made, and an extensive trade has been worked up 
in the short time the factory has been in operation. 

Midiigun Pump- Works. — On South Le Roy Street is a 
large brick building, which was erected originally by 
Messrs. Hirst & Boyes for use as a grist- and oil-mill. It 
was operated by them about a year, and purchased in 18G9 
by A. J. Phillips, who converted it into a pump- and safe- 
factory. ]\Ir. Phillips employs six workmen, and manufac- 
tures very fine iron and porcelain-lined pumps, double and 
single water-drawers, and milk-safes of all kinds. Planing, 
matching, sawing and resawing, turning, etc., are also done 
to order, and a good business is tran.sactcd annually. 

Breioery. — Thomas Whittle had operated a brewery on 
a small scale previous to 1870, in a building north of the 
river and west of Le Roy Street. In the year named, he, 
in company with Messrs. Colwell & Adams, built the brick 
brewery now owned by the former on Le Roy Street north 
of the railroad. Three hands are employed and 500 bar- 
rels of beer manufactured annually. 

Foundnj and Machine- Sliop. — About 1854—56 a foun- 
dry was started by Henry Van Alstine, who came to Fen- 
ton from Byron, Shiawassee Co., and erected some of the 
buildings which arc still in use on South Le Roy Street. 
Besides numerous other articles, he manufactured what were 
known as "Empire" plows, and had a fair custom. The 
establi.shment is at present owned by Messrs. L. Fitch & 
Son, who employ five men and manufacture plows, cultiva- 
tors, and various other implements, and also have the ex- 
clusive right for manufacturing Goldie's patent shingle- 
machines, which are so constructed as to cut perfectly 
smooth shingles from rough blocks at a very rapid rate. 
They also do general job-work. The Messrs. Fitch have 
been proprietors of this foundry since the fall of 1873. 
Mr. Fitch, Sr., is one of the pioneers of Oakland County, 
having removed to the town.ship of Oxford, situated therein, 
from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1839. 

William Goldie, the inventor and patentee of the shin- 
gle machine above mentioned, which is the most perfect 
instrument for the purpose known to lumbermen, is one of 
the heaviest stave-manufacturers in the State of Jliehigan, 
owning extensive mills at Kawkawlin, six miles north of 
Bay City. The saw in use is run at the rate of 5200 rev- 
olutions 2^er minute, or faster than any other for a like 
purpose in the State. Mr. Goldie resides in Fenton. 

Fentoii Novelty Works. — This institution was established 
by H. S. Andrews about April 1, 1878. Picture-frames in 
all styles, rustics, brackets, etc., are manufactured, and from 
six to ten persons furnished with employment. Mr. An- 
drews is one of the earliest emigrants from New York to 
Michigan now living in the latter State. In 1820, when a 
boy, he came with his father, Ira Andrews, upon the 
steamer " Walk-in-the- Water," the first upon Lake Erie, 
from Buffalo, N. Y., to Detroit, where his father became 
one of the early hotel-keepers. Mr. Andrews, Sr., after- 
wards removed to West Bloomfieid, Oakland Co., and 



died at Birmingham. In 184-t, H. S. Andrews worked at 
his trade, that of blacksmith, in Fenton, subsequently 
moved away, and ultimately returned, having resided in the 
village at this date (1879) about twelve years. For years 
before moving here he was well acquainted with the region, 
and when a boy was personally acquainted with Rufus 
Stevens, the first settler in Grand Blanc. Mr. Andrews 
for some time owned and kept the " Andrews House," in 
Fenton, now " King's Hotel." He has written numerous 
historical articles for the press, all interesting as descriptive 
of the early settlement of the region which has so long 
been his home. Upon his premises are two pear-trees, 
which were set out by Judge Daniel Le Roy in 1843, and 
one of which in a recent season yielded fifteen bushels of 
fruit. 

Aside from the manufactures enumerated, may be men- 
tioned a small tannery, a machine-shop, owned by C. W. 
Coe, and a full complement of cooper-, wagon-, carriage-, 
and blacksmith-shops. The only establishment now operated 
by water (since the burning of the saw-mills) is the grist- 
mill of Colwell & Adams, and this not entirely. Steam is 
used to a great extent, especially in case of low water, and 
the same motive-power is also utilized in other manufacto- 
ries. The Shiawa.ssce River, although but a small stream, 
furnishes a remarkable amount of power, and that without 
flooding as extensive a tract as would be supposed from the 
nature of its shores. 

MINERAL WELL. 

The existence at Fenton of waters tinctured with various 
mineral deposits has been proved by numerous experiments, 
and several wells have been sunk along the Shiawassee 
River, which contain waters possessing considerable medici- 
nal virtue. A flowing well at the woolen-factory was found 
to possess this property in such a degree that it was at one 
time proposed to arrange bath-rooms, etc , and endeavor to 
bring the waters widely into notice, but the scheme was 
finally abandoned. The following analysis of the water of 
this well was made by Prof Samuel P. Dufiield. Sept. 19, 
1871: 

Specific gravity 100 

Temperature 51 

Grill" 11?;. 

Bicarbonate of soila .5400 

lime 10.3 1 10 

" magnesia 4.1210 

" iron 0;i20 

Chloride potaSi<ium 2fiiM) 

** magnesium 1448 

" sodium 87GS 

Phosphate lime, a trace. 

Sulphate lime 0350 

Silica 1.0440 

Total mineral matter in United St:ites gallon 23.3U76 

Amount of carbonic acid in cubic inches, per gallon 2500. 

"This belongs to the class of calcareous waters, and will be useful in 
dyspepsia in which there is acidity, and also in uric acid gravel and 
rheumatism of the chronic form. 

"Samuel P. Duffield." 

BANKS. 
The First National Bank of Fenton was organized in 
tlie summer of 18G3, with David L. Latourettc as presi- 
dent and manager. He also establislied a bank at Grand 
Rapids. In 1871, aflfairs having been fur some time indl- 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



223 



eating that serious clianges were about to take place, tlic 
culminating point was reached, — Latourottc failed, the bank 
was closed, the operations of the woolen-factory were sus- 
pended, and stockholders suffered severe losses. Many 
were disposed lo blarae Mr. Latourette, and others were 
more lenient. The circumstances arc well known to the 
citizens. 

Slate Bank of Fenton. — After the suspension of the 
First National Bank its business was principally transferred 
to the State Bank, which had been established the pre- 
ceding January (1871). The capital of this bank is 
$50,000. It was organized under the Stale law, and is not 
a bank of issue. Its first officers were Josiah Buckhee, 
President; p]dwin Trump, Cashier; Josiah Buckbco, An- 
drew Cornwall, John F. Walton, Harvey Farrington, and 
Krastus T. Tefft, Directors. Present officers : Josiah Buck- 
bee, President ; Josiah Buckbee, Andrew Cornwall, John 
F. Walton, Charles Walton, and Joseph E. Terry, Direc- 
tors. The bank was first located in a building on the east 
side of Lo Roy Street, now occupied as a clothing-store by 
Harry Goldberg. It is now on the west side of the same 
street, nearly opposite its former location. Jlr. Buckbee, 
the president, came from Jefferson Co., N. Y., in April, 
1856, and engaged in the dry-goods trade, which ho con- 
tinued until the bank was established. 

J. CratisniCs Bank. — This is a private institution and 
was established by Job Cranson, in February, 187(5. A 
general banking business is transacted. Mr. Cranson is one 
of the early settlers in Michigan, having removed from 
IMadison Co., N. Y., in IS.SO, with the family of his father, 
Eiisha Cranson, and settled in the town of Webster, Wash- 
tenaw Co. In 1833, Job Cranson removed to the town- 
ship of Brighton, Livingston Co., where ho made the 
first purchase of land and became the first settler. A 
few people, living at the time in the southern townships, 
comprised the total number of the inhabitants of the 
county. Until his removal to Fenton, in 1867, Mr. Cran- 
son was engaged in farming, and after coming here was, 
for a short period, .secretary of the Fenteu Manufacturing 
Company. 

SOCIETIES. 

Fentonvilk Lodge, No. 109, F. nnd A. M. — About 
1847-48 a Masonic lodge was organized in Fenton, con- 
sisting of seven members, and called " Fentonville Lodge, 
No. 53." Among the original members were Dr. Lsaac 
Wixom, Thomas Patterson, and Daniel Donaldson. Dr. 
Wixom was its first blaster. He had been a Mason since 
he was twenty-one years of age, and he and one other 
were the only ones versed in Masonic matters. Tlumias 
Patterson succeeded the doctor as Master, the latter hav- 
ing removed to Byron, Shiawassee Co., about 1853-55, 
where he organized a lodge and remained until the war be- 
gan. Among other early members of the old lodge were 
Josiah Buckbee, Asa Keynolds, Bela Cogshall, William 
Cole, James Webster, William Ilemper, and others. In 
1850 its membership was 26. Many of its members en- 
tered the service during the war, and several died or were 
killed in action. In 1857 the charter of the old lodge was 
surrendered, and the same year " Fentonville Lodge of 
Strict Observance" was organized, under dispensation from 



the Grand Lodge. In 1859 — January 14 — a charter was 
granted, and it has since been known as " Fentonville Lodge, 
No. 109." The first Master under the new charter was 
Michael Ayers. The member.ship of the lodge, April 26, 
1879, was 153, and the following were its officers, viz. : 
W. M., W. J. Fitch; S. W., W. D. Murray; J. W., E. 

11. Barnes; Sec, C. B. Albertson ; Treas., Josiah Buckbee; 
S. D., C. L. Hubbard; J. D., 0. Topping; Tiler, M. J. 
Fitch. 

Genesee Chapter, No. 29, R. A. 31., was chartered Jan. 

12, 18G4. The oldest Royal Arch Masons in Fenton are 
George W. Wilmot and Dr. Isaac Wixom, both of whom 
became members of Oakland Chapter, No. 5, at Pontiac, 
previous to 1860, the former joining in 1858, and taking 
his degree Jan. 5, 1859. The present officers of Genesee 
Chapter are : II. P., Burdick Potter ; K., John W. Ingram ; 
Scribe, William Albertson ; Sec., George E. Cochran. 

Genesee Council, No. 17, R. ond S. M. — This organiza- 
tion was chartered June 21, 1865, and has a present mem- 
bership (May, 1879) of 51. Its officers for 1879 are, 
T. L G. M., E. M. Adams; D. I. G. M., Burdick Potter; 
P. C. W., W. D. Murray ; Ilec, W. J. Fitch. 

Feiiloii Connmindert/, N'o. 14, Knights Templar, was 
chartered June 17, 1864, and on the 1st of May, 1879, 
had a membership of 56, with the following officers : E. C, 
Josiah Buckhee; G., James II. Cummings ; C. G., E. M. 
Adams; P., W. C. Way; S. W., R. Ilowchin ; J. W., 
Voorheis Green; Treas., James E. Bussey ; Rec., George 
W. Wilmot; St'd B'r, George E. Cochran ; Sw'd B'r, W. 
J. Fitch ; W., George C. Paine; S., Mclvin J. Fitch, 

In 1869, .subsequent to the bui'ning of the town-hall, in 
which the Masonic rooms were located, a new building was 
erected on Le Roy Street, nearly opposite the old site, and 
fine rooms fitted up for the use of the order. The dedica- 
tion services were held Nov. 12, 1869, when a large num- 
ber of Sir Knights were present from various places, and 
the occasion was one long to be remembered by those of 
the fraternity who participated. The dedicatory address 
was delivered by A. T. Metcalf, M. W. Grand Master, of 
Kalamazoo, and he was followed in a few appropriate and 
eloquent remarks by Henry JI.-Look, R. W. Grand Visitor 
and Lecturer, of Pontiac. 

Fenton Lodge, No. 125, /. 0. 0. F., was instituted 
Thursday, Doc. 17, 1868, at which time numerous mem- 
bers were present from lodges at Flint and Byron. The 
present number of members is about 35, and its principal 
officers are: Noble Grand, Charles D. Pliipps ; Vice-Grand, 
James Pratt; Sec, Addison P. Chapman; Treas., W. S. 
Boardman. 

Rankin Kneampment, No. 46, /. 0. 0. F, was organ- 
ized in the winter of 1870-71, with 11 members, and 
during the time which has since elapsed its membership 
has doubled, being at present 22. The officers are : Chief 
Patriarch, George W. Barbour; High-Priest, H. N. Cal- 
dcrwood ; Senior Warden, John Owen ; Scribe, J. W. Davis; 
Treasurer, Robert Piper. 

3fiirthn Washington Lodge, N'o. 17, Danghlers of Re- 
becca, is an organization of .several years' standing, and has 
at present a good membership, although it holds meetings 
but seldom, [is aiiiuial picnics at Long Lake have been 



224 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



sources of much enjoyment to those who participated. 
The rooms occupied by the order are in the upper story of 
the post-office building, Colwell Hall Block. 

Fenfuii Lodge, No. 305, Knighls of Honor. — A lodge 
of this order was organized in Fenton, Nov. 2, 187G, by 
Deputy Grand Dictator Alfred Terry, of the Grand Lodge, 
and the following officers were chosen, viz. : Past Dictator, 

E. M. Hovey ; Dictator, Lewis V. Curry ; Vice-Dictator, 

F. C. Steers ; Assistant Dictator, llobcrt Perry ; Reporter, 
Cicero J. K. Stoner; Financial Reporter, Walter Black- 
more; Treas., Benjamin F. Stone'; Chaplain, J. H. Phipps; 
Guide, William Albertsou ; Trustees, Walter Blackmore, 
B. F. Stone, L. V. Curry. " The object of this order is 
to unite fraternally all acceptable men of every profession, 
business, or occupation ; to give all moral and material aid 
in its power to members of the order by holding moral, 
instructive, and scientific lectures, by encouraging each 
other in business, and assisting them to obtain employment; 
to establish a benefit fund from which a sum not to exceed 
two thousand dollars shall be paid, at the death of a mem- 
ber, to his family, or to be disposed of as he may direct; to 
provide for creating a fund for the relief of sick and dis- 
tressed members; to ameliorate the condition of humanity 
in every possible manner." The Odd-Fellows' lodge-rooms 
are rented by this society, the membership of which is 25. 
The officers for 1879 are: Past Dictator, William Albertson ; 
Dictator, W. Blackmore ; Vice-Dictator, George E. Coch- 
ran ; Assistant Dictator, C. J. K. Stoner ; Reporter, M. T. 
Gass ; Financial Reporter, J. W. Davis ; Treas., G. W. 
Johnson ; Chaplain, L. V. Curry ; Guide, George W. Bar- 
bour; Guardian, J. W. Hinkle ; Sentinel, E. M. Hovey. 

Fenton Lodge, No. 64, Ancient Order of United Worlc;- 
men, was organized March 21, 1879, with 21 members. 
Its objects are similar to those of the Knights of Honor. 
The present membership of the lodge is about 30, and the 
officers are : Past Master Workman, George E. Damon ; 
Master Workman, James E. Bussey; General Foreman, 
Charles D. Phipps ; Overseer, William 51. Lusk ; Recorder, 
H. F. Douglas ; Financier, John R. Allen ; Receiver, 
Justus R. Barnes ; Inside Watchman, H. K. Leonard ; 
Outside Watchman, Charles S. Johnson. The lodge-room 
is the same occupied by the grange, over the Gazette office. 

Fenton Grange, No. 126, Patrons of Husbandri/,* was 
organized, under dispensation, Nov. 17, 1873, and chartered 
March 21, 1874. The first Master was John L. Smith, 
who is at present proprietor of a warehouse and elevator 
near the railroad, opposite that of Colwell & Adams. The 
building will soon become the property of the grange. The 
association occupies neatly-fitted rooms over the Gazette 
office, sharing their use with the A. 0. U. W. Lodge. The 
present membership of the grange is about 100 ; its officers 
are : Master, John L. Smith ; Overseer, Darius Smith ; 
Sec, John Carmer ; Treas., Elijah Clow; Chaplain, Rev. 
L. L. Rogers ; Lecturer, Fred. Wood ; Steward, Charles 
Tanner; Assistant Steward, Frank Seaton ; Gatekeeper, 
Marin Craft; Pomona, Mrs. Darius Smith; Flora, 5Irs. 
Kinney ; Ceres, Mrs. John L. Smith ; Lady Assistant 
Steward, Mattie Joslyn. 

* From iiiformat'on fuinishtd by Jiphn L. Smith. 



The Temperance Societies arc a division of Sons of Tem- 
perance and the Fenton Reform Club. Of the former no 
satisfactory information has been obtained. The latter was 
organized April 5, 1877, by the popular temperance lecturer 
of Michigan, Dr. Reynolds. He began his work liere on 
the evening preceding, when 450 persons signed the 
pledge. On Thursday, the 5th, a " White Ribbon Club," 
composed of 350 ladies, was formed, having the following 
officers, viz. : President, Mrs. J. Bainbridge ; Vice-Presi- 
dents, Rev. Mrs. Taylor, Rev. Mrs. Potter, Rev. Mrs. 
Applegate, Rev. Mrs. Church, Rev. Mrs. Wright; Sec, 
IMis. J. O'Harc; Corresponding Sec, Mrs. C. H. Turner; 
Treas., Mrs. M. M. Johnson ; Visiting Committee, Fanny 
Thompson, Kitty Dennis, Mima Grace, Susie Blackmore, 
Anna Dowd, Elsie Van Dorn, Estelle Dunning, Georgie 
Conrad, Estelle Kenyon, Anna Derio, Emma Bemer, Bettie 
Ray, Sirs. A. V. Anderson, Mrs. G. W. Boice. In the 
evening of the same day a " Dare to Do Right Reform 
Club" was organized with a membership of 327 men. Its 
officers were chosen as follows : President, J. C. Perry ; 
Vice-Presidents, A. J. Phillips, Henry Yeager, Alvah 
Marsh; Sec, C. H. Neely ; Treas., Burdick Potter; Mar- 
shals, M. J. Fitch, W. H. Jackson; Steward, R. Bailes; 
Sergeant-at-Arms, William Peters ; Financial Sec, Dexter 
Horton ; Executive Committee, J. H. Lacy, D. Horton, 
A. J. Phillips, H. Yeager, A. Marsh ; Finance Committee, 
J. E. Bussey, A. V. Anderson, L. V. Curry. The follow- 
ing Saturday evening the number of men was increased 
to 416. A reading-room was opened by the ladies of the 
club at Firemen's Hall on the evening of Friday, June 
1, 1877, and is still continued. In April, 1879, the club 
held its second anniversary, upon which occasion Dr. 
Reynolds was present and took part in the exercises. 

Ladies' Library/ Association. — An oi'ganization known 
as the " Fenton Ladies' Library Association" had existed 
in the village previous to 1869, in January of which year, 
at the burning of the town-hall, their books were nearly 
all destroyed. The same year several ladies of the south 
side organized the above society, and secured a charter, 
dated May 5, 1869. The charter members numbered 16. 
This association occupies rooms in the Andrews Block, at 
the southwest corner of Le Roy Street and Shiawa.ssee Ave- 
nue, and has a library consisting of 725 volumes, of which 
something over half are works of fiction, the balance being 
biographical, historical, poetical, travels, laws, public docu- 
ments, etc. 

The present membership is about 75, and the officers of 
the association are : President, Mrs. H. C. Riggs ; Secre- 
tary, Sirs. E. M. Adams; Treasurer, Mrs. H. N. Jennings; 
Librarian, Mrs. Dr. Paul Sue; Assistant Librarian, Miss 
S. E. Mason*. The affairs of the library are managed by a 
book-committee of 15 persons. 

Ladies' Literary and Library Associalion.f — " In No- 
vember, 1867, Mrs. H. Riggs and Mrs. Denio first deter- 
mined upon starting a circulating-library in Fenton, and, 
after some deliberation, concluded they would canvass the 
town, procuring subscribers and getting the difierent views 
on the subject. Our town is divided by a river, and in 

f Principally from an article prepared by Mrs. M. A. Helm, in 1S76. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



225 



this matter, as in every other, we had to pay due regard to 
the north and south sides of it. Mrs. II. C. Ki^'gs, a resi- 
dent of the south side, canvas.sed there, ohtaining 23 sub- 
scribers ; Mrs. Denio canvassed upon the north side, obtain- 
ing 43. In this enterprise we were more tiian succes.sful, 
for iu two days' time we had obtained about SI 150, a fair 
list of books, and a good many opinions of our ultimate 
success or failm-e, — and we found quite as many believing 
in our failure as in our success. 

" The two ladies had decided upon purchasing a list of 
books before any organization should take place. In the 
mean time they had procured price-lists, and so were pre- 
pared to buy without any delay. On December 4th we 
purchased of E. B. Smith, of Detroit, 850 worth of books. 
On the receipt of these a meeting was held, a constitution 
and by-laws adopted, and ofScers elected for six months. 
Mrs. Denio furnished a book-case, and, by the kindness of 
Mrs. Helm and Sliss Hersey, we were given the us^c of 
their store for issuing our books ; and inside of two weeks 
our library was an established fact, pro.sperous, and result- 
ing iu much good. On December !)tli we purchased another 
list of books, costing over $30, and in March we made 
another purchase. 

" During our first year, and a greater part of the second, 
nothing of importance was spent, excepting for books. 
The second year wa.s just as prosperous in money matters, 
but little difficulties were springing up, as we were growing 
and talking of renting rooms, as to which side of the river 
our library was located. These little things were something 
of a source of annoyance, but near the end of the year a 
desirable location in our town-hall building, on the north 
side, but centrally located, was accepted, and we purchased 
a fine book-case, some chairs and other necessaries, moved 
our library, then consisting of nearly 400 volumes, and con- 
sidered ourselves doing well, if nothing more. 

" In the beginning of the next year came the fire, con- 
suming the hall and everything belonging to our association 
but 43 volumes of our cheapest books, and we were not in- 
sured. This cast a gloom over us, and our members upon 
the south side, and a greater portion of our masculine in- 
habitants, fully decided we could not rally and go on in the 
old way. 

" But we had had a taste of prosperity, and very likely 
the opposition we were meeting helped a few of us to con- 
tinue our work ; so, taking our old book-case, and being 
permitted to come ag-ain into our old quarters at tlie store, 
witli 43 books and a good deal of courage, we were still a 
circulating library, but were minus about twenty of our 
south-side members in the beginning of the third year, who 
had determined, if they could not have matters in their own 
hands belonging to our library, they would have one of 
their own, and have it upon their own side of the river. 
Couse(iuently, they have a ' Library Association' on the south 
side, and we, the originals, obtained a charter and took the 
name of the ' Ladies' Literary and Library Association,' 
and I believe we are both better for going our respective 
ways. 

'' We kept on, making our way slowly, raising money by 
festivals, lectures, and socials, for two ycaiu or more, and 
when we had obtained about 300 volumes we again jmr- 
29 



chased book -cases and rented a small room. But in these 
times we were building up slowly. Our losses, discour- 
agements, and the opposition, had served to lessen the zeal 
of many of our members, and not having a desirable room 
our subscription list did not increase, although we had 
reduced our terms to $1 a year. 

" But durmg these years our town-hall was rebuilt, and, 
in 1873, we rented a fine room in this building, and by 
giving entertainments. New England suppers and socials, 
which in every case were successful, we furnished our rooms, 
increased our number of books, and altogether seemed to 
get new life and new energy, and now wo believe these last 
years have been the most satisfactory of all our years of 
labor. . . ." 

The membership of the a.ssociation in May, 1879, was 
about 2U0, and thi; number of volumes in the library 550 ; 
the latter consist of works on travels, fiction, history, biog- 
raphy and poetry, and public documents. The officers of 
the a.s.sociation are President, Mrs. M. A. Helm ; Vice- 
President, Miss L. L. Iler.sey; Secretary, Mrs. E. Rcesoii ; 
Treasurer, Mrs. 11. Albertson ; Librarian, Mrs. Emma 
Howard; Directors, Mrs. N. T. Thurber, Mrs. N. C. 
Green, Mrs. D. W. Denio, Mrs. M. A. Helm, Mrs. Ree- 
son. Rooms still in Colwell Hall building. 

Fenloii Guards. — An independent militia-company, bear- 
ing this title, was organized in the village, Oct. 22, 1877, 
and when the first officers were elected the membership 
was 41. At present there are about 60 members, and ef- 
forts are being made to gain admission to the State service, 
which will probably succeed. The company is neatly uni- 
formed, and armed with the Springfield muzzle-loading rifle. 
Most of its members saw service during the great civil war 
of 18GI-65, several regiments being represented in Michi- 
gan, Ohio, and New York. Its captain served during the 
Rebellion, and afterwards, for five yesirs, in the regular 
army, being engaged in the famous Indian campaign of 
1876. The armory of the company is at present over 
Phillip.s' pump-factory. Its officers are the following-named 
persons : 

Commissioned: Captain, Samuel P. Spalding; First 
Lieutenant, Albert Middlesworth ; Second Lieutenant, Er- 
nest Winter. 

Non- Commissioned : First Sergeant, A. H. Marsh ; 
Second Sergeant, George Dunn ; Third Sergeant, E. J. 
Hollister ; Fourth Sergeant, R. Wyckoff; Fifth Sergciint, 
J. Harrell ; First Corporal, I. H. Lawrence ; Second Cor- 
poral, A. D. Neely ; Third Corporal, H. Shultheis ; Fourth 
Corporal, H. N. Wisner; Fifth Corporal, J. Murphy; 
Si.xth Corporal, George W. Baker; Seventh Corporal, S. 
B. Bcntley ; Eighth Corporal, A. J. Kidney ; President, 
E. M. Adams; Vice-President, M. J. Fitch; Treasurer, 
A. Middlesworth; Secretary, I. H. Lawrence. 

Kii!(jlits Tampliir Band. — A band was organized here 
in 1857 known as " Turner's Silver Cornet Band," with 
Cliarles II. Turner as leader. Most of its members entered 
the army during the war, a portion joining Custer's Brig- 
ade and others being stationed at Knoxville, Tenn., to do 
post-band duty. The present organization wa.s formed in 
1871, under the auspices and patronage of the Commandery 
at Fenton. Its present membership is 16, with C. H. 



226 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Turner as leader. It is finely uniformed and is composed 
of proficient musicians. 

Fenton Uition Agricultural Society. — The ori^'inal asso- 
ciation was formed in 1858, with Dewart Dauton, presi- 
dent, and W. W. Booth, secretary. Charles H. Turner 
succeeded Mr. Booth as secretary, and held the position 
seventeen years. Grounds covering an area of 23 acres 
were purchased in the southeast part of the village, and 
with the exception of one year, 1 877, when the society was 
newly-organized and incorporated, fairs have been held an-, 
nually, and have been very generally attended with success. 
A few speed premiums were offered during the early exhi- 
bitions. New grounds were purchased in 1877, in the 
northwest part of the corporation, from William Remington 
and Henry C. Riggs. These comprise, including high- 
ways, about 30 acres, and upon them a half-mile track, said 
to be the finest in the State, has been laid out and graded. 
The first meeting of the new organization was held in Oc- 
tober, 1878. The grounds have been finely improved. The 
capital stock is $10,000, in shares of $25 each, and all has 
been taken that the company cares to dispose of. The offi- 
cers for 1879 are: President, Zera Patterson ; Vice-Presi- 
dent, E. M. Hovey ; Secretary, Walter Biackmore; Treas- 
urer, John O'Hare; Directors, George W. Stewart, of 
Grand Blanc ; James Algeo, of Rose, Oakland Co. ; G. 
M. Eddy, Dexter Horton, D. G. Colwell, Josiah Buckbee, 
L. V. Curry, C. H. Turner, of Fenton ; John Barron, of 
Linden. 

The Fenton Horse Association was organized in 1873, 
in which year its first meeting was held on the old fair- 
ground. Of this association Burdick Potter was the first 
president, D. W. Denio treasurer, and H. J. Larned secre- 
tary. Three meetings were held, all successful, and several 
noted racers were driven here. The society was finally 
discontinued, and races are now held in connection with 
the fairs of the agricultural society. 

CEMETERIES. 
The old cemetery at Fenton lies south of what is called 
" Prospect Hill," and was for years the only place of burial 
used by the settlers. It was located in the timber, and 
numerous trees are yet standing within its limits. Here 
are buried many of the early settlers of the vicinity, amid 
the scenes of their trials and hardships ; here they are laid 
at rest, after lives of toil and manful struggles with the 
wilderness, under the shade of the trees wliere first they 
reared their humble cabins and began the life of the pioneer. 
Among those buried in this cemetery are the following per- 
sons, many of whom will be recalled to the memory of 
those who were their companions in toil and their friends 
in time of tribulations : 

James Thorp, died Sept. 12, 1866, aged 7-t years. 

Sally, wife of Rev. William Pattison, died Aug. 25, 1S3", aged 65 
years. 

Altaraont Donaldson, died Jan. 26, 1847, aged S3 years. 

U. \V. R. Duoaldson, died Feb. 21, 1868, aged 75 years. 

Henry Bradley, died Aug. 22, 1845, aged 54 years. 

Cephas Jones, native of Massachusetts, died Nov. 5, 1851, aged 54 
years. 

Abijah Rogers, died Oct. 5, 1S65, aged 72 years. 

Benjamin Jayne, died April 14, 1851, aged 60 years. 

Pardon Hicks, died Dec. 4, 1864, aged 49 years. 



Jacob Lurvey, died July 25, 1851, aged 64 years. 

Duslin Cheney, died Oct. 24, 1841, aged 49 years. 

John B. Lobdcll, died Jan. 31, 1862, aged 81 years. 

David Smith, died . 

Hugh Hamilton, died Feb. 21, 1863, aged 78 years. 

Jeremiah Riggs, dieil Juno 22, 1858, aged 80 years. 

Joseph S. Fenton, died Nov. 14, 1851, aged 71 years. 

Philip H. McOmber, Sr., died Nov. 27, 1848, aged 59 years. 

Philip H. McOmber, Jr., died Oct. 21, 1856, aged 59 years. 

Michael Ayers, native of Ireland, sailor on •' Ripon," 74 gun-ship, 
B7 naval battles, died March 27, 1867, aged 80 years. 

Judge Daniel Le Roy, died . 

His daughter, Mrs. C.irolinc St. Amand, wife of Augustus St. 
Amand, died April 12, 1847, aged 31 years. Upon her tombstone 
is the following inscription in French: "Ici repose Caroline St. Amand, 
nee le 6 Mars, 1816; bonne fille, vertueuse epouse, excellente mere, 
e)le mounit bonne chretienne, le 12 Avril, 1847." 

Mrs. Judge Le Roy, died July 10, 1848, aged 68 years. 

Rev. James McLaurin, a Scotchman, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, died May 11, 1860, aged 64 years. 

Rev. John Booth, native of Chatham, England, died July IS, 1869, 
aged 73 years. 

William W. Booth, died April 7, 1869, aged 48 years. 

Dexter B. Johnson, died Sept. 5, 1866, aged 64 years. 

Ben Birdsall, died as mcniioned elsewhere. 

Dr. Thomas .Stcere and wife, died . 

Edgar C. AVaterman, died Nov. 19, 1863, aged 07 years. 

Asa Bishop, died Nov. 6, 1857, aged 87 years. 

Elijah Dunham, died Aug. 1, 1858, aged 73 years. 

Oalacood Cemetei-y coniMns 23 acres of ground, and lies 
immediately southwest of the old cemetery. It was laid 
out in 1869, and opened for use in the summer of 1870, 
being dedicated July 1st of the latter year. The dedication 
services were very impressive. Introductory exercises were 
held at Colwell Hall, after which a procession formed, con- 
sisting of the Flint City Band, a delegation of Sir Knights 
from Flint, the Fenton Commandery, representatives of the 
Masonic order from Howell, Livingston Co., and many citi- 
zens, which marched to the cemetery. There the dedica- 
tory address was delivered by Rev. A. McSween, and a 
poem composed by a resident of Fenton' for the occasion 
was read by Col. E. H. Thomson, of Flint, who also de- 
livered a lecture on Shakspeare in the evening. The fol- 
lowing is the poem mentioned : 

*' Home of the dead ! sacred place ! 
place of rest for those who die ! 
How many shall, when life is spent. 
Within thy solemn precincts lie ? 

" Tinlike the tombs of ancient kings, 
And vaulted sepulchres of old. 
Are thy green hills and peaceful glens, — 
Sweet charms that nature's toils unfold. 

" Oft will the tears of grief be shed. 

As mourners through yon gateway pass. 
Forgetful of the joys of earth 
In sorrow for the dead, alas ! 

" And yet, 'tis meet to lay the dead 

In this sequestered, lovely spot. 
Among the Howers and the trees, 
\Vhcre the molester cometh not; 

** And where the living, as they tread 
.■\loug thy quiet, winding ways, 
May feel the power of nature's God, 
And give to him their fervent praise. 

'*The voice of God hath made us know 
Our bodies must return to dust; 
And, Oakwood, thou shalt ever be 
To us a ]dace of hallowed trust." 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



227 



The main avenue of the cemetery is fifty feet in width, 
and the patlis from five to twenty-five feet ; most of the hits, 
except fractional ones, are ten by twenty feet. Tiic p;round- 
plan of the cemetery is of exceedingly tasteful design, and 
so arranged as to coincide to the best advantage with its 
natural features of hill and dale. The ofiicers of the as.so- 
ciation are : President, Charles H. Turner ; Secretary, E. 
M. Adaios ; Treasurer, J. E. Bussey ; Superintendent, 
Charles RoUand. Comparatively a small portion of tiie 
cemetery has at this date been utilized for burials. 

DECORATION DAY LIST OF SOLDIER DEAD. 

Decoration day was for the first time formally observed 
in Fenton, May 30, 1878, when large numbers aided in 
the exercises, which were very impressive. A procession 
half a mile in length was formed, composed of the Knights 
Templar Band, Fenton Guards, old .soldiers, fire department, 
village ofiicers, ofiicers of the day, schools, and citizens in 
carriages and on foot. Profes.sor C. Van Dorn, of Fenton 
Seminary, delivered the address. Twenty-five soldiers 
" sleep their last sleep" in the Fenton cemeteries, the fol- 
lowing being their names : 

Revolutionary. — Altamont Donald.son. 

War of 1812. — -Benjamin Jayne, Abijah Rogers, Dus- 
tin Cheney, H. W. R. Donaldson, Hugh Hamilton, David 
Bentley, John Wilber. 

War of the Rebellion. — Seth Ingram, David H. Colwell, 
J. W. Andrews, John Bell, M. M. Johnson, B. F. Hicks, 
Ransom Brown, Samuel H. Thomas, Levi Curtis, W. W. 
Booth, Chester D. Kinney, Reuben S. Terry, Theodore C. 
McOmber, Luman Van Wert, Miles T. Hall, Albert Dick- 
inson, Levi Thatcher. 

This list is but a small proportion of the brave boys who 
volunteered from this village and township. Fitting tiibute 
has been paid them by a brother soldier, and the memory 
of the fallen shall ever be revered. 

" In gory beds they're laid to rest, 
The nation's blue enshrouds each breast, 

Aud o'er their gra?sy graves 
By darksome swamp and rolling tide, 
By stream and mount, the nation's jtridc — 
A free flag — ever waves.'' 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The first school-house in the village has been mentioned 
by Col. Fenton as having stood on the corner north of the 
present site of the post-ofiice, where now stands a brick 
dwelling. This building was used until a larger one became 
necessary, when a frame school-house was erected a short 
distance farther east, and is yet standing, although in use 
for other purpo.sos. 

Di.strict No. 1, or the Union School district, was organ- 
ized in 183C, previous to which time the district was num- 
bered two. The old part of the present main school-build- 
ing was erected in 1859, and greatly enlarged in 1867. 
During the first three years after the organization of the 
Union District schools were held in the old frame building 
and in the .second story of a building on the .south side, the 
lower portion of which was used as a store. In 18G4 two 
brick ward school-houses were built, one on each side of 
the river, and in September, 1878, it was voted to expend 



$3000 in constructing new ones, which will probably be 
done during 1879. 

The number of children enrolled in the district is in the 
neighborhood of 700. The teachers for the present school 
year, which began Aug. 9, 1878, are: Superintendent, 
George E. Cochran ; Principal, M. T. Gass ; Preceptress, 
Miss Linna Schcnck ; A Grammar Department, Frank H. 
Thompson, resigned, and Ira Thompson appointed to fill 
vacancy ; B Grammar Department, Miss Lizzie M. Jen- 
nings; A Intermediate Department, Miss Calista Couant; 
B Intermediate Department, Miss A. S. Giffbrd ; C Inter- 
mediate Department,* Bliss Hattie Davis ; South Ward, 
Miss S. C. Hamilton ; North Ward, Mrs. S. Ingram. 

The salaries paid to teachers are: superintendent, 81000; 
principal, $800; preceptress and grammars, $400 each ; A 
and B intermediates, $320 each : total paid to teachers, 
$4580. The estimated expenses of the district for the 
school-year are $5580. The district-board is composed of 
the following ofiicers, viz. : Moderator, Dexter Horton ; 
Director, Charles H. Turner; Asses.sor, Josiah Buckbee; 
other Trustees, A. W. Riker, J. E. Bus-sey, B. F. Stone. 

Fenton Seminary. — This institution is the property of, 
and is conducted by, the Bapti.sts of the State of Michigan, 
and was founded with the intention of making it a feeder 
for the Kalamazoo College. A two-story frame building 
was at first u.sed in which to hold school, one of the first 
teachers being Mrs. P. C. Dayfoot. 

On the 25th of August, 18G9, the new building was dedi- 
cated, and the first term within it opened with Mr. Wedge 
as principal. The building stands in the southwest part of 
the village, is four stories high, with a French roof, and is 
constructed of stone. Its cost was $30,000. The site was 
donated by David L. Latourette, who also gave the greater 
portion of the funds necessary to erect the building. Prof. 
C. Van Dorn was for a number of years in charge, and 
prosperity lingered about the institution. At present, al- 
though entirely free from debt, its affiiirs are not in as 
flourishing a condition as could be wished by those who 
have its interests at heart. Its future, however, is hopeful. 
The present faculty consists of the following persons, viz. : 

Prof W. L. Moore, Principal and Professor of Classics, 
Mathematics, and Natural Sciences. 

Miss Sarah E. Wa.son, Teacher of English Branches and 
French. 

Mrs. Bertha Fitch (native of Germany). Teacher of 
German. 

Mrs. Celestia A. Northrop, Teacher of Music, Painting, 
and Drawing. 

Prof Moore has been in charge a year. The number of 
pupils in attendance is about 30. 

Trinili/ Schook {Episcopal). — In March, 1868, a propo- 
sition was made by the diocese of Michigan to the people 
of Fenton and vicinity to build in the place two edifices to 
cost about $10,000 each, provided sub.scriptions to a certain 
amount were raised. Scholarships were to be sold at $250 
each. The design was to establish a seminary or high- 
school for boys, which should " afl^ord facilities for a 
thorough English and classical education, and probably a 

* School held in basement of Presbyterian church. 



228 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



special course for any young men who may be looking for- 
ward to the ministry;" also "a school of like grade for 
girls, which shall present an extensive course of instruc- 
tion, combining the useful and ornamental branches usually 
taught in the schools of the highest order." The institu- 
tions were incorporated Sept. 14, 1808, under the name of 
" Trinity SchooKs." In 1872 the trustees were Right Rev. 
Samuel A. McCoskry, Bishop of the Diocese ; James 13ur- 
tenshaw and William N. Carpenter, of Detroit ; C. H. 
Turner, B. K. Dibble, F. H. Wright, and Rev. O. E. Ful- 
ler, of Fenton. The building for boys was erected first, 
and given the name of " Latimer Hall." It stands on a 
tract of five acres of ground in the western part of the vil- 
lage, is built of brick, and is 40 by 40 feet in dimensions, 
with four floors. It was formally opened and dedicated 
Nov. 14, 1872, the dedicatory address being delivered by 
Rev. T. C. Pitkin, D.D., of St. Paul's, Detroit. The girls' 
school — Ridley Hall — was not then completed, but on that 
occasion considerable sums to further that object were sub- 
scribed by other parishes. The walls of the building — 
which is the same in size as Latimer Hall — had been put 
up at the same time with the latter, but it was not until 
the fall and winter of 1875 that the work was carried for- 
ward to completion, or so far as they were ever completed. 
But one wing of each building, as provided in the plans, 
was erected. Ridley Hall occupies a beautiful location in 
the eastern part of the village, on a lot containing IJ acres. 
It was opened in charge of Ezra Bauder, from Virginia, 
during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Applegate, the successor 
to Rev. 0. E. Fuller. The former, while in charge of the 
aff'airs of the parish at Fenton, devoted the greater part of 
his time to the schools. Contributions had been forwarded 
from Pennsylvania and other States, but the venture finally, 
after a few years of struggle against fate, was necessarily 
discontinued, and the buildings were sold on a mortgage. 
The projects of converting Ridley Hall into a ward school, 
or selling it to the State to be used as a branch of the Deaf 
and Dumb and Blind Asylum, have been discussed, but 
thus far with no definite result. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The first religious services in the village were of the class 
known only to pioneer settlements where no organization 
had been completed, and where missionaries of several 
denominations struggled for the mastery. After the log 
school-house mentioned had been built, meetings were held 
in it by different sects, of which the Methodists and Pres- 
byterians were principal. The former were first in the 
field, and for some time had services but once in four weeks, 
owing to the fact that the Methodist circuit preachers or 
missionaries had such an extensive tract of country to sup- 
ply. After a time they and the Presbyterians convened 
alternately, once in two weeks, in a building which had 
been erected at the southeast corner of Le Roy Street and 
Shiawiissee Avenue.* This building served all purposes 
required of it, — church, public hall. etc. 

Metliodist Episcopal Vhiirch.'f — Pearly Methodist meet- 
ings were also held in the house of Judge Daniel Le Roy 

^ See Col. Fenton's article. 

t From information principally furnished by Oliver AVarren. 



after the log school-house had been abandoned. The first 
Methodist sermon preached in Fenton (then Dibbleville) 
was delivered by Rev. Washington Jackson, in January, 
18;)7. A class was formed on the 19th or 20th of March, in 
the same year, by the same person, who was from the Livings- 
ton Mission, in the Adrian Di.strict, of which Rev. William 
Herr was presiding elder. The class as organized consisted 
of the following persons, viz: Oliver Warren, Class-Leader ; 
Levi Warren, Steward ; Eleanor Warren, John Thorp, 
Isaac Thorp, Elizabeth Thorp, and Wealthy Eddy (now the 
widow of Peter McColluni). Of these the only survivors 
are Oliver Warren and Mrs. McCollum. 

In 1886 the Michigan Conference embraced the northern 
parts of Indiatia and Ohio and the whole of the then Terri- 
tory of Michigan. At the Conference held in the fall of 
that year (in Ohio), Mr. Jackson (above mentioned) was 
appointed to the charge of such classes as had been formed 
under the Livingston Mission, and to seek new work. He 
laid out a field extending nearly to Grand Rapids, on the 
Grand, Maple, and Looking-Glass Rivers. After Confer- 
ence the circuit was named " Shiawassee," and arranged to 
be fully supplied once in four weeks. Mr. Jackson and 
Isaac Bennett were appointed to it, and each man was ex- 
pected to travel four hundred miles and fill thirty-two ap- 
pointments once in the time. A new district was organized 
about this time, known as the " Flint River District," and 
Samuel Shaw was its presiding elder. This was by act of 
Conference in 1837. In 1838 the circuit was divided, re- 
maining, however, in the same district, and Rev. Elijah 
Pilcher was appointed presiding elder, and Isaac Bennett 
preacher in charge, with a work taking three weeks to 
accomplish. The next year, 1839, Rev. Flavel Britton was 
appointed to the circuit, Mr. Pilcher retaining his position. 
Mr. Britton remained two years. In 1840, Rev. S. C. 
Stringhani was appointed as a supply to aid him with a four- 
weeks' work. Rev. A. Billings followed Mr. Pilcher as pre- 
siding elder. About that time a smaller circuit, having but 
seven appointments, was organized, and Rev. James Web- 
ster appointed to its charge. It was transferred to the Ann 
Arbor District, of which Rev. Henry Colclazer was presid- 
ing elder, and was afterward changed to the Milford circuit 
(same district), with Revs. George Bradley and F. Britton, 
preachers. These were followed by Revs. Alfred Allen and 

Young, with L. W. Chatfield, presiding elder. After 

this the class was only occasionally supplied, and ministers 
for some time came without regular appointments. When 
the first church was begun the pastors on the circuit were 
Revs. William Blades and G. N. Belknap, and when the 
building was dedicated (July 10, 1853j Rev. George Brown 
was pastor. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. 
George Smith. This church was a brick building. The 
heaviest contributors to the fund for erecting it were Oliver 
AVarren and A. J. Chapin. The foundation was caused to 
give way by excavating under the church for a class-room, 
and the walls fell. Among others who have preached here 
are Revs. Jefferson Joslin, now of Garland Street Church, 
at Flint, Orrin Whitmore, Wooster, and others. Oli- 
ver Warren was early licensed to exhort, and traveled the 
circuit in company with Rev. Webster. 

The first (juarterly meeting in the village was held in 



FENTOX TOWNSHIP. 



229 



the lof; scliool-house, in December, 1837. At that time 
the class belons:ed to the Shiawassee circuit. The anec- 
dote rchited by Dexter Horton, in his address at Firemen's 
Hall, in which he speaks of a certain joung licentiate 
" fccttiiig the power," will be noticed. ^Ir. Warren is au- 
thority for the .statement that this man was the Rov. Mr. 
Jackson, then an ordained deacon in the Conference, and a 
regular member of the traveling connection. He also says 
that the joke of throwing the water caused no harm to any 
one concerned. 

Since the early days of this church the circuit has been 
changed numerous times, and at present Fenton Station 
belongs to the Detroit Conference. The present building 
owned by the society stands on the site of the old one, on 
North Le Roy Street. It was commenced June 29, 18G8, 
and dedicated Jan. 10, 1869, and cost §9549.04, of which 
amount $5000 were raised on the day of dedication, and 
all indebtedness removed. 

The membership in May, 1879, was about oOO, and the 
pastor, Rev. E. E. Caster. A Sunday-school is su.stained, 
with a membership of nearly 200, of which Zcra Patterson 
is the superintendent. The school possesses a library of 
some 400 volumes. 

The first Sabbath-school in the place has been mentioned 
by Dr. Pattison. This was merged into a union affair, or- 
ganized by the Methodists and Presbyterians, and number- 
ing from 45 to 50 members. It was held in the frame 
building now a part of King's Hotel. Joseph S. Fenton 
was the first superintendent, and among the teachers was 
Mrs. Eliza Chapin, wife of Alonzo J. Chapin. 

Presbyterian Church. — The second religious organiza- 
tion in the village was that formed by the Presbyterians, 
Feb. 28, 1840, with 17 members, by Rev. John Gray, 
of Utiea, Macomb Co. The church as organized was 
called " The First Presbyterian Church of Fentouville." 
The following were the original members : 

Silas Newell and wife, and George II. Newell, from 
Sodus ; John Hadley, Jr. ; Sophia Hadley ; John Fenwick 
and wife, from Clyde, N. Y. ; James K. Wartman and 
wife, from White Lake, Mich. ; Benjamin Rockwell and 
wife. New York City ; John C. Gallup and wife. Mount 
Clemens, Mich. ; Daniel Le Roy and wife, Pontiac, Mich. ; 
Eliza McOinber, Fentonville, Mich. ; and Lucy Le Roy, 
Grand Blanc, Mich. 

The following ruling elders were elected and ordained : 
John C. Gallup, Chairman ; Silas Newell, Deacon ; Benja- 
min Rockwell, Clerk ; John Hadley, Jr. After the fore- 
going business was transacted, the session adjourned to meet 
at the house of Benjamin Rockwell, March 1, 1840. At 
the meeting subsecjuently convened the following addi- 
tional persons were admitted to membership : ElLsha Lamed, 
George Dibble, Sarah Ballard, Jane Fenwick, Jacob V'anden- 
burgh, Ira C. Alger, Mrs. Lucy Thorp. Benjamin Rock- 
well and wife removed to Flint early in 1841. From June 
1 until Sept. 1, 1841, Rev. P. S. Van Nest served the 
church as stated supply, and then ceased because of feeble 
health. In 1843, when located at Flint, he preached at 
Fenton, as did also Rev. L. P. Bates, of Pontiac. Rev. P. 
II. Burghardtwas the second pastor, coming Dec. 24, 1843, 
and remaining one year. Rev. I. Hopkins, D.D., was mod- 



erator of the session June 8, 1845, and Rev. John G. At- 
terbury, of Flint, Feb. 1 , 184G. Rev. John Beach, of Flint, 
was moderator from July 5, 1846, until May, 1848, when 
the name of Rev. T. Waterbury appears, he remaining 
until June 15, 1851. Rev. Andrew Govan was moderator 
June 26, 1852. 

Mrs. Lucy Thorpe, one of those who united with the 
church March 1, 1840, met her death in February, 1854, 
by falling from a load of hay while on the public road. She 
wa.s sixty-nine years of age. 

Rev. Govan's pastorate terminated March 26, 1854. He 
was succeeded the same year by Rev. James McLaurin, 
who remained until the spring of 1860, when Rev. Thom.is 
Wright assumed charge. Aug. 27, 1860, thirty-nine per- 
sons were granted letters of dismi.ssion and recommendation 
to unite with the church newly formed at Holly, Oakland 
Co. Mr. Wright remained until February, 1864, and 
was succeeded in May following by Rev. E. Dickenson, 
Rev. Mr. Leonard, of Detroit, having supplied the pulpit 
in the interim from February to iMay. Mr. Dickenson's 
labors here closed in the latter portion of 1867, and Rev. 
Nathan Bangs Knapp became the pastor Jan. 1, 1868, 
remaining until the close of 1869. From that time until 
Feb. II!, 1870, Rev. Mr. Waldo, of Linden, acted as supply; 
and at that date Rev. C. W. Wallace, of Delphi, Ind., be- 
sran a series of mectiiisrs, and commenced labor as stated 
supply April 3d following. He closed his work here March 
30, 1873, and on the 20th of the succeeding April Rev. D. 
H. Taylor began as stated supply. He was elected pastor 
on the 23d of November, in the same year, and still holds 
the position. 

Elisha Lamed and Benjamin Bangs have been ruling 
elders in this church since Feb. 4, 1856. The others at 
present are Charles K. Covert and Galen T. Johnson. The 
members number about 200, of whom 140 are residents. 
The Sabbath-school, of which M. Davis is the superin- 
tendent, has 150 members, and a library of several hundred 
volumes. 

The first house of worship used by this society was that 
erected at tlie southeast coi'ner of Le Roy Street and Shia- 
wassee Avenue, now the bar-room of King's Hotel. The 
second was a brick church which stood on Adelaide Street, 
and was destroyed by fire. The present frame edifice on 
South Lo Roy Street was built about 1860 to 1861, and 
cost in the neighborhood of $4000. 

Baptist Church. — The Baptist society of Fenton is third 
in age in the place, having been originally organized at 
some date between 1840 and 1848. Previous to 1849 it 
was disbanded, part of the members going to Linden and 
the others to Rose, Oakdale Co. A new society was or- 
ganized at Fenton, in March, 1850, by Rev. A. Lamb, of 
Parshallville, Livingston Co. Meetings were held in the 
school-house on the north side of the river. About 1856- 
57 a hall was built by Rev. John Booth, then pastor, which 
is still .standing on Le Roy Street, south of Mr. Cranson's 
bank. This was occupied by the society until the present 
stone church was built. The pastors succeeding Mr. Lamb 
were Revs. John Booth, Prof S. A. Taft (supply for sis 
months), S. Wilkins, John Ilaskins, C. W. Olney, J. N. Tit- 
teringtoii, J. Ward Stone, and the present incumbent of the 



230 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



position, Rev. S. Albert Northrop. The society as organized 
in 1850 consisted of H. Lamb and wife, William W. Booth 
(first clerk ) and wife, Mr. Thorp and wife, Joseph Thorp, Mr. 
Weed, Mr. and Mrs. J. St. Clair, Mrs. Dr. Thomas Steere, 
Mrs. Dustin Cheney, Mr. and Mrs. Beall, and one other 
not now recollected. Of these but four are left, viz., Joseph 
Thorp, Mrs. St. Clair, Mrs. W. W. Booth, and Mrs. Cheney. 
The first Baptist minister who preached in this township 
was Elder Jones, of Holly, who delivered an address at 
Linden from the top of a pile of saw-logs. The member- 
ship of this society on the 8th of May, 1879, was 254, 
which included 100 who had united during Mr. Northrop's 
pastorate of two years. As this is his first charge, his suc- 
cess must be somewhat flattering. A flourishing Sabbath- 
school is sustained, with 164 members and a library of 
about 300 volumes. The value of the church property is 
set at $15,000. The corner-stone of the present substantial 
stone church was laid in the summer of 1863. After five 
years the building was completed, and dedicated May 31, 
1868, when nearly $6000 of indebtedness was cleared up. 
In the fire of April 24, 1879, the church narrowly escaped 
destruction, being damaged to the extent of about $200. 

Sf. Judes Church (Episcopal). — -This church was or- 
ganized June 7, 1859, with the followiuguamed members: 
Charles H. Turner, William A. Wiggins, George E. Sloat, 
R. B. Reed, B. Grace, Ben Birdsall, R. L. Tracy, J. A. 
Gardner, Edward Thorp, William H. Sager, Josiah Buck- 
bee, Henry C. Riggs, John Vandenburgh, William P. Guest, 
and P. Y. Foot. Mr. Guest was chosen secretary of the 
association. The first church-meeting was held at Grace's 
Hall, July 18, 1859, when the following ofiicers were 
elected : Edwin Thorp, Senior Warden and Vestryman ; 
John Vandenburgh, Junior Warden and Vestryman ; J. 
A. Gardner, William P. Guest, Charles H. Turner, B. 
Grace, J. Buckbee, and Pi. L. Tracy, Veistrymen. The 
present frame church was built in 1860, and stands south 
of that owned by the Presbyterians, on Le Roy Street. 
The first clergyman who held Episcopal services here was 
Rev. Henry Barnwall, now of Port Huron, who came occa- 
sionally, as did also Rev. Mr. Dooley afterwards. The first 
settled clergyman was Rev. 0. E. Fuller, who took charge 
in February, 1865. He had previously resided at Saginaw. 
Feb. 1, 1869, he resigned in order to devote his time and 
attention more fully to the Trinity schools, which had been 
established here. He was several times recalled to serve as 
rector ai'terwards. Revs. A. B. Flower and Robert Wood 
oflBciated at different times as his assistants. Rev. John 
W. Clark was rector about three months, but resigned, and 
was succeeded by Mr. Fuller. He in turn resigned, and in 
March, 1871, a call was sent to Rev. Lewis L. Rogers, who 
accepted, and assumed charge on Palm Sunday, April 2, 
1871. In October, 1873, Mr. Rogers resigned, and Mr. 
Fuller was again called to the rectorship, beginning his 
labors in January, 1874. He finally resigned in April, 
1875, and, in August following. Rev. L. W. Applegate, of 
Mauch Chunk, Pa., took charge, having been chosen rector 
June 1, 1875. In June. 1877, he resigned. Mr. Rogers 
accepted a second call, and has continued in the position to 
the present. The communicants numbered in the early 
part of May, 1879, about 50. The Parish Social has 25 



members. A Sunday-school is kept up, with some 35 
scholars and 7 teachers. It has a library of 150 volumes. 
A neat parsonage stand.s in the rear of the church, which 
latter cost to build about $2000, and is sufiicient in size for 
all the demands of the society. 

St. John's Church { Roman. Catholic'). — For some years 
previous to 1868 a small Catholic society existed in Fenton, 
and services were held in private houses, but it was not un- 
til the year named that the erection of a church was begun. 
The present frame edifice was commenced July 29, 1868, 
and is not yet completed, although it is hoped the finishing 
touches may be put on during the present summer (1879). 
Its cost, thus far, has been about $2500. The tastily-de- 
signed parsonage was built in 1871, during which year the 
resident clergyman arrived. Rev. Father Thomas Rafter. 
Services had previously been held by clergymen from Pon- 
tiac and Hartland, the first ones having been held by a 
clergyman from Flint, to which this church was then at- 
tached. Succeeding Father Rafler, the pastors have been 
Rev. Fathers James Wheeler, now at Owasso, Shiawassee 
Co., and the present one, William Kilroy, who came in 
September, 1876. Forty-eight families are connected 
with this church, some living in Holly, Groveland, Ty- 
rone, etc. Services are held here every Sunday evening 
during the summer, and but once a month during the 
winter. Father Kilroy also has churches in Gaines and 
Deerfield (Livingston County), and missions at Holly, 
Oakland Co., and Cohocton, Livingston Co. No churches 
have yet been erected in either of the latter places. 
Many Catholic families who once resided in and about Fen- 
ton have removed to other and newer-settled localities, as 
they were in most instances members of the laboring class, 
— having to depend upon job work for their living. 

A general summary of the business of Fenton at this 
date (May 29, 1879) will include about fifty stores of 
various kinds, with the necessary complement of mechanic 
shops, aside from the institutions more explicitly mentioned. 
Two newspapers also flourish, — the Fenton Gazette and the 
Fenton Independent, — for a description of which, with those 
earlier published, the reader is referred to the general chapter 
upon the press of the county. 

VILLAGE OF LINDEN. 

The first settlers in what is now the corporation of Lin- 
den were Richard and Perry Lamb, and the first white 
woman in the place was the wife of the latter, who still re- 
sides in the village. These persons settled on section 20, 
in the fall of 1835. A log house was built on Richard's 
place, and he remained through the winter, while Perry 
went to Ann Arbor, and returned with his family in the 
spring of 1836. Richard Lamb subsequently removed from 
town, and Perry died. His widow became the wife of Max- 
well Fisk. For a long time the house of Perry Lamb fur- 
ni.shed accommodations for travelers, and Mrs. Lamb was 
known far and wide as an excellent housewife, a courteous 
entertainer, and a most exemplary pioneer lady. 

When Perry Lamb returned to Linden, in March, 1836, 
he brought with him his wife's brother, J. Z. Fairbank, 
then a boy. The latter had come from Wayne Co., N. Y., 
in the fall of 1835, with his fother, Zeflas Fairbank, and 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



231 



located in Washtenaw County, where they remained that 
winter. The elder Fairbauk iollowed liis son to the village 
in May, 1836, when the only houses here were those of 
Kichard and Perry Lamb, staudiuj: in its eastern limits, 
near the river. Mr. Fairbank purchased land just outside 
what is now the corporation, but subsequently moved within 
its limits, built and opened the second store, and carried it on 
two or three years, his death occurring in December, 1852, 
while yet in business. 

Mr. Fairbank had studied medicine some, and upon lo- 
cating at Linden engaged in practice, which became quite 
extensive. Although not a regularly educated physician, 
his services were called into requisition by settlers living in 
many instances miles away. He traveled into adjoining 
townships, and many an afflicted family had cause to re- 
member his kindne.ss and skill. He was the first who prac- 
ticed medicine in Linden, and the second in the township. 
Dr. Pattison, of Fenton, having but a short time preceded 
him. When he (Fairbank) moved up with his family from 
AVashtenaw County, there were no roads after leaving High- 
land, Oakland Co., and an Indian trail was followed from 
there to Dibbleville, where they stayed overnight with 
Dustin Cheney, who brought them to their destination the 
next day via Silver Lake, with an ox-team, following also 
an Indian trail. 

Mr. Fairbank's daughter, Mrs. Perry Lamb, became 
anxious, in the winter of 183G, to see friends in Ann Ar- 
bor, fifty miles away, of which distance more than lialf was 
along a trail. Accordingly, mounting an Indian pony, and 
being accompanied by a lad named Lorenzo Cheney, she 
started, Cheney going on foot, and bringing back the pony 
after Mrs. Lamb had reached her destination. 

Huckleberries and wild plums were abundant in the 
neighborhood, and J. Z. Fairbank relates that he and his 
sister — Mrs. Lamb — used to cross the Shiawassee on a log, 
and go huckleberrying. The settlers at Linden, in common 
with others in this region, experienced considerable trouble 
from a scarcity of provisions. On one occasion, Mr. Fair- 
bank and his son, Francis C, went to Ann Arbor, purchased 
43 pounds of pork, paying 18 cents per pound, and walked 
back with it to Linden, — first one carrying the load and 
then the other. It was in a sack, and they were very care- 
ful of their burden, as pork was consi<lcred by the pioneers 
" more precious than gold." The only music the settlers 
had was that furnished by the wolves, who howled in ex- 
citing chorus the long nights througli. 

The fires which annually swept across the country had 
kept down vegetation to such a degree that an insufficient 
(juantity had decayed to enrich the soil to a great degree, 
and it w;is consecjuently thin and poor. The first crops 
raised yielded only from three to seven bushels per acre, 
but in a few years — as soon as fences were built and fires 
kept down — the .soil deepened and the yield rapidly in- 
creased. After a year or two of cultivation cvwylxidi) be- 
came sick, and many left, discouraged. It is to be remarked, 
however, that a large proportion of those who left returned 
in time and located permanently. 

Of the family of Zeuas Fairbank, one son, James, for 
some time a merchant in Linden, now lives in Nebraska; 
another, Dr. Henry C. Fairbank, is a resident of Flint, and 



enjoys an extensive practice ; while two others, La Fayette 
and Jerome Z., are still at Linden. 

Asahel Ticknor, who settled at the village in 1836, was 
from the State of New York, to which he returned after a 
residence of a few years in Michigan. He was a veteran 
of the war of 1812. 

Byraiu Lake, immediately south of Linden, was named 
from Charles Byram, who settled on its north shore in 
February, 1836. His brother, Joseph Byram, arrived 
shortly after. The first election for the township of Argen- 
tine was held in the board shanty belonging to Charles 
Byram, in the fall of 1836. 

Seth C. Sadler, from Monroe Co., N. Y., a native of 
Massachusetts, emigrated to Michigan, in 1831, and settled 
in Oakland County, where he lived for several years in the 
townships of Bloomfield and Troy. In October, 1835, he 
purchased 120 acres of land on sections 31 and 32, in 
Fenton township, built a small shanty thereon, and early 
in February, 1836, moved up his family from Oakland 
County a few days before the arrival in town of Charles 
Byram. When !Mr. Sadler came his nearest neighbor on 
the west was John Knaggs, a half-breed Indian trader, in 
Shiawassee County. In the spring of the same year James 
Murray, William LobdefJvanJ others located west of him, 
in what is now the townshipT><^Argentine. In what now 
constitutes Fenton township, the only persons then living 
were Lauren P. lliggs, Clark Dibble, Dustin Cheney, John 
Wilber, and James Thorp. Others who had been here had 
moved away. Of those mentioned Mr. Riggs had moved 
upon a farm two and one-half miles west of Dibbleville. 

The village of Linden dates its origin from Feb. 3, 1840, 
when it was laid out by Messrs. Warner k, Harris. Addi- 
tions have been made since as follows: Walter Davenport's 
addition, Jan. 28, 1857; Linden Cemetery addition, by 
J. Z. Fairbank and Mrs. Fisk (formerly Mrs. Perry Lamb), 
April 20, 1870 ; Fairbank's addition, by J. Z. Fairbank, 
in the summer of 1878. 

Consider Warner, one of the original proprietors of the 
village, came here in the fall of 1836, from Genesee Co., 
T^. Y., in company with several others, constructed a dam 
across the river and erected a saw-mill, — the latter in the 
fall of 1837. The frame of a grist-mill was raised in 1838, 
and when the latter building was completed it contained 
one run of stones and a tub wheel. It was finally destroyed 
by fire, as was also the saw-mill, and the property lay idle 
for a number of years. In the winter of 1845-4G it was 
purchased by Messrs. Thompson & lleeson, who erected 
the frames of a saw-mill and a grist-mill, but did not com- 
plete them while they were the owners. In 1850, Seth C. 
Sadler purchased the ,suw-mill, and he and M. Warren be- 
came proprietors of the grist-mill. They finished the work 
on the buildings and operated the mills successfully. The 
grist-mill, which is yet standing, contains three runs of 
stones, and is owned by I. B. Hyatt. 

Eben* Harris, the partner of Mr. Warner in business, 
and one of the original proprietors of the village, came 
here in the fall of 1838, from Poiitiac, Oakland Co. In 
1839 the firm opened a store in a frame building which 



» Should tliij be llcnmn Harris? 



232 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



they had erected the same year on the same ground where 
now stands the west end of the brick " Union Block." It 
has been moved across tlie street and largely repaired, and 
is now used as a drug-store by Dr. S. D. Harris. 

The frame hotel now known as " Springer's Hotel" was 
built by Warner & Harris in 1840, the timber being drawn 
from the woods by Alonzo J. Chapin. It was afterwards 
the property of Seth C. Sadler, who rebuilt it, and has 
since been extensively repaired. It is now owned by 
Mrs. James li. Jloshier, formerly the widow of Henry 
Springer. 

Seth C. Sadler moved from his farm to the village of 
Linden in April, 1851, and engaged in business, purchasing 
the saw-mill and a share in the grist-mill, as stated, also 
the hotel. He built a carding-machine and a cloth-dressing 
machine in 1851, and operated them in company with 
others ; these were burned after the war of the Rebellion, as 
was also the saw-mill. The latter was rebuilt by Joseph A. 
Gardner, now of Petoskey, and a plaster-mill was subse- 
quently added by the same man. He finally sold to Myron 
Harris, who built a wagon-factory near, which is known as 
the "Linden Wagon- Works," and now owned by Harris & 
Beach, who manufacture on quite an extensive .scale. 

Jonathan Shephard, who died in 1878, was one of the 
early settlers of Linden, coming with Consider Warner 
from the State of New York, and helping build the first 
mills at the place. 

Benaiah Sanborn settled at Linden in the fall of 1836, 
and on the .site of the present Union Block built the first 
log shanty that was erected in the main part of the village. 
Two others were constructed at nearly the same time, by 
Richard Newton and Joseph Irving, the latter a Scotch- 
man. Mr. Sanborn came from Genesee Co., N. Y., in 
company with Consider Warner, for whom he worked that 
winter and helped build the saw-mill. In the following 
spring (1837) he removed to a farm south of Fliut, where 
he died in 18G1. His son, Rev. O. Sanborn, a minister of 
the IMethodist denomination, is now in charge of that 
church at Linden, serving his second term of three years. 
He was but ten years old when his father moved here with' 
the family. Mr. Warner did not bring his fiimily with him 
when be first came, but boarded with some of those who 
came with him, either with Mr. Sanborn or Jlr. Newton. 
His foreman, Heman Harris, boarded with the former. 

The first bridge across the Shiawassee River at Linden 
was a log structure which stood about a hundred rods 
above the present dam, and was built at some date between 
183G and 1840, probably in 183G or '37, as, when the dam 
was raised, it was carried ofi' by tlie water. Soon after, a 
frame bridge was thrown across at the same place where 
the stream is now spanned, and since then several have 
been built, all, including the present one, frame. 

The first marriage in the village was that of Jared Ball 
and a Miss Sage, which was solemnized about 1840-41. 
Lafiiyette Fairbank and Almeda Hunt were also married 
early, a.s were Walter Davenport and Lucinda Hunt, and 
Alden Tupper and Louisa Lamb. 

The first school in Linden was taught in a long, low- 
roofed, one-story shanty which stood in front of the grist- 
mill, by a daughter of Abel D. Hunt, in the summer of I 



1839. Hunt had settled here the same year.* The house 
was a temporary affair which had been used as a boarding- 
house by the men at work building the saw-mill. Walter 
Brown taught at the same place the following winter. This 
school, although the first in the main settlement, was not 
the first in the vicinity, as another had been taught in 1838, 
three-fourths of a mile east, by Walter Brown. The first 
building erected purposely for a school-house in what are 
now the corporate limits of the village was a log edifice 
which stood in the southeast corner thereof. A frame 
structure was afterwards built on the street running south 
from the hotel and " Union Block," and about thirty rods 
south of the hotel. The log house was built about 1840. 
Louisa Hillman and John Morris were among its early 
teachers. It was used but about two years, or until the 
frame building was erected. 

North of Linden the first school was taught in the sum- 
mer of 1840 in a small frame school-house, built by the 
district on the north end of Morris Ripley's farm. The 
teacher was a lady, whose name is forgotten. This school- 
house has been removed and a new one erected farther east. 

The Linden post-office was established in the fall of 
1850, principally through the eflFurts of Seth C. Sadler, and 
Claudius T. Thompson received the first appointment as 
postmaster. His successors have been William II. Cook, 
Frank Fry, Charles Brown, and the present incumbent, N. 
B. Cochran. 

James Fairbank, now in Nebraska, about 1865-66, built 
the first brick store in Linden, and opened a hardware es- 
tablishment in it. The building is now owned by Myron 
Harris, who has enlarged it to accommodate his business. 
It stands opposite (west of) Springer's Hotel. 

The brick " Union Block," on the north side of the main 
street and oppo.site the hotel, was built in 1868-69, under 
the superintendence of I. B. Hyatt. The parties owning 
the property and who built the block were William Mid- 
dlesworth, Hyatt & Moshier, J. J. Johnson, Charles Brown, 
W. H. Cook, and Allen Leonard, beginning at the west end. 
Of these, Middlesworth is dead ; Moshier went out to 
take charge of tiie hotel ; and Leonard's part is owned by 
Asa Whitehead. The others still remain. 

James B. Moshier came to Linden in January, 1852, 
and in 1860 engaged in the mercantile business, which he 
continued until May 1, 1879, when he relinquished it in 
order to attend to the affairs of the hotel. He is from 
Warren Co., N. Y. 

I. B. Hyatt also located here in January, 1852, and en- 
tered into business with his brother, Jacob Hyatt. Their 
stock — considered large in those days — consisted of a wagon- 
load of goods which had been purchased at and brought 
from Detroit. I. B. Hyatt subsequently entered partner- 
ship with J. B. Moshier, with whom he long continued. He 
is the present owner of the grist-mill, and was the first 
Master of the Linden Masonic lodge. 

Charles Brown, still in business in the Union Block, 
started the first drugstore in the place, in 1858, and has 
continued since in the same line of trade. He came from 
the State of New York. 

* A. D. Hunt, Jr., informs us that he came in 183S, and his father 

in 1836. The above was obtained from other parties. — IIisTOiti.\N. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



233 



About 1858-59 a foundry was built and started by 
Stephen Clark, who did general furnace work, and in two 
or three years added a steam stave-cutter. The foundry is 
now the property of Sadler & Lobdell. 

The addition laid out by Walter Davenport near the 
railroad is tailed North Linden. About 1857, a hotel was 
built near the depot by Mr. Davenport, since deceased. 
The present proprietor is William Gamber. The frame 
elevator and warehouse near by was built about 1868, by 
Joseph Middlesworth, and is still owned by him. Grain, 
lime, salt, land-plaster, etc., are handled. Mr. Middles- 
worth's father, John Middlesworth, settled in Argentine 
township in 1838, coming from New Jersey. He pur- 
cha.<!ed 1600 acres of land in the southwestern part of said 
township from second hands. He is now deceased. 

Linden Cemetery. — Perry Lamb, at an early date, gave 
to the town.ship half an acre of land, to be used for burial 
purposes, and afterwards sold an additional half-acre for SIO. 
Siibsefjuently F. C. Fairbank added half an acre on the 
east side, laid it out into 40 lots, and sold it for §20. J. 
Z. Fairbank and his sister, Mrs. Mary E. Fisk (widow of 
Perry Lamb), have since added 181 lots, and the cemetery 
now contains about 3V acres. Of this one acre — that 
given and sold by Perry Lamb — is free to the township, 
while the balance is owned by the individuals who made 
the additions. The first person buried in it was James 
Ball, a millwright by trade, who, in August, 1836, while 
building a mill at Shiawasseetown, in Shiawassee County, 
fell about eight feet, striking on a rock and killing him. 
He lived at Linden, where the funeral sermon was preached 
by Rev. Hiram Madison, a Free-Will Baptist minister, and 
one of the first of that denomination who preached in this 
neighborhood. 

Linden Lodge, No. 132, F. and A. M., was organized 
under dispensation early in 1861, and chartered Jan. 10, 
1862. It started with 7 members and has at present about 
90. Its first Master was I. B. Hyatt. The hall is in 
Union Block. Three of the members belong to Fenton 
Couimandery, No. 14, K. T., and several arc Iloyal Arch 
Masons. The officers for 1879 are: Worshipful Master, 
A. H. Bcjich ; Senior Warden, George West; Junior 
Warden, A. B. Hyatt ; Sec, James McFarland ; Treas., 
James B. ^lo.shier ; Senior Deacon, John Sleman ; Junior 
Deacon, L. Fairbank. 

Strict Account Lodge, No. 276, /. O. O. F., was organ- 
ized March 17, 1876, with 11 members. Its first executive 
officer was E. 11. Parker. The present membership is 
about 40, and the officers arc : Noble Grand, Warren" G. 
Rijiley ; Vice-Grand, Albert Billings; Treas., J. G. Hicks; 
Sec, E. D. Webber; Permanent Secretary, Frank Luce; 
Treas., J. G. Hicks. 

Linden Division, No. 103, Sous of Temperance, was 
organized Jan. 25, 1877, with about 30 members, and had 
at the beginning of May, 1879, about 150, with the following 
officers, viz. : Worthy Patriarch, E. D. Webber ; Worthy 
As.sociate, William Collins; Past Worthy Patriarch, John G. 
Snook ; Recording Scribe, William Hyatt ; Assistant Re- 
cording Scribe, Miss Jenny Cooper; Treas., Thomas Gerow ; 
Financial Scribe, Arthur Webber; Cha|)lain, Mrs. Alfred 
Cooper; Conductor, Silas Henry; A.ssistant Conductor, 
30 



Miss Annie Gerow ; In.side Sentinel, Joseph Miller ; Out- 
side Sentinel, L. M. Ilowe. 

The first religious society in the village was organized 
previous to 1838 by the Free-Will Baptists, and kept up 
for a considerable number of years. Its first minister was 
Rev. Mr. Jones, from Holly, Oakland Co., who preached 
his first serman here as early as 1837, from a pile of saw- 
logs in the mill-yard. Rev. Hiram Madison was also early, 
— having preached a funeral sermon in August, 1836, as 
mentioned.* The early meetings were held in the log 
houses and barns of the pioneers, and afterwards the school- 
houses were pre.s.sed into service. The Baptists have no 
organization here at present. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — The second religious or- 
ganization in the place was formed by the Jlethodists, who 
organized a class about 1838-39, and had services in con- 
nection with the church at Fenton. An early minister was 
Rev. Daniel Miller, a local preacher, who was sent here .as 
a missionary from Miller's Settlement, now Hamilton Sta' 
tion, on the Chicago and Lake Huron Railway. Among 
the pastors since the organization of the society have been 
Revs. 0. H. P. Green, R. McConnell, P. 0. Johnson, 
James Armstrong, Joseph Shank, John G. Whitcomb, T. 
J. Joslin, D. W. Hammond, Orlando Sanborn, John Ham- 
ilton, and Mr. Sanborn a second time, he being at present 
in charge. " Linden Circuit" has charges in Fenton, Ar- 
gentine, and Mundy townships. The only church edifice 
among the Fenton township charges is at Linden. It was 
commenced in the summer of 1867 and dedicated Oct. 18, 
1868. The other two churches on the circuit are located, 
one at Argentine, built and dedicated in 1873, and the 
other at South Mundy, dedicated in December, 1872, hav- 
ing been built that year. All three are frame buildings. 
The appointments on the circuit are at the following places, 
viz. : Linden, head of Long Lake, and " Sand Bar" school- 
house, in Fenton township ; Argentine and Dodder school- 
house, in Argentine; and South 5Iundy church, in Mundy. ^ 
The membership of these is as follows : Linden, 149 ; Long 
Lake, 53 ; Sand Bar school-house, 25 ; South Mundy, 90 ; 
Dodder school-house, 27 ; Argentine, 34. Mr. Sanborn 
has the supervision of the entire circuit, and by the aid of 
local preachers all the appointments are regularly filled. 

Tlie Long Lake class was first organized in 1837, at or 
near the Odell school-house in Mundy ; it was afterwards 
changed to a location near the township line, where a log 
church was built, ami was finally transferred to Long Lake. 
The South Mundy class was organized in 1840 ; the Ar- 
gentine class in February, 1869, by Rev. J. W. Holt, with 
B. G. Whitney as fir.st cla.ss-lcader, attached to Linden 
circuit in 1870, having been previously on Oak Grove 
circuit ; Blair school-house class, in Fenton, organized in 
February, 1867, by Rev. James Berry, B. F. Hitchcock 
first class-leader, changed since to Dodder school-house in 
Argentine. 

Linden circuit was organized in the Conference of 18G9, 

<^ Tlioro sccins to bo some disngrvcmcnt in dates. It is stnted thnt 
Mr. .loncs was (lie first Hapti^t minister here, and so generally con- 
eeded. nnd tliat lie first pri-aclied from tile s;iw-Io;;s. Tf tlie inill was 
built in IS:i7 this slalcnicnt would seem to lie at fault, t'erhaps the 
mystery may be solved by some old settler, altbo.ugh the above inl'or- 
uuition is vouched for by nuuienius persons. 



234 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and Rev. D. W. Hammond appointed pastor. The classes 
then connected were Linden, Long Lake, South Mundy, 
Kennedy school-house, and Blair school-house. Rev. Or- 
lando Sanborn was appointed to the circuit in 1870, and 
remained three years. During that time a debt of $1000 
on the church at Linden was cleared up, and the churches 
built at Mundy and Argentine, at a cost of §2500 each. 
The organizations of this denomination in Mundy and Ar- 
gentine, belonging to the Linden circuit, are the only ones 
of the kind in those townships. The church at Fenton is 
separate from this circuit.* 

The Preshi/terian Chnrch at Xi/irfen was organized about 
1863, during the war of the Rebellion, and the present 
frame church built at the same time, at a cost of about 
$1700. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas Wright. Those 

since have been Revs. Herrick, Wallace, and 

D. H. Taylor, the latter now in charge and living at Fenton, 
being the pastor also of the church at that place. The 
membership of the Linden ciuirch is about 55. A good 
Sabbath-school is sustained with an attendance of about 70. 
It po.ssesses a library of 200 volumes or more, and is super- 
intended by A. B. Hyatt. Both church and school are in 
good condition. 

INCORPORATION. 

The village of Linden was incorporated by act of the 
Legislature in 1871. The first village election was held 
on the 6th of March of that year, when the following 
officers were chosen, viz. : President, William H. Cook ; 
Clerk, L. D. Cook ; Marshal, E. H. Spencer ; Treasurer, 
Myron Harris ; Assessor, James B. Moshier ; Trustees 
(two years), John J. Castle, I. B. Hyatt, L. H. Pierce 
(one year), Parley Warner, L. A. Curtis, J. Z. Fairbank. 

The presidents and trustees of the village since have been 
the following : 

1S72. — Prcsilent, William II. Cook ; Trustees (two years), 0. F. Jame- 
son, Parley Warner, James R. Cooper. 
' 1S73. — President, Y. E. Benron ; Trustees (two years), John J. Castle, 
Micliacl W. Johnson, Julius P. Warren. 

187-1. — President, I3oach J. AVhituey ; Trustees (two years), Y. E. 
Benton, Silas K. Warner, James R. Cooper. 

1.S75. — President, Homer B. Smith; Trustees (two years), Allen 
Leonard, Allen J. Beach, Julius Warren. 

IS76. — President, Silas A. Cook ; Trustees (t.vo years), Silas K. War- 
ner, Charles Brown, James R. Cooper. 

1877. — President, Myrou Harris; Trustees (two years), Eugene S. 
Cram, Morris L. Groom, Alonzo B. Hyatt. 

1878. — President, Alfred Cooper; Trustees (two years), Anson More- 
house, John J. Castle, George AV. Da\'cni>ort. 

1879. — President, Leonard II. Pierce; Clerk, William H. Johnson; 
Treasurer, John II. Leal; Assessor, Stephen T. Davenport; 
Marshal, Lorenzo M. Howe; Trustees (two years), Alfred 
Cooper, Seth C. Sadler, Jr., George West. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
A fire company was organized June 24, 1871, with 17 
members, and buckets were supplied for use at fires. In 
the spring of 1879 the company was furnished with hand 
extinguishing pumps, the utility of which is to be demon- 
strated. Fire wardens are appointed each year, and the 
company is kept up to the regulation standard, 18 members. 
The village has suflfered from but few fires, none of which 

'^' See Fenton churches. 



were extensive, and all except one or two occurred before 
incorporation. 

In May, 1879, the village contained thirteen stores, a 
foundry, a wagon-factory (Linden Wagon-Works), a car- 
riage-fitctory (property of Joseph Beach & Son), Betich 
Platform Truss Gearing Company's factory, an axe- and 
pick-handle factory (owned by Gerow & Orton), a saw-mill, 
a grist-mill, two churches, a graded school, with one brick 
school-building and a small frame one, a newspaper called the 
Linden Record, edited and published by Orlando White,f 
several physicians, of whom the oldest is Dr. Leonard H. 
Pierce, who has practiced here twenty-five years, and the 
usual number of blacksmith- and other shops found in a 
place of the size. Its population is estimated as being in the 
neighborhood of 800. 

Immediately north of the village of Linden resides Par- 
ley Warner, who came to the township with his father at 
an early date, and who happened unfortunately to be tibseut 
from home when called upon for information. 

Farther north is the farm of Morris Ripley, who came 
from Queenstown, Warren Co., N. Y., to Michigan, in 
1836, and located land where he now lives. In the fall of 
1839 he returned to New York and was married, and in 
the spring of 1840 brought his wife with him to their 
future abiding-place in Michigan. He had then a log 
shanty built and one field cleared on the place. At that 
date (1840) no one lived in Fenton township north of 
them, and a road had not yet been cut through the timber. 
Mr. Ripley's brothers, An.son and Alanson Ripley, followed 
him to the township, the former locating three-fourths of a 
mile east of him, and the latter next south. An.son Rip- 
ley is since deceased, and Alanson resides at present in the 
township of Mundy. 

MOUNT PLEASANT. 

John and Solomon Cook were probably the first settlers 
in the immediate vicinity of this village, which was laid 
out by the former Aug. 8, 1840, and an addition platted 
by him Oct. 27, 1845. John Cook died many years ago; 
his brother still resides here. 

In August, 1856, Capt. Charles Bennett, an old lake 
sailor, came from Washtenaw County and located here. 
He was formerly from the State of New York. Since set- 
tling at this place he has entertained many persons in 
search of pleasure, having fitted grounds and built boats 
purposely for their accommodation. He is the owner of 
" Bennett's Island," in Long Lake, containing about 23 
acrfes, which has been supplied with tables, sheds, and all 
necessaries to make it a most desirable picnic-ground. He 
owns the boat " Mettie Helm," formerly a steamer, now used 
for the accommodation of Sunday-school parties, etc. It is 
towed by the gay little steamer " Evening Star," which 
contains the engine formerly in use on the first-named 
boat, and which was built in 1874 by the captain's son, 
Capt. W. H. Bennett. The latter also sailed a number of 
years on the lakes, and during the winter of 1860-61 he 
stayed with his father on the island of St. Ignace, in Lake 
Superior. 

f See chapter on the press. 





Jerome Z.Fairbank, 



Seth C.Sadler 





( J, H PhippS, Photdgr ) 




MRS.G.W. BERRYMAN 



G V/. BERRYMAN. 







'■:J'', 



JM. 



FENTON TOWNSHIP. 



235- 



Capt. W. H. Bennett and his brother, Charles J. Ben- 
nett, are the proprietors of a saw-mill at the place, where 
the latter built and still owns a small hotel. The present 
" Long Branch House" is a large frame hotel which was 
erected in 1876 by Hugh McKean, who is still the owner. 
It is open every .season for boarders and visitors. A small 
grist-mill has been recently built on the northeast shore of 
the lake, and is owned by Mr. Judson. 

"IDLEWILD." 

On the eastern shore of Long Lake, below the " nar- 
rows," Philip H. McOmber settled in 1834, and long kept 
a public-house known as the " Long Lake House." A 
line of stages plying over the road, passing through Fen- 
ton to Flint, brought business to the door. This house 
was kept in 18G7 by John Snow. In the fall of 18G8, 



N. T. Thurber purchased the property with the view of 
repairing or rebuilding the house and opening a summer 
resort which should become popular throughout the imme- 
diate region. Extensive repairs were made, and in June, 
18C9, the house was thrown open to the public with D. W. 
Denio as landlord. The latter has remained in charge 
since, with the exception of one year, wlien he occupied 
the " Fenton House," at Fenton, Cornelius Bergen admin- 
istering the affairs of Idlewild. This has become the pop- 
ular resort desired by its projector. A commodious steamer 
was built in the spring of 1875, named the " George C. 
Langdon," after the then mayor of Detroit, who comes here 
with his family every summer. No finer sheet of water 
for its size can be found in the State, and " Idlewild" and 
" Long Branch" and " Mount Pleasant" have become 
widely and favorably known. 







Report of Townsh 


ip Schools 


for the Year Ending September 2, 1878. 






PlSTBICTS. 


•0 

•a 

= >• 

(sin 


■£ 

•a 
e u 

(3 
c v 

■§^ 

c 


< 


0. 

i 

c 
3 

a 

5« 


1% 

a! f-^ . 

111 


NlIMDKR OF ScnOOL- 
UOUSKS. 


3> 

1 
•5 

a 


£ 

2 


NUMBKB OF 


Tbaciikrs. 


TEACllF.llb 


' Wages. 


Brick. 


Frame. 


1 ^ 


Hale. 


Female. 


llale. 


Female. 


No. 1 


762 
186 
29 
53 
22 
41 
32 
44 
21 


694 
108 
22 
49 
15 
44 
29 
36 
19 


47 

7 
3 

i 


2000 
"143 

160 
160 
162 
165 
160 
157 


3 

1 

... 




560 sio.noo 


3 

1 
1 

1 

l 

2 
1 

1 




$2,000 

450 

86 

44 


$2,800 
390 20 
32.50 
S3 
101.62 
36 
10 

36.60 
48 


" 35; 

" 4 


140 
40 
60 
45 
60 
40 
611 
44 


1,200 

500 
600 
400 
800 
200 
1.000 
600 


■' a 


" 6 




120 
157 
150 
100 


" 8 


" 105- 

" lis 





Total receipts for school year, $10,000.94; amount on 
hand Sept. 2, 1878, $903.54 ; expenditures, less amount on 
hand, §9097.40 ; number of private or select schools in 
township, 3 ; number of pupils attending same (estimated), 
50. 

Tho.se who read the foregoing history of Fenton town- 
ship, with its villages, etc., will readily perceive that its com- 
pilation has been a work of no small magnitude. To those 
who have furnished information earnest thanks are hereby 
tendered, and if, in the mass of matter presented, there 
should be a few inaccuracies, it must be remembered that 
to straighten a mass of conflicting testimony and place /uc/* 
in print is an almost impossible ta.sk. However, the belief 
of the historian is that his labors have not been in vain, and 
he feels confident that a reliable history is here presented. 
Among those who have aided him in his researches are the 
following, viz. : 

At Fenton, Alonzo J. Chapin and wife, Robert Le Roy, 
Dr. Isaac Wixom, Kli.sha Larned, Charles II. Turner, Wil- 
liam Remington, Maxwell Thompson, Joseph Thorp, Mrs. 
Duslin Cheney and I'amily, the pastors and many members 
of churches, members of various societies, proprietors of 
newspapers, manufactories, etc., and many whose names are 
not recalled. 

At Linden, Seth C. Sadler, J. Z. Fairbank, Myron Har- 
ris, I. B. Hyatt, Rev. Orlando Sanborn, James B. Mo.shier, 
and others. 



In various parts of the town.ship, J. P. C. Riggs, Mrs. Mor- 
ris Ripley, D. W. Denio, the family of Capt. Charles Ben- 
nett, and many others. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



* Fnict'onal diatrlcts. 



JEROME Z. FAIRBANK. 

Jerome Z. Fairbank, son of Zenas Fairbank, was born 
in the town of Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 10, 1827. 
When eight years of age his father removed with his family 
to Michigan, settling in Washtenaw County, where he re- 
mained until the following May, when he removed to the 
town of Fenton, whither his son Jerome had preceded him, 
and where he resided until his death, which occurred in 
December, 1852. 

The early life of Mr. Fairbank was replete witli hard- 
ship and privation, and as showing their impecunious con- 
dition on their arrival in Michigan, and what they had to 
contend with in consequence, Mr. Fairbank relates that 
their household goods were held in Detroit for a freight 
bill of nine dollars. But industry and energy seldom go 
unrewarded. In a comparatively short space of time they 
were in ea.sy circumstances. When nineteen yeare of age 
he made his first purchase of thirty-nine acres of land, 
running in debt two hundred dollars. On attaining his 
majority he found himself free from debt, and possessed of 
a yoke of oxen and .some farm implements. From this 



236 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



time success attended his efforts, and the little farm of 
thirty-nine acres has increased in size until he now counts 
one hundred and eighty acres of valuable land under a high 
state of cultivation. 

In December, 1857, Mr. Fairbank was married to Miss 
Amelia Clark, of Linden. She was born in Eaton, Madi- 
son Co., N. Y., March 27, 1825. Four children have 
been born to them, three of whom are now living. 

Mr. Fairbank has been prominently identified with Lin- 
den in all its interests, and occupies an enviable position 
among its more prominent citizens. He has taken a deep 
interest in educational matters, and has been an active 
member of the school board for years. In his religious 
affiliations he is a Presbyterian, and a zealous supporter of 
church interests. All in all, Mr. Fairbank is one of those 
courteous. Christian gentlemen, whose identification with 
any community is always productive of good. 



SETH C. SADLER 

was born in Ashfield, Franklin Co., Mass., March 12, 1809. 
He was the son of John and Sarah (Church) Sadler, who 
had a family of nine children. When a child his father 
removed to Madison Co., N. Y., where he remained until 
Seth was seven years of age. The elder Sadler was a 
blacksmith by trade, and a steady-going, industrious man. 
Seth remained with his father until he was twenty years 
of age, when he married Miss Sarah Andei-son, and bought 
a small farm, upon which he remained uutil 1831, when, 
desirous of bettering his fortunes, he exchanged it for 
eighty acres of new land in the town of Bloomfield, Oak- 
land Co., Mich., and in September of that year moved on 
to it with his family, then consisting of his wife and one 
child, Seth C, Jr. Mr. Sadler remained upon this farm 
until the following spring, when he sold it. After several 
changes, he bought, in 1835, one hundred and twenty acres 
of land in the town of Fenton. He immediately removed, 
and has since been a resident of the town. In 1850 he 
exchanged his farm for sixty acres, which comprised nearly 
all of what is now the business portion of Linden. The 
land was for the most part unimproved, there being only 
six or seven families in the town. In connection with the 
property there was a saw- and grist-mill, which he operated 
successfully until about 1864. 



Mr. Sadler has been engaged in various business enter- 
prises, and has probably done as much as any other man 
in building up the village of Linden. Since 1850 he has 
been actively engaged in business. Owing to his energy 
and good management he has been successful in all his un- 
dertakings. Mr. Sadler has filled many responsible posi- 
tions with fidelity to the trust reposed in him, and with 
credit to himself For over forty years he has served his 
fellow-townsmen in various capacities. He has been prom- 
inent in political matters, but has always shunned rather 
than courted political preferment. 

He is now in the seventieth year of his age, and is still 
hale and hearty, and possessed of much of his old-time 
energy. He has achieved success in all departments of 
life, and is an exemplar of the capabilities of character 
and manhood. 



GEORGE W. BERRYMAN, 

one of the prominent farmers of Fenton, was born in the 
town of Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Sept. 2-t, 1822. He 
was the eldest in the family of John and Catherine (Covert) 
Berryraan, which consisted of five children. The elder 
Bcrryman was a prominent farmer, and met his death by 
accident when George was eleven years of age. Although 
a mere boy, he assumed control of his father's affairs, which 
he conducted successfully. At the age of sixteen he 
started in life by taking jobs of various kinds, among 
which were several contracts on the New Y^ork Central 
Railroad. Although young, what he lacked in years and 
experience he made up by energy and application ; and all 
his projects were successfully carried out. 

In 1849, Mr. Berryman was united in marriage with 
Angeline, daughter of James and Sally Seymour, of Vestal, 
Broome Co., N. Y., where Mrs. Berryman was born July 
28, 1825. After their marriage, he purchased a farm in 
Aurelius, where he resided until his emigration to Michi- 
gan in 1867, at which time he purchased the farm where 
he now resides, — a view of which we present on another 
page. 

Mr. Berryman is a prominent and successful agriculturist, 
and his highly-cultivated fields and commodious buildings 
attest his thrift and enterprise. 



T^T ' '^^^ ' f^y^p^^.^irf! ! ^^^ ^ 




GRAND BLANC. 



Grand Blanc, the oldest township orijanizatioii in Gene- 
sec County, is situated upon the south hurdcr, and is desig- 
nated b}' the United States survey as township No. G north, 
range No. 7 east. 

Its boundaries on the north, east, and west are the re- 
spective townships of Burton, Atlas, and Mundy, in Gene- 
see County, and Oakland County on the south. 

The surface is a rolling upland. Originally, the northern 
part was covered with dense forests of the deciduous trees 
so common to Michigan, while the central and southern 
parts of the township afforded a fair representation of the 
lands called hazel-brush openings. 

Thread River, its principal water-course, takes its ri.se in 
Oakland County, and flowing to the northwest, leaves the 
town near the centre of the north border. This stream in 
its course affords good water-power privileges, which are 
not utilized, and, with its numerous small tributaries, renders 
fea.sible the complete system of ditching and drainage now 
being adopted where swampy lands exist. 

Grand Blanc Lake includes a small portion of section 
31 ; Slack's Lake, of sections 34 and 35. A small lake 
of some 20 acres in extent, called Smith Lake, is situated 
upon section 22. Numerous springs are found in various 
parts of the township, some of them quite strongly impreg- 
nated with magnesia. 

The soil is of an excellent quality, and consists of a dark, 
sandy, and gravelly loara, alternating with clay loam and 
alluvial deposits of a vegetable character. 

Peat beds are found in some portions of the township, 
also brick and potter's clay of a good quality. Iron ore, 
in small quantities, exists iu the northwest and central 
parts. 

Tlie people are agriculturists chiefly, the staple pro- 
ducts being live stock, wool, j)ork, corn, fruits, and the 
various cereals. In the cultivation of winter wheat they 
are especially successful. 

The population in 1874 was 1389. 

LAND-ENTRIES. 

Tiie first entry for land in township (t north, range 7 
east, was made by William Thompson and Charles Little, 
of Livingston Co., N. Y., and Samuel B. Perkins, from 
Ontario Co., N. Y. ; all of whom made purchases at the 
same date, viz. : June 17, 1824. 

Thompson's purchase embraced the northeast quarter 
and cast half of the southeast quarter of section 9, and the 
southwest (juarter of section 10, in all a tract of 500 acres. 
Little's the .southeast quarter of section 15 ; while Perkins 
chose the west half of the northwest quarter of the .same 
section. All of section 15 was taken up prior to July 4, 
1829. Edmund and Rowland B. Perry purcha.scd the cast 



half of the southwest quarter of section 11 Oct. 20, 1825, 
and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 14 
eight days later. Other early entries were by Augustus 
M. Button, on section 11, Sept. 15, 1827; Edward H. 
Spencer, section 9, May 25, 1827; Simeon M. Perry, sec- 
tion 14, Sept. 25, 1827; Caleb Embury, sections 12 and 
23, June 2, 1829 ; Caleb S. Thompson, section 23, June 
2, 1829; George E. Perry, section 13, June 3, 1829; 
same, on section 12, Sept.'25, 1829; Jonathan Dayton and 
Ezekiel R. Ewirig, on section 9, June 2, 1829; Charles 
Butler, the northeast (juarter of section 35, Oct. 12, 1830. 

The following list, arranged by sections, embraces the 
names of those who purchased in this township from the 
government: 

Section 1, 1836 :* Jacob Snapp, Rowland B. Perry, 
Norman Burgess, Warren Amiable, Sylvester Day, Samuel 
Day, Francis G. Macy, Alvah Bishop, William Fairhurst. 

Section 2, 1835: Samuel Colby, Xury Williams, Elihu 
Remington, William W. Paul, William Roberts, Rowland 
B. Perry, David Lyon, Samuel Thompson, Francis G. 
Macy. 

Section 3, 1832: Alfred Brainard, Alvah Brainard, 
John Remington, Peter Van Tifflin, Uriah Short, William 
Allen, Elihu Remington. 

Section 4, 1828 : John Tupper, Jonathan Kearsley, 
Jonathan Davison, Alfred Brainard, Oliver Short, Justus 
Smith. 

Section 5, 1832: Edward Brooks, Alonzo Ferris, Justus 
Smith, Chauncey Chapin, Tobias Stoutenburgh, Nicholas 
Bowns, Benajah Tupper, Nathaniel Ladd. 

Section 6, 1835 : Joseph M. Iri.sh, Grant Watkins, 
Tracy W. Burbank, Zcnas Goulding, James A. Kline, 
John A. Kline, William Blades. 

Section 7, 1835 : James II. Williams, Thomas Boals, 
Nathan Watkins, Arthur L. Ellsworth, Horace W. Bron- 
son, Chauncey Bronson, John W. Moore, Erastus Webber. 

Section 8, 1833: Daniel R. Williams, Philander Williams, 
Abial L. Shaw, William Blades, John Richards, Asa Bishop, 
Charles D. W. Gibson, Elisha S. Frost, Thomas Sheldon, 
Ira D.ivenport. 

Section 9, 1824: William Thompson, Edward II. 
Spencer, Jonathan Dayton, Ezekiel R. Ewing, Polly Day- 
ton, George Dibble. 

Section 10, 1824: William Thompson, Jeremiah 
Ketchum, Ellis Miner, Jo.seph McFarleu, Jr., Amitsa 
Short, John Richards, John Remington. 

Section 11, 1825: Edmond and Rowland B. Perry, Au- 
gustus M. Dutton, John P. Fritz, Xury Williams, Gilbert 
Phelps, Thomas Barger, Simeon M. Perry. 



* The figurca Ucnuto tliu ^car of tlic first purcliasc upon eaoli scctiun. 

237 



238 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Section 12, 1829: Caleb Embury, George E. Perry, 
Pearson Farrar, Jobn I. Carr, George E. Perry, Sylvester 
Day, Joseph Charters. 

Section 13, 1829 : George E. Perry, Neheniiah T. Bur- 
pee, Thomas Cartwright, William Fairhui-st, Samuel C. 
Robinson, William Collins, Silas Titus. 

Section 14, 1825 : Edmond and Rowland B. Perry, 
Simeon M. Perry, Benjamin Perry, Cyrus Baldwin, P]d- 
mond Perry, Jr., Ira Davenport. 

Section 15, 1824 : Charles Little, Samuel B. Perkins, 
Eurotas P. Hastings, Henry Howard, George E. Perry, 
Jeremiah W. Riggs. 

Section 16: School-lands. 

Section 17, 1833 : Philander W^illiams, Sephrona Straw, 
Daniel Williams, Asa Bishop, Nathan P. Wells, Fred- 
erick F. Riggs, Gilbert Phelps, Amos Hallock, Augustus 
W. Hovey. 

Section IS, 1835 : Othniel Williams, Asa Bishop, Horace 
AV. Bronson, Chauncey Bronson, Ira Justin, John W. 
Moore, James M. Wilcox. 

Section 19, 1836: Gilbert Phelps, Almira Phelps, 
James W. Wilcox, James I. Opp, Ely T. Marsh, Alfred 
Putnam, Prentice Yeomans. 

Section 20, 1835 : John Tupper, Silas Smith, James 
M. Wilcox, Gurdon G. Cook, Ira Davenport, Seth Beck- 
with, James Adams. 

Section 21, 1834: John H. Waterous, Jeremiah R. 
Smith, Lucy Roberts, William Roberts, Gershom Lewis, 
Ira Davenport, Seth Bockwith, Russell Bates. 

Section 22, 1829: Jeremiah W. Riggs, Silas Smith, 
Moses H. Lyon, Phineas Thompson, Elbridge N. Johnson, 
Washington Thompson, Jeremiah R. Smith, Silas Smith, 
Edward Parsons. 

Section 23, 1829 : Caleb Embury, Caleb S. Thompson, 
Washington Thompson, Hiram Stevens, Robt. McCartney, 
David Foreyth. 

Section 24, 1834 : Caleb S. Thomp.son, John M. Wine- 
gar, Caleb Embury, Russell Forsyth, William Collins. 

Section 25, 1834 : Nicholas West, Leonard Carlton, 
Jean Pier Dat, Alanson P. Hurd, Wilson McCarty, 
Phineas Thompson, Samuel Thompson. 

Section 26, 1831 : Robert McCarty, Sarah Miller, Ira 
Dayton, Reuben T. Dayton, Emmons Owen, Moses P. 
Butler, Charles C. Hascall, Samuel Thompson. 

Section 27, 1832: John M. Coe, Levi Parsons, Moses 
P. Butler, Peter De Graff, Joseph P. Worden, Stephen 
Grant. 

Section 28, 1832: David M. Lawrence, Charles Little, 
Edward Parsons, Gurdon Waterous, Robert Pollock, Hi- 
ram Brown. 

Section 29, 1835 : Alpheus Chapman, Nelson H. Em- 
mons, Abial L. Shaw, Barrage Rice, Levi Parsons, Joel 
Rice, Ira Davenport, Hiram Brown. 

Section 30, 1835 : Daniel 11. Williams, David La Rue, 
Levi Parsons, Ira Davenport, Eliza Ripson, Ely T. Marsh. 

Section 31, 1835: James Van Valkenburgh, Henry 
Straight, Caleb Embury, David La Rue, David Handy. 

Section 32, 1831 : Paul G. Davison, William Eames, 
Alvah Kennedy, Caleb Embury, Henry Brusie, Samuel 
Thompson. 



Section 33, 1832 : Benjamin Chase, John H. Waterous, 
Nathaniel Wood, Lewis Kennedy, Gurdon Waterous, Ira 
Davenport. 

Section 34, 1835 : Peter De Graff, David Butts, Charles 
Butler, Samuel Thompson, Ira Davenport, Jacob Parsons. 

Section 35,1830: Charles Butler, Ezekiel R. Ewing, 
John Butler, Marston W. Richards, Mary Booge, Samuel 
Thomp.son. 

Section 36, 1830: Charles and John Butler, John M. 
Coe, Anson Dayton, Caleb Embury, Charles C. Hascall, 
Samuel Thompson. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

Jacob Stevens and family, the first white family to reside 
in Grand Blanc township, and in all the territory now 
known as Genesee County, came from the State of New 
York, and arrived at Detroit during the month of Augu.st, 
1822. The family consisted of Mr. Stevens and wife, sons 
Rufus W. and Sherman, and daughters Eunice, Martha, 
Charlotte, Elizabeth, and another daughter, the youngest, 
then some six years of age, whose name is now unknown. 

They first settled in Oakland County, on the old Saginaw 
trail, about twenty-five miles northwest of Detroit. Here 
they remained until the following spring, built a log house, 
dug a well, and made other improvements; but, finding 
that the title to the land they wore upon was defective, they 
sold out their improvements to Oliver Williams, the future 
father-in-law of Rufus W., and removed to Grand Blauc in 
the spring of 1823. 

Mr. C. P. Avery, in his history of the Saginaw Valley, 
speaks of Jacob Stevens as follows : " He was a true type 
of the gentlemen of the old school, to whose moral and 
physical courage as a pioneer was united a rare intelligence 
marked by a literary taste, showing itself conspicuously 
even in the few scattered remnants of his correspondence 
which have come down to this day." 

The following interesting letter, written by Mr. Stevens 
while his was the only white family in the present town 
of Grand Blanc, will prove of great interest to many read- 
ers, as it preserves to present generations facts of history 
which otherwise would have been lost : 

"GitA.NBLAW, July, A. I). 1825. 

" Ho.NORED Paiiexts, — The period since I wrote you I acknowledge 
is a long one; and I have not sufficient reasons to offer to justify so 
shameful a neglect. Various, indeed, have been the changes and 
vicissituiles of my life since tiuit time. Au attenii>t to describe them 
in a single letter would be unavailing. No I'amily, ]>erhaps, the size 
of mine can have enjoyed better health, say for twenty years past. 
Our doctors' bills have scarcely exceeded that number of dollars. 

" 1 sold my farm in Lima, soon after the close of the war, for $4000. 
I was some in debt, and my intention was to have waited a few years 
to see what the turn of the times might be, and then purchase some- 
where quite within the bounds of my capital; but fate or fortune de- 
termined otherwise. The family soon became uneasy at having no 
permanent home of their own. Indeed, /disliked a state so inactive 
to myself, and determined to jmrchase, and did, to nearly the amount 
of my money. It was well laiil out, but at a bad time. 

" I was sensible a depreciation on property must take jdace, but put 
it off till by and by, and some way or other was blind to its ajiproach. 
The farm admitted of great improvements being made, and a good 
house among the rest would be very convenient: and, accordingly, 
the best means we had were takm to procure materials, viz.: stone, 
brick, lumber, etc. About this time the amazing fall in the value of 
real estate, as well as of :ill olhcr ])rojtcvty, and the many complaiiits 





CHARLES DE WITT GIBSON. 



MKS. ARTEMISIA GIBSON. 



CHARLES DE WITT GIBSON. 



Charles De Witt Gibson was one of the earliest of the pioneer 
business men of Genesee County, His long, active career and inti- 
mate connection with the development and improvement of the county 
from the time it was almost an unbroken wilderness, peopled almost 
exclusively by Indians and wild animals, with here and there at long 
distances apart an embryo settlement of a few hardy and adventurous 
pioneers, make it proper and fitting that he should occupy a con- 
spicuous place in the annals of a county in which for forty-two years 
he had borne so distinguished a j)art. 

The ancestors of Mr. Gibson were of Welsh and Irish origin, and 
settled in the United States at an early date. John Gibson, the father 
of our subject, was a native of Montgomery Co., N. Y., where, in 
early life, he was married to Catharine Wasson, of the same county. 
They reared a family of nine children, — five sons and four daughters, 
— of whom Charles De Witt was the second son. He wns born at Pals- 
tine, Montgomery Co., on the 4th day of January, 1800. His boy- 
hood was spent in assisting bis father in the labors of farm life, and 
in obtaining a limited common-school education. He also learned 
the trade of cabinet-making. After reaching his majority he started 
out for himself, went to Western New York, and settled at Avon, 
Livingston Co., where he engaged in cabinet making. Here he be- 
came acquainted with Miss Artemisia Frost, daughter of Elisha and 
Artemisia Frost, old residents of Lima, in the same county. This 
acquaintance ripened into courtship and marriage, and they were 
united on the 11th day of August, 1831. Soon after his marriage 
Mr. (libson begun to look with longing eyes to the new and unsettled 
territories lying west of Lake Erie, which at that time presented a 
fine field for the activity and enterprise of the daring adventurer. 

Accordingly, in 1833, he left home with the purpose of securing a 
location somewhere in the Territory of Michigan. He finally decided 
on settling in the interior. He purchased at second-hand one hundred 
and sixty acres on which there was a small improvement, and soon 
after two hundred and forty acres more of the government, in the 
present township of Gran 1 Blanc, Genesee Co. He then returned to 
New York and purchased a stock of goods, which he shipped to the 
Territory, and then with his wife and child, his widowed mother, and 
a sister, came on to the new home in the wilderness. The}- were also 
accompanied by Chauncey S. Marvin, now deceased, who was for 
many years an inmate of Mr. Gibson's family. After his arrival Mr. 
Gibson opened a store and sold goods to the few early settlers, and 
traded with the Indians, who at that time were very numerous. Be- 
sides selling goods and clearing off and improving his lands, he in a 
few years became extensively engaged in other enterprises, such as 
building and running saw-mills, asberies, etc. He was also for many 



years engaged in the purchase and sale of lands in various parts of 
the State, both for himself and as the agent of others, and through- 
out his long and active life was uniformly successful in his business 
undertakings. His keen insight into the motives that govern human 
nature, sound, practical judgment, shrewdness, sagacity, and ripe ex- 
perience in so many branches of business, united to unflinching in- 
tegrity, honorable dealing, and unassuming manners, commanded the 
unlimited confidence and esteem of all: and he was known all his 
life as a man whose word was as good as his bond. 

Besides conducting and managing his many business interests, he 
at various times served his town and county as magistrate, supervisor, 
county treasurer, etc., and in all positions of trust and responsibility 
acquitted himself with satisfaction to his constituents. During his 
life he lost many thousand dollars by fire and otherwise, but at his 
death there still remained a handsome fortune for his widow and chil- 
dren. He was for many years a member of the order of Odd-Fellows, 
and in religious faith was a Protestant, with ultra-liberal views of the 
Unitarian and Universalist type. Mr. Gibson lived to the age of 
nearly seventy-seven years. His death occurred on the 3d day of May, 
1876, his being the only death in the family since that of an infant 
daughter forty years before, — a remarkable fact in a family of eleven 
children. 

The memory of Mr. Gibson is fondly cherished in the hearts of his 
children and bereaved wife, and although the kind and indulgent 
father, the tender and afTectionate husband is no longer here, the 
wise counsels, useful lessons, pure life and example of one of nature's 
noblemen is ever present with them. A far richer legacy is an honor- 
able name and blameless life than silver and gold, or houses and lands. 

Mrs. Gibson, who is still a remarkably fine looking and intelligent 
lady, has nohly performed her full share of life's duties to her husband 
and children, and is held in great esteem by a large circle of warm 
and admiring friends and relatives. She resides at the old home, in 
the midst of kind friends and pleasant surroundings, in the peace 
and trantiuillity of a long life well spent. Mrs. Gibson and her de- 
ceased husband were the parents of eleven children, named as follows : 
Thornton W., Jane W., Charles F., Chauncey W., Caroline A., Coro- 
don De Witt, John E., Mary A.. Sarah J., Frances A,, and Stanford 
S. All of whom are now living except Jane W., who died in infancy, 
and all are married except Mary an<l Stanford, who reside with their 
mother at the old home. 

This page, containing the portraits of this venerated old pioneer 
couple, with a brief notice of their life-work, will be greeted with 
pleasure and pride by all their old friends and acquaintances, and 
with lovo and reverence by their children and descendants. 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



239 



from other people, whom I thought forehanilod, but in ilobt to me, 
WHS ahiniiiug. 1 tolj Uul'us (wlio sciineil the boy ileslined to live at 
homo) my fears, and I thou;;ht wo hail betler sell ofl'our lumber, etc., 
anil endeavor to back out. Naturally ambitious, this idea ho could 
not brook. He preferred to drive the building, and risk tlie eonse- 
quenous. Wc finally did, and it is only necessary to observe tliat it 
flung us completely in the b.iekground in bad times. Since that wc 
have had many shifts, and but few shirts. Too proud to bo poor 
ninong my old friends, I determined to try a now country iigain. 
Michigan seemed the most proper, being about the same latitude, and 
easiest of access. "We arrived in Detroit the latter part of August, 
1822, with about $800 in cash and some other property. Misfortune, 
however, seemed unwilling to quit us at this point, llufus had bei-n 
in the country one year previous to this, and had contracted for a, 
piece of land, second-handed, and had done considerable labor on the 
pame. I did not altogether like the land, but concluded to make a 
stand and go to work. Wo built a good log house, dug a well, and 
made some other improvements, but before one 3'ear had passed we 
found wo could get no liile to the land. This place was about twenty- 
five miles northwest of Detroit [probably in the vicinity of Pontiae], 
and what to do in this case was a material question. Our expenses 
drew hard ujion our little capital, and to spend more money and more 
time there was preposterous. Kventually, we agreed to try another 
venture. At this time there were troops stationed at Saginaw, a ])lace 
about seventy-five miles northwest of Detroit, and on our route, A 
settlement had been commenced there, and the spirit of settlement 
seemed bent for the northwest. AVe sold our improvements to Mr. 
Oliver Williams, and took his notes for $35 a year, for live years, re- 
ser\ing tile use of the house for one year. In March, 182;j, Kufus 
and I started to explore to the nortiiwest. We were much pleased 
with the country and prospects at this place. The road thus far had 
no obstacles to impede a team with a reasonable load for any country, 
ami at this time was considerably traveled by ofiicers, Indians, traders, 
and settlers at Saginaw. We believed that an establishment hero 
might nut only be beneficial for ourselves, but convenient for travelers 
and emigrants. 

" It is an old Indian settlement, situated about twenty miles from 
our first plaee, and about the same distance from the farthest white 
settlement northwest of Detroit. There are some French families 
seven uiilcs northwest of us [Flint], and no more until we reach Sag- 
inaw. Kufus and X flung up a small log house, and on the 23d of 
May, IS23, Eunice, myself, two youngest children, Kufus and Sher- 
man, with a good team, and as many goods as would make us com- 
fortable, arrived here. Wc cleared, ])lowcd, and sowed with wheat 
and oats about ten acres, completing the same June lOtli. 

*' Mrs. Stevens and the children then returned, and one of tho girls 
kept house, and so through the season. At this time wo felt morally 
certain of having neighbors the ne.vt spring; but here, sir, I must 
inform you that the government saw fit tho winter following to evac- 
uate tlie post at Saginaw, which measure has, so far, comjjletcly par- 
alyzed all settlements to tho northwest, turning the tide of emigration, 
which has been very great, to the south and west. This was, indeed, 
very discouraging, but for us there was no fair retreat." . . . 

After speaking of liis Iiidiun neighbors, who were very 
friendly, he conclude.^ as follows : 

"Several purchases have lately been made of premises adjoining us, 
and, we have little doubt, will be seitled next spring ; and preparations 
seem to be making once more for a settlement at Saginaw. We have 
this year 170 shucks of whent and about acres of corn, the stoutest 
growth of corn I ever raised. If nothing befalls, I anticipate .')0 
bushels to the acre. We have two yoke of oxen, two horses, five 
cows, plenty of hogs, ami a number of young cattle; and such is the 
country that they keep fat summer and winter. The winters are sur- 
prisingly mild. Last winter, in fact, was no winter at all. Wo did 
not spend three tons of hay with all our stock. A large portion f>f 
the country is openings, ami the cattle get their living in old fog and 
basswood sprouts in the swales. Tho greatest country for wild feed 
and hay I over saw. Wo can sammcr and winter any number of 
cattle if we had them. Blue point is the principal grass in the low 
meadows. On the higher partji is found considerable red-top ond foul 
meadow grass. Jemima* has a family, and lives in the State of New 

*. Jemima (Mrs. Samuel K. i*orkins), Horatio, and Augustus were 
children of Jacob Stevens, wlio remained in tho State of New York. 



York, Horatio and Augustus are merchants in that State. Horatio, I 
understand, is quite forehanded. Augustus is also doing well. Eunice 
and Charlotte are there at jircscnt on a visit. Patty keeps seliool this 
summer in the Territory. The rest of tho family aro in the woods." 

The elder Stevens is described by those who saw him 
here in 182G a.s a gentleman of fine proportions, about 
si.xty years of age, who was then living in a comfortable 
log house which stood upon the site of Col. Sawyer's pres- 
ent residence. His son, llufus W., had built a small log 
house upon the site of the present hotel, and was engaged 
in trade with the Indians, — trading whi-sky, tobacco, flints, 
cheap brooches, and such articles, for furs. 

The log trading-house of llufus W. Stevens was replaced 
in 1828 by a more pretentious one, the walls of which were 
constructed of timbers hewn square and placed upright side 
by side. This building, inclosed by clapboards, now forms 
part of the pre-setit Grand Blanc Hotel. He then, besides 
following his vocation as an Indian trader, became the post- 
master of Grumlaw, and opened the doors of his house to 
the public as a " place of entertainment." 

Many Indians were still located hereabouts. It is related 
by Mr. Brainard, in his pioneer sketches, that the Canadian 
government at this time gave every male Indian, young or 
old, a yearly bounty of fifty cents in silver, besides blankets, 
etc. On their return to Grumlaw they would spend it all 
with Stevens for whisky. To catch their half-dollars he 
sold them whisky for fifty cents per gallon. Thoy would 
appoint one of their number to take charge of their guns, 
knives, and hatchets, whose duty it was to secrete the 
weapons and remain sober. A general drunk would be 
inaugurated, which lasted some two or three days, during 
which time they fought, shouted, and performed all manner 
of antics. Stevens would then begin to water the whisky 
he sold them, and by degrees they became sober. This was 
his way of getting rid of them. 

In 1829, Kufus W. Stevens purchased a portion of sec- 
tion 19, in Burton township, and a year later, of Daniel 
Le Roy, a tract which adjoined his, though situated on 
section 18 in the same town.ship. This place afterwards 
became noted as the Thread Mill property. A saw-mill 
was commenced by Stevens in 1830, and soon after a grist- 
mill was erected, which for years supplied all the people 
living between Pontiae and Saginaw. 

The Steven.scs never purchased of the government any 
lands situated in Grand Blanc. The land upon which they 
first settled was entered by Samuel B. Perkins, Jacob Ste- 
vens' son-in-law. 

The elder Stevens, with the majority of his family, re- 
turned to Now York about IS.'il, where was passed the 
remaining portion of his life, llufus W, Stevens removed 
to Flint a few years later, and became identified with its 
interests. Sherman, the other son, was contieet^-d with the 
building of the first railroad between Detroit and Pontiae. 

In October, 182.'3, Edmund and Rowland B, Perry en- 
tered lands situated upon sections 11 and 14, Rowland 
was a nephew of Edmund Perry, During the following 
February, the same, accompanied by Simeon and Eliza, 
children of PMmund, left Avon, Livingston Co,, N, Y,, 
and traveled through Canada with horse-teams to Detroit, 
thence by (he Saginaw trail to Grand Blanc, They were 



240 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



twcnty-fivo days upon flie road. Upon their arrival liorc 
thoy were received under the hospitable roof of Jacob 
Stevens, where they rcinaiiicd sonic four weeks, or until a 
house of their own could be erected. Tlic Fourth of July, 
1820, was celebrated by all the white inhabitants of Gene- 
see County silting down to a banquet spread under a cheiry- 
tree which stood in Jacob Stevens' yard. Those assembled 
were entirely of the Stevens and Perry families. 

In the fall of 1826 Edmund PeiTy returned to New 
York, and brouglit out with hiui the rest of his family, 
viz., his wife Mercy, and children Clarinda, Edmund, Jr., 
Seymour, Irene, Esther, and Manson. ]<jdmund Perry, Sr., 
died Jan. i;5, 1864, ai;ed eighty-five years. He was a 
native of Rhode Island, and an educated Quaker. His 
great energy and force of character, united with his love 
for pioneer life, induced him to battle with the wilder- 
ness, clear a number of farms, then leave them to plunge 
again into the forests when neighbors became too plenty. 
He was a respected member of society, an excellent citizen, 
a kind friend, and believed in doing good without ostenta- 
tion. His surviving sons were Simeon, Edmund, Seymour, 
and Manson. Isabella, a daughter of Simeon, was the first 
white child born in the county. Mary I'erry, a daughter 
of Edmund, now the wife of Addison Armstrong, Esq., 
was born soon after. 

Edward H. Spencer, from Windsor, Vt., purchased lands 
,' situated upon section 9, May 25, 1827, and became the 
next settler, during the same spring. 

In the spring of 1828 William Roberts came into the 
settlement, also George E. Perry, from Connecticut, Judge 
Jcrcmiuh Riggs, with his sons Augustus C, Frederick T., 
and others of a largo family. They located where Phiiieas 
Thompson now resides, and purchased from the govern- 
ment a large tract of land. Augustus C. Riggs was the 
iir.st constable and collector in the township, and for several 
years township clerk. It is related that at the time of his 
marriage a general invitation was extended to the citizens 
of Grand Blanc and its vicinity to attend the '■ iiifair." 

At this gathering Sam Russell and his fiddle were par- 
ticularly conspicuous, and during the festivities of the 
evening, while the merry party assembled were in the 
midst of a dance, the sleepers gave way, and the floor 
caved in, funnel-fashion, precipitating to the cellar beneath 
with their fair partners, Phineas and Caleb Thompson, 
Rowland B. and Simeon Perry, Jeremiah R. Smith, Jona- 
than Dayton, Joseph McFarlon, John Todd, and others. 
No bones were broken, but the party was, and the dance 
was terminated. Joseph MeFarlen, who married Eveline, 
a daughter of Edmund Perry, Sr., in 1824, came from 
Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., and settled in Grand Blanc 
during the month of May, 1828. He purchased a fine 
tract of land from the government, whicii he cleared, and 
where be resides at the present time. 31r. M. is eighty 
years of age ; his wife seventy-seven. Jeremiah Ketehum 
came at about the sjime time. He boarded with Jacob 
Stevens, purchased land upon section 10, and died soon 
after, his being the first death in the township. 

On the 0th day of June, 1S29, Caleb S. Thomp.son, 
Jonathan Dayton, Caleb Euibury, and Ezekiel R. Ewing 
came into ihe settlement. Ezekiel 11. Ewini; was fnim 



Windham, Vt. He purchased land situated upon section 
9, then returned to the East, and did not become a perma- 
nent settler until two years later. 

Messrs. Embury, Thompson, and Dayton were from 
Livingston Co., N. Y. They also bought lands of the 
government, and settled the same year (1829). 

Mr. Thompson, who is still a resident of the town.ship, 
was married to Clarinda Perry, <laughter of Edmund Perry, 
Sr., in 1830. He relates that at the time of his arrival 
here there were about forty-five pereons in Grand Blanc, all 
of whom, with one or two exceptions, were from Avon, 
Living.ston Co., N. Y. Edward H. Spencer had a rough 
log house, and about one acre cleared and planted to corn, 
potatoes, etc. The Stevcnscs had .some forty acres under 
cultivation, and there were some fifty or sixty acres in 
cultivation in the Perry settlement. Judge Riggs and his 
.sons had also made a good beginning. Thirteen lots lying 
along the Saginaw road, and seven lots on Perry Street, 
had already been purchased, and ten more eighty-acre lots 
were entered during the remaining part of the year 1829. 
The Saginaw road was laid out and staked so that it was 
easy to find it, but no work had been done upon it. The 
traveled highway, which followed the Indian trail, went 
rambling around through the woods, avoiding hills and 
swamps, and was quite a comfortable wagon-road. The 
streams and low places had been bridged some time pre- 
vious by the United States soldiers stationed in garrison at 
Saginaw. 

In the fall of 1829 Mr. Thompson returned to New York, 
and taught school the following winter. Feb. 22, 1830, 
he again began ajourney to Michigan. He drove out an ox- 
team, and was twenty-five days on the road. His father, 
Washington Thompson, and brother Phineas, from Jlonroe 
Co , N. Y., became settlers in Grand Blanc the same year 
(1830). 

Judge Jeremiah R. Smith, long a prominent man in the 
tc)wn.ship, Silas Smith, R. T. Winchell, Clark Dibble, 
Thomas Cartwright, the first hatter, George Dibble, Jona- 
than Davison, and Pearson Farrur all settled prior to the 
winter of 1830-31. 

In 1832 the settlement was still farther increased by the 
arrival of John Tupper and sons, — Alden, Charles, Benja- 
min, Reuben, Newell, and Harrison, from Rush, Monroe Co., 
N. Y. ; Uriah Short and sons, from Otsego Co., N. Y. ; Alvah 
Bishoji, Montgomery Co., N. Y. ; Charles, John, and Moses 
P. Butler, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; Albert Miller, after- 
wards prominent as Judge Miller, of Bay City, Mich. ; 
John P. Fritz, from Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y. ; Amasa 
Short, a brother of Uriah, and soldier of 1812 ; Alfred and 
Alvah Brainard, from Mouroe Co., N. Y. Mr. Alfred 
Brainard was prominent as one of the founders of the Bap- 
tist Church, and a respected citizen. Alvah Brainard, who 
died in April, 1879, claims to have erected the first frame 
dwelling-house in Grand Blanc without whisky, in March, 
1S33, and the first brick dwelliiighouse in Genesee County, 
July 4, 1850. During the last years of his life he pre- 
pared for publication a small pamphlet, entitled " A Pioneer 
History of Grand Blanc," wherein several amusing incidents 
are told in an amusing manner. 

During the Year 1833, Ellis iMiiicr, Emmaus G. Owen, 




S. D. HALSBY. 




MRS. S. D. UALSiKY. 



SILAS D. HALSEY. 



The family of Mr. Halsey dates back to an early period 
in the history of the settlement of the English colonies in 
this country. His father, Abraham Halsey, was born at 
Hanover, Morris Co., N. J., on the l!)th day of February, 
1764. He was married, in 1791, to Miss Nancy Beach. 
After his marriage he removed to Dutchess Co., N. Y., where 
he remained until his death, which occurred May 27, 1822, 
at fifty-eight years of age. 

He became eminent as a physician, and was a man of great 
influence and consideration. His wife died in 1800, at thirty- 
eight years of age. She was the mother of \Vm. E., Susan 
D., Samuel B., Abraham A., Silas D., and Electa D. The 
doctor's second wife was Lucretia Green ; they were married 
in 180G. By this marriage there were no children. She sur- 
vived the death of her husband but a short time, dying the 
same year. 

Silas D. Halsey was born at Fishkill, Dutchess County, on 
the 22d day of November, 1801. His boyhood days were 
passed in the schools and on his father's farm until he came to 
manhood, when he left home and became a clerk for his 
brother-in-law, at the Kockaway Iron-Works, in New Jersey, 
where he remained until 1831. During this time he had become 
acquainted with Miss Stella A. Koss, of Kockaway. They 
were united in marriage on the 12th day of Se|)tember, 182G. 
In 1832 he became a manager in the iron-works of William 
Scott, of Powerville, N. J., where he remained one year. 
He tlien removed to Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., where he 
purchased a farm, upon which he settled, and from that time 
to the present farming has been his ]irinci|ial occupation. 

At Avon Mr. Halsey was bereaved in the death of his loved 
wife and companion. She died on the 10th day of September, 
1834, at the age of twenty-nine years. She was the mother of 
four children, named David K , Wm. J., Mary A., and 
Samuel V. Mary and .Samuel are still living, and reside in 
Brooklyn, N. Y., the latter being the pastor of a Presbyterian 
church in that city. The death of his wife was a sore loss 
and atliiction to Mr. Halsey, as he was left desolate and alone, 
with the care of three young children. B<ilh inclination and 
necessity combined to provide a second mother for his little 
ones, and a companion to fill the vacancy in his heart and 
home. He sought and obtained the hand of Miss K. C. 
Pierson, the daughter of David and Huldah Pierson, old 
citizens of Avon. 

They were united on the llth day of February, 1835. In 
1837, Mr. Halsey, having made an exchange of his farm in 
Avon for two hundred acres of wild land in the town of Grand 
Blanc, Genesee Co., Mich., removed his family to their new 
home. On his arrival he erected a log house, dug a well, and 
moved on to hia land. The first sea.son he cleared off three 



acres, and from that time on he was busily engaged in clear- 
ing up and improving his new farm. 

At the first town-meeting after his arrival he was elected 
assessor, which otfice he filled successively for the next seven 
years ; he was then elected supervisor, and afterwards treas- 
urer, and then again supervisor; and nearly all his life Mr. 
Halsey has served the jiuljlic in some position of responsibility, 
with honor to himself and satisfaction to the public. 

By his second marriage there are three children, named 
Amanda M., David P., and Sarah J. Amanda died at five 
years of age. David is married to Artemisia Watrous 
(daughter of John H. Watrous, an old settler of Grand Blanc). 
They reside at Flint, and he is the present county clerk ; they 
have one child. Sarah is the wife of Charles J. Case, and 
they reside on their farm, adjoining that of Mr. Halsey, and 
they have two children. 

Tn politics Mr. Halsey is a staunch Republican. In relig- 
ious faith a Presbyterian, of which church he has been an 
honored member for over fifty years. 

Mr. Halsey has always enjoyed the unlimited confidence 
and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances. A man of 
modest and unassuming manners, courteous and polite in 
social intercourse, charitable and tolerant to those with whom 
he difl'ers in opinion, a kind and indulgent father, a tender 
and afl'ectionate husband. He is honored by his friends, loved 
and reverenced by his relatives. 

Mrs. Halsey has nobly redeemed her promise made at the 
marriage-altar, forty-four years ago. She has been to her 
husband a helpmate indeed, and has borne her full share of 
the labors and privations of a pioneer life, and to-day she 
enjoys that best reward of the fond and afl'ectionate mother, 
— her children settled in comfortable homes and occupying 
honorable ]iositions in society and in the esteem of their 
fellow-citizens. She was born at Avon, Livingston Co., 
N. Y., on the llth day of November, 1811. She is still an 
active housewife and incessant worker, a member of the same 
church with her hu.vband, and they together are walking 
hand in hand up the liighway that leads to the Eternal City. 

Mr. Hal.-ey and his estimable wife, by industry and good 
manageni(!nt, have accumulated a comfortable competence 
for their declining years, and are to-day living in the jieaceful 
enjoyment of the fruits of a well-employed life. Mr. Halsej', 
who is at this time seventy-eight years of age, still acts as 
notary-public, and transacts business lor his neighbors with 
all the ability of his younger days. 

This page, containing tlieir portraits, and this brief notice 
of their life-work, is by them dedicated to the patrons of this 
work, and to their children and descendants, with their bene- 
diction. 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



241 



and Josiiih Owen, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; Gilbert 
Phelps, John and Eliliu lleniington, Peter Van Tifflin, 
Xnry Williams, a soldier of 1812; Philandor Williams, 
Daniel It. Williams, Othniel Williams, James H. Williams, 
all from Monroe Co., N. Y. ; Dr. Cyrus Baldwin, the first 
resident physician, who was from Lysander, Onondaj^a Co., 
N. Y. ; and Charles D. W. Gibson, a prominent and most 
worthy pioneer merchant, from Livingston Co., N. Y., set- 
tled in the township. 

The year 1834 witnessed the settlement of Elbridjre N. 
Johnson, from Massachusett-s; Lewis and Alvah Kennedy, 
from Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; John H. Waterous, Abial L. 

Shaw, and Nobles, from Livingston Co., N. Y. ; Charles 

Bates, Yates Co., N. Y. ; Dr. John W. King, well known as 
one of the pioneer physicians of the county ; Judge Samuel 

llich, Burrage, and Joel Rice, from Steuben County, 

N. Y. 

Judge Rice was an early supervisor, and served his town.s- 
men in that and various other official capacities for many 
years. He was also the first judge of probate in Genesee 
County. Mr. Nobles was the first wagon maker, and Mr. 
Shaw the first blacksmith. Together they made the first 
wagon ever manufactured in the county. The iron was 
procured from Detroit, and every screw was made by hand. 
This wagon was constructed in 1834. 

In 1835, Messrs. Stage and Wright establi.shed the first 
store, Mr. Orrin SafTord clerk. Their stock consisted of a 
general assortment, including drugs and medicines, and was 
valued at $20,000. They continued here from October, 
1835, to June, 1836, when the goods were removed to a 
building prepared for them in Flint River village. 

Edward Parsons came from JIarcellus, Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., in May, 1835, purcha.sed land from the government, 
and immediately began an improvement. He built a small 
log house, which was situated near his present dwelling, and 
for several months kept bachelor's hall. His lonely condi- 
tion in life aflFordcd much amu.sement to his Indian neigh- 
bors as they repeated the words, " white man got wigwam, 
no squaw." Their remarks must have had a marked effect 
upon him, however, for we find that in 1836 he chose as 
a life-partner Miss Baldwin, a daughter of Dr. Cyrus Bald- 
win, and together they still continue life's journey, the 
centre of a wide circle of friends and relatives. 

The exodus from the northwestern counties of the State 
of New York to the wilds of Michigan, during the years 
from 1836 to 1840, was unprecedented. Districts and 
towns in the old State were almost depopulated by the 
emigration of a class of hardy yeomanry who desired cheap 
lands and homes of their own. Grand Blanc and adjacent 
towns received a due share of these settlers, among 
whom were Sylvester and Samuel Day, from Genesee 
County ; James Adams, Warren Annable, William Allen, 
Tracy W. Burbank, William Blades, Thomas Beals, Asa 
Bishop, Thomas Barger, Russell Bates, David W. Butts, 
Chauncey Chapin, John J. Carr, William Collins, John M. 
Coe, Alpheus Chapman, Gurdon G. Cook, Ira Dayton, 
Peter De Graff, Anson Dayton, A. L. Ellsworth, William 
Eames, Alonzo Ferris, Russell Forsyth, Zenas Goulding, 
Amos-liallock, Adam C., John A., and James A. Kline, 
brothers; David Lyon, Nathaniel Ladd, Gershom Lewis, 
31 



David M. Lawrence, Robert Pollock, Levi Parsons, Jacob 
Parsons, Marston W. Richards, John Richards, Thomas 
Sheldon, Nathan Watkins, Grant Watkins, Jaiues M. Wil- 
cox, Nicholas Wctit, Joseph P. Wordcn, Nathaniel Wood, 
Gurdon Waterous, Walter Walker, from Monroe County ; 
Henry Ilufl'man, Genesee County; John Burringtoo, Eng- 
land ; Silas D. Halsey, Livingston County; George Rine- 
hart, Ontario; David McNiel, Vermont; and Col. Ed- 
ward Sawyer, from Canandaigua, N. Y. Mr. Sawyer, now 
about ninety-two years of age, resides upon the farm opened 
by Jacob Stevens in 1823. 

Asa W. Darling, from Ontario Co., N. Y., settled in the 
township in 1845; also at about the same time Addison 
Armstrong, Esq., the present postmaster, and senior mem- 
ber of tl»e mercantile firm of Armstrong & Son, Grand 
Blanc; James Greattraek, from Livingston Co., N. Y., 
loc;»tod in the southwestern part of the town in 1847. 

The following alphabetical list embraces the names of all 
the resident tax-payers in the township in 1844: 



Adams, James. 
Allen, William E. 
Allen, ]>avid B. 
Allen, Adin L. 
Annable, John R. 
Abbutt, Jufihua K. 
Abbott, C. 11. 
Urainanl, Kli. 
Bos.":, Julin S. 
Burrington, John. 
Bates, Charles. 
Braiuard, Alvab. 
Braiuard, (lurdon S. 
Brainard, Alfred. 
Brown, Chaimt;ey. 
BardwoM, Joel. 
Bijjelow, Hiram. 
Blades, William. 
Bishup, Julian. 
Bishop, Asa. 
Butts, David W. 
Buller, Moses P. 
Butler, Charles. 
Burbank, Tracy W. 
Chapel, Samuel B. 
Chapel, William. 
Chapman, Alpheus. 
Collins, William. 
Cartwright, Nathan. 
Chapin, Chauncey. 
Curtis, .Samuel. 
Cartwright, Thomas. 
Chapin, Barton B. 
Cook, Gurdon G. 
Dayton, Jonathan. 
Dayton, Ira. 
Dayton, Anson. 
Dickinson, Luther. 
Day, Samuel. 
Day, Sylvester. 
Embury, Caleb. 
Eamcs, William. 
Ecklcy, AVilliam. 
Ferris, Alonzo. 
Fritz, John P. 
Farrar, Pearsons. 
Forsyth, Ilussell. 
Forsyth, Orlando. 
Fritz, Alfred T. 
Ferguson, Cliarles. 
Gofi", Sylvester D. 



Goff, Cbarlcs W. 
Goff, JainQS l^f. 
Gillmau, Dudley. 
Golden, Zenas. 
Gamball, Jo:^cph. 
Giljson, Charles D. W, 
Uempstcad, Riebard B. 
Hamilton, Thomas J. 
llewett, Cyrus. 
Kallock, Amos. 
Uallock, Ilariuon C. 
Ilallock, Alfred. 
Ilcmpsteud^ Jame&. 
lUIsey, Silas D. 
I{all, James. 
Harger, Stephen. 
Ileinpstra<l, Peter. 
J«anings, Elisba 0. 
Johnson, Elbridge N. 
Kennedy, Horace. 
Kennedy, I^wis. 
Kennedy, Alvah. 
Kempfield, Ncfaemiah« 
King, Jimcs. 
Kliae, Adam C. 
King, Arijliam, 
King, John W. 
Kaae, Francis. 
Lewis, Gershom. 
Ladd, Xarhatiiol. 
Lotfden, Thomas. 
Lyon, David. 
Long, Peter. 
Lyon, William H. C. 
Miner, Philo. 
McFarlen, Jt^seph. 
Main, Henry. 
Main, Henry V, 
McNeil, David. 
Owen, Emmaus. 
O'Donahue, James. 
Parsons, Edward. 
Pollock, Major R. 
Pettis, Charles. 
Perry, George E. 
Perry, Rowland B. 
Perry, Edmund. 
Perry, Edmund, Jr. 
Perry, Simeon M. 
Perry, Seymour. 
Piersou, Charles C. 



242 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Phclp?, Gilbert. 
Richards, Maston W. 
Remington, Elihu. 
Remington, Levi. 
Roberts, William. 
Rice, Samuel. 
Remington, John. 
Russell, Nicholas. 
Reed, John. 
Shaw, Abial I.. 
Southworth. Edward. 
Sheldon, Thomas. 
Schram, Isaac. 
Bteiihcns, John. 
Swift, Sclh. 
Smith. Silas. 
Smith, Jeremiah R. 
Sawyer, Edward. 
Smith, Zsir. 
Seaver, Aaron. 
Townsend, Abial. 
Thompson, Phiucas. 



Thompson, Caleb S. 
Tyler. Lewis S. 
Turner, AViiliain. 
Tujiper, Newell. 
Tupper, Ben.ijah. 
Van Valkenburgh, James. 
A'an Tifflin, Peter. 
Woodworth, Amos. 
Williams. Xury. 
Wakefield, Daniel B. 
Wood, John. 
Williams, Othnicl. 
Walker, Walter. 
Watcrous, John H. 
West, Nicholas. 
Wurden, Joseph P. 
Williams, Philander. 
Watkins, (.Jrant. 
Williams, Daniel. 
Watkins, Nathan. 
Watkins, Henry. 



Alexander W. Davis was born in Westerlo, Albany Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 30, 1824. His fatber, Ebenezer Davis, re- 
moved to Levfiston, Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1826, and was 
one of tbe jurors during tbe trial before Judge Marcy of 
the Morgan abductors. In May, 1836, the fanjily began a 
journey to Michigan via Canada to Detroit, thence by the 
Saginaw road to the region now known as Tuscola County, 
then Sanilac County. The place of their settlement was 
in the present township of Tuscola. They brought with 
them from New York a team of horses and two cows, which 
were the first owned in Tuscola County, and they were the 
second family to settle there, Mr. R. L. Hurd's being the 
first. 

In 1844, Alexander W. Davis, the fifth child and fourth 
son of a family of fourteen children, came to Grand Blanc 
and commenced work for Jeremiah R. Smith, remaining 
with him for several years. 

In April, 1847, he enlLsted in Company A, 15th Regi- 
ment United States Infantry, and accompanied the regiment 
to Mexico, serving for a period of eighteen months, or until 
the close of the war. This regiment was commanded by 
Col. George \V. Morgan, and assigned to Gen. Pillow's 
division. In the battle of Churubusco Davis was severely 
wounded. After the close of the war Mr. Davis returned 
to Grand Blanc, married the daughter of Joseph McFarlen, 
bought a farm, and, with the exception of two journeys to 
tbe Pacific coast in 1853 and 1873, has continued his resi- 
dence here to the present time. He represented the First 
District of Genesee County in the State Legislature during 
the session of 1861-62, and has served as a justice of the 
peace for a long term of years. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 
By an act of the Legislative Council of the Territory 
of Michigan, approved March 9, 1833, the township of 
Grand Blanc was formed as follows : "All that district of 
country comprised in townships 5, 6, 7, and 8 north, in 
range 6 east, and townships 6, 7, and 8 north, in range 7 
east, and townships 6 and 7 north, in range 8 east, shall 
form a township by the name of Grand Blanc ; and the 
first township-meeting shall be held at the house of Rufus 
W. Stevens. 



" This act shall be in force on and after the first Mon- 
day of April next." 

The above-described territory included the present town- 
ships of Fenton, Mundy, Flint, Mount Morris, Grand 
Blanc, Burton, Genesee, Atlas, and Davison. 

Its name is French, signifying Great White, and was 
pronounced by the early French as though spelled Gron 
Bhng, and by many of the earlier settlers and Indians as 
Grmihhtw or Gritmhiw. 

Its derivation is unknown to present residents, as the 
locality now known as Grand Blanc village obtained the 
name of Grand Blanc loiig prior to the settlement of 
Jacob Stevens in March, 1823, or of any other English- 
speaking people. 

FIRST TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.* 

The first township-meeting for the election of oflScers 
was held at the house of Rufus W. Stevens, April 1, 1833. 
Jeremiah Riggs, Lyman Stow, and Jeremiah R. Smith 
were chosen as Inspectors of Election, Mr. Riggs served as 
Chairman, and Mr. Stow as Clerk of the Board. 

The officers elected were as follows : 

"Norman Davison, Supervisor; Jeremiah R. .Smith, Township 
Clerk; Rufus W.Stevens, Lyman Stow, Charles Butler, Assessors; 
Norman Davison, Lyman Stow, Jeremiah R. Smith, Justices of the 
Peace; Augustus C. Riggs, Constable and Collector ; John Todd, Ed- 
mond Perry, Jonathan Dayton, Highway Commissioners: Elijah N. 
Davenport, Constable; Loren P. Riggs, Clark Dibble, James W. 
Croak, Trustees of School Lands; Jeremiah Riggs, Jeremiah R. 
Smith, Norman Davison, Commissioners of Schools; David Mather, 
Paul G. Davison, Caleb S. Thompson, School Inspectors ; Edmund 
Perry, Director of the Poor. 

" Oarseerg of Sitjfiicaifa. — District 1, George Oliver; District 2, 
Jonathan Davison; District 3, Norman Davison; District 4, Ira 
Dayton. 

" Votedf not to allow stud-horses to run at large. Voted, to adopt 
the school act of the Territory. T'olerf, that this meeting be adjourned 
to the barn of Rufus W. Stevens, until the first Monday of April 
next. 

(Signcil) " Lyman Stow, 7'uicii Cltrk. 

" Dated at Grand Blane, April 1, 1833." 

At a meeting of the township board, composed of Messrs. 
Rufus W. Stevens, Supervisor, Norman Davison and Ly- 
man Stow, Justices of the Peace, and Caleb S. Thompson, 
Town Clerk, held Sept. 30, 1834, the following accounts 
were presented, examined, and allowed, viz. : 

Lyman Stow S7.50 

a". Park 28.25 

Jeremiah Riggs 6.50 

Alfred Brainard 6.00 

C. S. Thompson 9.75 

E. N. Davenport 14.50 

James W. Cronk 8.25 

Norman Davison 2.00 

Rufus W.Stevens 1.00 

Total $82.75 

* Tbe proceedings of township-meetings, lists of officers elected, 
and various other records, from 1833 to 1848 inclusive, and from 1870 
to 1878 inclusive, have been lost through the carelessness of those 
who in previous years have had the records in charge. It seems as 
though ineflBcient town.ship clerks had conspired to leave a tjrnnd 
blank to the searcher for historical data. The compiler has endea- 
vored, as far as possible, by referring to count}' records and various 
other sources, to fill up the missing links in the civil list. 

The report of the first township-meeting was obtained from the 
files of the iVnlrerine Cilheti, and is from an article contributed by 
Hon. J. R. Smith in 1858. 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



243 



On the 30th of March, 18:^5, the s:ime board of audi- 
tors held a meeting, and examined and allowed the follow- 
ing statement of accounts : 

Norman Davison $2.50 

l-Mmun.l Perrv 11.00 

E. N. Duvonport '.1.75 

Jeremiah K. Smith 7.73 

F. F. Kiggs 1.50 

Jainc^ J. McCormick 7. .50 

Lymau Stow 1. 00 

.Jeremiah Kiggs 4.00 

.T. \V. Cronk 9.75 

William Roberts 2.6.3 

Caleb S. Thompson 2.50 

Itufus W. .Stevens MIO 

Ogdcn Clark 4.00 

James W. Cronk, Clark Dibble, and Loren 1*. 

Riggs, trustees of sehool lands 13.00 

61.88 
Audit of Sept. 30, 183J, brought forward 82.75 

$147.63 

We thus find that the total amount of expenditures for 
township purposes for the year ending Jlarcli ijO, 1835, in 
the territory embraced by the nine towiiiships previously 
mentioned, was S 147.63. 

Jeremiah R. Smith's fees for services as townsliip clerk 
for the year ending April 1, 1834, amounted to Sll. 

The itemized account of Norman Davison, supervisor 
and school commissioner, for the 3'ear ending April 1, 
1834, reads as follows: 

Town of Grand Blanc, 

To Norman Davison, Dr. 

To holding election, 1 diiy $1.00 

" returning votes from said town to county ulerk's 

office, 4 days 4.00 

" services as school commissioner, 1 day 50 

" *' •' axeman on road, i day 50 

" " with town board, 1 day 1.00 

$7.00 

The first board of highway commissioners met April 1, 
1834, and submitted the following report: 

"Amount of days assessed, 224 J, which was returned 6atis6ed by 
the overseers of highways of the several districts. Commutc-money 
not expended, $2.18. We have an opinion that there is no use for 
raising money for the repair of bridges or ro.ads in sairl town. 

"Jobs Tonn, 
" Edmuxi) Perhv, 
"Jonathan Davtos, 
" Dated April I, 1834. Cummissioocrs of Highways." 

EAR-MARKS. 

At an early day, when the flocks and herds of the pio- 
neers roamed at will, and mingled together, it became 
necessary for the owners to have some marks upon them by 
which to distinguish their own from their neighbors'. 
Hence arose the custom of marking the ears of cattle, 
sheep, and swine, and of recording each one's special mark 
in the ofiice of the township clerk. The following list, be- 
sides showing the names of many early settlers, also de- 
scribes their individual mark : 

Norman Davison, square crop off the left ear. 

Paul G. Davison, square crop off the riglit ear. 

O. P. Davison, square crop off the right ear, and slit in 
the same. 

James W. Cronk, swallow fork in the left ear. 

E. N. Davenjiort, swallow fork in the right ear. 

Jeremiah R. Smith, square crop off the left ear, and slit 
Id the same. 



Joseph McFarlen, slit in the left ear. 

John Huller, slit in the under side of the left ear. 

E. R. Ewing, slit in the under side of the right ear. 

Jonathan Davison, slit in both ears. 

Rufus W. Sttivens, g({uare crop and half crop off the left 



ear. 



Ira Dayton, a ha'penny on the under side of the right 
ir. 

Caleb S. Thompson, notch in the under side of the right 
ir. 

Augustus C. Riggs, half crop, the upper side off the left 



Nathaniel Ladd, crop from the back side of the right ear. 

Silas Smith, slit in the right ear, and ha'penny in the 
back side of the left ear. 

John Tupper, half crop off the back side of the left ear. 

J. P. Fritz, square crop off the left ear, and hole in the 
.same. 

Alonzo Ferris, notcli in the under side of the left ear. 

Newell Tupper, crop off the left ear, and swallow fork in 
the right. 

Benjamin Pearsons, square crop off the right ear, and 
slit in the left. 

Edmund Perry, half crop off the under side of the left 
ear. 

William Roberts, square crop off the left ear and slit in 
the right. 

Cyrus Baldwin, square crop off the left ear and slit in the 
under side of the s;ime. 

Simeon M. Perry, half crop off the right ear and slit in 
the left. 

Emmaus Owen, slope crop off the upper side of the left 
ear. 

Luman Beach, hole in the right ear. 

Jonathan Dayton, crop off the left ear and ha'penny in 
the forepart of the right. 

Ebenezer Bishop, half crop from the forepart of the 
right ear. 

Benjamin Kimball, slope crop off the left ear. 

Frederick F. Riggs, notch in the under side of the left 
ear and slit in the .same. 

Chauncey Chapin, slope crop off the upper side of right 
ear. 

Moses P. Butler, swallow fork in left ear and hole in the 
same. 

C. D. W. Gibson, a slit in the right ear. 

Charles Bates, square crop off the left ear. 

Xury Williams, square crop off the right ear. 

Samuel Rice, swallow fork in both ears. 

Benajali Tupper, slit in the under side of right ear. 

Col. Sawyer, half crop in the under side of the right ear 
and swallow fork in the left. 

J. W. King, square crop off the left ear and a slit on the 
under side of the .same. 

Nelson H. Emmons, slit in the left ear. 

James Van Valkeiiburg, notch on the under side of the 
left ear and slit in the same. 

Alfred Brainard, crop off the left ear and half crop off 
tlie under side of same. 

Amos Hallock, crop off the under side of right ear. 



244 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



George E. Pony, crop off the right ear and notch on 
under side of the same. 

Edward Parsons, notch on upper side of left ear, near 
the end. 

Charles Ferguson, a hole through each ear. 

Adin L. Allen, .square crop oflF the right ear and slit in 
same. 

Philander AVilliams, crop off the right ear and a notch in 
the upper side of left. 

Alpheus Chapman, notch on the under side of right ear 
and slit in the left. 

Pliilo Fairchild, half crop under right car and notch 
under the left. 

Parson Farrar, square crop off the right ear and two 
ha'pennies in the left, one above, one below. 

William Eanies, slit in the right ear. 

J. K. Abbott, square crop off both ears. 

Charles C. Piereon, square crop off right, slit in the left. 

David McNiel, notch from the under side of left ear. 

Garrett Freland, square crop off the right ear and two 
half crops from under side of left. 

C. L. Knowlton, square crop off right ear and hole in the 
left. 

Jeremiah Slack, square crop off right ear and hole in 
same. 

Olhniel Williams, square crop off right ear, notch in the 
under side of same, and a slit in the upper side of the same 
ear. 

John W. King, square crop off the right ear. 

Lewis Kennedy, square crop off the left ear. 

James Greattrack, half crop in upper side of the left ear. 

Stephen C. Douglas, notch or ha'penny in the under side 
of the left ear and slit in the same. 

Oreon Seaver, a hole in the right ear. 

Dudley S. Reed, square crop off the left ear and a slit 
in the under side of the same. 

Elisha Taylor, a hole in the left ear. 

Hannah Hallock, slope crop off the right ear, notch on 
under side of the left. 

Tiie following is the manner of entering notices in the 
« Estray-Book :" 

" Came into the inclosure of the subscriber, about the 
1st of November, 1S38, one horse brown, with one white 
hind-foot and white spot in fore hedd, and \yhite streak 
oblike across the nose." 

" Come into the inclosure of Abial L. Shaw, on the eve 
of Saturday, Nov. 25, 1843, two oxen, of good size sup- 
posed to be about ten years old, one of them entirely red, 
with large long horns, the other red, with the exception of 
a .small white spot under tlie belly, and a part of the tail 
is white with the horns sawed off." 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 
List of the principal ofiicers from 1833 to 1879, inclusive, 
except for those years which cannot be tilled by reason of 
the loss of town records, through the carelessness and 
neglect of township clerks : 

SupcrTisora. Towimhip ('lerk». Tri'iiMiircra. 

183;!. Noruuin Divvison. Juriiiiiak U. Siiiitb. No rcuiird. 

1S;!4. Uufus W. Stevens. Ciilib S. Tlii)inpsi>ri. " 

1S;15. Samuel Kice. Augvistu? 0. Iliggs. " 



1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1S44. 
1845. 
1846. 
1S4-. 
184S. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859. 
ISGO. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1S67. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1S7S. 
1879. 



Suiicrvisors. 
Samuel Kiee. 



Tuvneliiii Clerks. 
Augustus 0. Riggs. 

Caleb S. TlKimpson. 



Treasurers. 
No record. 



C. D. W. Gibson. Joi=bua K. Abbott. 



Williiini Blades. 
Jeremiah R. Smith. 
(( >( 

Silas D. Ilalsey. 
Jeremiah R. Smith. 

Julian liifhop. 
.Tereuiiah R. Smith. 
Julian Bishop. 
John Remington. 
Julian Bishop. 
tt 1. 

Jeremiah R. Smith. 
Julian Bisho]). 
Dennis Wolverton. 

John Remington. 

Silas D. Ilalsey. 

H It 

Alfred Hullock. 



Caleb 8. Thompson. 
Joshua K. Ahl)o:t. 



Olhnicl Williams. 



Simeon M. Tyler. 

(i ii 

Ciecro J. K. Stoncr, 
Charles L. Smith. 



Morgan L. Curtis. 
Ciiarles D. Long. 
Jlorgnn L. Cut (is. 



T. Porter McWain. 
John Slack. 
Michael Ferguson. 



Edwin Ilarvcy. 
Jonathan Crapscr. 

tt u 

Oscar C. Beals. 



James Parsons, 
John W. Suell. 
No record. 



Jeremiiili R. Smith. 

tt t( 

Alfred Bruiiiard. 

It II 

Jereraiah K. Smith. 

Silas B. Ilal&ey. 
No record. 

Asnhcl King. 
Nicholas West. 
Thomas Cartwright. 
Silas D. Ilalscy. 
(( ti 

Alexander W. Davis. 

Addison Armstrong. 

Morgan L. Curtis. 
Bcnajah Tupper. 

tt n 

Zerah Curtis. 
(( it 

Thomas Cartwright. 
Elisha O. Jenning?. 
ti it 

Alfred B. Miner. 

li ti 

David P. Halsey. 
(( tt 

tt tt 

No record. 



Daniel E. Salisbury. Addison Armstrong, 
Charles J. Case. " " 

(}. R. Parker. " " 

And. J. Hempstead. ** *' 

Arthur C. MeCall. " " 

" *' ArthVB. Armstrong. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



Jeremiah II. Smith, Thomas Lowden, 1849 j John Remington, 1850; 
Ourdon Waterous, 1851; Charles Butler, 1852; Jeremiah R. 
Smith, 1853; James JI. GofT, 1854; Philander Williams, 1855; 
John Slack, 1856 ; Jeremiah R. Smith, 1857 : James M. Goflf, 
1858: Alfred Ilallock, 1859; David P. Halsey, 1860 ; Jeremiah 
R.Smith, 1861; Gibson B. Shaw, John Slack, 1862; Alfred Ilal- 
lock, Chauncoy S. Marvin, 1863; John Slack, 1864; Alexander 
W. Davis, 1865; Chauncoy S.Marvin, 1S66 ; Alfred Hallock, 
1867; John Slack, 1868; Alexander W. Davis, 1869. No record 
for the years from 1870 to 1873, inclusive. Hugh McCall, .Tohn 
Slack, Dennis Wolverton, 1874, 1875; David J. Mursc, 1876; 
Alexander W. Davis, Joseph P. Cook, 1877; Joseph P.Cook, 
John Slack, 1878. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 

Gurdon G. Cook, John Remington, John Butler, 1841; Gurdon G. 
Cook, Alvah Brainard, Jeremiah R. Smith, 1842 ; (iurdon G. 
Cook, .^Ivah Brainard, 1843; Caleb S. Thompson, Alvah Brain- 
ard, James Van Valkenburg, 1844; Caleb S.Thompson, Xury 
Williams, Ira Dayton, 1845; Othniel Williams, James M. Goff, 
A. L. Ellsworth, 1846; Otbniel Williams, James M. Golf, A. L. 
Ellsworth, 1847; William Eames, James M. Golf, Othniel Wil- 
liams, 1S4S; Arthur L. Ellsworth, Othniel Williams, 1849; 
Joseph McFarlcn, 1850; Alfred Hallaek, 1851 : Xury Williams, 
1853; Alfred HuUock, 1854; Isaac Schram, 1855 ; John Rem- 
ington, 1856; Alfred Hallock, 1857; Isaac Schram, 1858; Rus- 
sell Forsyth, 1859 ; Alvah Brainard, 1860; Isaac Schram, 1861 ; 
Russell Forsyth, IS62: Isa.ac Schram, 1864; Lucius King, 1865; 



fyr 




i V 




GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



245 



Alvali Brainard, ISfifi; Isniic Schriiin, 1867 ; Benjamin Newman, 
1S68; Alvah lirainarcl, 18G9. No records for the years from 
1870 to 1873, inclusive. Jusejih P. Cook, 1874; Alvah Brainard, 
1875-1878. 

CONSTABI,E.S. 

Asahcl King, Lucius King, 1819; Dudley S. Reed, Nicholas West, 
1850; Nicholas West, Dudley S. Reed, 1S5I ; Alanson Burt, Asa- 
hoi Goff, 1853 ; Asahcl (ioff, John Case, 1854; Asel Goff, Lester 
II. Williams, 1855; James A. Rice, Lucius King, 185(); Charles 
A. Baker, Morgan L. Curtis, 1857; Benajah Tupper, Theodore 
J. Wells, George Kline, Asel Goff, 1858; Lucius King, Willard 
J. Lamb, Edward A. Sawyer, Asahel Collins, 1859; William J. 
Lamb, Orville Owens, Asel Goff, Horace Embury, 18C0; John J. 
Case. Asel Goff, ISfil ; Asel Goff, John J. C:u«e, Thos. Sheldon, 1862; 
Benajah Tupper, Lucius King. Orville Owens, 186.'! ; Benjamin 
Newmivn, Asel Goff, William II. Butts. 1664; Alfroil Bushaw, 
Benajah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Robert Barnes, 1S65; Bena- 
jah Tupper, Benjamin Newman, Robert Barnes, 1866 ; Benjamin 
Newman, Benajah Tupper, Henry Kckley, Joseph Wakcman, 
1867 ; Wing C. Eames, Benajah Tupper. Binjamin Newman, Eil- 
ward C. Waterous, ISfiS; Benajah Tupjier, Harrison Williams, 
Benjamin Newman, Daniel D. Howell, 1869. No records for the 
years 1870, 1871, 1ST2, 1873. William B. Evatt, Beuiijali Tapper, 
Benjamin Newman, Wing C. Eames, 1874; Benjamin Newman, 
Daniel D. Howell, Benajah Tupper, George Borden, 1875 ; Daniel 
D. Howell, Benjamin Newman, John Scott, Joseph Taylor, 1S7B; 
George W. Thompson, Arthur McCall, Benjamin Ncwmnn, Joa. 
A. Wakcman, 1877; Arlhur C. McCall, Benjamin Newman, John 
U. Cook, D. Freeman Kline, 1878. 

SCnOOL INSPECTORS. 

Joseph King, 1849; Edward Parsons, 1850; Julian Bishop, 1851; 
Jo.seph King, 1853; Edward Parsons, John Slack, 1854; Levi 
L. Way, 1855; Morgan L. Curtis, 1856; Edward Parsons, 1857; 
Henry C. Fairbank, 1858; Jacob L. Parsons, 1859; Henry C. 
Fairbank, I860; Morgan L. Curtis, 1861; Marcus D. Curtis, 
Henry C. Fairbank, 1862; Jacob L. Parsons, 1863; Henry C. 
Fairbank, 1864 ; Charles J. Cose, .Jacob L. Parsons, 1865 ; Darius 
II. Stone, 1866; Charles J. Case, 1867; Morgan L.Curtis, 1868; 
George R. Parker, 1869. No records for the years 1870, 1871, 
1872, 1873. Edward D. Parsons, 1874; Jesse P. Dewey, 1875; 
Wing C. Eames, 1876; George S. Porter, 1877; Charles J. Case, 
1878. 

The officers elected in April, 1879, were Oscar C. Bcals, 
Supervisor; Arthur C. McCall, Township Clerk; Arthur 
B. Armstrong, Tre;isurcr ; Darwin II. Forsyth, T. Porter 
McWain, Justices of the Peace ; Charles Baker, Jr., School 
Superintendent ; Charles J. Case, School Inspector ; Isaac 
Schraui, Highway Commissioner; George R. Shear, Drain 
Commissioner; Arthur C. McCall, George W. Thomp.son, 
G. F. Campbell, Freeman Kline, Constables. 

VILLAGES. 

The vilhige of Grand Blanc, a station on the line of the 
Flint and Pore Marquette Railw:iy, is situated seven miles 
southeast of the city of Flint. It contains two churches 
(Congregationalist and Methodist Episcopal), two stores of 
general merchandi.se, one drug-store, one agricultural im- 
plement store, one small steam grist-mill, post-office, school- 
house, several small mechanical shops, and about 250 
inliabitants. 

Although it is the point where the Stevenses first settled 
in 1823, is situated on the old Saginaw road, and for many 
years was prominent in the history of Genesee County, its 
growth as a village dates only from the completion of tlic 
railroad in 1804. The post-office — Rufus W. Stevens, 
postmaster — was established in ]S2(i. lie opened his 
house to the public at about the same time. Previous to 



this, and for some years after, he sold goods to the Indians. 
The first regular store was opened by Robert F. Stage and 
Ira D. Wright in October, 1835. 

Thomas Irish and Daniel B. Wakefield were also early 
tavern-keepers here. The bond given by Irish, Jan. 5, 
1835, is herewith appended : 

"You, Thomas Irish, do acknowledge to owe unto the United 
States of America the sum of fifty dollars ; and you, John Todd and 
Pbineas Thompson, do acknowledge to owe unto the United States of 
America the sum of twenty-five dollars each, to bo levied of your 
several goods and chattels, lands and tenements, upon condition that 
whereas the above-bounden Thomas Irish is adniilted to and allowed 
by this township-board to keep a tavern for the space of one year 
next ensuing, and no longer, in the house now occupied by the him, 
the said Irish, in the town of (irand Blank, and no other; now, there- 
fore, if the said Thomas Irish, during the time aforesaid, shall keep 
and maintain good order and rule, and shall suffer no disorder nor 
unlawful games to be used in his house, or in any of the dependencies 
thereof, antl shall not break any of the laws for the regulations of 
taverns, then this recognizance shall be void; otherwise, to remaia 
in full force and effect. This you do severally acknowledge. 

" Thomas Irish. 

" John Toon. 

" PniNKAs TnoMi'Soy. 
"GiiASD Blank, Jan. 5, 1835." 

Whigville, a small village of about 100 inh:ibitants, and 
known at various periods as Dlbhkville, Grand Blanc, and 
Glbsonville, is situated about one and one-half miles north- 
west of Grand Blanc Centre. It contains the church edifice 
of the Baptist Society, a school-house, and a few small shop.s. 
Here was erected the first sawmill in the county, by Row- 
land B. Perry, in 1828. At one jHTiod — during the life- 
time of Mr. C. D. W. Gibson — considerable business was 
done here. Stores, taverns, and busy shops existed. But 
since the completion of the railroad its trade has been trans- 
ferred to the centre. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-house — a small frame building — was 
erected by Edmund Perry, Sr., about 1830. It was sit- 
uated upon his own land, near the banks of a small stream, 
called the Big Run ; and Miss Surah Dayton, sister of 
Jonathan Dayton, taught the first school in this house. 

Mr. Edward Parsons, school inspector, presented the 
following account to the board of town auditors in April, 
1842, which was allowed: 

" The town of Grand Blanc in account with Edward Parson.", as 
school inspector : 
1842. Dr. 

Jan. 26. To visiting schools in the Fnrrar and Perry districts, 

an<I inspecting a teacher $1.00 

Fob. 2. To visiting schools in the Smith and Bailor districts, 

and inspecting a teacher 1.00 

Feb. 9. To visiting school in Gibson district 5U 

Feb. 15. To meeting the inspectors of another town for tho 

purpose of removing Mr. Parker 50 

March 9. To traveling for public money, and attending a meet- 
ing of the board to distribute the same 1.00" 

From the school directors' reports for the year ending 
Oct. 1, 1845, arc taken the following statistics: 

Children between the ages of 4 and 18 years, residing in 
the town.ship, 374 ; under 4 years of age, attending school, 
; over 18 years of age, attending .school, 2(1; attending 
school during the year, 352. Months taught in each dis- 
trict by <iualified teachers, C. Amount received from town- 
ship treasurer, $2;i!t.77 ; rai.sed by taxes in the districts, 
$129.12. Number of whole districts, 7 ; numhcr of frac- 



246 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tional districts, 3. Average amount per month paid 
teachers for winter term, $12 ; average amount per mouth 
paid teachers for summer term, $4. 

Names of teachers employed during the year : District 
No. 1, Joseph King, Emina Wilson ; No. 2, Ann L. 
Thompson ; No. 2,* Lucy Bigelow ; No. 3, Jonatlian Fel- 
lows, Laura King ; No. 4, Laura King, Susan Dickinson ; 
No. 5, Thomas O. Townseud, Mary Webster ; No. 6,* Maria 
Ferris, Jane Smith ; No. 7, C. C. Pierson, Ellen Ferguson ; 
No. 8, Catharine Gorton, Adaline Main ; No. 8,* Eliza 
Perry. 

School Directors District 1, Adam C. Kline; No. 2, 

J. K. Abbott ; No. 2,* Edmund llix ; No. 3, James 
O'Donoughue ; No. 4, C. C. Pierson ; No. 5, Alvah Brain- 
ard ; No. 6,* A. L. Ellsworth ; No. 7, James Hall ; No. 8, 
William Roberts; No. 8,* Samuel Wiuship. 

SCHOOL STATISTICS 1878. 

Whole districts, 6 ; fractional, 4. Children of school 
age residing in township, 420 ; attending school during 
the year, 381. Frame school-houses in township, 9 ; brick, 
1. Seating capacity of all the school-houses, 555. Value 
of school property, ?tJ450. Male teachers employed during 
the year, 10 ; female, 12. Months taught by male teach- 
ers, 45 ; by female, 37. Paid male teachers, $1227.10 ; 
paid female teachers, 6588.90 ; total, $1816. 

Receipts for the year I'roni moneys on hand, Sept. 3, 1877, 
two-mill tax, primary school-fund, district taxes for all pur- 
poses, and raised from all other sources, $2614.10. 

Expenditures. — Paid teachers, $1816; paid i'or build- 
ing and repairs, $141.80; paid on bonded indebtedness, 
$22.59 ; paid for all other purposes, $242.80 ; amount 
on hand, Sept. 2, 1878, $390.91 ; total, $2614.10. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
Previous to the organization of any religious society in 
this township, the early settlers had been visited at irregular 
intervals by Elders Benedict and Gambell, Baptist preach- 
ei-s, and Rev. I. W. Ruggles, a Presbyterian minister from 
Pontiac. Meetings were held in the small log school-house 
in the Perry settlement, and frequently in the dwelling- 
houses of the inhabitants. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This society was organized June 1, 1833, with 26 con- 
stituent members, as follows : Daniel Williams, Alfred 
Brainard, John Tupper, Newell Tupper, Alden Tupper, 
Harrison Tupper, Alexander K. Tupper, Jason D. Austin, 
Philo Miner, John P. Fritz, Robert T. Winchell, Philander 
Williams, Betsey Tupper, Hannah Tupper, Isabella Tupper, 

Aseneth Brainard, Sarah Brainard, Miner, Susanna 

Fritz, Electa Williams, Sophronia Straw, Almira Phelps, 
Lovina Gilbert, Lovina Williams, Sarah Perry, and Eunice 
Austin. 

At the first meeting it was voted " that Brother Alfred 
Brainard copy the articles of faitli and government, and 
take our minutes for this day. That Brothers Williams, 
Winchell, and Brainard be a committee to request brethren 
from the Association to meet in council, and present us be- 

* Fractional districts. 



fore said council for fellowship." Deaoon Daniel Williams 
was chairman and Alfred Brainard clerk of this meeting. 

At a covenant-meeting, held Oct. 5, 1833, it was voted 
"that $21.25 be paid Elder Benedict for preaching, and 
that the clerk give Elder Benedict a writing expressing 
our satisfaction with his labors and faithfulness, and request- 
ing his appointment as a missionary for another year, and 
request him to forward the same to the committee of the 
American Baptist Home Mission Society." 

Eli Gilbert was received by baptism Aug. 4, 1833, and 
Mrs. Phelps by letter the same day. Other admissions 
during the year 1833 were Amasa Short, Thomas A. Frilz, 
Lester Williams, John Richards, and Riioda Richards. In 
1834, Mr. Cheney and wife, Julia Ann Remington, Hannah 
Van Tifflin, and Joseph and Sarah Gambell. 

Those received during 1835 were Norris Thorp, E. N. 
Johnson, Esther Allen, Deborah A. Allen, Aseneth Rem- 
ington, Dudley Brainard, Perry Lamb, Mary Lamb, and 
Phebe Thorp. In 1836, Barton B. Cliapin, Caroline Ciia- 
pin, David Lyon, Eunice Lyon, Edwin Lyon, Jonathan G. 
Firman, Marilla Firman, David Gregory, Abigail Gregory, 
Elihu Remington, Charles Goff, Parmela GoflF, Julia Ann 
Watkins, Electa Stiles, Laura Tupper, and Amanda Watkins. 
In 1837, Margaret Williams, Anna Goff, Hopkins Allen, 
Mrs. M. Johnson, Nancy Snapp, Eliza King, Alvah Bishop, 
and Electa Bishop. In 1838, Elijah Jordan, Betsey Jordan, 
Laranthia Bigelow, David Allen, Sophia Allen, and Alsina 
Parker. 

The pastors of the society since Elder Benedict have suc- 
ceeded each other as follows : Elder Joseph Gambell, 1834, 
who remained two years. July 12, 1836, it was voted 
'•that Dudley Brainard preach when we have no other 
preaching." Rev. Elijah Jordan came in January, 1838; 
J. A. Keyes, 1839. May 24, 1839, Dudley Brainard was 
given a letter " to preach the Gospel wherever God, in His 
providence, may cast his lot." Revs. R. D. Pierce, 1840 ; 
Samuel Jones, 1842 ; Daniel Delano, 1844 ; Joseph Gam- 
bell, 1845 ; Nelson Eastwood, 1849; T. H. Facer, 1851 ; 
C. Deland, 1853; Israel Fay, 1855; A. H. Cole, 1856; 
Israel C. Atherton, 1859; C. Johnson, 1864; Harley Mi- 
ner, 1866; M. Mulcahy, 1809; P. Olney, 1871; S. T. 
Grow, 1871 ; R. J. Lobb, 1872 ; 0. B. Smith and C. H. 
Richardson, as supplies ; B. D. Miller, 1875 ; Samuel 
Needham, 1875 ; George Sharp, 1876 ; Edgar Randall, 
present pastor, April, 1879. 

The present church edifice was commenced in 1849 and 
completed in 1851. It is situated in the small village of 
Whigville, and has sittings for about 200 people. It was 
dedicated May 21, 1851 ; sermon by Rev. T. H. Facer; 
text, Matthew 0,10, — "Thy Kingdom Come;" dedicatory 
prayer by Rev. Joseph Gambell. In February, 1874, 25 
members obtained letters of dismission to form the Mundy 
Baptist Church. Present membership, 78. Scholars in 
Sabbath-school, 66. Mrs. Hannah Tupper, superinten- 
dent. 

nilST CONGREGATIONAL CH'JRCH. 

On the 13th day of July, 1833, a number of professed 

Christians "met at the house of Deacon Josiah Owen, in 

Grand Blanc, for the purpose of uniting together in the 

fellowship and communion of a church. Rev. Isaac W. 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



247 



Riiggles, a missionary of the American Home Missionary 
Society, was present, and served as moderator. Alter a 
season of prayer, those present gave a relation of tlieir expe- 
rience. Letters from the churches from whence tliey 
came were tlien read, and those prcs-ent, viz., Josiali Owen, 
Susan Oweu, Cyrus Baldwin, Charles Butler, John Butler, 
Sarah P. Butler, Emmaus Owen, Cynthia Maria Owen, 
Aimira Smith, Cornelia Smith, and Sarah Ann Butler, then 
entered into covenant to walk together as a church in all 
the ordinances of the gospel. They resolved to take Con- 
gregationalism as the rule of church government. At this 
meeting Josiah Owen and Cyrus Baldwin were chosen 
deacons, and articles of faith adopted. 

Samuel Rice represented the society at the meeting of 
the Detroit Presbytery, Feb. 10, 1835. 

The first meetings were held in the log house and barn 
of Deacon Josiah Owen, then in the Butler school-house, 
and still later in the Smith school-house, where they were 
continued until their present church edifice was completed. 
Until 1836 the society had no regular pastor, the pulpit 
being supplied occasionally by Revs. John Beach, Isaac 
W. Ruggles, John Dudley, and Iliratn Miller. George 
Hornell, their first regular pastor, began preaching one-half 
the time in 183G. He was followed by Philander Bates, 
in 1838; Ebenezer McDowell, 1841 ; Ira Dunning, 1841 ; 
Joseph W. Smith, 1842; George King, 1844; Chauncey 
Osborn, 1846; George Winters, 1853; Alonzo Sanderson, 
1862; Samuel Breed, 1867; John V. Hickniott, 1869; 
William Woodmansee, 1874; Lewis P. Frost, 1876; and 
Alfred T. Waterman, the present pastor, in 1878. 

Other early members who joined the society were, in 
1834, Samuel Rice, Abigail Rice, Susan Baldwin, Julia 
A. Webster, Samuel C. Baldwin, Edwin Baldwin, Sarah 
M. Baldwin, Moses P. Butler, Eliza Butler, Moses A. 
Buell ; in 1835, Maria Brigham, Abigail Owen, Andrew 
Slack, Sarah Slack ; in 1836, Henry Le Roy, Lucy Le Roy, 
Edward Parsons, Ann Butler; in 1838, Sophia Dayton; 
in 1839, Silas Smith, John Burrington, James Rice, Eliza 
A. Boss, Elizabeth Burrington, Grace Burrington, Sophia 
Coy, Sophia Rice, Jane Elsefer, Emelinc Davison, Rebecca 
Brown, Helen Brown, Silas D. Halsey, David W. Law- 
rence, Ann Lawrence, Gurdon G. Cook, Wealthy Cook, 
Margaret A. Cook, Gavin McCoy, Mary McCoy, Susan 
McCoy, and Harriet McCoy. 

The first board of trustees was elected in 1836, and was 
composed of Samuel Rice, John Butler, and Jeremiah R. 
Smith. 

The church edifice was dedicated Sept. 12, 1855, and 
ecst $2600. It has sittings for 300 people, and is situated 
in the village of Grand Blanc. 

Present membership, 64. Scholars attending Sabbath- 
BcliQol, 86. G. Russell Parker, superintendent. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This organization, probably the first class in Methodism 
instituted in the territory now known as Genesee County, 
like a large majority of those of this denomination, has no 
written hi.story or records of the past that are available. 
It is stated that the first cla.'js was formed in the school- 
liousc at Gibsonville, by Rev. Oscar North, in the year 



1835, the first members being William Blades, Charlotte 
Blades, Thomas Cartwright, Catherine Cartwright, Daniel 
Nobles, and Susan Nobles. 

The school-house in Gibsonville was used for a place of 
worship until 1854, when a church edifice situated in the 
village of Grand Blanc was completed at a cost of about 
$2000. A parsonage was erected at the same time, which 
cost about $1000. The trustees in 1854 were Adam C. 
Kline, Jay Adams, Arthur Ellsworth, Edwin Ellsworth, 
and Abial L. Shaw. George Smith, presiding elder. G. 
N. Belknap, pastor in charge. 

The pastors of the society since 1851 are the same as 
those of the Burton Methodist Episcopal Church, both being 
in the same charge, viz.. Revs. Mr. Blades, Bradley, Lee, 
Belknap, Cawthorne, Crane, Allen, Frazcr, Sutton, Crip- 
pen, Seelye, Crippen, Joslin, Shore, Mosher, Whitmore, 
Brown, Westlake, Hicks, Hamilton, and Gage, present 
pastor. Present membership, 40. Joseph Taylor, super- 
intendent of Sabbath-school. 

We desire to return our thanks to Hon. Alexander 
W. Davis, Joseph McFarlen, Caleb S. Thompson, Newell 
Tupper, John P. Fritz, Adam C. Kline, Edward Parsons, 
J. C. Wolverton, AddLson Armstrong, E. A. Sawyer, Ar- 
thur C. McCall, Mrs. C. D. W. Gibson, Mrs. Phineas 
Thompson, Mrs. E. N. Johnson, and others, for much val- 
uable information. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SIMEON M. PERRY. 

The oldest living male settler in Genesee County is 
Simeon M. Perry. He was born in Schenectady, N. Y., 
Sept. 22, 1804. His father, Edmund Perry, was the sec- 
ond settler in the county, and located the second farm in 
the county. Edmund Perry purcha.sed of the government 
in 1824 two lots of land, and in March, 1825, settled 
thereon with his flimily. This was in what was then called 
Grumlaw, now Grand Blanc. 

Simeon M., his sister, and a cousin (Thompson) came 
West with Edmund Perry in March, 1825. The father 
and sister returned to New York, while Simeon and his 
cousin remained on the farm, and kept bachelor's hall until 
the return of the Aimily in the fall. He remained with his 
father eight years, helping him clear up the new farm. On 
the 3d day of December, 1830, he bought of the govern- 
ment the west half of the northwest quarter of section 14, 
in Grand Blanc, and in 1839 the southwest quarter of the 
southwest quarter of section 11, in the same town. In 
1834 he built a small frame house on his "eighty," and 
moved into it. He had prior to this occupied a log house 
near where Seymour Perry's house now stands. In that 
log house Mi,ss Isabel Perry, the first white child born in 
the county, first saw the light of day. 

Simeon Perry is a man possessed of a strong constitution, 
and has been a great worker. He hiis helped to clear two 
hundred acres of land, — part of it being the farm where he 
now resides, the balance the farms owned by his father. 



248 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



He has seen, as a pioneer settler, many hardships, and has 
been subjected to exposures which have caused liini many 
hours of pain. In the first year of his residence in the 
county his father's stock ran at large, and, in searching for 
them through the marshes and swamps, ho was often wet 
to the skin for hours at a time. Often the cattle would 
wander miles away, causing him all-day tramps to find 




been entirely hel[)less and dependent upon the care of his 
daughter Isabel, who is devoting herself with filial care 
to his every want. Mr. Perry was formerly a Democrat, 
casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. On the organ- 
ization of the Republican party he joined it, and has since 
been a member of the same, although he has never solicited 
or held oflBce. He has been a member of the Baptist 




SIMEON »I. PERRY. 

them. He relates an instance, when he had been looking 
for them all day, with nothing to eat, and had got some ten 
miles away from home, suddenly he came upon an Indian 
seated at a fire partaking of a muskrat-stew. The Indian 
invited Mr. Perry to eat, which he gladly did, and he now 
declares food never tasted better than did that stew. In 
1865 he was prostrated by disease, which was brought on 
by his hardships and exposures, and for five years he has 



MRS. SIMEON M. PERRY. 

Church for thirty-five years. On the 19th day of March, 
1828, he married Miss Sarah Cartwright, daughter of 
Thomas and Lsabel Cartwright, who was born March 17, 
1806, and died Sept. 17, 1875. The result of this union 
was six children, — Isabel C, born May 13, 1829 ; Emily 
A., born July 26, 1831 ; Joseph and Mary, born March 7, 
1833; Mary E., born Aug. 31, 1837; and Esther, born 
Nov. 22, 18.10. 



GURDON G. COOK. 

The ancestors of Mr. Cook were among the early Eng- 
lish settlei's of New England. Deacon Gurdon W. Cook 
was a native of Connecticut, and in 1805 removed with his 
family to Western New York, and settled at Lima, Livings- 
ton Co. He reared a family of four sons and four daughters, 
of whom Gurdon G. was the .second .son. He was born at 
the old home in Connecticut on the 7th day of June, 1802. 

He was reared on the farm, and at the age of seventeen 
went to learn the trade of a tanner ; he followed that occu- 
pation at Avon and Bethany for several years, during which 
time he became acquainted with Miss Wealthy Pierson, 
daughter of Jo.scph and Sarah Pierson, old settlers of Avon. 
They were united in marriage, Feb. 15, 1827. After his 
marriage he continued the same business until 1834, when 
he took charge of and managed the farm of his father-in- 
law. In the spring of 1836 he made a trip to Michigan 
in quest of a home : he selected and purchased of the gov- 
ernment two hundred and forty acres of land in the present 
township of Grand Blanc, Genesee Co., about ten miles 
south of the city of Flint. lie then returned to New York, 



settled up his business, and in the fall of the same year re- 
moved with his family to their new home in the wilds of 
Michigan. The family moved into their new log hou.se in 
the following February. Then followed the usual routine of 
chopping, logging, clearing off the timber, and all the other 
hard work, hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, 
together with anxieties and fears of wolves and Indians on 
the part of the mother, for the first year or two. But in a 
few years the Indians and wild animals disappeared, and 
were replaced by settlers and neighbors ; and, under the 
sturdy stroke of the pioneer axe, the forest had given place 
to fields of waving grain. The adventurous family, who a 
few years before had braved all the discomforts and dangers 
of settlei-s in the wilderness, had fully realized all that their 
hopes and anticipations had pictured to them of a comforta- 
ble home with peace and plenty smiling around them. 

Mr. Cook was a man of genuine piety, and an honored 
member of the Congregational Church for upwards of forty 
years. For the last fourteen years of his life he was blind, 
the result of an accident in early life and subsequent in- 
flammation ; but under this terrible affliction he always 



GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP. 



249 



iiiaintiiineJ a elieerful and hopeful spirit, and continued to 
nianage liis farm and business with all his accustomed pre- 
cision and sagacity. In 1853 he made an addition of 
eighty acres to liis farm, so that at his death, which oc- 
curred Oct. 6, 1800, it consisted of three hundred and 
twenty acres. Ho left to his bereaved widow and children 
a comfortable foitune and an unblemi.shed character. 

Mrs. Wealthy Cook, his widow, comes of a long line of 
honored ancestors. The Pierson family is also of English 
origin, and embraces some of the earliest settlers of New 
England. 

Ephraim, the grandfather of Mrs. Cook, lived and died 
in Connecticut. He left a family often children, — six sons 
and four daughters. Joseph, the fifth son, was born at the 
old Connecticut home, and while a young man went to 
Albany, N. Y., where he was married to Sarah Watrous. 
He first settled on a fiirm in Albany County, but in a few 
years he removed to Livingston County, bought a farm, and 
settled at Avon. He reared a family of tbi'eo sons and six 
daughters, of whom Mrs. Cook was the si.xth child. She 
was born at Avon, Dec. 26, 1801 ; was reared on a farm, 
and in the pure atmosphere of farm life, along with its 
duties, habits, and toils, she acquired a strong and vigorous 
constitution, and a knowledge and experience which in 
afler-years were of great value to her husband and children. 
She resides at the old home in Grand Blanc, tranquil and 
happy, enjoying a ripe old age in the society of her chil- 
dren and time-honored friends. She and her deceased hus- 
band are the parents of four children, named Joseph P., Sa- 
rah M., Henry H., and Ellen A., all of whom are living. 
Joseph is married to Julia H. Slaght and has six children ; 
he resides on a part of the old home-farm, and is a man of 
much consideration and influence in his locality. Sarah is 
unmarried, and resides with her mother at the old home. 
Henry is married to Sarah D. Parker, and has four chil- 
dren ; he also owns and resides on a part of the old home- 
farm. Ellen is the wife of Andrew J. Cronk, and resides 
on their farm in the town of Burton ; they have two chil- 
dren. On another page may be found a view of the home 
of this old pioneer couple. 



MICHAEL FERGUSON 
was a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., and born on the 31st 
day of March, 1815. He was left an orphan at ten years 
of age, and found a home with his uncle, Charles Ferguson, 
with whom he resided until he was twenty-one. He ob- 
tained a good education, and also learned the trade of 
wagon-making, which business he followed at Fort Plain, 
N. Y., until 1834, when he came to the Territory of Michi- 
gan, and purchased eighty acres of government land in 
Shiawassee County. He remained with his uncle in Grand 
Blanc two years, when he returned to New York, and 
became engaged on the Erie Canal, first as an ordinary 
" hand," afterwards as captain of a boat, and Snally as con- 
tractor. He continued in that business some ten years, 
when he engaged in the commission business, which he 
followed for ten or twelve years. 

In 18G0, on the first day of January, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Margaret S. Hager, of Fort Plain, N. Y. 
32 



In 1SG.5 he removed to Michigan and settled on a farm of 
one hundred acres in the township of Grand Blanc, where 
he remained until his death, which occurred on the 18th 
day of November, 1874. He was the father of five chil- 
dren, named as follows: Everett, George 11., Annie E., 
Edward E., and Joseph M., all of whom are living except 
the first named. 

Sir. Ferguson was a man of groat influence and consid- 
eration among his fellow-townsmen, who manifested their 
confidence by repeatedly electing him to positions of respon- 
sibility. He served his town for three years as supervisor, 
a position he held at the time of his death. In politics he 
was a Democrat of the old school. He was a man of pure 
life and morals. He was an honored member of the 
Masonic fraternity, and whether as apprentice, master, or 
companion, was always known and regarded by the craft 
as that highest type of a Mason, an honest man. 

His widow still resides on the home-farm, and is at this 
time (1879) the wife of John Bloom, to whom she was 
married on the 12th day of October, 1876. On another 
page may be seen a fine view of the home of the family. 



CALEB S. THOMPSON, 

of whom this brief sketch is written, was born in North- 
bury, Worcester Co., Mass., April 23, 1805. His father, 
who was a tanner and currier by trade, moved into Oneida 
Co., N. Y., when Caleb was five years old, and followed 
his trade and also farming. In 1816 he moved to Avon, 
N. Y. Here Caleb grew to manhood, and although lie 
went only to a common school, he acquired more than an 
average education. He was a great student, and having 
free access to the library of Dr. Little, he made good use 
of it and stored his mind with much useful knowledge. 

On the 30th day of May, 1829, he, in company with 
Jonathan Dayton and Caleb Embury] started for Grand 
Blanc (then called Grumlaw), in Genesee Co., Mich., going 
by canal-boat from Rochester to Buffiilo, and thence to 
Detroit by the steamer " William Penn." From Detroit to 
Grumlaw they went by team. There they found the Riggs, 
Stevens, Spencer, and Perry families. At that date Gene- 
see County contained but forty-seven inhabitants. Soon 
after his arrival he bought of the government the east half 
of the northwest cjuartcr of section 23, in Grand Blanc, 
and subsequently the west half of the northwest quarter 
of the same section. On this tract he settled and com- 
menced its improvement. The next fall he returned to 
New York, and taught .school through the winter, having 
previously taught, — an employment which had given him 
his start in life. In February, 1830, he again came West, 
this time with his own conveyance, — an ox-team, — going 
through Canada. The following summer he cleared and 
sowed sixteen acres, and the next season harvested one 
hundred and sixty bu.shels of wheat ; from that time he 
considered starvation out of the question. During the 
next six years he so added to his farm that he owned four 
hundred acres of land, two hundred and ten acres of which 
he had plowed and three hundred acres fenced. He had 
six hundred bushels of wheat, and owed no man. From 



250 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



this time on lie continued to improve his farm, each year 
adding to his wealth and to his reputation as a successful 
business man. In 1856 the subject of a plank-road from 
Holly to Grand Blanc was being agitated, and finally be- 
came a fixed fact through the entei'prise and energy of Mr. 
Thomp.son, who took the contract of building the road ; he 
did build it, although he lost many thousands of dollars by 
so doing. But what was his loss was the people's gain, as 
the road was the means of finally securing to Grand Blanc 




active services of one of its most enterprising and public- 
spirited citizens, and Mr. Thompson of the pleasure to be 
derived from an active and successful career. Still he bears 
his sad lot with patience, watched over and cared for by an 
afiectionate and faithful wife and a loving daughter. 

On the 4th day of February, 1832, he married Miss 
Clarinda Perry. Their union was blessed with the follow- 
ing children : Susan, born Dee. 4, 1834, and Rush, born 
April 4, 1836. Mrs. Thompson died June 4, 1840. For 



CALEB S. THOMPSON. 




MRS. CALEB S. THOMPSON. 



a railroad, which has been of incalculable value to not only 
its people, but to those of Holly and the surrounding coun- 
try. Mr. Tiiompson's loss in this enterprise resulted prin- 
cipally from his inability to manage the affairs of the road 
personally, by reason of his being stricken down with the 
rheumatism, which finally resulted in his becoming a help- 
less invalid. For more than twenty years he has not been 
able to get out of his chair or turn over in bed without 
assistance. This great affliction deprived the county of the 



his second wife Mr. Thompson married. May 9, 1848, Miss 
Ermina C. Wilson, who was born March 5, 1824. There has 
been born to them one daughter, Clara C.,boni April 9, 1849. 
In politics Mr. Thompson was first a Wiiig and later a 
Republican ; he has always taken great interest in political 
matters, and was an active worker before his sickness. He 
has held most of the township ofiices : was clerk for twenty 
years, and for a considerable period held the office of 
deputy sherifi'. 




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ATLAS. 



The township of Atlas, known in the United States sur- 
vey as township No. C north, range No. 8 east, is situ- 
ated in the southeast corner of the county. Its boundaries 
on the north and west are the respective town.ships of Davi- 
son and Grand Blanc, in this county, while Lapeer County 
lies upon the east and Oakland County on the south border. 

The surface is rolliiip;, and, in a state of nature, was quite 
heavily timbered in the north part. The southern portion 
consisted generally of rose-willow and hazel-brush openings. 
The .soil — a sandy loam — is of an excellent quality, and in 
the quantity and excellence of its products Atlas takes a 
front rank among Genesee County townships. 

Its water-courses are the Thread and Kearsley Rivers. 
The former takes its rise in Oakland County, and flows in 
a northwest course across the southwestern corner of the 
township. The latter stream also finds its source in Oak- 
land County, and, entering the township from the southeast, 
receives as a tributary the outlet of Lake Neshinaguac, 
flows on in a northwesterly direction through the central 
part of the town, and leaves it from the north border of 
section 4. In its passage the Kearsley affords excellent 
water-power privileges, which have been in use at the vil- 
lages of Goodrich and Davisonville since the first settlement 
of the township. 

Neshinaguac Lake, with an area of about 160 acres, lies 
in the central part of section 27. The mill-ponds on the 
Kearsley formed by the dams at Goodrich and Davisonville 
each cover an expanse of about 100 acres. Other small 
bodies of water are situated upon section 3. 

Numerous springs, several of whose waters are impreg- 
nated with iron, exist in all portions of the territory de- 
scribed, and as a whole the township is well watered and 
drained. The people are successfully engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits, their farms are in an advanced state of cul- 
tivation, and neat, tasteful residences and outbuildings 
abound on every .side. The population in 1S74 was 131(). 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

Asa Farrar, the first settler in this township, was a 
brother of Pearson Farrar, who settled in Grand Blanc 
during the year 1830. They came from Monroe Co., 
N. Y., and it is very probable that they made the journey 
to Michigan in company. Pearson settled upon section 
12, in Grand Blanc, while A.sa located his lot upon section 
18, in this township. They were upon adjoining .sections, 
and in the eastern part of the settlement, then known as 
G rum law. 

Asa purcliased tlie west part of the northwest q\iartcr 
of section 18, Sept. 2, 1830. Me then biiiitalogliou.se, 
and became a permanent resident duritig the latter part of 
the same year. The first birtii and the first marriages in 



the township occurred in his family. His son Nelson was 
born in the latter part of 1833, and his daughters, Eveline 
and Almira, were married to the brothers Roswell and 
Daniel Holcomb, respectively, in the spring of 1834. 
Norman Davison, then justice of the peace for Grand Blanc 
township, performed the marriage ceremony. 

Judge Norman Davison and family, the second to settle 
here, came from Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y. He visited 
the township in the summer of 1831, purchased land situ- 
ated upon section 8 in July of the same year, and soon 
afler erected a two-story frame house upon the same, the 
lumber being obtained from Rowland B. Perry's mill. He 
then returned to New York, and brought out his family 
the same fall. His family consisted of his wife, Huldah ; 
sons, Paul G., Oliver P., Dewitt C, Benjamin F. ; and 
daughters, Sylvia, Jane A., and Maryette. The two elder 
sons, viz., Paul and Oliver, accompanied their father on his 
first journey, and remained here chopping and clearing, 
while he returned for the remaining part of the family. 

At this time Michigan was a dense and almost unbroken 
wilderness. Here on the banks of Kearsley Creek this 
healthy, resolute, and indomitable family pitched their 
abode, beneath the shadows of a stately forest, and on the 
spot where now stands the village of Davisonville. A saw- 
mill was erected in 1833, followed by a grist-mill in 1836. 
Well do the early travelers in this region remember being 
directed over long and weary miles by Indian trails and 
marked trees to Davison's Mills. The first township-meet- 
ing was held at these mills in April, 1836, and here the 
first post-office was established. Judge Davison's commis- 
sion as postmaster was dated March 13, 1837, and signed 
by Amos Kendall, postmaster-general. He was a member 
of the convention that met in Detroit the second Monday 
in May, 1835, to frame the first State constitution; the 
first supervisor of the old town of Grand Blanc, in 1833; 
and at an early day, when Atlas formed a portion of La- 
peer County, was one of the judges of the latter county. 

When Congress proposed to settle the " Toledo war" by 
surrendering a portion of the State to Ohio and Indiana in 
exchange for the Upper Penin.sula, Judge Davison was one 
of the delegates who assen)bled at Ann Arbor. He held 
various other offices, in the discharge of the duties of which 
he gave general .satisfaction, and secured the respect and 
esteem of a wide circle of friends and associates. 

John and Aaron Brigham, brothers, came from Lewis 
Co., N. Y. They purchased land situated upon section 5, 
Dec. 13, 1833, and immediately jiut uji a small log house, 
where they kept bachelor's hall for a period of eleven weeks. 
In 1836 they removed to Hadley, Lajieer Co., where both 
at present reside. Mr. Aaron Brigham is (|uite certain 
that at the time of his settlement in tlii.s township the 

251 



252 



HISTOKY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



only families then here were those of Asa Farrar and 
Judge Davison. 

During tlie summer of 1834, Nchemiah S. Burpee, from 
Livingston Co., N. Y., settled upon section 18, and in the 
fall of the same year Samuel Lason, from Rush, Monroe 
Co., N. Y., settled upon the same section. Both of them 
had been residents of Grand Blanc since 1830. 

The settlers of 1835 wore Alexander Lobban and his 
son James Lobban, upon section 5 ; James McCraith, and 
his two sons ; Ezra K. Paschall, from Ontario Co., N. Y. ; 
Noah Owen, and his son William, from Niagara Co., 
N. Y. ; Joseph R. Johnson, and his son Joseph, from Craw- 
ford Co., Pa. ; James G. Horton ; Talfurd and Daniel 
Powell ; Lewis Mentor. 

In September, 1835, the brothers Jloses and Enos Good- 
rich came from Clarence, Erie Co , N. Y., and purchased 
of the general government more than 1000 acres of land, 
situated upon different sections in the central part of the 
township. Tliey built a small log hou.se on section 20, 
and then returned to their home in Clarence. In Feb- 
ruary, 1836, accompanied by their mother and brothers, 
Reuben, Levi W., John S., and several other members of 
the family, they again journeyed to the wilds of Michigan. 
The father, Levi H. Goodrich, a native of Hampshire Co , 
Mass., joined his family here in the fall of the same year. 
He was supervisor of the town of Clarence at that time, 
and delayed his departure lor Michigan until after the fall 
meeting of the Board of Supervisors of Erie Co., N. Y. 

From the period of their settlement in Atlas township to 
the present time the name of Goodrich has been inseparably 
interwoven with all its social, commercial, and political his- 
tory. They founded mills, a village, and stores, and opened 
to cultivation wide fields of the finest lands found in this 
portion of the State. 

Moses Goodrich, the elder brother, still resides upon the 
fine farm which was included in the purchase of 1835. 
Surrounded by an affectionate family, and all the comforts 
which an honorable, industrious life so surely entails, he 
bids fair to remain a pioneer, a link connecting the present 
with the past, for many years. 

In the fall of 184G Enos Goodrich was elected to repre- 
sent this constituency in the lower house of the State Leg- 
islature. The session of 1847 which followed, was mem- 
orable for being the last held in Detroit. Mr. Goodrich 
took an active and conspicuous part in the struggle which 
ensued for the removal of the State capital to Lansing, and 
in 1852 was sent to Lansing to represent this county in the 
State Senate. Afler a long and eventful career in the vil- 
lage and township which he assisted to found, he removed, 
a few years since, to Watertown, Tuscola Co., where he at 
present resides. Although he has arrived at the age when 
most men relinquish the cares and burdens of an active life, 
we find him, with mind unimpaired and physically strong, 
still battling successfully with life and its duties. His 
brother Reuben, who for so many years was associated 
with him in business in the village of Goodrich, is now a 
resident of Traverse City, Mich. John S. was a successful 
attorney, and attended at the opening of the first courts 
estiiblished in this county. He died early. 

Aarou Goodrich, another brother, who came here later 



than other members of his family, removed to Tenne.s.see at 
an early day, where he was admitted to the bar, and prac- 
ticed successfully for several years. He was, though a Whig, 
elected to the Legislature of that State in a Democratic 
district, beating the since notorious traitor, Isham G. 
Harris. This was in 1847, 1848. During the latter year 
he was elected a Presidential elector on the Whig ticket. 
In March, 1849, he was appointed by President Taylor 
Chief-Justice of Minnesota, and took up his residence in 
St. Paul. He held the first term of court in Ramsey and 
other counties ; was one of the corporators of the Historical 
Society in 1849, a charter member of the first Masonic 
lodge in St. Paul and of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. 
He resumed the practice of law in 185 1. In the early days 
of the Republican party he was one of its most ready and 
effective campaign speakers, and drew up the first Repub- 
lican platform adopted in Minnesota. 'In 1858 he was a 
member of the convention to prepare a code of pleadings 
and practice, and submitted a report of marked ability. He 
was a member of the Republican National Convention at 
Chicago in 18G0, which resulted in the nomination of 
Abraham Lincoln, though be labored for William H. 
Seward. Through the friendship of that statesman he was 
appointed secretary of legation at Brussels in 1801, which 
position he held eight years. Returning to St. Paul in 
18G9, he agaiu resumed the practice of his profession, de- 
voting his leisure moments to writing a work entitled " A 
History of the Character and Achievements of the so-called 
Christopher Columbus," wherein he opposes the claim of 
Columbus being the discoverer of America, or of his name 
being Christopher Columbus. In 1872 he was a member 
of the convention which nominated for the presidency 
Horace Greeley, although voting constantly for Judge Davis, 
of Illinois. He resides at the present time in St. Paul, Minn. 

During the year 183G many other families took up their 
residence here. Among them were Daniel and Manley 
Swears (brothers), Hiram Fillmore (a cousin of President 
Fillmore), Albert Demaree and his sons David, Cornelius, 
Jacob, and Garrett, Daniel Swears, Sr., James Black, James 
Kipp, all from Erie Co., N. Y. ; Peter Lane, from Ontario 
Co., N. Y. ; John Mancoar, from New York City ; James 
Burden, from Essex Co., N. Y. ; Jacob and Thomas Vantine, 
John Hosier, from Erie Co., N. Y. ; William Carpenter, 
Niagara Co., N. Y. ; Joseph Russell, Hiram Husted, from 
Genesee Co., N. Y. ; John L. McNiel, from Chittenden Co., 
Yt. ; Jacob Thomas and Levi Preston, from Cattaraugus 
Co., N. Y.; Lewis Cummings, from Erie Co., N. Y. \ 

John L. McNiel, a descendant of a sterling family of 
patriots, who participated with the colonists in the French- 
and-Indian wars, also in the Revolutionary struggle, was 
born in Charlotte, Chittenden Co., Vt. At the age of 
twenty-one years he began working for his father, at the 
rate of $5 per month. He afterwards became proprietor 
of the hotel-stand in Charlotte, a property which had 
been retained in his family since 1790. Here, by good 
management and a close attention to all the details of his 
business, he succeeded in accumulating a few hundred 
dollars, which he determined to invest in Western lands. 
Accordingly, in the spring of 1S3G, with a horse-team and 
wagon, and some few neces.'-ary articles, he began a journey 



ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



253 



CI 

>1 



via SaratogJi, Johnstown, Sclicncctiid)', Uticii, Syracuse, and 
the usual route to Buffalo ; thence by the lake to Detroit. 
It was his inrention to stop at Toledo, and locate lands in 
Northern Ohio, or Southern Michigan. But the captain of 
the steamer for some re;ison would not make a landing at 
the latter city, and young McNicl, with others, came on to 
Detroit, lie then vi.sited Davisonvilie, and .soon after pur- 
chased the north half of .section 1 1. Returning to Detroit, 
lie horse-team was sold, and a yoke of Ohio steers sub- 
stituted in their stead. 

After building a shanty, some six feet sfjuare, which 
stood near his present barn, he began cutting down the 
forest, and cleaved a few acres of its primeval growth. 
His neighbors were two or three miles distant in either 
direction, wolves hovered about him each night, and as the 
Fourth of July came on, being of a social nature, he fully 
realized his lonely and uncomfortable position, especially as 
his mind wandered buck to the good old patriotic State of 
Vermont, and he viewed in thought the noisy celebration of 
the nation's birthday by his former friends and associates. 
Our young pioneer tiien determined to abandon the pur- 
suits of a life in the backwoods and return to the haunts of 
civilization. After placing his house in order and closing 
all modes of ingress, he proceeded to Judge Davison's resi- 
dence, and acquainted him with his determination. Judge 
Davison was an intensely practical man, a thorough pio- 
neer, and soon pointed out to young McNiol the benefits 
surely to arise by a continued, undeviating course in the 
path he had already marked out here. Judge Davison's 
counsels finally prevailed, coupled with the attractions of 
his daughter Sylvia, who was marned to Mr. McNiel in the 
fall of 1837. Mr. McNiel recalls the fact that he walked 
sixteen miles — to Lapeer — to obtain the marriage certificate. 
His brother, Charles McNiel, settled in the township in the 
fall of 1836, and another brother, David, in Grand Blanc, 
a few years later. John L. McNiel has occupied many 
prominent official positions in the gift of his political friends, 
which is mnie particularly referred to in an accompanying 
biographical sketch. 

Among the settlers of 1837 were Dr. Cyrus Baldwin, 
from Grand Blanc, the first resident physician ; Lewis Van 
Cleve; his .son, Lewis, Jr. ; Samuel Winsliip; Elias Ilocka- 
fellow, the first blacksmith and iron-fouiuler in the town- 
ship ; Fitch 11. Tracy, the first merchant; Samuel Walker, 
John K. Pearsons, from Canada ; William Goodrich, Moses 
Wisncr,* and Michael Bowers, — all from Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
Other settlers who became residents at about this time, 
or in years very soon thereafter, were Bradley Carlwright 
and Freeman Coolage, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; John Van- 
tine, Erie Co., N. Y. ; Julius Barnes, who settled upon 
section 2; Amos H. Fisk, from Genesee Co., N. Y. ; Ste- 
phen Horton, William Surryhne, Moses Frost, William 
lloberts, Joseph Tyler, Edward Fortune, Albert Vantine, 
Charles Vantine, Jonathan Frost, Ephraim S. Frost, Ralph 
C. Atkins, Albert J. Bates, Ira G. Hootnn, Peter Vantine, 
Paul Li.seomb, James Vantine, .John Perritt, Mathew P. 
Thomas, Jacob II. Howe, Lsaac Carmer, Elijah Carmer, 
Oliver Palmer, who established the first woolen and cloth- 

^ .Vrtcrwanlrt Governor of Miulii;;iiii. 



dressing works at Davisonvilie, Nathaniel Fairchild, Clark 
Hutehins, Hiram Masfield, and Marliu Davison, brother of 
Norman Davison. 

Many of these men, whose names have been but briefly 
mentioned, possessed an unwritten history which, if told 
in all its details, would rival the works of the most imagi- 
native author. But deaths and removals leave a blank 
which one who seeks to reproduce /ads cannot fill. 
Their places are now filled by others. The wilderness 
with which they once battled has given place to cultivated 
fields. Agriculture now spreads out its fields and lawns 
where the Indian pursued his game. Turnpikes and rail- 
roads are substituted for deer-paths and Indian trails, and 
the hum of the spindle and scream of the locomotive have 
taken the place of the yell of the panther and howl of the 
wolf. 

The following table gives the resident taxpayers in 1844, 
also the sections upon which taxes were assessed . 



Adams, Ebcr, 7, 8, 9. 
limpec, Ncheiniiih S., 18. 
Hnt,.'.S .Mbert J., .■!2. 
liurdi-n, .h.lin, 18, 19. 
Hurt, John C. 
Bird, John. 
Buzzcll, John, S. 
IJarnes, Julius, 2, 3. 
Bates, Ira, y>\. 
Blackall, William, 13. 
liuzzcll, Robert, :!1. 
Burden, James, 19. 
Blair, James, 22. 
Barnum, Charles M., 14. 
Brannock, Lyman II., 14, 
Britton, John, S.*), 36. 
Baldwin, Cyrus, 35, 
Blaek, Henry. 
Britton, William, 35. 
Britton, John (3d). 
Beardsley, F. D., 22. 
Barney, Daniel !>., 8, 10. 
Berry, Nathaniel M., 10. 
Brigham, John, 19, 22, 23. 
Carpenter, \Villiani, 21. 
Chadbourn, John, 7. 
Campbell, Charles S., 8. 
Coolage, Freeman, 14. 
Cummings, Lewis, 3. 
Carmer, Elijah, 30. 
Case, David, 8. 
Caldwell, James, 7. 
Davison, Marlin, 17. 
Davison, Paul 0., 8, 9, 22. 
Davison, D. C, 9. 

Dcmaree, David, 20, 27. 

Dcmaree, (Jarrett. 

Dancer, Elias, 27. 

Farj-ar, Asa, 18. 

Freneh, .Joseph L. 

Frost, Moses, 6. 

Frost, Jonathan, 24. 

Frost, Ephraim, 2.'!, 24. 

Fairchild, Nathaniel, 15. 

lioodrieh, Reuben, 22, 23. 

(joodrich, Enos, 22. 

(ioodrich, Miises, 15, 29. 

Ooodrich, John S., 15, 21, 22. 

Goodrich, Levi W., 9, 17,20, 21, 
22, 27, 28. 

Goodrich, L. II., 29. 

Grow, Slillinan '!'., 24. 



tiriiUey, Barton, 17. 
llorloll, Ira J., 32, 33. 
IIoHinan, Henry, 1.3, IS. 
Hutehins, Clark, 18. 
lloleomb, Dani<d, 17. 
IlartHcll, Daniel, 1. 
Ilartwell, Daniel V., 1. 
Ilurd, Lovell, 25, 30. 
Hasler, George, 25, 30. 
liortou, James G., 32. 
IIuul, Elias, 32. 
Hammell, Barney, 8. 
Harding, Daniel, 18. 
Huleomh, Evaline, 0, 
ILirton, Stephen, 5. 
Husted, Hiram, 25. 
Johnson, .Iosej)h R., 32. 
Johnson, Jonius P., 30. 
Knowlcs, Robert, 8. 
Kipp, James, 26, 35. 
Kline, John A., 6. 
Lobban, William, 5. 
Larabee, Samuel, 10. 
Lason, Samuel, 18. 
Lane, Peter, 23, 24, 26. 
Lane, David. 
Lobban, James, 4, 5. 
Liscomb, Paul, 34. 
Ijobban, Alexander, 8. 
McNiel, John L., 2, 11. 
McNiel, Charles, 1, 2. 
Maneour, John, 20. 
Mitchell, George C, 27, 34. 
Manning, Lyman H. 
McCrailh, James, 5. 
Norris, Jacob, 33. 
Owen, Noah, 31. 
Owen, William, 31. 
Owen, George, 32. 
Oldlield, Aaron, 8. 
Preston, Levi, 10. 
Pearsons, John K., 12. 
Pearsons, Joseph, 1. 
Preston, Roswell, 9, 10. 
Powell, Talfonl, 31. 
Powell, Daniel, 28. 
Parshall, E/.ra K., 10, 32. 
Portor, Alanson H., 28, 34. 
Pixley, Theron, 24, 25. 
Palmer, Oliver P. A Co. (grist- 
mill), 8. 
Kockafellow, Elias, 8. 



251 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



A 



tJpdegraff, George, 15. 
Vanline, .lames, 35, .36. 
Vantinc, John, 2, 8, 15, 22, 28, 

33. 
Vantine, J.TCob, 26. 
Vantine, Charles, 26, 27. 
Vantine, Thomas, 33. 
Vantine, John T. 
Vantine, Peter, 33. 
Vantine, Albert, 8, 17. 
Van Cleve, Lewis, 23. 
Williams, L., 10. 
Walker, Samuel, 2. 
AVright, George, 5. 
Wilson, Samuel, 7, 34. 
Winship, Samuel, 18. 
Woodworth, Abial A., S. 
Withee, John, 13, 14. 



Rinchart, George, 6. 
Rhodes, John, 27. 
Russell, .Toscph, 34. 
Rogers, William, 14. 
Reecc, Andrew, 34. 
Sanford, Ilcnry C, 19. 
Smith, George M. C, 13. 
Swears, Manly, 26. 
Swears, Daniel, 26, 35, 36. 
Stephens, David, 21. 
Simons, Simeon, 34. 
Surrjhnc, William, 5. 
Swift, Albert, 19. 
Thomas, Jacob, 2, 11, 14. 
Thomas, Malhew P., 14. 
Titsworth, George, 26, 27, 
Titsworth, Jacob, 15. 
Thompson, Henry M., S. 
Tracy, Fitch R., S. 

Proiuinent among the early physicians of Genesee County 
was Dr. Elbridge G. Gale. He was born at Warwick, 
Franklin Co., "Mass!, "KF. 2, 1811, and removed with his 
parents to Shorcham, Addison Co., Vt., in 1818, where he 
acquired a common-school education. He commenced 
teaching school at the age of sixteen, — teaching each win- 
ter and working at farming during the summer seasons. 
He afterwards attended three or four terms at the Newton 
Academy, in Shoreham. He studied medicine with Dr. 
Hill, of Shoreham, Vt., and graduated from the Vermont 
Medical College, at Castleton, Vt., in 1834. 

In April, 1835, he married Mary Rich, of Shoreham, 
Vt., and immediately removed to Niagara Co., N. Y., where 
he commenced the practice of his profession, and remained 
there until November, 1844, when he, with his family, re- 
moved to Atlas, Genesee Co., Mich., where he continued 
the practice of his profession until 1851. The members of 
his family who came to Michigan with him were his wife, 
Mary R. Gale, and son, Adrian R. Gale. Ilis wife died in 
June, 1863, at Shoreham, Vt., while on a visit to her 
native place, and her funeral sermon was preached by the 
same minister who married her, nearly thirty years before. 

Elbridge G. Gale was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of Michigan in 1850, a member of the lower 
liou.se of the Legislature in 1853, and a member of the 
State Senate in 1861. He was appointed surgeon of the 
Provost Board of the Sixth District of Michigan in 1863, 
and held the same office to the close of the war. He was 
also . collector of internal revenue for the Sixth District 
for two years. His mother, who is descended from the 
Sargents and Washburnes of Massachusetts, i.s now living 
at Atlas, in the ninety-third year of her age. Dr. Gale, 
although owning property in Atlas, resides in Vermont at 
the present time. 

LAND-ENTRIES. 

The first entry for land in this township was made by 
Asa Farrar, who, on the 2d day of September, 1830, pur- 
chased the west part of the northwest quarter of section 
18. The next by Norman Davison, who bought the north- 
east quarter of section 8, July 23, 1831. Hiram Ford 
purchased the east one-half of the southeast quarter of 
section 5, Oct. 26, 1831. George P. Moi-se the northwest 
part of northwest fractional quarter. May 2, 1833. Norman 
Herrick the east part of .southwest (puirter of section 7, 



May 10, 1833. Nehemiah S. Burpee, northwest quarter 
of southwest quarter of section 18, June 5, 1833. Aaron 
and John Brigham the west half of southeast quarter, 
northeast quarter and southwest quarter of section 5, Dec. 
13, 1833. 

The names of those who purchased from the government 
lands situated in this township are embraced in the follow- 
ing list. The figures indicating years show the date of the 
first purchase upon each section. 

1833, section 1 : George P. Morse, Alonzo Davis, John 
Vantine, Oliver E. Maltby, Amon W. Langdon, Robert 
H. Stone, Schuyler V. Brown. 

1836, section 2 : John Thompson, Duncan McKenzie, 
John Vantine, John Dancer, Daniel Mcintosh, Julius 
Barnes, Jacob Thomas. 

1836, section 3: John Thompson, Amos H. Fisk, Lewis 
Cummins, Thomas Sweet, Abel Scelye, William J. King. 

1835, section 4: Alexander Lobban, Francis G. IMacy, 
Robert Thompson, Horace B. Harrison. 

1831, section 5: Robert Thompson, Hiram Ford, Aaron 
Brigham, John Brigham, James McCrath, Alexander Lob- 
ban, Stephen Hortou, Huldah Davison, William Surryhne, 
James Lobban, Elijah W. Jones. 

1836, section 6 : Fitch R. Tracy, Irsr Davenport, Moses 
Frost. 

1833, section 7: Norman Herrick, John L. Carr, Wil- 
liam Roberts, David Bardo, Nathaniel Ewers, Joseph Char- 
tres, Joseph Tyler, Ira Davenport, Edward Fortune. 

1831, section 8 : Norman Davison, Oliver P. Davison, 
Albert Vantine, Celemma Bates, Sylvia Davison, Paul G. 
Davison. 

1833, section 9 ; Norman Davison, Alpheus Gould, Sam- 
uel Bassett, Levi Preston, Paul G. Davison, Phineas 
Thompson, Francis G. Macy. 

1836, section 10 : Levi Preston, Ezra K. Parshall, 
Lewis Cummiugs, Charles Vantine. 

1836, section 11 : John M. Winegar, John L. McNiel, 
John Lawton, Jacob Thomas. 

1836, section 12: Thomas Wiard, Jr., John K. Pear- 
sons, David N. Clark, Seth Beckwith, Calvin Carter. 

1836, section 13 : William Goodrich, Moses Wisner, 
Michael Bowers. 

1836, section 14: Moses Wisner, Bradley Cartwright, 
Jacob Thomas, Freeman Coolage. 

1836, section 15: Levi H. Goodrich, Moses Goodrich, 
Nathaniel Fairchild, Hiram Fillmore, Francis G. Macy. 

Section 16: School lands. 

1835, section 17: Moses Goodrich, Albert Vantine, 
William Dancer, William Carpenter, John Vantine, Tru- 
man Andrus, Francis G. Macy. 

1830, section 18: Asa Farrar, Nehemiah S. Burpee, 
Samuel Lason, Samuel C. Robinson, Pearson Burpee, Saml. 
Winsbip, Clark Hutchins, Hiram Maxfield (land-warrant). 

1833, section 19: James Buidon, Augustus McDcrmott, 
Levi H. Goodrich, John M. Winegar, Clark Sanford. 

1834, section 20 : John Mancour, Moses Goodrich, Enos 
Goodrich. 

1836, .section 21 : Levi W. Goodrich, William Carpenter, 
Francis G. JMacy, Aaron Goodrich, John S. Goodrich, Ed- 
ward Fortune. 





7J 
C/5 



a: 
z 



o 

O 
> 




ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



255 



1835, section 22: Levi H. Goodrich, Enos Goodrich, 
James McCrath, Ira Davenport, Smith Titus, Paul G. 
Davison, Levi Preston, Eliza S. Goodrich, Clinda Fay, 
Francis G. Macy. 

1835, section 23: David Demaree, Ephraim S. Frost, 
Smith Titus, Poter Lane, James Kipp. 

1836, section 24: Ephraim S. Frost, Peter Lane, Jona- 
than Frost. 

183G, section 25 : Ira Davenport, E. Stone, A. B. Mer- 
rill, M. P. Thomas, Aaron D. P. Sackett, Hiram Husted, 
Peter Lane, Moses Wisner. 

1835, section 26: David Dcuiareo, Daniel Swears, Man- 
ley Swears, Jacob Vantine, James Kipp, Charles Vantinc, 
Ira Davenport. 

1835, section 27: David Demaree, Charles Vantinc, 
Ralph C. Atkins, Francis G. Macy. 

1835, section 28 : Enos Goodrich, Albert Demaree, John 
Vantine, Charles Vantine, Eliza S. Goodrich, Francis G. 
Macy. 

1835, section 29 : Levi W. Goodrich, John S. Goodrich, 
Aaron Goodrich, Francis G. Macy. 

1836, section 30 : Charles Ilobson, Nelson McCarty, 
Phioeas Thompson, Edmund Perry, Jr., Francis G. Macy. 

1833, section 31 : Noah Owen, Wallace Godfrey, Fran- 
cis G. Macy, Gerard Fitch, William Owen, Charles Hol- 
ton. 

1834, section 32 : Ezra K. Parshall, Samuel T. Horton, 
Joseph R. Johnson, Albert J. Bates, Iluldah Bates, llos- 
wcll IIa.sford, Ira J. Horton, Daniel Powell. 

1834, section 33: Samuel T. Horton, John Vantine, 
Peter Vantine, Charles Vantine, Joseph Jennings, Jr., 
Roswell Hasford. 

1836, section 34: Hiram Fillmore, Harriet Conly, John 
Hassler, Paul Liscomb, Caleb Mills. 

1836, section 35 : James Vantine, James Kipp, Stephen 
York, Daniel Swear.s, Jr., John Perritt, Cyrus Baldwin. 

1836, section 36 : James Vantine, Ira Davenport, 
Matthew P. Thom;is, Jacob H. Hoover, Julia A. Webster, 
Isaac Carmer. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

By an act of the State Legislature approved March 23, 
183G, Atlas township was formed as follows: "All that 
portion of the county of Lapeer designated by the United 
States survey as township six, north of range number eight 
cast, and the south half of township number seven, north 
of range number eight east, be and the same is hereby set 
off and organized into a separate township by the name of 
Atlas, and the first township-meeting therein shall be held 
at ' Davison's Mills,' in said town.ship." 

That portion which is now included in Davison township, 
viz., the south half of township seven, north of the same 
range, was set off to the former township in 1840. 

By an act of the Legislature approved March 9, 1843, 
Atlas, with other townships, viz., Davison, Richfield, and 
Forest, was detached from Lapeer and annexed to Genesee 
County. 

At the first township-meeting held in the township of 
Atlas, on the 4th day of April, A.D., 183G, Moses Good- 
rich was chosen moderator, and Ezra K. Parshall clerk of 



the day. There were 22 voters present, and the election for 
townshi]) officers resulted as follows : 

"Ezra K. Parshall, Supervisor ; Norman Davisnn, Township Clerk; 
John IJrighain, .\sa Karrar, James G. Horton, Assessors : James 
Lobban, Collector; Moses Gooilrieh, Aaron Brigham, Directors of 
the Poor; Moses Goodrich, Paul G. Davison, Asa Farrar, Com- 
missioners of Highways; James Lobban. Constable ; Oliver P. 
Davison, Levi W. Goodrich, Ezra K. Parshall, School Commia- 
eionurs for three years ; Norman Davison, Ezra K. Parshall, 
Moses Goodrich, Alexander Lobban, Justices of the Peace : Moses 
Goodrich, Oliver P. Davison, Alc.vaader Lobban, Samuel Lason, 
Fenco-Viewers ; Norman Davison, Pound-Keeper ; Road District 
No. 1 : Oliver P. Davison, Overseer ; Road District No. 2 : John 
Brigham, Overseer; Road District No. .3 ; Samuel Lason, Over- 
seer: Koad District No. 4 : Moses Goodrich, Overseer: Ezra K. 
Parsh:ill, Oliver P. Davison, James G. Horton, Paul G. Davison, 
Levi W. (looilrich, School Inspectors. 
" y^otatf That all fences be built of logs, poles, rails, and boards, 
and to be five feet high, and the spaces between the logs, jiole*, rails, 
or boards shall not exceed four inches, until it rises two feet abovo the 
ground, to constitute a lawful fence. 

" I'ofci/, That ten dollars be raised on tho taxable property of this 
township for tho purpose of purchasing blank books and stationery 
for the use of said township. 

*' Voted, That tho next annual township-meeting be held at Davi- 
son's Mills, in said township. 

(Signed) "MosK.s Goonnicii, jl/oi/fiuroi-. 
"EziiA K. Parshall, Gterk. 
" Norman Davison, Jiiatice of the Peace." 

The following is a list of the jurors selected May 4, 
1839 : Daniel Hart well, Elias Iloekafellow, Oliver P. Davi- 
son, Moses Frost, Ira Bates, Ezra K. Parshall, James G. 
Horton, James Kipp, John Vantine, Lewis Mantor, Jacob 
H. Hoover, Charles Vantine, William Cai-peiiter, Levi 
Preston, Charles McNiel, Jr., John K. Pearsons, Neho- 
miah S. Burpee, Marlin Davison, Lewis Cummings, Ira J. 
Horton, A. A. Woodworth, Roswell Holoomb, John L. 
McNiel, Aaron Oldfield. 

The following wore chosen as jurors for 1840 : Ralph C. 
Atkins, John Anderson, Julius Barnes, Bradley Cartwright, 
Elias Dancer, Jonathan Frost, Nathaniel Fairchild, Enos 
Goodrich, Joseph Russell, Fitch R. Tracy, William Thomas, 
Jacob Thomas, Albert Vantine, John Chadbourn, Hiram 
Fillmore, Ephraim Frost, John S. Goodrich, Henry Hoff- 
man, Daniel Harding, Peter Lane, James Lobban, William 
Owen, William Surryhne, Manley Swears, James Vantinc, 
Lewis Van Cleve, Jr. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 

The principal township officers from 1836 to 1879, in- 
clusive, are as follows : 

Supervisors. Township Clerks. Collectors. 

IS.'Jfi. Ezra K. Parshall. Norman Davison. James Lobban. 

1837. Enos Goodrich. Thomas Wilkes.® " " 

18:',S. Ezra K. Parshall. F. R. Tracy. " " 









Treasurers. 


1839. 


James ^Cipp. 


tt tt 


Elias Kockafellow.f 


1840. 


(( it 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1841. 


u tt 


it tt 


tt tt 


1842. 


Fitch R. Tracy. 


James Lobban. 


ti it 


1843. 


« n 


tt t( 


a n 


1844. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


it It 


1S45. 


James Kipp. 


Fitch U. Tracy, 


Reuben Goodrich. 


1846. 


tt tf 


D. C. Davison. 


(( It 



* Eliai! Rockafollovr olootod in Novombor, 1337, to fill vacancy. 
f First treasurer. 



256 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





Siipervis-^rs. 


Township Clerks. 


1847. 


James Kipp. 


E. G. Gale. 


1S48. 


" 


ft tt 


1849. 


Ueorge Kipp. 


tt tt 


1850. 


(( it 


" " 


1851. 


it ti 


" " 


1852. 


tt (( 


George C. Bidwell. 


1853. 


Elbridge G. Gale. 


Jesse Cram. 


1854. 


George Kipp. 


Wm. H. Putnam. 


1855. 


(t i< 


Wm. L. Barnum. 


1856. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1S57. 


tt u 


John Algoe. 


1858. 


William H. Putnam. Fred. G. Bailey. 


1859. 


Hiram Adams. 


D. C. Davison. 


1860. 


Elbridge G. Gale. 


Oscar H. Gallup. 


1861. 


" " 


tt tt 


1862. 


tc tt 


Jesse Eeles. 


1863. 


George Kipp. 


tt tt 


1864. 


tt It 


Wm. W. Lockwood 


1865. 


It tt 


Isa,ac P. Iloberts. 


1866. 


Elbridge G. Gale. 


Calvin Hyde. 


1867. 


Thom;is Mathews 


A. W. Mattice. 


1868. 


It tt 


Jesse Eeles. 


1869. 


tt tt 


tt tt 


1870. 


Wm. n. Putnam, 


Jr.David M. Scrivcr. 


1871. 


u tt 


Eqos U. Goodrich. 


1872. 


Jacob Bedtelyon. 


A. W. Mattice. 


1873. 


tt tt 


F. C. Delano. 


1874. 


Wm. H. Putnam, 


Jr. " 


1875. 


Ja£ob Bedtelyon. 


Amos Dalby. 


1876. 


tt It 


It tt 


1877. 


tt tt 


it It 


1878. 


Wm. n. Putnam, 


Jr. " 


1879. 


Adrian P. Gale. 


ti tt 



Collectors. 
Reuben Gootlrich. 



(leorge Owen. 
Reuben Goodrich. 

Fitch R. Tracy. 
it ti 

Jacob H. Hoover. 
Elias Rockafellow. 
Jesse Eeles. 
Myron Bunnell. 
Jacob Vantine. 
B. Vantine. 



Daniel AV. Campbell. 
Calvin Hyde. 
tt tt 

Calvin Bunnell. 
Jamcf> R. Kipp. 



Isaac V. Roberts. 
Jacob H. Frost. 

(( ti 

Joseph Goodrich. 

(( a 

H. E. Rockafellow. 



Addison Bavis. 
Samuel Spicer. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

Norman Davison, Ezra K. Parshall, Moses Goodrich, Alexander Lob- 
b.-»n, 1836: James Kipp, 1837: &vmuel Wiuship, 1S3S: James 
G. llovton, 1S.!9; Fitch E. Tracy, 1840: James Kipp, 1841 ; John 
L. McNiel, 1842; Elias Rockafellow, 1843; Levi H. Goodrich, 
1844; .James Vantine, 1845: John L. JIcNiel, Alanson L. Bar- 
num, 1846: Elias Rockafellow, 1847; George Kipp, 1848: Jesse 
Eeles, 1849; Charles Kipp, 1850; Alvah Bentlcy, 1851 ; James 
Kipp, 1852; Jesse Cram, John Vantine, 1853; Junius Sanford, 
David Royce, Levi Preston, 1854 ; Jesse Eeles, Ezra M. Crosby, 
1855; William H. Putnam, Richard C. Satterlee, George Kipp, 
1856 ; B. E. Rust, 1857 : Jesse Eeles, David Royce, 1858 ; Francis 
King, 1859: George Kipp, 1S60; Levi Gillett, Myron Bunnell, 
. Horace C. Tuttle, 1861; Bradley Cartwright, 1862; Horace C. 
Tuttle, Daniel L. Hartwell, 1863; Jacob C. Rose, Isaac P. Rob- 
erts, 1864; Levi Gillett, AVilliam Owen, 1865; Thomas Mathews, 
George Kipp, Samuel Larahee, 1866; Harrison Withee, 1867; 
John M. Withee, Samuel Larabee, 1868 ; Thomas Mathews, 1869- 
70 : Samuel Larabee, Jacob Bedtelyon, 1871 ; William H. Putnam, 
Jr., 1872; Isaac P. Roberts, .\drian P. Gale, J.ames R. Kipp, 
1873; Hezekiah R. Dewey, 1874; Adrian P. Gale, 1875; Roswell 
Preston, 1S76; Henry W. Brown, 1877; William H. Putnam, 
Jr., 1878; Adrian P. Gale, 1879. 

ASSESSORS. 

John Brigham, Asa Farrar, James G. Ilorton, 1836: John Vantine, 
John L. McNiel, Peter Lane, 1837: John Vantine, John L. Mc- 
Niel, Samuel Winship, 1S3S; John Vantine, James Lobb.an, Lewis 
Mantor, 1839 ; John Vantine, Daniel Hartwell, .John S. Goodrich, 
1840 ; James G. Horton, D.aniel Hartwell, Daniel Harding, 1841. 
The supervisors have done the assessing since the latter date. 

COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS. 

Moses Goodrich, Paul 6. Davison, Asa Farrar, 1S36; John Hosier, 
Talford Powell, Moses Frost, 1837; Charles Vantine, John K. 
Pearsons, Asa Farrar, 183S; Ira Bales, John K. Pearsons, Arial 
A. Woodworth, 1S39; Ira Bates, Elias Dancer, Levi Preston, 
1840; Ira Bates, James Vantine, Charles McNicl, Jr., 1841; 
Charles McNiel, Jr., James Vantine, William Owen, 1842; Ira 



Bates, Charles McXiel, Jr., James Vantine, 1843 ; Charles Mc- 
Niel, Ira Bates, Arial A. Woodworth, 1844; George 0. Mitchell, 
Paul G. Davison, Charles McNiel, Jr.^ 1845; William Owen, 
George C. Mitchell, Charles McNicl, 1846; Bradley Cartwright, 
William Owen, Samuel Wilson, 1847 ; John Vantine, Bradley 
Cartwright, William Owen, 1848; Phineas Thompson, 1849; 
Daniel D. Barney, 1850; George Hosier, 1851; John Vantine, 
1852; Reuben Goodrich, 1853; James Hamilton, 1854; John 
Vantine, 1855; Barney Hammell, 1856; Jonathan Frost, 1857; 
Ira B. Gale, 1S58 ; William Owen, 1859 ; B.irney ILammell, 1850 ; 
Ira B. Gale, 1861; Roswell Preston, 1862: William L. Palmer, 
1863 ; Ira B. Gale, 1864 ; Jacob Bedtelyon, 1865 ; Roswell Pres- 
ton. 1866; Jonathan Frost, 1867; Jacob Bedtelyon, 1868; Henry 
C. Sanford, Orrin R. Strong, Roswell Preston, 1869; Philip 
Jlothcrsill, 1870: Orrin Strong, Elijah A. Rockafellow, 1871; 
Jeremiah Marvin, 1872; Calvin Hyde, E. A. Rockafellow, 1873- 
74: James R. Kipp, 1875; George Campbell, 1876-77; James 
Mancour, 1878; Robert T. Rockafellow, 1879. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

Oliver P. Davison. Levi W. Goodrich, Ezra K. Parshall, 1830: Cyrus 
Baldwin, Paul G. Davison, John S. Goodrich, 1837 ; Moses AVis- 
ner, Paul G. Davison, F. R. Tracy. 1838; Paul G. Davison, F. 
R. Tracy, Samuel C. Baldwin, 1839; Ezra K. P.'vrshall, John S. 
Goodrich, Paul G. Davison, 1840; Paul G. Davison, Ezra K. 
Parshall, James Lobban, 1841; Samuel C. Baldwin, Paul G. 
Davison, Fitch R. Tracy, 1842; Paul G. Davison, Henry C. San- 
ford, 1843; Albert L. Barnes, 1844; Paul G. Davison, 1845; 
William J. Lusk, 1846; George Kipp, Paul G.Davison, 1847; 
George Kipp, Paul G. Davison, 1848: Alvah Bentlcy, 1849; A. 
L. Barnes, 1850 ; Jasper Bcntley, 1851 ; A. L. Barnes, Samuel C. 
Baldwin, 1S52; Samuel C. Baldwin, 1853: Albert L. Barnes, 
James O'Donahue, 1854 ; Samuel H. Morris, 1855 ; Francis King, 
Wm. J. Lusk, 1856; Rich.ard C. Satterlee, 1857 ; Myron Bunnell, 
Wm. J. Lusk, 1858; Horace C. Tuttle, 1859; Ira Tuttle, Henry 
C. Crane, 1860; Myron Bunnell, 1801; Oscar H. Gallup, Wil- 
liam H. Putn.am, Jr., 1862; John K. Dunn, 1863; Oscar H. 
Gallup, 1864-65; Horace Dunning, 1865; Thomas Mathews, 
Horace H. Dunning, 1866-67; Thomas Mathews, 1868; Geo. 
Kipp, Philip Mothersill, 1869; Philip Mothersill, 1870; James 
R. Kipp, 1871; Daniel W. Campbell, 1872; Henry L. Hawes, 
James R. Kipp, 1873 ; Wm. Carpenter, Jr., 1874; C. I. Horton, 
1875-76; George H. Cummings, 1877-78; Calvin Bunnell, 1879. 

CONSTABLES. 

James Lobban, 1836; George Hosier, James Lobban, 1837; George 
Hosier, James Lobban, 1838; George Hosier, Roswell Preston, 
1839; George Hosier, Roswell Preston, 1840 ; John Britton (3d), 
Roswell Preston. 1841 ; George Hosier, John Vantine, 1842 : Wil- 
liam S. Farrar, John Britton (3d), George Hosier, 1843; George 
Hosier, David Case, 1844 ; Barney Hammell, George Hosier, 1845 ; 
George Hosier, Barney Hammell, Austin Macumber, Eber Adams, 
1846 : George Owen, L. H. Brannock, 1847 ; John 0. Rockafellow, 
Jesse Eeles, 1848; John C. Rockafellow, Luman G. Husted, 1849; 
Austin Macumber, 0. Owen, 1850; Henry H. Sheldon, Austin 
Macumber, 1851; Samuel Larabee, John Buzzell, 1852: Simeon 
H. Hart, Austin Macumber, 1853; Samuel Larabee, Barney 
Hammell, 1854; Samuel Larabee, Lowell Roberts, 1855; Samuel 
Larabee, H. B. Falls, 1856; Samuel Larabee, Marvin Cummings, 
1857; Walter P. Hyde, James Freeman, 1858; Samuel Larabee, 
Walter P. Hyde, 1859; Simeon H. Hart, Aaron Crego, 1860; 
Aaron Crego, Israel P.Witmcr, 1861 ; Aaron Crego, Walter P. Hyde, 
Calvin Hyde, AlbertN. Badgely, 1862 ; Aaron Crego, Calvin Hyde, 
Edward Hoard, E. 6. Gale, 1863; Aaron Crego, Edward Hoard, 
Orlando Caswell, Harrison Withee, 1864; Edward Hoard, Aaron 
Crego, Adrian P. Gale, Roswell Preston, 1865; Edward Hoard, 
Walter P. Hyde, 1866; Edward Hoard, Daniel W. Campbell, 
Harrison Withee, Roswell Preston, 1867; Edward Hoard, Ros- 
well Preston, 1868 ; William Lewis, Roswell Preston, Aaron 
Crego, John Joy. 1869; Edward Hoard, Roswell Preston, AValter 
P. Hyde, Orlando Caswell, 1870: Edward Hoard, Roswell Pres- 
ton, 1871; Edward Hoard, Geo. W. Endcrs, 1872; George W. 
Endcrs, Ira Howard, 1873; Hendy Hart, Robert Wood, 1874; 
Henry E. Rockafellow, Addison Davis, 1875; Orlando Caswell, 



ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



257 



Henry E. Rocknfolluir, 1876 : Hyron Burt, Ilcnry E. Rockafcllow, 
Orlamlo Oiiswcll, )S7"; Henry E. Rnekarclloiv, William A. 
MfOnn.llish. 1S7S ; Henry E. Itookiifellow, Orlando Caswell, 
Georgo W. Endcrs, AVilliam Cari>cnler, Jr., 1S79. 

VILLAGES. 

The village of Goodrich* is situated upon the Kearsley 
River, and occupies a central position in the township. It 
is sixteen miles southeast from the citj- of Flint, and con- 
tains three churches, — Congregational, Methodist Episcopal, 
and Froe-M'ili Baptist, — one hotel, one saw-mill, one flour- 
ing-mill, lour stores of general merchandise, one union 
graded school, a post-office which receives a daily mail, 
many small mechaniciil shops, and about 450 inhabitants. 

The first land entered upon its site was by Levi II. and 
Euos Goodrich, in November, 1835. The mill-site, includ- 
ing a tract of 40 acres, was entered in the name of Enos 
Goodrich. 

In October, 1836, he underbrushed about one-quarter of 
an acre, and built a house of poplar logs 18 by 30 feet in 
size, which stood east of the Kearsley Creek, and about 
two hundred feet south of where the Congregational church 
now stands. The first framed building was erected in De- 
cember of the same year, and was placed upon the southeast 
corner of Main and Clarence Streets, direct!}' opposite the 
present brick store, and across Clarence Street, east from 
Bushaw's Hotel. Small as it was, it fulfilled a variety of 
useful purpo.ses, chief among which was a general store 
and the site of the " Goodrich Bank," an institution that 
honorably redeemed its circulation, and procured the full 
discharge of its securities from the auditor-general. The 
nest building erected in the village was the saw-mill, which 
was framed during the winter of 1836 and 1837, raised in 
March, and commenced to cut lumber iu the month of 
April of the latter jear. 

Nathaniel Fairchild came from Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., 
and built and established the first blacksmith-shop in the 
fall of 1S37. 

The first framed dwelling — a small one-story structure — 
was built by Enos Goodrich, with his own hands, in the 
summer of 1838. It is still standing, and constitutes a 
part of the house in which the late William H. Putnam 
lived and died. 

The grist- and flouring-mill, known as the " Goodrich 
Mill,'' was built by the Goodrich Brothers in the year 1844. 
It was commenced in the spring of that j'car, but did not 
commence grinding grkts until the fall or winter, and was 
not finished for merchant work until the following year. 
The entire cost of the mill and dam, with raceway and 
other fixtures, was S8500. The brick store, the first brick 
structure in the village, was built about 1852. 

The post-office was first established in January, 1846, 
Enos Goodrich, postmaster. His commission was signed 
by Cave Johnson, Postmaster-General, appointment made 
Jan. 13, 1846, commission dated Feb. 21, 184G. It was 
first known as the Alias post-office, but was changed to the 
name of "Goodrich" — its present title — March 1, 1849. 
Lucius P. Atkins, who now resides in Bay City, was the 
L .~( mail-contractor, and be agreed to carry the mails from 

* Historical data derived (mm Hon. Enos Qoodrich. 
33 



Stony Run, in Oakland County, for the proceeds of the 
office, not exceeding 812 a quarter. 

The fii-st tavern was built and controlled by a Jlr. Has- 
kins, about the year 1846. 

Hon. E. H. Thomson, the first attorney, and at present 
a prominent lawyer in the city of Flint, first settled here 
in 1837. 

DAVISONVILLE, 

known as Atlas Post-Office, — the oldest village settlement 
in the township, — is situated on the Kearsley River, about 
three miles northwest from Goodrich. It contains two 
churches, — Baptist and Methodist Episcopal, — one flour- 
ing-mill, one saw-mill, one plaster-mill, one plow-foundry, 
one store of general merchandise, post-office, district school, 
a few small shops, and about 125 iuhabitant.s. The first 
settlers in its vicinity were Judge Davison and his family, 
who settled here in 1831. Here were located the first 
mills, workshops, post-office, schools, and merchants in the 
township. 

Elias Rockafcllow established the blacksmith-shop in 
1837, and began casting plow-points and other necessary 
iron castings very soon thereafter. 

Fitch R. Tracy began the mercantile business at about 
the same time (1838). Norman Davison was appointed 
postmaster in March, 1837, and, it is believed, was in 
partnership with Tracy in the store. 

Oliver Palmer first began wool-carding and stock-dressing 
here about 1841. 

William Thomas opened the first tavern, in 1840. 

SCHOOLS. 

The earliest school of which we have any record, and 
very prob.ably the first, was Uiught by Miss Sarah Barnes, 
a daughter of Junius, in 1837. The building occupied 
was a lean-to, adjoining Davison's saw-miil, which had 
been erected as the dwelling-place for Lewis Mantor, saw- 
yer for, and son-in-law of, Judge Davison. Mr. Mantor 's 
wife, Sarah, died in 1836, the fii-st adult to depart this life 
in the township. Mr. Mantor, becoming discouraged with 
his prospects here in the wilderness, returned to New York, 
and subsequently his house was used as a school-room. 

The following are the school statistics for the year end- 
ing Sept. 2, 1878, as compiled from school inspectors' annual 
report: Number of whole districts, 6 ; number of fractional 
districts. 4. Number of children in the township of school 
age, 378 ; number of children attending school during the 
year, 354. Number of frame school-houses, 10. Seating 
capacity of school-houses, 513. Value of school property, 
S7203. Jlale teachers employed during the year, 3 ; 
female, 15. Months taught by male teachers, 18; months 
taught by female teachei-s, 70. Paid male teachers, SD60 ; 
paid female teachere, S1137.72 ; total, S2097.72. 

Jicceipts. — From moneys on hand Sept. 3, 1877, two- 
mill tax, primary-school fund, tuition of non-resident 
scholars, district taxes, and from all other sources, §3913.73. 

Expendllitris. — Paid teachere' wages, §2097.72 ; for 
building and repairs, on bonded indebtedness, and for all 
other purposes, §1313.05 ; amount on hand Sept. 2, 1878, 
§502.96; total, §3913.73. 

Total indebtedness of the dbtricts, §758.33. 



258 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
The Methodists were the first to hold religious meetings 
in the township. As early as 1S3G their circuit preachers 
traversed this region, and held meetings in Judge Davison's 
house and the school-house, but no record of their names 
or the proceedings of these early meetings have been pre- 
served. 

THE ATLAS BAPTIST CUURCH. 

On the 2d day of April, 1S43, several members of the 
Baptist denomination, who resided in Atlas township, met 
at the house of Ebcr Adams and resolved, '• That as there 
is no church of our faith or order that we can conveniently 
unite with, and the moral destitution being very great, 
therefore, under these circumstances, after frequent consul- 
tations and prayerful deliberations, we deem it our duty to 
maintain the worship of God in this place, and that we do 
now band ourselves together for this purpose, and covenant 
with each other to observe the Sabbath, and constantly 
meet together to pray, speak, and sing of His goodness, 
every Sabbath, and oftener, as occasion may require. That 
it is our duty to raise the standard of the cross, to main- 
tain the preaching of the word and the administration of 
the ordinances as delivered by the great Head of the church, 
and that freely relying on His grace and promises, in His 
strength and through His assistance, we will thus do." 

The church thus formed consisted of six members, — two 
males and four females. Ebcr Adams was chairman of the 
meeting, and C. P. Jacobs clerk. 

April 15th of the same year the little church was recog- 
nized by a council, at which the churches of Hisrhland, 
Grand Blanc, Athertons, and Hadley were represented. 

The following-named ministers took part in the services 
of the daj', — Elders Jones, Potter, Grow, and Boothe. At 
this time the church had no minister, and the records are 
silent as to occasional preaching. The early meetinas were 
held in school-houses, and frequently in the dwelling-houses 
of members. 

In July, 1S43, a letter was received from the Hadley 
Church, signed bj' IS members, — apparently the whole 
church, — requesting to be received as a branch of the Atlas 
Church. The request was granted on certain conditions, 
which are not stated in the records. This union continued 
until April, 1S4S, when the Hadley Church, by its own 
wish, again became an independent body. In IS53 the 
members resolved to build a church edifice. This was 
completed under the ministrj- of Elder Fuller, in 1S55, 
and cost about §3500. A parsonage was erected in 1SG7, 
at a cost, including site, of §2000. The following minis- 
ters have labored with this church, the dates given being 
the time of their respective settlements : A. K. Tupper, 
1844; Daniel Andereon, 1847; A. Stark, 1S49 ; I. H. 
Facer, 1850; W. Purdy, 1851; S. Goodman, 1852; W. 
H. Fuller, 1854 ; W. G. Wisner, 1856 ; S. Wilkins, 1860 ; 
I. C. Atherton, 1862; E.J. Bennett, 1865; B. Freeman, 
1870; I. C. Atherton, 1871; B. Freeman, 1872; D. B. 
Miller, 1873; A. H. Wilkinson, 1S75; A. G. Cameron, 
present pastor, 1878. 

The church edifice is situated in the village of Davison- 
villc, and has sittings for about 300 people. Present mem- 
bership, 47 ; scholars in Sabbath-school, CO. Mr. John 



Macumber, superintendent of Sunday-school. Tiie deacons 
of the church have been Messrs. Ebcr Adams, Ira J. Hor- 
ton, Oliver Palmer, John Bainbridge, Oscar H, Gallup, 
and B, E. Rust. Messrs, Horton and Rust are the present 
incumbents. 

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 

In 1844, a class of some 10 or 12 members was formed 
in the village of Goodrich, Among them were John 
Thomas and wife, Jonathan Frost and wife, and John 
Withee and wife. The first meetings were held in the vil- 
lage school-house, and were continued there until 1852, 
when the present church edifice was completed, at a cost of 
S3000. The site, containing one acre, was donated by a 
non-resident, a Quaker by the name of Hussey. Among 
the early ministers were Revs. William Blades, Hem- 
ingway, and Israel Cogshall. Present membership, 50. 
Rev. C. R. Church, present pastor. The church building 
is situated in the village of Goodrich, and has sittings for 
about 300 persous. 

SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This society was organized in the fall of 1849, in the 
school-house, village of Davisonville, Rev. Israel Cogshall 
presiding. Among the first members were John Buzzell 
and wife, Mrs. Jane Joy, Mrs. Lucia Selleek, Levi Gillett 
and his wife, Eliza M. This organization now forms part 
of the Goodrich circuit. The following is an incomplete 
list of tho.se ministei-s who have labored with this church 
since Mr. Cogshall : B. F. Pritchard, X, H, Brown, Thomas 

Wakeland, John Livingston, Belknap, Thomas Seeley, 

Isaac Crawford, Wesley Hagadorn, • Hascall, 

Bancroft, B. H. Hedger, H, W, Hieks, S. J. Brown, W. 

J. Jolinston, Wm. Birdsall, Ramsdall, Lyon, J. 

W. Crippen, Hood, J. B. Varnum, Steer, and 

C. R. Church, present pastor, A church edifice, situated 
in the village of Davisonville, was commenced in 1870 and 
completed and dedicated Aug. 1, 1872. Rev. William 
Fox preached the dedicatory sermon. Rev, William Bird- 
sall being the p.istor in charge. It has sittings for 300 
people, and cost about S3000. The site upon which it is 
located was donated for church purposes by Judge Norman 
Davison, many years previously. Present membership, 12. 

FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This society was organized in Hadley township, Lapeer 
Countj', about forty years ago. The firet meetings were 
held in the Davenport school-house. In later years the 
Brigham and Pierson school-houses were occupied as places 
of worship. The first membership was composed entirely 
of people residing in Lapeer County, but at the present 
time a large majority arc residents of Genesee County. 
Their church edifice, a brick structure, is situated in the 
village of Goodrich, and was completed in 1867, at a cost 
of S4500. It has sittings for 300 persons. Among those 
ministers who have at various periods assumed the pastor- 
ate of this church are mentioned Elders Kingsbury, Good- 
rich, Jones, Williams, Shaw, Mills, Westgate, Howard, 
McElroy, Spencer, and N. H. Farr, the present pastor. 
Present membership of the society, 45 ; scholars in the 




RESIDENCE & FARM -OF-LEWIS fi/(ED 




'ROM THE WEST. 




RY, Atlas, LrruntLaLL ouunir, Michigan. 



ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



259 



Sabbntli-scliool, 110. E. E. Stimson, superintendent of 
Suuday-scliuol. 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

During the summer of 1854, a number of persons rosid- 
injr in the village of Goodrich and its immediate vicinity, 
feeling disposed to unite for purposes of "worship under the 
Congregational form of church government, began a corre- 
spondence with llcv. Henry Bates, of Middlebury, Ohio, 
with a view of securing his services as a pastor. This re- 
sulted in the coming of Mr. Bates, and he began his labors 
in the village of Goodrich, October 1st of tlie same year. 
A meeting was held at the house of Reuben Goodrich, Jan. 
25. 1855, at which it was resolved that a regular organiza- 
tion should be effected. At an adjourned meeting, held 
Feb. 2, 1855, a committee consisting of Rev. Henry Bates, 
Dr. J. Eastman, and J. W. Campbell was appointed to 
take the necessary steps to effect a regular organization, to 
prepare articles of faith, covenant, and by-laws. 

At an ecclesiastical meeting held in the church edifice of 
the Methodist Episcopal society, in the village of Goodrich, 
Feb. 28, 1855, composed of ministers and delegates from 
Detroit, Owasso, Pontiac, Romeo, Campbell's Corners, 
Utica, and Canandaigua Churches, Rev. H. Fletcher was 
chosen moderator. Rev. H. R. Kurd scribe, and the or- 
ganization of this church regularly effected. The members 
of this first organization were as follows : Henry Bates, 
Cyrus Baldwin, Samuel Baldwin, John W. Campbell, Jo- 
seph Eastman, William Saunders, George Hosier, S. Hall 
Morris, Keziah Bates, Susanna Baldwin, Lucy Baldwin, 
Eliza Campbell, Nancy Eastman, Ann McAllister, Electa 
Hosier, Mary Saunders, Lorinda Pratt, Hannah Cram, 
Mary Hoover, Eliza Goodrich, Martha Cram, Hannah 
Ferris, Margaret Woodworth. 

March ?>, 1855, John W. Campbell was elected deacon, 
and Joseph Eastman clerk of the society. A church 
edifice, costing about S3000, was completed in the fall of 
1858. Rev. Herbert Read delivered the dedicatory address. 
The following pastors have succeeded Mr. Bates in the care 
of this church, viz. : Revs. Alonzo Sanderson, D. B. Camp- 
bell, A. M. Ashley, A. Blanchard, Alonzo Sanderson, and 
H. K. Crane. Present membership, 36. 

In the preparation of the history of Atlas township we 
have been ably assisted by information derived from the 
Hon. Enos Goodrich, Hon. John L. McNiel, Mrs. J. L. 
JIcNeil, Messrs. Moses Goodrich, Wm. Carpenter, Hiram 
Ilusted, Adam Brigham, J. W. Campbell, Samuel Lason, 
Morgan Davison, B. E, Rust, Mrs. E. M. Gillett. and many 
others, to all of whom we desire to return our sincere thanks 
for their uniform courtesy and kindness. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



LEWIS 0. MEDBURY. 

The ancestors of Mr. Medbury were early settlers in 
Rhode Island, and of English extraction. Charles Med- 
bury emigrated to New York while a young man, and 



settled at New Berlin, Chenango Co., where he married 
Miss Lucretia Arnold ; he reared a family of ten children. 
He was engaged nearly all his life in the mercantile busi- 
ness; served as .sheriff, and held numerous offices in his 
town and county. He died at the age of seventy-nine years. 

Samuel, his eldest son, was born at New Berlin, in 1808. 
He was reared and educated to the mercantile business, 
which he followed with success, at New Berlin, up to the 
year 1857. In 1830 he married Miss Lucretia R. Moss, 
of the same town. In 1857 he moved with his family to 
Detroit. He had previously become largely interested in 
several business enterprises in Michigan, such as banking, 
railroads, etc. 

Mr. Medbury came to Detroit shortly after the panic of 
1857, and, in connection with his two brothers-in-law, took 
charge of and managed the Peninsular Bank, in which they 
were heavy stockholders. After three years they disposed 
of their stock to other parties, and Mr. Medbury sub- 
sequently became prominent in the organization of the 
State Bank of Michigan, the forerunner of the present 
First National Bank of Michigan. He was also for several 
years a special partner of K. C. Barker & Co., in the tobacco 
trade; he finally disposed of his interest in the latter firm, 
after which he gave his attention almost entirely to real 
estate, of which he was a large owner, embracing city prop- 
erty, pine-lands, and farms in various portions of Michigan 
and other States. His death occurred on the lOtli day of 
July, 1874, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. He left his 
widow and two children the memory of an unblemished 
character, the example of a moral and virtuous life, and a 
competency of this world's goods. 

Esther A., the daughter, resides with her mother at the 
old home-residence on Woodward Avenue, in the city of 
Detroit. 

Lewis 0., the son, was born at the old home of the 
family, in New Berlin, July 9, 1837. His boyhood days 
were pa.ssed in the schools, until the family came to Detroit, 
when he was employed in the Peninsular Bank ; after 
which he was engaged in the lumber business in Sanilac 
County for four years, and the ensuing five years in the firm 
of K. C. Barker & Co., in the tobacco business. In 1873 
he purchased, in the town of Atlas, Genesee Co., what was 
known as the old Gould Davison farm, consisting of about 
three hundred acres, to which he has since added about 
ninety acres. Since his father's decease he has been en- 
gaged in improving and managing the farm in Atlas, and 
in looking after the interests of the estate. 

On the 19th day of July, 1866, he was united in mar- 
riage to Mi.ss Mary E. Sherwood, of Union City, Pa. Mr. 
Medbury has, since his residence in Atlas, made extensive 
improvements on liis farm, in fencing, farm-buildings, tenant- 
hou.scs, residence, etc. It ranks, in all its appointments, as 
one of the finest in the county. His residence has all the 
modern improvements, furnaces, gas, and every convenience. 

Mr. Medbury and his esteemed wife are the parents of 
five children, — two sons and three daughters, — named Lucy 
R., Truman M., Samuel, Julia L., and Mary R., all at home 
with the parents. The reader may find elsewhere in the 
pages of this work a fine view of the farm-home of Mr. 
Medbury in Genesee County. 



260 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



STEPHEN JORDAN. 
Tlie ancestors of this gentleman were natives of Surry, 
England. John Jordan, the father of our subject, was 
born in 1791, on the same farm on which his father be- 
fore him lived all his life. He was reared and educated a 
farmer, and at the age of thirty years married Ann Brooker, 
of the same place. She became the mother of eight chil- 
dren, viz. : Mary, Caleb, John, James, Stephen, William, 
Ann, and Loui.se. Of these all are living at this time ex- 
cept John, who died in the twentieth year of his age. Mrs. 
Ann Jordan died in 1835. The year after his wife's death, 
Mr. Jordan decided to emigrate to the United States, where 
he could better provide homes for himself and motherless 
children. Accordingly, in March, 1837, he embarked with 
his children for New York City, where they arrived after a 
six weeks' voyage. He went to Orleans County, N. Y., 
where he remained until the spring of 1839, when he re- 
moved to JMichigan, and settled at Grand Blane. Soon 
afterwards he broke up housekeeping, and placed the chil- 
dren in diiferent families for homes ; three years later they 
were again united as a family under the charge of Caleb, 
the eldest of the children. From that time onward, until 
his death, John Jordan made his home with his children. 
His death occurred in January, 1878, aged eighty-six 
years. 

Stephen Jordan was born at the old Surry home, in Eng- 
land, on the 24th day of February, 1829. He was about 
ten years of age when the family came to Michigan, and 
the young lad was only twelve years old when he went to 
live with Charles Bates, an old settler of Grand Blanc. 
He remained with Mr. Bates until he was twenty-one years 
of age, attending the schools in the winter, and working 
on the farm in the summer season. 

On becoming of age he received from Sir. Bates one 
hundred and twenty dollars ; after which time he worked 
for Mr. Bates six months, and with his brother Caleb about 
a year, when he was seized with the " gold fever." He 
went by the Nicaragua route to California, arriving there 
in June, 1852. He went to Coloma, where his brother 
James was already located. With his brother and Esquire 
Davis, of Grand Blanc, he engaged in mining, in the placer 
and ravine diggings, with the "Long Tom" of early mining 
days in that country. For four years he followed mining, 
and then returned to Michigan, where he purchased his 
pre.sent farm, in the town of Atlas, Genesee Co. His 
first purchase was one hundred and fifty acres, but he has 
increased it since by another purchase of one hundred and 
seventy acres. 

He next sought and obtained the hand of Miss Emily 
A. Perry, with whom he had been acquainted since boy- 
hood. They were married Feb. 2-1, 1857. Mrs. Emily 
Jordan is the daughter of Simeon and Sarah Perry, and 
one of a family of six children, whose names are Isabel, 
Emily A., Mary, Joseph, Mary (2d), and Esther. Mrs. 
Jordan's parents came to Michigan among the first settlers 
of Genesee County. 

Simeon Perry came to the Territory with his father in 
1827, and afterwards returned to New York and married 
Miss Sarah Cartwright, of Genesee County, N. Y. He 
has resided ever since on his farm in Grand Blanc. His 



wife died Sept. 17, 1876, in the seventy-second year of 
her age. 

Mr. Jordan and his esteemed wife are the parents of six 
children, named as follows : Mary K., Frank P., Jennie E., 
Louie A., Charles S., and Belle C, all living at home with 
their parents, except Mary, who died Feb. 21, 1877, aged 
eighteen years. Mr. Jordan is the owner of a valuable and 
fertile farm, beautifully situated and well adapted to the 
production of all the grains and fruit for which his locality 
is so widely celebrated. 

The portraits of this worthy couple, with a view of their 
farm-homo, may be found on another page. 



EDGAR E. STIMSON 

is the descendant of an old New England family. Robert 
Slimson and his family emigrated from Massachusetts 
about 1797, and settled on a new farm in West Bloomfield, 
Ontario Co., N. Y., where they remained until old age, 
when they went to Ohio and resided with their son, Robert, 
until their deaths. They were the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, — Robert, Rebecca, Sutley B., Nancy, Harriet, Betsey, 
Emily, Catharine, Mary Ann, Sarah, and Martha. 

S. B. Stimson 'was born Nov. 7, 1800, at West Bloom- 
field, N. Y. From boyhood he was a natural mechanic, 
and he became a carpenter and builder, which occupation 
he followed all his life. In 1822, on January 1st, he mar- 
ried Polly Earl, of Mendon. She was born March 30, 
1800, and became the mother of six children, named 
Morris M., Charlotte T., Edgar E., Fancher, Jane, and 
Harriet H., — all of whom are living except Harriet, who 
died in childhood. Mrs. Polly Stimson died at the age of 
thirty-two years, Feb. 23, 1832. On the 28th day of 
April, 1S3G, Mr. Slimson married Olive Mansfield, of 
Mendon, by whom he had two children, — Warren and 
Robert E. His second wife died Oct. 8, 1851. Dec. 2, 
1852, he married his third wife, Mrs. Cynthia Herrick, of 
West Bloomfield ; there were no children by the latter 
marriage. In 1859 the old gentleman emigrated to Kan- 
sas, where he lived for the ensuing eighteen years; his wife 
died in 1876, and about the same time he had a stroke of 
paralysis. His son Edgar brought him to his home in 
Michigan to reside with the children. He died at the 
home of his son Morris, in Kalamazoo, in May, 1877, at 
the age of seventy-seven years. 

Edgar E. Stimson was born at West Bloomfield, N. Y., 
Sept. 6, 1826. He lost his mother before he was six 
years old ; for two years after this event he had a home 
with Abel H. Peck, after which he remained with his 
father until he was seventeen years of age, when he went 
out into the world to do for himself. He worked at farm 
labor in the summer seasons and went to school in the 
winter; at the age of twenty he commenced teaching 
school, which he followed for several winters. He then, 
in company with liis father, bought a grist-mill and farm 
at West Bloomfield, and carried on milling and farming for 
several years. He subscqucntl}' exchanged his interest in 
that property for a new farm in the town of Waterford, 
Oakland Co., Mich. 




E. E. Stimson. 











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RESIDENCE OF E.E 




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MRS.E. E-Stimson. 




ON .ATLAS. Michigan. 



ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



261 



He married Jliss Frances C. French, of West Bloom- 
field, N. Y., on the 11th day of April, 1854. Soon after 
his marriage he removed to Michigan, settled on his new 
farm, built a shanty, and commenced clearing and improv- 
ing his land. In 1805 he sold off his personal property 
and worked at the milling business in Ortonville ; soon 
after he sold his farm in Oakland, and purchased a farm of 
one hundred acres in the town of Atlas, Genesee Co., to 
which he has since added fifty-two acres, and has made 
extensive improvements in the farm-buildings, etc. 

Mrs. Frances C. Stimson, who is a remarkably intelligent 
and agreeable lady, was born at East Bloomfield, N. Y., on 
the 19th day of July, 1829; she was the daughter of 
John B. and Betsey French, old residents of the last- 
named place. She was one of eight children, namely, — 
Alexander H., Timothy D., John B , Marcia J., Reuben 
E., Mary M., Frances C, and Helen M. Her family were 
originally natives of New England, and settled in Western 
New York at an early day. 

Mr. Stimson and his wife are members of the Free-Will 
Baptist Church, and take an active interest in the advance- 
ment of the Gospel, and all enterprises for the upbuilding 
of society. They are both deservedly esteemed for their 
Christian and social qualities. They are the parents of 
five children, viz. : May V., Hattie L., Celia A., Frank 
E., and Lizzie J., all of whom are at home with the parents, 
except Hattie, who is the wife of Henry Brigham, and 
resides on the old farm-home of that family in Lapeer Co., 
Mich. 

On another page of this work may be found a view of 
the farm-home of this worthy family, with the portraits of 
the owners. 



THE McNEIL FAMILY. 

The ancestors of this family were of Scotch and Welsh 
nativity, descendants of whom settled in New England at 
an early date. Charles McNeil was a native of Vermont, 
educated and reared a farmer. Ho married Jerusha Ly- 
man, daughter of Maj. Lyman, of Vergennes, who was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, and received his death-wound 
at the battle of Piattsburg. Charles McNeil came into 
possession of the old home-farm of his father, on the eastern 
shore of Lake Champlain, at Charlotte. The farm con.sisted 
of five hundred acres, on which he resided all his life. He 
also owned the ferry between Charlotte and Essex, across 
the lake. He reared a family of fifteen children, named 
as follows : Frances, Mary E., Nancy H., Laura L., John 
L., Charles, . David, James B., Charlotte, Henry, Jane, 
George, Ellen, William, and Julia. Of this large family 
eleven are still living. Charles died in 1860, at the age of 
seventy-nine years, and his widow attained to the same age, 
her decease occurring in 18G4. 

John L. McNeil, the eldest son, was born at Charlotte, 
Oct. 10, 1813. His boyhood was pa.sscd in attending the 
common sciiools and in farm-labor until he was (wenty-une, 
when he worked for his father a few months (at five dollare 
per month), and for the nextyear took charge of his father's 
hotel in Charlotte. In 1836 he concluded to go West and 
select a lojation for his future home. On the 2d day uf 



May, of that year, he started with a light, covered wagon, 
in which he carried some extra clothing, provisions, a couple 
of log-chains, an axe, a set of drag-teeth, and various other 
tools. He came by way of Saratoga, Johnstown, Auburn, 
and Geneva to Buffalo, where he shijjped his team and 
wagon for Toledo. On account of storms they did not 
land at Toledo, but came on to Detroit, when, hearing ill 
accounts of the Toledo country, he decided to settle in 
Michigan. He followed the old Saginaw road into the 
wilderness of Lapeer County ; selected and bought of the 
government three hundred and twenty acres in the township 
of Atlas, in the present county of Genesee, about sixteen 
miles southeast of the city of Flint. He then sold his 
horses and wagon, bought a yoke of oxen, built a small log 
house which he covered with elm-bark, and moved in and 
kept house, as happy as a king. About a year later he 
erected a commodious log house, in which he and his bro- 
ther Charles kept bachelor's hall until the fall of 1837, when 
he married Mi.ss Sylvia Davison. He went sixteen miles 
on foot to obtain the neccs.sary license of the county clerk. 
They were united on the 2Gth day of October, 1837. From 
that time he was busily engaged in clearing and improving 
his land, and in erecting suitable farm-buildings. In 1838 
he was elected one of the assessors of Atlas, and two years 
later justice of the peace, which latter position he filled for 
the ensuing eight years. In 1848 he was elected a repre- 
sentative to the State Legislature. In all of these positions 
he served the public in a satisfactory manner. For the last 
forty-two years he has been a zealous adherent of, and active 
worker in, the Democratic party. Mr. McNeil has become 
widely known as a fine stock farmer, making wool-growing 
a specialty, and has done much towards the introduction 
and improvement of the fine wool varieties in his locality. 

John L. McNeil and his excellent wife are the parents 
of three children. Charles, the eldest, died in infancy ; 
Mary J. and Lyman are unmarried, and reside at home 
with their parents. Mr. McNeil is a man in whom the 
community have unbounded confidence, — shrewd and cau- 
tious in his business ventures, plain and unassuming in his 
manners, courteous and affable in his intercourse, and hon- 
orable in his dealings. He has never in the course of a 
long and active life had a suit at law. 

The ancestors of Mrs. Sylvia McNeil were also natives 
of New England and of Scotch descent. Paul Davison, 
the paternal grandfather, emigrated to Western New York, 
and settled on a farm at Lima, in Livingston County. He 
reared a family of seven children, — three sons and four 
daughters. Norman, the eldest child, was born in 1786; 
was reared a farmer, and also became a carpenter. Nov. 9, 
1806, he married Huldah Brown. After his marriage he 
carried on farming for several years in various places in 
Monroe and Livingston Counties. In the spring of 1831 
he and his two eldest sons made a trip to the Territory of 
Michigan in quest of a location for their future home. 
They came to Detroit, and thence followed the old Saginaw 
trail into the wilds of Lapeer. They selected and bought 
a government lot at the place now known as Davisonville, 
in the township of Atlas, now Genesee County. His was 
the second entry of land in Lapeer County. He erected a 
twostory frame house, which was the second house built in 



262 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Atlas. In the foil of that year he returned to New York, 
and moved his family to their new home in the wilderness. 
To the west of them their nearest neighbor was two and a 
half miles distant, and in the opposite direction none nearer 
than Port Huron. His family consisted of his wife and 
ten children,— viz., Sarah G., Paul G., Oliver P., Sylvia, 
George A., Henry P., Dewitt C, Benjamin F., Jane A., 
and Mary F. 

Mr. Davison was in the early and pioneer days of Mich- 
igan a man of much influence and consideration, and under 
the Territorial laws was made judge of the courts by Gov- 
ernor Mason. He also served as supervisor and as magis- 
trate of his town. He died in 18il at the age of fifty-five, 
and his widow in 1848 at the age of sixty-two years. 

Their fourth child, Mrs. Sylvia McNeil, was born at 
Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., March 28, 1812. She re- 
ceived the wholesome lessons and practical education of a 
farmer's daughter, and possessed with it the vigorous con- 
stitution and robust habits common to the atmosphere of 
farm-life. She was about nineteen years of age when the 
family emigrated to the wild woods home in Michigan, 
and she retains to-day a vivid remembrance of their early 
pioneer life, — of the days when the forests were alive with 
deer, wolves, and bears. She has always been an active, 
industrious housewife, and has nobly performed her full 
share of life's duties. She enjoys the respect and esteem 
of all her acquaintances, and the love and reverence of her 
children. 

On another page of this work may bo found the portraits 
and a view of the home of this old pioneer couple. 

DAVID MCNEIL 
was born at the old home, on Lake Champlain, April 21, 
1816. He was also reared on the farm, attending school 
in his boyhood in alternation with farm labor. He remained 
with his father until he was twenty-three years old, when 
(in 1839) he came West. Soon after his arrival in Slich- 
igan he purchased at second-hand one hundred and sixty 
acres of wild land in the township of Grand Blanc, Genesee 
Co. He next built a log shanty, and therein kept bach- 
elor's hall for three years ; worked the while on his new 
farm, clearing off the timber, etc. During this time he 
made the acquaintance of Miss Jane A. Davison, the third 
daughter of Judge Davison, of Atlas. They were united in 
marriage on the 1st day of January, 1814. He then erected 
a more commodious log house, into which they moved. In 
a few years, by incessant toil and good management, Mr. 
McNeil had- become a well-to-do farmer, and one of the 
" .solid" men of the county, known and esteemed by a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances for his many good 
qualities as a citizen and neighbor. 

David McNeil and his wife have been blessed with four 
children. Ellen J., the eldest, is the wife of Sherman 
Townsend, and resides in Ionia ; Norman J. is married, and 
owns and resides on his farm adjoining that of his father; 
George D. and Arthur G. are young men, and reside at 
home with the parents, assisting in carrying on the old 
home-farm, which embraces two hundred and forty acres 
of fertile land, well adapted to all kinds of grain and fruit. 

On anollier page will be scon a line view of the farm- 



home, accompanied by the portraits of David McNeil and 
his excellent wife. 



JONATHAN FROST. 

Among the early settlers of Atlas town.ship there was no 
one who did more to advance the growth and prosperity of 
his township than he whose name heads this sketch. Jon- 
athan Frost was born in South Bristol township, Ontario 
Co., N. Y., Dec. 25, 1817. His father, dying when he was 
quite young, left him to find a home as best he could. For 
a time he lived around among his relatives, but finally made 
his home with his uncle, Col. Hawes, with whom ho lived 
until he grew to manhood. His chances for an education 
were limited to a few months in the winter at a district 
school, his summers being passed in working on his uncle's 
farm. He commenced life with only his hands, backed by 
an indomitable will, combined with energy and industry. 

In 183G he came to Michigan and bought of the govern- 
ment the northeast quarter of section 24, and of his brother 
the east half of the northwest quarter of the same section, 
in Atlas township. He remained in Atlas during the fall 
and winter of 1836, and then returned to New York, where 
he worked at farming by the month until after his marriage, 
in May, 1839, when with his wife he moved on to his farm 
in Atlas, no portion of which was then cleared. A log 
house was soon built, and life in the wilderness commenced. 
Under his skillful management the forest disappeared, and 
soon a beautiful farm, with fine buildings, orchards, and all 
the modern improvements, appeared where, but so short a 
time before, the wolves, deer, and other wild animals roamed 
undisturbed. To the two hundred and forty acres Mr. Frost 
added from time to time, until at the time of his death his 
farm comprised four hundred and ninety-three acres of fine 
land, pronounced to be one of the best in the township. As 
above stated, Mr. Frost commenced life with nothing, and 
for several years after moving into the woods life with the 
new-married couple was no holiday. He did the most of 
his clearing himself, and many times worked half the night 
burning off the fallows, often burning his hands to a blister 
handling the charred logs. As time passed and prosperity 
dawned upon him, Mr. Frost branched out in business. 
He dealt largely in real-estate and invested in mills, thus 
doing much to help his township. In early life Mr. Frost 
was a Democrat, but upon the organization of the Repub- 
lican party, and thenceforward until his death, he was one of 
its most ardent supporters, although he never solicited ofiice. 
He experienced religion at the age of fifteen, and was ever 
afterwards an earnest and sincere Christian. After he came 
to Michigan he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He was active in the organization of that church in Atlas, 
and was for many years one of its officers. Mr. Frost died 
April 14, 1873. In his death Atlas lost one of its most 
enterprising citizens, — one respected and esteemed by friends 
and neighbors. 

He was married to Olive Cobb, May 30, 1839. She was 
the daughter of Job and Rhoda (Abbey) Cobb, and was born 
March 3, 1818. There were born to them the following 
children: Maryettc, born Sept. 17, 1840 ; Rhoda A., born 
Dec. 1, 1843; Emily and Emery, born June 23, 1847; 





RESIDENCE or W. M.CARPEN 




ATLAS, Genesee County, Mich 



ATLAS TOWNSHIP. 



263 



Ephraim, born Dec. 15, 1852. Emory died Oct. 15, 1848 ; 
Ephraim died March X,, 1877. Mrs. Frost died Dec. 16, 
1852. For liis second wife Mr. Frost married Mrs. Ann 
S. Ilawos, dau};liter of William and Prudence (Case) Paul. 
She was burn April C, 1828. Their union was blessed 
with one daughter, Jenny Frost, born Aug. 22, 1861. 



THE CARPENTER FAMILY. 

The ancestors of this numerous family are from a long 
line in Engli-sh history. Of those who .settled in New York 
was George Carpenter, who reared a large family of children. 
His youngest sou, George, grew to manhood, and was mar- 
ried to Abigail Gilder.sleeve. He was a farmer in Dutchess 
County; about the year 1812 he removed with his family 
to Saratoga, and settled on a farm. His wife, who died in 
1811, was the mother of Henry, Pamelia, Mary, Amy, 
Peter, William, and Abigail. He was afterwards married 
to Mrs. Jcrusha Case, of Dutchess County, by whom there 
were no children. He remained on his farm until 1837, 
when he came to Michigan, and made his home with his 
son William. He died at the extreme age of one hundred 
and two years, according to the family records. William 
Carpenter, the youngest son, was born Sept. 16, 1805, at 
tlie old Dutchess County home. He remained with his 
father until he was fourteen years of age, when he launched 
out for himself. He was employed on the farm of Jacob 
Denton, near Saratoga, where he remained fourteen years. 
During this time he paid court to Miss Luranie Pierce, who 
was also employed in the family of Mr. Denton. They 
were married in 1833, and soon after moved to Niagara 
County, bought a farm of fifty acres, upon which he settled 
and remained two years, when he sold out, and, in the spring 
of 1836, he, in company with Levi Preston, started for 
Michigan. They came on foot through Canada to Detroit, 
thence by the old Saginaw road to Atlas, Genesee Co. 
Mr. Carpenter selected and bought of the government two 
hundred acres, about fourteen miles southeast of the city 
of Flint. He next erected a log house, cleared off two 
acres, put in oats and potatoes. He then returned to New 
York, .settled up his business, and with his wife and 
child started for the new home in the West. Mr. Levi 
Preston and his family came in company with them. The 
journey was performed with ox-teams, — two yoke of oxen 
to each wagon. The wagons, besides the family, contained 
beds, clothing, provisions, tools, etc. They were thirty 
days on the tedious journey, but arrived .safely at the selected 
home in the wilderness. And from that little beginning in 
the wild woods, after pa.ssing through all the trials of j)io- 
neer life, has arisen the beautiful home of the Carpenter 
family, in Atlas, where William Carpenter and his worthy 
wife still reside, enjoying a happy old age in the compan- 
ionship of their children and old neighbors. 

They are the parents of seven children. — Jacob D., 
Mary E., Julia A., William, Jr., Amos, Pamelia, and 
George E., — all of whom are living except Mary E , who 
died in the eighteenth year of her age. Jacob is married, 
and resides on his farm in the town of Burton, and the 
others are all married, and own and reside on farms in Tus- 
cola County. 



William Carpenter, Jr., was born on the 9th day of 
August, 1844, at the old homestead in Atlas, whore he has 
passed his life thus far. His boyhood days were spent in 
the schools and on the farm. At the age of twenty-two he 
married Miss Kate Colwoll, daughter of James and Ann 
Colwell, old settlers of Atlas. They were united on the 
24th day of October, 1805. 

In 1807, William Carpenter, his father, divided liis 
property among the children, since which time William, 
Jr., has bought out the others, and now owns the old home- 
stead and farm, consisting of two hundred and forty-five 
acres. He has made extensive improvement.s in the resi- 
dence, farm-buildings, etc. As will be seen by reference 
to the view on another page, he has one of the finest farms 
in that part of the county. 



JEREMIAH NARRIN. 

The ancestors of this gentleman were of Scotch and 
Welsh origin, and among the early settlers of New York 
State. 

Peter Narrin, the grandfather of Jeremiah, emigrated 
from Wayne County, N. Y., in 1838, to Michigan. He 
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of government 
land in the town of Groveland, Oakland Co. His family, 
which consisted of his wife and three sons, with their 
wives and children, all came at the same time and set- 
tled in the san)e locality. The names of the sons were 
William L., John S., and De Witt C. Together they 
located and occupied about one thousand acres in the same 
neighborhood. 

Peter Narrin died in 1851, at the age of seventy-four 
years, and his widow, in 1852, at the age of sixty-four 
years. William L., the eldest son, was born in Wayne 
Co., N. Y., April 21, 1811, and Feb. 1, 1832, he married 
Miss Sally Moore. In 1838 he sold his farm in New 
York, and, as above stated, came to Michigan, bought and 
settled on three hundred and twenty acres of government 
land in Oakland County. This became his home, where 
he reared his children, and where he remained until eight 
years since, when he removed to Ortonville and purchased 
two hundred acres adjoining that village. His death oc- 
curred on the 14th day of May, 1879, at the city of Flint, 
while under medical treatment for stone in the bladder. 
He was the fether of six children, three of whom died in 
infancy ; the others (John S., Jeremiah, and George W.) 
grew to manhood. John S., the eldest son, went to the 
Western country about twenty-two years ago, and the family 
have had no tidings of him for the past twelve years. 
George W., the youngest son, resides on the old homestead 
in Groveland. 

Jeremiah Narrin, the second son, was born June 20, 
1838, at the old home in Wayne County, N. Y., and while 
he was an infant his parents moved to Michigan. From 
the time he was fifteen months old he lived with his grand- 
mother, until her death, when he had attained to his four- 
teenth year. By the old lady's bequest he became the 
owner of the old home-farm of Peter Narrin, in Oakland 
County. After the death of his grandmother he worked 



2C4 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



by the montli for Enos Goodiioh, witli whom ho continued 
six years, during wliieh time he "courted" Miss Matildii 
L., the daughter of his employer. He was successful in 
his suit, and they were married on the 4th day of October, 
1859. He had previous to this sold his farm in Grove- 
land, and after his marriage he purchased his present farm 
in the town of Atlas, on which he settled and where he has 
resided ever since. Mr. Narrin has made extensive im- 
provements on his farm, so that now it is one of the best 
farm-homes in that locality. 

Mrs. Matilda L. Narrin, who is a remarkably intelligent 
lady, of pleasant and agreeable address, is the eldest child 
of Enos and Ann Goodrich, who were among the earliest 
settlers of the town of Atlas. Enos Goodrich was born in 
Cayuga Co., N. Y., Aug. 11, 1813. He came with the 
Goodrich family to Michigan in 183C, and settled at the 
place where now stands the village of his name. In com- 



pany with his brother Reuben he erected mills, stores, and 
other buildings at that place, and carried on an extensive 
business for many years. On the 26th day of June, 1838, 
he married Miss Ann Atkins, of the same place. They 
are the parents of two children, — Matilda L. and Enos H. 
Since 1863, Enos Goodrich has resided at Watertown, 
Tuscola Co., where he is engaged in farming. His son, 
Enos H., is married, and also resides on a farm near his 
father. Mrs. Matilda Narrin was born in the village of 
Goodrich, April 4, 1841. She is the mother of three 
children, namely, Annie E., Ella C, and Ellis, the latter of 
whom died in infancy. Annie and Ella are at home with 
the parents. Mrs. Narrin resided in the village of Good- 
rich until fifteen years ago, when she removed to the farm 
one and a half miles southeast of the village. 

The reader's .special attention is called to the view of 
their beautiful farm-home, on another page of this work. 



FLUSHING. 



Thk township of Flushing lies on the western bound- 
ary of the county of Genesee, and includes township 8 
north, in range 5 east, as denoted on the United States 
survey. It is watered by the Flint River and it.s tributa- 
ries, the stream named entering near the southeast corner 
of town, and, after a winding course, leaving it near the 
centre of the northern boundary. The mill-sites along the 
river were early improved, and it still furnishes power at 
numerous places within the limits of the county. Along 
the river the surface of the township is somewhat varied, 
the banks in places being high and steep and the land in 
the immediate vicinity rolling, while at others they are 
gently .sloping and the neighboring country nearly level. 
A largo portion of the township is exceedingly level, and 
the whole was originally covered with a dense growth of 
heavy timber, in which was considerable pine. 

The soil of Flushing is pf the nature of that common 
to this region, having a large proportion of sand. Upon 
the lands where pine grew thickly it is more sandy than 
elsewhere, and some' of the "pine plains," or " jiine bar- 
rens," as they are called, are of comparatively small value. 

Game was exceedingly plenty during the earlier years of 
settlement, and but for this fact many of the pioneers would 
have endured even greater suffering than they did through 
the scarcity of provisions at times. Life in the wilderness 
at that period was attended with manifold difficulties, and 
hard trials and extreme privation fell to the lot of nearly all. 

L.^ND ENTRIES. 

The entries of land in township 8 north, range 5 east, 
now constituting Flushing, are as follows : 

Section 1. 

Acres. 

Elislm B. Strong, .Monroe Co., N. Y., June, 1S36 SO 

James WiKlswoitli, Livingston Co., N. Y., July, 183G 364.59 

llugli liirkhead, Baltimore, Md., July, 1836 240 



Section 2. 

Acres. 

A. McArtluir and C. Ilurlbut, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836.. SO 

Elisha B. Strong 240 

James WuJsnorlh, Livingston Co., N. Y., July, 1836 371.49 

Section 3. 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1835 03.60 

•' " " " '• " " 68 

" " " " " " " 51.35 

Charles C. Ilascnll, " " " February, 1836 6.52 

Isaac I. Voorhcis and Ira C. Seeley, Oakland Co., Mich., 

February, 1836 81.82 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, March, 1836 175.89 

" " " " •• " " 186.20 

Section 4. 

Thoiniis L. L. Bient, Virginia, March, 1836 Entire, 610.10 

Section 5. 

Charles D. Bartlett, Hampshire Co., Mass., June, 1836 SO 

John H. Cherwuand, New York Citv. June, 1836 188.52 

Eph. B. Bishop, Wayne Co., Miob.. July. 1836 160 

James Bailey. Genesee Co., Mich., December, 1S40 40 

John Ileed, (jenesee Co., Mich., December, 1840 120 

Vacant 80 

Section 6. 

James Butler, Livingston Co., N. Y., September, 1836 112.44 

Thomas Hough. Sr., Uoueseo Co., Mich., June, 1842 40 

Thomas Hough. Jr., " " " " " 40 

Joseph Vernon, " " " July, " 40 

WilliMiu Bailey, " " " August," 40 

John Tibbies, land-warrant, January, 1852 133.13 

Enucli Vernon, Uenesee Co., Mich., December, 1853 40 

George Bush, " ■' " October, 1854 '.M.92 

Vacaut 40 

Section 7. 

Erastus Jones, Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1836 80 

Martin Curley, Monroe Co., N. Y., October, 1836 108.04 

James Wood, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1842 40 

Samuel Wood, " " " " " 40 

Uiebard Bipinlen. Genesee Co., Mich,, June, 1842 SO 

Harvey Miller, land-warrant, July. 1852 108.20 

-Martin Darby, Erie Co., Ohio, November, 1853 40 

Uichard Bowden, Genesee Co., Mich,, May) 1854 40 




Exchange: hotel, r.parsell.pkopriliuk, Flushing, mich. 




Residence of Wm D. PENOYER, Flushino, Michigan 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



2G5 



Skction 8, 

Acrt'ti. 

Charles F). Tiurtlctt, Hiimpshirc ("n., Mass., June, 1830 ICll 

Gaylonl lliiakin.s (liicunlaga Co., N. Y., .Juno, 18:!6 80 

John Knovvk-s, Jr., Mailison Cci., X. Y., June, 18:JB 2J0 

FroJerick .St. John, New York City, June, I8.)G 100 

Skition 9. 

Royal II. Latham, .\shtabula Co., Ohio, May, 1830 100 

Oran-f Latham, •' " " " " 80 

ChurUs 1). liarllett, Ilampshiro Co., Mass., Juno, 1830 SO 

Freiieriok St. John, New York City, Juno, 1830 320 

Skctio.v 10. 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., Oclober, 1835 40.03 

Elijah P. Farnhalii. Niagara Co., N. Y.. Oi-tuhcr, 1835 IM.IO 

Thouias J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1835 21.45 

Thomas L. L. lirint, Virginia, .\|iril, 1830 10" 

fieorge Maeoniber, (ienesec Co., N.Y., June, 1830 811 

Noah Hart, Wavno Co.. Mich., June, 1830 80 

Frederick St. Jolin, New York City, June, 1830 80 

.Skitio.v 11. 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1835 8.91 

Thomas L. L. lirent, Virginia, March, 1830 15'.l 

" " •' " '• April, 1830 141.10 

Eurotiis 1*. Hastings, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1830 100 

Jeremiah lienton, " " " " ** 80 

Alexander D, li'raser, " " " " " 80 

Skction 12. 

E. S. Stickner, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June, 1830 240 

Lyman Strobridge, " " *' " " 100 

Albert (i. Stone, " " " " " 100 

John Domund, " " " " " 80 

Skction 13. 

Lyman Strobridge, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June, 1830 100 

Amos Smith, Huron ('o., Ohio, .Juno, 1830 100 

Hugh liirkhead, Baltimore, Md., July, 1830 320 

Skctio.v 14. 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, May, 1830 100 

James MeLallen, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June, 18.30 100 

Amos .Smith, Huron Co.. Mich., June, 1830 80 

Hugh Birkhcad, Baltimore, Md., July, 1830 240 

Skction 15. 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co.. Mich., October, 1835 40.02 

Newell Furman, Niagara Co., N. Y., October, 1835 92.3(1 

Moses Smith. iJcnesee Co.. Mich., November, 1835 154.00 

Thomas L. LI Brent, Virginia, March, 1830 292.52 

Skctio.n 17. 

Frederick St. John, New York City, June, 1830 400 

Seth Beach, Oakland Co., Mich., June. 1830 80 

John llollstander, Living.^tcm Co., Mich., April. 1.S37 40 

Ralph D. Curtis, Ccuesce Co., Mich., August, 1844 80 

Asahel Johnson, " ** " October, 1854 40 

Skctios 18. 

Eleazer S. Holdridge, Niagara Co., N. Y'., June, 1830 100 

E. Cash and H. Wright, (Jenesce Co., N. Y., August, 1836.... 100 

George R. Somcrs, Cleveland, Ohio, May, 1847 108.07 

John Batesly, " " July, 1848 108.80 

.Skctio.n 19. 

Lewis Halsey, Tompkins Co., N. Y., June, IS39 98.94 

Andrew Harrison, (icncsee Co., Mich., May, 1842 80 

William Turner, ** " " December, 1843 40 

Wm. .1. Snooks, land-warrant, April, 1843 40 

John .McCartney, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1843 40 

Hiram Fnos, " " " December, 1843 49.40 

Hiram Knos, " " " " " 49.40 

Walter J. Crimk, '■ " " March, 1854 40 

Eph. Morgan, Medina Co., Ohio, April, 1354 80 

Skction 20. 

E. Cash and H. Wright, Genesee Co., N. Y., August, 1830 160 

Knocli Sweat. Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1830 SO 

Isaac Baldwin, " " •' February, |8I| 80 

Abiel C. liliss, " " " December. 1841 80 

Warren Y. Swazce, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, .August, 1842 40 

Harry N. I'ayne, Oakland Co., Mich., January, 1851 80 

L. I'. lieardslee, Genesee Co., Mich., June. 1853 40 

John lluiilcr, March, 1848 (0 

John Hunrer, ' October, 1848 40 

34 



Section 21. 

Acres. 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1835 80 

Wm. Lockyer, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1830 80 

Ilcrmun Camp, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July, 1830 100 

Ralph 1). Curtis, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1844 80 

Swamp lands, " " " " " 40 

Wm. Locker. " " " November, 1354 80 

Wm..l. Kent, " " " " " 80 

Asaliel Fuller, " " " January, 1855 40 

Skction 22. 

John Paton, Esse.K Co., N. J., June, 18.34 83.20 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1835 01.35 

John li. Kellogg. Genesee Co., N. Y., October, 1835 145.25 

John I'aton, (Seneseo Co.. Mich., February, 1.830 80 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, March, 1830 158.03 

Thomas L. L. Brent. Virginia, April, 18:10 40 

John Evans, Genesee Co., Mich., April, 1.S30 40 

.Skction 23. 

John Greenfield and C. Hurlbut, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1.830. SO 
Ira Arms and Sol. Sincad, Franklin Cu,, Mass., June, 1830... 500 

Skction 24. 
Arms and Snu-ad, Franklin Co., Mass., .June, 1830 040 

Skction 25. 

Waterman Ncfi', Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1835 80 

W. NcH' an 1 t'lark Albec. Windham Co., Vt., Oclober, 1835... 80 

Thomas L. L. lirent, Virginia, March, 18:!0 160 

Abncr II. Enos, Erie Co., N. Y., June, 1830 100 

Allen Bump, Genesee Co., Mich., June, 1842 80 

Elijah Anderson, tjcnesee Co., Mich., September, 1845 40 

William Avery, " " " November, 1854 40 

Skction 20. 

Hunt, Farley .t BicMIe, Detroit, Mich., May, 1823 90.10 

James Murphy, Shiawassee Co., Mich., September, 1834 40.25 

Clark Albee, Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1835 77.15 

Lntting Coutant, Wavne Co., ilich.. January, 1336 100 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, .March, 1830 240 

Skction 27. 

John Paton, Essex Co., N. J., June, 1834 47.85 

James Murphy, Shiawassee Co., Mich., .September, 1334 23.90 

George W. Newell. Tioga Co., N. Y., October. 1834 50.00 

John Wchr, Trumbull (^o., Ohio, January. 1835 55.12 

C. and W. J. Cronk. Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1835 90.45 

Ale.\. Ten Broeck, Ulster Co., N. Y., November, 1835 157.38 

John I'aton, Essex Co., N. J., November, 1835 77.00 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1835 69.00 

Skction 28. 

James Seymour, Monroe Co., N. Y., March, 1836 100 

Hcrninn Camp, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July, 1336 320 

Rolicrt Pollock, Westchester Co.. N. Y., September, 1830 80 

Brigham AVood, (Jenesce Co., Mich., October, 1830 80 

Suction 29. 

Samuel A. Godard, Birmingham, England, August, 1830 80 

John Trucsdell, Genesee Co., N. Y., October, 1830 80 

Wm. Bingham, " " " " " 80 

R.iwlcv Morri.-, " " " " " 80 

Natha'niel Wood, Livingston Co., N. Y., October, 1830 320 

Suction 30. 

Philander Truesdell, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1330 100 

John T. Van VIeck, St. Joseph Co., Mich., October, 1830 107.20 

Ebon Sloicr, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1836 80 

Thomas Diamond, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1838 30 

AValler J. Cronk, " " " October, 1851 108.40 

Skction 31. 

Thomas Manchester, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Herman Van Vechten, Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1830... 208.10 

Rowley Morris, G,-nesee C.i., N. Y., October, 1830 100 

John T. Van VIcck, St. Joseph Co., Mich., October, 1830 113.80 

Skction 32. 

Samuel A. Godard, Birmingham, England, August, 1830 160 

Paul llildreth, Worcester Co.. Mass., September, 1830 SO 

Rowb-v .Morris, Genesee Co., N. Y.. October. 1836 240 

Jos.ph S. Whitney, Oaklanil Co., Mich.. August, 1842 80 

Iliiam Ransom, Genesee Co., .Mich., April, 1853 40 

.Swamp land 40 



266 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Section 33. 

A<'res. 

George W. Bullock, Monroe Co., Mich., Maj', 1S36 IfiO 

E. B. Bishop, Wavnc Co., Mich., July. 1836 160 

E. Cash and H. Wrij;ht, Genesee Co., N. Y., August, 1.S36..... 80 

Samuel A. Godard, Birmingham, England, August, 1836 80 

Asa A. Norton, Yates Co., N. Y., September, 1836 160 

Section 34. 

Elijah Curtis, Trumbull Co., Ohio, Octoher, 1835 76.50 

James Uossie, Esse.\ Co., N. J., November, 1835 560 

Section 35. 

John Biddle, Detroit, Mich., May, 1823 .3.82 

William Curtis, Trumbull Co., Ohio, June, 1835 78.30 

Thomas J. Drake, Oakland Co., Mich., November, 1835 32.60 

Alex. McArthur, ") 

A. D. Eraser, ^ Wayne Co., Mich., Fehruarj, 1836 200 

Chauneey Hurlbut, j 

Thos. L. L. Brent, Virginia, March. 1836 160 

Harriet E. Hoyes, Genesee Co., Mich., May. 1836 80 

Isaac Bennett, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April, 1836 80 

Section 36. 

John Biddle, Detroit, Mich., May. 1S23 33.60 

Robert I.e Roy, Oakland Co., Mich.. February, 1834 57 

Henry Cobb. Crawford Co., Ohio, March, 1835 169.39 

Kul'us Il.arrison, Shiawassee Co., Mich., June, 1835 78.50 

Henry French, Windsor, Vt., October, 1835 109.60 

Tho.s. h. L. Brent, Virginia, M.irch, 1836 80 

Isaac Bennett, Onondaga Co., N. Y., April, 1836 SO 



EAKLY SETTLEMENTS— PIONEER INCIDENTS. 

The first white man known to have taken up hi.s abode 
within the limits of what is now the township of Flushing 
was llufus Harrison, who settled in the fall of 1835, on the 
farm in the southeast part of the township, on the north 
side of the river, — locally speaking, — where Wm. Schram 
now lives. Mrs. Harrison is yet living in the township. 
She and the wife of David Penoyer, who came a little later, 
were always close friends, and have so continued to the 
present. William D. Penoyer mentions the fact that Mrs. 
Harrison made him, during the early days of their residence 
here, two pairs of deerskin pants, which caused his boyish 
pride to swell to the utmost. Mr. Harrison built the first 
house in the township — a simple structure of logs — upon 
his farm, and resided in it for some time. 

Two young men, named Clark Abby (or Albce) and 
Waterman Neff, entered land on the north side of the river 
(section 25), in the fall of 1835, and came on and did some 
clearing upon it, but only stayed a short time. They sold 
their farms to Jarvis Bailey, who settled with his young 
wife in 1836. They had come directly from the State of 
New York. 

The second permanent settler in the township was Henry 
French, now of the village of Flushing. In the fail of 
1835 he and bis brother, Ira French, passed through this 
vicinity in search for land, and Henry finally located on 
section 36, in the month of October, of that year. Ira 
French went on to Saginaw, but is now a resident of Flush- 
ing township. The French's were from Windsor Co., Vt., 
— town of Woodstock, — at which place their father, ApoUos 
French, a native of Taunton, Mass., was an early settler. 

When Henry French purchased his land there was no 
one living in the township, but Harrison came soon after, 
as stated, as Mr. French settled the same fall. Before the 
season was over he was married to Miss Abigail Ensign, - 
al.so from Vermont, and then living in Grand Blanc. The 
marriage took place at Flint, and aside from the liict that 



Mr. French is now the oldest male settler in the township, 
he was the first one from it to be joined in matrimonial 
bonds. He was also one of the many who worked at some 
time for Thomas L. L. Brent, and in 1836 aided in build- 
ing the latter's saw-mill. Mr. French's brother, Ebcnczer 
French, at present residing .south of Flushing village, 
located in town in the fall of 1836. 

John Evans, from Manchester, Eng., emigrated to the 
United States in 1830, and located at Stockport, Columbia 
Co., N. Y., where he remained five }'ears. In October, 
1835, he moved with his daughter to Flushing, the trip 
occupying three weeks, and that portion of it from Detroit 
forward being made on foot. They settled in November, 
1835, and a log house was built on the place, the latter 
now forming part of the farm owned by John Paton, who 
married Mr. Evans' daughter Mary, Nov. 22, 1835. 

John Paton, a native of Blackford, Perthshire, Scotland, 
and later a resident of the State of New Jersey, came to 
Genesee County in 1834, and purchased part of his present 
farm-land, on sections 22 and 27, in June of that year. 
Owing to the f\ict that no one else was at that time living 
in the township, Mr. Paton settled up the river a few miles, 
in what is now Flint township, on the farm at present occu- 
pied by Mr. AVarren. Nathan and Isaac Miles were the 
only persons between that location and Flint, while down 
the river there was no one between Mr. Paton and a Mr. 
Hayden, who was eighteen or twenty miles away, in Sagi- 
naw County. 

In February, 1837, Mr. Paton brought his family to 
what is now Flu.shing township, and settled on the farm he 
still occupies. After living some time with his wife'.s 
father, Mr. Evans, he built a frame house on his own 
place, and moved into it. Henry French, Mr. Harrison, 
and a few others were then living in the neighborhood. 

In July, 1837, Mr. Paton found a dead squaw, the scent 
of the body having attracted the dog to the spot. She had 
died with the smallpox, having been left to her fate by the 
Indian.?, with a cup of water and a crust near her. Mr. 
Paton and others from the settlement buried her. 

Mr. Paton's entry was the first one made in town with 
the view of settling, but he did not choose to locate perma- 
nently until later. For several years after his arrival he 
and his family experienced with others the stringency of 
the times and the hardships which accompany the life of a 
pioneer. A letter which was written by Mrs. Paton in the 
spring of 1843, to a friend in England, was published in 
the Manchester (England) GiiarJidn, and, as it illustrates 
better than anything else the condition of aifairs at that 
day, it is reproduced here for the benefit of the reader. It 
was written during the dosing days of the famous " hard 
winter :" 

"Flishino, SE.iR Flint RiVEn, April 6, 1843. 

' I will not attempt to apologize for not writing earlier, but let the 
simple truth sutlice. I have had four letters, I may say, written (one 
entirely finished), but tacf.-cd funds to past iheiti. It is easier to release 
a dozen letters than to prepay one. For the one they will take j)ro- 
duce, for the other they exact cash : and that is a very scarce article 
here, for our business is carried on mostly by barter. We sold about 
two hundred dollars' worth of stock in the last year, and it was with 
great difficulty we got si.\ dollar.'^ in cash. Times have been very 
bard, and I fear not yet at the worst. According to accounts that can 
be relied on, we have had the hardest winter that has occurred for 




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FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



267 



fifty-four years. It oommencpil in October, and is now snowing ; the 
snow in the woods is from two to three feet deep. But we don't suffer 
on the timbered liind anything like those on the oal<-openings, as re- 
gards our stock, altliough we arc destitute of anything in the shape 
of fodder in our barns, for we have the woods to resort to, where 
there is plenty of mnple and basswood, and we cut them down, and 
the cattle feed on the tops, and look pretty well where they are well 
atleniled to. But we hear of cattle dying in all directions, and of 
some farmers knocking the whole of their cattle on the head, to save 
tliem from a lingering starvation, after feeding out all their store; 
others sustaining them on flour victuals, all other being exhausted. 
Last winter (I.e., 1841-42) we had an unusually open season and a 
very early spring. Our fields never looked so well, — fruit-trees in 
full bloom, — and all seemed cheering in the month of April, but our 
hopes were soon blighted. Wo had severe frost in May, which cut off 
our blossoms, and, what was still worse, our com ; then a tedious 
drought succeeded, which almost burnt up the wheat, — at least 
stunted it so the straw was little worth ; then, to finish, when it was 
in the uiilk, there were sunny showers that struck it with rust, — the 
late sown suffered most. . . . I am happy to say I have enjoyed better 
health this winter than I have since I came in the woods (over six 
years), and, if the tontictitht;/ atjne will keep away, I will excuse it. 
It is a singular thing to find, one part of the day a person will feel 
able to go about and do a little work, and another part not able to rise 
from the pillow, and as crazy as can be. Such has been hanging on 
me four years. New settlers generally have it, but after they get ac- 
climated it is very healthy. Considering the hard times, our country 
is settling very fast. There are six families from Stockport settled 
near to us, and there are several more coming out from there this 
spring. We have let a brick-ground to two of these. I must tell you 
wo have had the good luck to find a coal-mine on our farm, but we 
have not been able to ascertain its extent; it is of excellent quality. 
We sold seven dollars' worth of it last fall when we found it. Things 
generally prosper with us since I last wrote you." 

Mr. Paton had emigrated to America in the spring of 
1827, with his sister, landing at New York May 8. He 
was a weaver by trade, and soon began work at Paterson, 
N. J. He continued in that business until his removal to 
Michigan, in 1834, since which time his attention has been 
turned exclusively to agricultural pursuits, and with marked 
succes.s. 

One of the most prominent among the early settlers of 
Flushing was Thomas L. L. Brent, who, before coming 
here, had acquired a national reputation, and was the pos- 
sessor of a large fortune. He expended the latter in pur- 
chasing government lands in Michigan, and lived on .section 
3, in Flushing. He at one time paid taxes on about 70,000 
acres of land in the State, and it is said of him that he 
would never dispose of a good lot at a reasonable price. 
The farm on which he lived is now owned by Mr. Mcln- 
tyre. 

Brent built a log cabin on his place, and planted locust- 
trees around it for shade and ornament. He was a Vir- 
ginian by birth, and married a noble Spanish lady, with 
whom he had become acquainted while on a mi.ssion to that 
country in the employ of the United States Government. 
Ill the face of the bluff near his cabin he constructed a 
wine-cellar, where the choicest brands were kept. He had 
one son and one daughter. Various stories are told con- 
cerning his family relations, and, although differently pre- 
sented, all point to the undoubted fact that his married life 
was more or l&ss unhappy. When he died he was taken 
out of the small upper window of his log cabin. His death 
came at a time when he had sunk his fortune and become 
" land poor." 

According to the memory of all the men iicjw living who 



were here at tlie time, Brent built a dam across the river 
in 183C, and erected a saw-mill on his place in the summer 
of the .same year. Jarvis Bailey, previously mentioned, 
was employed as foreman, at a salary of $000 per annum, 
and his wife and William D. Penoyer, then a boy, did the 
work for the 10 or 15 hands who were working in and 
around the mill. 

This mill was destined never to perform the work in- 
tended for it. In the spring of 1837 a severe freshet in 
the river washed away the dam, and the mill was only 
saved by rolling logs into it. Five basswood-treos near one 
end of the dam were washed out, which left the water free 
to undermine it. The following extract from an act of the 
Legislature approved March 22, 1837, speaks for itself: 

"Section 7. Thomas L. L. Brent, his heirs, administra- 
tors, and assigns, are authorized to construct a dam across 
Flint River, at some point on section 3, in township 8 
north, and in range 5 east, in the county of Genesee ; said 
dam shall not exceed 6 feet in height, and shall contain a 
convenient lock for the passage of boats, canoes, rafts, and 
other water-craft, and shall not bo less than 75 feet in 
length and 15 feet in width." 

The old mill was repaired but was never used, and logs 
lay in the mill-yard until they rotted. A second mill was 
built on a small stream some sixty rods away, and up from 
the river, out of danger from freshets. This part of the 
township contained a large acreage of pine, but none of 
consequence is now left. The best is now probably on the 
fitrms of William D. Penoyer and the Messrs. De Land, 
farther south. 

Some authority states that Alden Tupper contemplated 
building a mill on the river-below the site of Flushing vil- 
lage, but it was never constructed. Nearly every man who 
located early in the township worked at one time or another 
for Mr. Brent, clearing up land, and thus earning money 
enough to pay for homes of their own. The " Brent farm" 
was widely known throughout this region. 

James Penoyer, from Onondaga Co., N. Y., and after- 
wards for two or three years a resident of Ohio, moved from 
the latter State to Michigan in 1838, and settled in Flush- 
ing, south of the village, on the town line. He had, in 
1830, been here and worked on the Brent farm with his 
brother, David Penoyer. He now resides north of Lyons' 
Corners, in the township of Clayton. 

David Penoyer came first to Michigan in the spring of 
1835, and in the fall of the same year, after having been 
back to New York, returned and purchased a small tract 
of land (fifty-seven acres), where John L. Green now lives. 
This second trip ho made with a horse, and traded the 
animal for the land. In the early part of May, 1836, his 
family followed, landing at Detroit on the 9th of that 
month, and meeting Mr. Penoyer there. Acquaintances 
named Belden lived at Birmingham, Oakland Co., and 
thither they repaired. Jarvis Bailey, who had started 
from Baldwinsville, Onondaga Co., N. Y., a week before 
Mr. Penoyer's family, arrived at Detroit the same day they 
did. William D. Penoyer, a son of David, left the family 
at Birniinghain and came on with Mr. Bailey, who settled 
on the farm now owned by John Sutton, of Flint, and occu- 
pied by Calvin Luce. Bailey had purchased this land on 



268 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



a previous trip made in the company of David Penoyer. 
When Bailey and the younger Penoj'cr came in tliere had 
been an ox-team driven through by Messrs. Abby (or 
Albee) and NefF, the parties whom Bailey bought out. 
They had made a few improvements on the place. Wm. 
D. Penoyer thinks he drove the first horse-team and wagon 
which entered the township. Mrs. John Paton is of the 
opinion that the first horse-team which came through here 
was driven down to the Brent place by Samuel Weeks, of 
Flint, who took down a load of goods. Weeks (afterwards 
Judge Weeks) was then in Brent's employ. This circum- 
stance is not remembered by Henry French, who thinks 
goods were transported at that time by water. And from 
these three opinions the reader is left to choose the right. 

About six weeks or two months after Bailey and Penoyer 
arrived, the former, with his wife, hired to Thomas L. Ij. 
Brent, and William D. Penoyer went down with them. 
In the succeeding fall the latter's father took a job of clear- 
ing fifty acres for Brent, on the east side of the river, where 
the buildings of Sidney Mclntyre now stand. Mr. Penoyer 
died in 1846. When the families went down the river to 
the Brent farm, it was necessary to build rafts upon which 
to transport their goods, as no roads had been cut through, 
and no boats larger than Indian canoes plied on the river. 
Mr. Penoyer lived on the Brent place something over a 
year, or long enough to pay for 1 60 acres of land in work. 
This land joined the 57 acres he had previously purchased. 
When he left he had to cut a road, as the current in the 
river was too swift to raft against. 

William D. Penoyer has lived on the farm he now 
occupies, north of the village of Flushing, since the winter 
of 1850. Considerable of his land, like other in the neigh- 
borhood, had originally a large proportion of pine growing 
upon it, and the array of pine-stumps rolled into line for 
fences bears witness to the labor necessary to clear up 
ready for cultivation. 

The first resident white child born between Flushing and 
Flint was John Paton, Jr., now in business in Flushing 
village, his birth occurring September 15, 1836, while his 
parents were living on their farm in Flint township. The 
first birth in Flushing township was that of Henry French's 
son, George French, which occurred on Nov. 13, 1837. 
Mary M. Paton, sister to John Paton, Jr., was born July 
23, 1839. 

Among the first settlers in the township was a man 
named Terbush, who located down the river from the 
present village, on a stream called " Cold Creek," where 
he built a log shanty and lived for six or eight years. This 
was on the farm at present occupied by Erustus Packard, 
Simeon M. Smith lived upon it after Terbush had removed, 
and died there. Terbush moved to Oakland County, and 
is now living in Bay City. He traded his farm in Flushing 
to Smith for another in Oakland County. 

Ezra Smith, the father of Simeon M. Smith and Mrs. 
Alexander Barber, came with his wife and one son, Ezra 
Smith, Jr. (the latter accompanied by his wife and two 
children), in the fall of 1839, as did also Alexander Barber 
and family. All were from Madison Co., N. Y., and lived 
about four miles below Flushing village. Mr. Barber sub- 
sequently moved into the village, where he died in Feb- 



ruary, 1878. Settlers, when these families came, were 
accustomed to go quite often to mill at Pontiac, and the 
hardships endured can scarcely be described. Mrs. Barber 
feared the Indians very much, never having seen any before 
coming to Michigan. They, at one time, dug up Mr. 
Barber's potatoes afler the sprouts were six inches high, 
leaving the sprouts in the ground, and the reason why they 
did not grow faster was only discovered when Mr. Birber 
dug down to see what the trouble was. 

Origin Packard settled in town as early as 1838. In the 
fall of 1839 he had a small board shanty built on his place. 
His wife did her cooking at a burning log-heap near by. 
The shanty was formed by setting up a few poles and cov- 
ering them with boards. When the Smiths and Barber 
came, in 1839, Packard had chopped 10 or 12 acres, and 
was burning the logs. He piloted these families to their 
land along an Indian trail, Mrs. Barber stopping with Mrs. 
Packard while they were gone, in response to that lady's 
invitation to " come and sit with her by her log-heap." 
This was Mrs. Barber's first neighborly call in the wilder- 
ness, and the circumstance is still fresh in her memory. 
Some of the trees felled by Mr. Packard obstructed the 
trail, and the wagons had to be carefully engineered around 
them. Mr. Packard died in June, 1879. 

John Hallock, now living below Flushing village, was an 
early settler of the township, as was also Asahel Johnson, 
residing on a farm on the west side of the river. 

Andrew F. Sutton, a native of New Jersey, moved into 
town about 1853, and purchased a portion of the Jarvis 
Bailey form. His wife's mother, Mrs. Davenport, settled 
about 1837, near Clarkston, Oakland Co. Mr. Sutton's 
brother, John Sutton, resides in Flint, where he settled in 
1841. 

THE ENGLISH SETTLEMENT. 

In the northwestern part of town is what is known as the 
" English Settlement," from the fact that it was early set- 
tled by a number of families from England, some of whom 
yet reside in the vicinity. The first families of that nativ- 
ity to locate in the neighborhood were John Heed and 
James Bailey, who came in the fall of 1840. Mr. Bailey's 
family followed at a later date. Samuel and James Wood 
came from Lancashire,* England, in May, 1842, to Flush- 
ing, and in March, 1843, the former was married to Mrs. 
Mary Vernon, a widow who had come over the same spring 
with her father, John Bailey (father also to James Bailey), 
and lived at Flushing village. Her mother died on the 
Samuel Wood place, and the latter died in March, 1875. 
His widow still survives him, and lives with her son-in-law, 
Thomas H. Kelland, on the old place. Mr. Kelland came 
from England in 1850. 

Other families of the same nativity who settled here were 
those of Thomas Hough, Sr. and Jr., Richard Bowden, 
William Bailey (brother of James Bailey and Mrs. S. 
Wood), and Thomas Newell, now of Flint, who came with 
the Houghs and Bowdens. The houses of J. Wood, Bow- 
den, and Hough were all erected in one and the same day. 
Most of the English families who settled here had been 
farmers in the old country, but some of them were entirely 



■Were natives of l>erb^-t;hir('. James brought bis family. 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



269 



new at the business, and knew nothing about chopping, 
milking, etc., and the consequence was some of their expe- 
riences were hiughable in the extreme. 

When these settlers came, they hired a surveyor from 
Flint to come out and locate their land for them, paying 
him a sovereign in gold for his services. James Wood 
says that, in those days of " wild-cat" money, the whole 
county of Genesee could have been bought for SIOOO in 
gold. Thomas Hough bought a yoke of oxen some four 
miles south of the settlement, paying £1: in gold for them. 
They were four years old, yet Hougli said he believed that 
" for another sovereign he could have bought the old man's 
farm and his wife too." It was necessary to hire a man to 
drive the oxen up, and after he lefl they were kept yoked 
night and day, as no one knew how to yoke them. They 
were fed on basswood-leaves, and at the end of two months 
were nearly starved. The oxen were greatly afraid of the 
Indians ; as one of the early settlers remarks, " they didn't 
like the smell of 'em !" 

John Keed, who it seems was possessed of a fiery temper, 
on one occasion became angry with his cow, and drove her 
away into the woods to the north, kicking her at every step, 
until finally both were tired out. He had tried to turn her 
back at first, but she was obstinate, and that roused his ire. 
His boot came up at the same time, and when at last he 
stopped to rest he found himself in a strange neighborhood, 
lost in the forest. He finally pulled off one of his boots, 
milked the cow in it, drank the milk, and lay down on a 
log, where he was found the next day by the neighbors, who 
had instituted a search for him. He had fought mosqui- 
toes all night, and looked somewhat the worse for his 
adventure. 

Bears, wolves, and other species of wild game were ex- 
ceedingly plenty, and the pig-pens of the settlers suffered 
upon numerous occasions. James Wood had a single hog, 
weighing, about 200 pounds, which was one night killed 
and dragged off by a bear, leaving a track as if a "saw- 
log" had been dragged along. 

RESIDENTS OF FLUSHING TOWNSHIP IN 1844. 

The following list of resident tax-payers in what is now 
Flushing in 1844 is made up from the assessment roll for 
that year : 



Armstrong, James. 
Atkins, Kobert. 
Adams, Montgomery. 
Bowman, Richard. 
h\\6s, Abial C. 
Hailey, Jarvis. 
Bennett, Isaac. 
Brown, William. 
Bowen, Benjamin. 
Bumj>, Elias J. 
Boucher, William. 
Barker, Josejih. 
Begole, Thomafl. 
Bcgole, Frederick. 
Bump, Uideon. 
Barber, Alexander. 
Bartlett, Charles D. 
Baldwin, Isaac. 
Bailey, William, 
Bowden, Kicbard. 
Bailey, Jamee. 



Brent, Thomas L. L, 
Beebe, Sylvester. 
Chamberlain, Barney. 
Carpenter, Joseph C. 
Chase, William. 
Cooper, William U. 
Coutant, Latin. 
Cogswell, Chauncey. 
Chapman, James. 
Crocker, (icorgc. 
Crocker, Stephen. 
Curtis, Hiram. 
Carpenter, Barnard. 
Case, James II. 
Carter, James. 
Chase, James. 
Curtis, David. 
Curtis, Comfort. 
Chilflon, C. C. 
Dehm, Jacob. 
Dimond, Ilcnry. 



Dye, He u ben. 
Dimund, Thomas. 
DelbriiJge, William. 
Evans, John. 
Ewing, E. R. 
Eddy. Willinm. 
Egglcston, John A, 
Eggleston, John D. 
French, Ira. 
French, Ebcnczer. 
French, Henry. 
Farnham, Elijah D. 
Green, Robert. 
Goir, William. 
Gilbert, Anson. 
Greenfield, John. 
Granger, EM. 
Godard, William. 
Gilkey, Levi. 
Ilopson, Nathaniel. 
Hughes, William II. 
Harrison, Rufus. 
Hayef, Aaron G. 
Horton, John. 
Hyslop, Andrew. 
Ilerrick, Alan.=on. 
Hosic, James, 
Uosie, Andrew. 
Hosie, John. 
Hough, Thomas. 
Heal, Charles. 
John.-'on, Asahcl. 
Jcnner, William. 
Kelley, Dominick. 
Locker, William. 
Miles, Nathan. 
Miles, Tbeophilus. 
Miller, Jeremy T. 
Miller, James H. 
McCormick, Joseph. 
Marshall, John. 
Martin, Asahcl. 
Person, Marvin B. 



Parrish, Nathaniel, 
Parscll, Robert. 
Paton, John. 
Packard, Thomas J. 
Penoyer, David. 
Penoyer, Hiram. 
Pctlingill. Samuel. 
Pettingill, Daniel. 
Person, David. 
Packard, Asahcl. 
Perry, George K. 
Packard, Origin. 
Runyon, Vincent. 
Ransom, Benjamin. 
■Ransom, Robert. 
Rino, Aaron B. 
Rino, Stiles. 
Ball, Benjamin. 
Rail, Jacob W. 
Rood, G. B. 
Rood, Norman L. 
Reed, John. 
Stoddard, John. 
Smith, Orcn. 
Shcpard, William. 
Sullivan, Daniel. 
Smith, Simeon M. 
Smith, Ezra B. 
Seymour, James. 
Turner, William. 
Taylor, John. 
Thorn, John. 
Todd, Joseph, 
Vernon, Joseph. 
Vosburgh, Edward. 
Van Antwerp, Norman. 
Welch, Russell. 
Wright, Alvin. 
Wood, James. 
Wood, Samuel. 
Washburn, Philip., 
W^illace, Robert. 
Williams, Henry A. 



NAME AND 



OPvGANIZATION OF 
CIVIL LIST. 



TOWNSHIP- 



The township of Flushing was formed in 1838, and origi- 
nally included the whole of townships 7 and 8 north, in 
range 5 east, and the west half of townships 7 and 8 north, 
in range (3 east. This territory has been subdivided until 
the present town of Flushing includes only township 8 
north, in range 5 east, as designated on the United States 
government survey. 

At a preliminary meeting, held at the house of Ezekiel 
R. Ewing, in what is now the edge of Mount Morris town- 
ship, to choose a name for the proposed new township, a 
considerable number of settlers were present. Each one 
offered a name, and that of Dover, given by Ebenezer 
French, was finally adopted, and sent in to the Legislature. 
Owing to the fact that another township of the same name 
existed in the State, that body substituted Flushing, and as 
such the township was organized and still remains. 

The early records of the township cannot be found, and 
it is therefore impossible to give a complete list of township 
officers. The first town clerk (1838) was Abiel C. Bliss; 
Aaron G. Hayes followed in lS?>d ; Alfred Pond, in 1840- 
41; Jeremy T. Miller, from 1842 to 184G ; and B. F. 
Warner, in 1847. Abiel C. Bliss and Jarvis Bailey were 



270 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



school inspectors in 1838. The officers from 1848 to 1879, 
inclusive, have been as follows, viz. : 



SUPERVISORS. 



1S48. EzckicI R. Ewing. 

1849. Eber G. Liingilon. 

1850. John HiUIoek. 

1851. James Seymour. 

1852. Warren Harrison. 

1853. Eber G. Langtion. 
1854-56. Warren Harrison. 



185". John Hallock. 
1858. Eber G. I.angdon. 
18511. Asahcl Packard. 
18B0. Charles F. Poland. 
1861-65. Ebenezer French. 
1866. William J. Kent. 
1S67-79. Charles F. Deland. 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852- 
1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
1859- 



1S48, 

1849 

1851. 

1852. 

1853. 

1854. 

1855. 

1856- 

1S59- 

1861 

1863. 

1864. 



Alanson Nilcs. 

Washington I. Warner. 

Robert H. Green. 

Eber G. Lnngdon. 
54. Arthur C. Andrews. 

Alanson Xiles. 

Jacob Rezoau. 

Minor S. Newell. 

Charles Seymour. 
-60. Iliram A. Packard. 

TRE 

John Hallock. 
-50. Warren Harrison. 

No record. 

John Hallock. 

Warren Harrison. 

Henry French. 

John Hallock. 
-58. Henry French. 
-60. Robert Parsell. 
-62. Daniel W. Robinson. 

Charles Lusk. 

George W. Hicks. 



1861. John Paton, Jr. 
1S62-G4. David Sanford. 

1865. Franklin A. Nilcs. 

1866. Hiram A. Packard. 

1867. Wallace R. Cahlwell. 

1868. Theron E. Haskins. 
1869-70. Franklin Roman. 
1871-78. William Hosie. 
1S79. Daniel B. Perry. 



ASURERS. 

1S65. Oscar F. Clarke. 
1866. John Kimniell. 
1867-69. Alanson Niles. 

1870. Nelson Talbot. 

1871. Alanson Niles. 
1872-74. Hiram A. Packard. 

1875. Hiram P. Ransom. 

1876. Mortimer N. Park. 

1877. Franklin Roman. 

1878. Hiram A. Packard. 

1879. Henry A. Ingham. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



1848. 


E. G. Langdon. 


1864. 


C. J. Reed. 




Andrew J. McDowel. 


1865. 


Ezra B. Smith. 


1849. 


Truman Herrick. 




Samuel B. Kinimell. 




E. G. Laugdon. 


1866. 


Harrison Parker. 


1850. 


Thomas Chapin. 




Arthur C. Andrews. 


1851. 


No record. 


1867. 


William Grinnell. 


1S52. 


Andrew Fisher. 


1868. 


Consider S. Swain. 


1853. 


Eber G. Langdon. 


1869. 


Ezra B. Smith. 


1854. 


Benjamin F. Warner. 


1870. 


Arthur C. .-indrews. 


1855. 


Henry French. 


1871. 


Henry L. Williams. 




Robert H. Green. 




Isaac G. Hotchkiss. 


1856. 


Ogden Clarke. 


1872. 


Jacob C. Rezeau. 


1857. 


Eber G. Langdon. 


1873. 


Is!iac G. Hotchkiss. 


1858. 


Minor S. Newell. 




Daniel Tarry. 


1859. 


Asahel Packard. 




John H. Button. 


1860. 


George Worden. 


1874. 


A. C. Andrews. 


1861. 


Thomas Hough, Jr. 




Seth S. C. Caldwell. 


1862. 


Alanson Niles. 


1875. 


Hiram Howe. 




Solon C. Bliss. 


1876. 


David Sanl'ord. 


1863. 


S. C. Bliss. 


1877. 


Isaac G. Hotchkiss. 




Charles F. Deland. 


187S. 


A. C. Andrews. 


1864. 


Oscar F. Clarke. 




W. E. Partri.lge. 




C. F. Deland. 


1879. 


William E. Partridge 




S. D. Sanford. 







ASSESSORS. 



1848. S. Wright. 
Ezra B. Smith. 

1849. Harry Bchan. 
Truman llerrick. 

1850. Robert Ransom. 



1850. Truman Herrick. 

1851. Charles F. Deland. 
A. Fisher. 

1852. Asahcl Johnson. 
.\llen Bump. 





COMMISSIONERS 


OF HIGHWAYS. 


184S. 


Eber G. Langdon. 


1864. 


James Ingham. 




Henry French. 




Algernon .?. Freeman. 




Amos M. Woodruff. 


1865. 


Ranstord W. (Jraham. 


1849. 


Alvin Wright. 


1866. 


Nelscm Talbot. 


1850. 


Alexander Barber. 


1867. 


John Hallock. 


1851. 


John Hallock. 




Henry French. 




Joseph Deland. 




James Ingham. 


1852. 


Truman Herrick. 


1868. 


Alex. J. Deland. 




Arthur C. Andrews. 




Jacob Kimmell. 


1853. 


Andrew Fisher. 


1869. 


Jiioob Kimmell. 


1854. 


Amos M. Woodruff. 


1870. 


Carlos Packard. 


1855. 


Robert Parsell. 




Ebenezer French. 




Ezra B. Smith. 


1871. 


James W. Brown. 


1856. 


Ezra B. Smith. 


1872. 


.lohn Rowe. 


1857. 


William Lockyer. 


1873. 


Ebenezer French. 


1858. 


Robert C. Ransom. 




Carlos Packard. 


1859. 


Charles F. Deland. 


1874. 


John H. Button. 


1860. 


John Kimmell. 


1875- 


-76. Nelson Talbot. 


1861. 


John Hallock. 


1877. 


William .\. Garner. 


1862. 


Nelson Talbot. 


1878 


John Dillon. 


1SG3. 


Henry Bowden.* 


1879 


James W. Brown. 



TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS. 



1875-76. Lewis J. Gibson. 
1S77. Gilbert V. Chamberlain. 



1878. James L. Spencer. 

1879. Albert E. Ransom. 



SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 



1848. 


Iliram S. Penoyer. 


1862 


1849. 


Elijah D. Farnam. 
Eber G. Langdon. 


1863 




Jeremy T. Miller. 


1864 


1850. 


Alanson Niles. 




1851. 


Alexander Barber. 


1865 


1852. 


Nelson W. Butts. 


1866 




Eber G. Langdtm. 


1867 


1853. 


William J. Kent. 


1868 


1S54. 


Eber (j. Langdon. 


1S69 


1855. 


William J. Kent. 


1870 


1856. 


Eber G. Langdon. 




1857. 


Alanson Niles. 


1871 


1858. 


Eber G. Langdon. 


1872 


1859. 


Milton B. Deland. 


1873 


1860. 


Alanson Niles. 


1874 




Arthur C. Andrews. 


1875 


1861. 


Bronson Turner. 


1878 



. Franklin A. Niles. 
. Alanson Niles. 

Solon C. Bliss. 
. Bronson Turner. 

Alex. J. Deland. 
. Samuel B. Kimmell. 
. Lodowick C. York. 
. Selden A. Banning. 
. Alexander .J. Deland. 
. Theron E. Haskins. 
. A. J. Deland. 

Jacob C. Rezeau. 
. No record. 
. Franklin Roman. 
. AlexaU'ler Barber. 
. Franklin Bouian. 
-77. Alexander Barber. 
-79. Ebenezer French. 



OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 



1848. W. I.Warner. 
William Coutant. 

1849. Isaac Bennett. 
Ebenezer French. 

1850-52. B. Chamberlain. 
A. A. Martin. 

1853. A. A. Martin. 
Alanson Payson. 

1854. A. A. Martin. 



1854. S. S. C. Caldwell. 

1855. George W. Hicks. 
John B. Copp. 

1856-57. Consider Swain. 
George W. Hicks. 

1858. George W. Hicks. 
James Ingham. 

1859. Asahcl Johnson. 
AVilliam W. Brown. 



DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 



1872. Henry French. 

1873. Dauiel Tarry. 

1874. A. S. Partridge. 

1875. Alexander Barber. 



1 1876. Nelson Talbot. 

1877. William A. Garner. 

1878. George A. French (two 

years). 



CONSTABLES. 



1848-49. William D. Penoyer. 

Seth S. C. Caldwell. 
1S50. Joseph Dunbar. 

S. S. C. Caldwell. 
1851. No record. 



1852. Daniel Pettingill. 

Wm. D. Penoyer. 
i853. Henry Van Buren. 

Daniel Pettingill. 

Wm. D. Penover. 



* Resigned, and Henry French appointed to fill vacancy. 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



271 



1853. 


Asahel Packard. 


186.5. 


Franklin Boman. 


1851. 


Daniel Pcttingill. 




George A. French. 




Asahel A. Martin. 


ISfiG. 


Willis K. Hill. 


1855. 


A. A. Martin. 


1S66. 


Hiram E. Parker. 




Homer Peno3xr. 




John Yattor. 


1856. 


Wm. D. Pcnoyer. 




Dennis Falhy. 




Perry Smith. 


1S67. 


Arza N. Niles. 




John B. Reed. 




Homer D. Penoyer. 




Homer D. Penoyor. 




Henry Hough. 


1857. 


Wm. D. Pcnoyer. 




John M. Caldwell. 




Daniel Coteher. 


1868. 


Daniel N. Fenner. 




Jacob Kimmell. 




Charles Kna]i|). 




Charles D. Fisher. 




Ale.N. J. Dcland. 


1858. 


Arthur L. Ellsworth. 




Lafayette W. Wisner 




Wm. D. Pcnoyer. 


1869. 


Wm. J. Ottawa. 




Daniel Coteher. 




L. W. Wisner. 




Edwin F. Elmore. 




Wm. Ingham. 


1859. 


John R. Reed. 




George Hosie. 




Asahel A. Martin. 


1S70. 


L. W. Wisner. 




Peter W. Rifcnbury. 




A. N. Nilcs. 




.John 11. Spitzcr. 




Horace D. French. 


1S60. 


Wm. D. Penover. 




Daniel N. Fenner. 




Wm. E. Hicks. 


1871. 


Murza Swartz. 




Edwin F. Elwell. 




Samuel E. Ottawa. 




Elisha B. Coddington. 




Amos B. Hurd. 


ISGl. 


Willis K. Hill. 




Cornelius E. Ilulison 




James E. Barnh-art. 


IS72 


S. E. Ottawa. 




AVm. E. Hicks. 




C. B. Payson. 




Edwin i\ Elwell. 




Elliott Hough. 


1862 


W. K. Hill. 




John Caldwell. 




C. Brockaway. 


1873 


A. D. Elliott. 




Henry Bowden. 




F. T. Baker. 




E. F. Elwell. 




J. A. Rezcau. 


IS63 


Wm. D. Penoyer. 




John Allen. 




E. F. Elwell. 


1874 


George Jeflers. 




Wm. E. Hicks. 




John Allen. 




Henry Bowden. 




Harley Hills. 


1804 


Erwin Cadv. 




Charles E. Mallory. 




John Caldwell. 


1875 


H. P. Ransom. 




Henry Hough. 




N. Partridge. 




John II. Roscmire. 




H. H. Kahl. 


1865 


Ana N. Niles. 




C. B. Payson. 




James E. Barnhart. 


1876 


G. W. Parmclce. 



1876. S. Mulkins. 
S. E. Ottawa. 
H. H. Kahl. 

1877. S. E. Ottawa. 
H. H. Kahl. 

W. E. Partridge. 
Robert Hosie. 



1878. S. E. Ottawa. 
J. B. Brown. 
H. H. Kahl. 
Robert Hosie. 

1879. Henry H. Kahl. 
Benjamin F. FrceJand. 
James B. Brown. 
Samuel E. Ottawa. 



SCHOOLS. 

In October, 1838, the township of Flushing was divided 
into five school districts, the school inspectors being Abiel 
C. Bli.ss and Jarvis Bailey. As the township was then 
nine by twelve utiles in dimensions, or containing one hun- 
dred and eight square miles, the districts were very large ; 
yet, as the population was scattering, but few schools could 
be sustained. 

Perhaps the first school in the township, as it was then, 
was taught by Marshall Talbot (a cousin to William D. 
Penoyer), in a board kitchen attached to the house of Eze- 
kiel 11. Ewing, just across the line in what is now Mount 
Blorris, — the first farm east of the Rufus Harrison place. 
To this school children gathered to the number of about 
15, some of them going a distance of five or six miles. Mr. 
Ewing had originally settled in the town of Grand Blanc. 
His son, Lueion Ewing, was born in the latter town, and is 
said to have been the first white child born in Genesee 
County. 

At the English settlement a frame school-house was 
built about 18-15 on the corner near the location of James 
Wood's present dwelling, and Huldah Ann Felt, whose 
parents lived in Clayton township, taught the first term of 
school. 

From the school inspectors' report for the year ending 
Sept. 2, 1878, the following table is arranged for this town- 
ship, showing the condition of its schools at that date : 



DlSTItlCTS. 



No. 1.. 

" 2.. 

« 4« 

" 6.. 

" 7.. 

" 9» 

« ]i«. 

" 13.. 

" 14.. 

" IR.. 

" I7» 



75 5) 

- to 



44 

2110 
29 
64 
67 
69 
24 
65 
70 
52 
59 



28 
158 
37 
48 
47 

"23 
39 
59 
47 



e 



136 
200 
138 
160 

78 

iTfi'i 

138 
160 
157 



SCUOOL-HOUSKS. 



Frame. 





. 


M 

















X 







"s 














s 


^ 


la 




50 


?ciin 




10,00(1 


56 


4{)n 


70 


500 


70 


600 


30 


ioo 


100 

"eij 


800 


700 





500 



NL".MOEtt OF TeACHEKS. 



Teachehs' Wages. 



Male. 



$700 
91.25 



120 
112 
70 
140 
160 



$130 

900 

33 

138 



60 
48 
48 
80 
198 
130 



Total receipts for year, S4969.63 ; amount on hand Sept. 
2, 1878, $454.85 ; total expenditures, less amount on hand, 
?4514.78; number of private or select .school.'* in town, 1. 

. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ENGLISH 
SETTLEMENT. 

The liouses of the several English families who settled in 
this township, as meotioDed, were built nearly at the same 



Fractional districts. 



time. That of Samuel Wood was built last, he living with 
his brother, James Wood, until his own was completed. 
Not long after the settlement, a Methodist Episcopal class 
was formed, and the first meetings were held in James 
Wood's log house. Their first preacher was one Mr. 
Whitwam, a mason by trade, who was afterwards killed at 
Flint by a fiill. The first cla.ss-leader was James Wood, 
who Sitys, " We were Methodists wIivmi wc came, and didn't 
want to •'!) long without meetings. " 'J'he frame for a 



272 



HISTOKY OF GENESEE COUNTY", MICHIGAN. 



church was raised in 1863, and the building was finished 
in 1864. Rev. Albert Allen was the preacher in charge at 
the date of its dedication. The first quarterly meeting was 
held at Flushing village, in a barn, about 1844, and for the 
benefit of the hungry, a turkey was baked in an oven built 
by James Wood. 

The church now belongs to Hazleton circuit, in charge 
of Rev. Duncan Ward, of Hazelton, Shiawassee County. It 
has a membership of about 40, and sustains a good Sunday- 
school, with Henry Kahl as superintendent. 

A Roman Catholic church is located iu the west part of 
the township. 

EARLY EOAD. 

The first road cut in the township was the river-road 
from the east, which was surveyed, iu the summer of about 
the year 1835, through to the farm of John Paton. That 
gentleman was instrumental in procuring the road, and 
brought the surveyors down from Flint. They were 
Mes.srs. Williams, of Grand Blanc, and Benjamin Pierson, 
of Flint. This road has been changed somewhat since, and 
extended. 

COAL AND SALT. 

The first coal discovered in the township was that found 
on John Paton's farm, in the fall of 1842. It is a bitumi- 
nous coal of fair quality, and exists on both sides of the 
river. It has never been worked except where it cropped 
out at the river. The vein on the Paton farm was 29 
inches thick. Several parties have prospected on the west 
side and taken out considerable quantities, and one or two 
geologists, who have examined the locality, aver that plenty 
of coal would be found by digging. The dip of the strata 
is towards the north. Some parties, in boring for coal on 
the farm of Henry French, on the south side of the river, 
above the village, passed through thirty feet of sand-rock. 
A company owning coal-mines at Corunna, Shiawassee Co., 
leased considerable land along Flint River, in Flushing, 
drilled a few holes and did no further work, and the people 
were unable to ascertain whether they found coal or not. 

A well was at one time drilled here for salt ; britie was 
.struck at a depth of seven hundred feet. The hole was 
deepened subsequently to fourteen hundred feet, and from 
some cause abandoned. Brackish water still flows from it. 

FLUSHING SANDSTONE. 

A gray sand-rock crops out at several places along the 
river in this township, and at a few of them has been quar- 
ried. The principal beds, or those nearest the surface, are 
on the farms of Henry French and John Sutton, east of 
Flushing village, and the Hallock farm, below the village. 
The first quarries were opened on the French farm by the 
" Flushing Stone-Quarry Company," since discontinued, and 
on the Luce (now the Sutton) farm by Sutton and Luce. 
O. W. Parsell, J. W. Kimmell, and others formed a com- 
pany and opened a quarry on the Hallock farm. John 
Sutton, of Flint, is the owner of the principal quarry ; the 
stratum is from ten inches to four feet in thickness, and 
the stone can easily be quarried, as the water does not run 
in from the river, as it does in other places. By a light 
stripping, about 15 acres on the Sutton place can be pre- 



pared for quarrying. The river is lined here with sand- 
stone for three-fourths of a mile, and large slabs occupy the 
bed of the stream. St. Paul's Episcopal church, in Flint, 
was constructed from this stone, 126 cords being taken 
from the Sutton farm, and a considerable quantity from 
that of Henry French. About 400 cords have been quar- 
ried on the Sutton place, and used in various places. The 
foundation of the Flushing mills is of this material, and 
much has been used in numerous buildings in Flint and 
elsewhere. Owing to inadequate means of transportation, 
the work has been temporarily abandoned. The stone ap- 
pears to harden by exposure to the atmosphere, and lias 
been pronounced by experts to be of excellent quality for 
building purposes, and the best in the lower peninsula of 
Michigan. The first of any account taken out was for 
the church at Flint. 

Robert Patrick, who came to Flint, Aug. 27, 1835, and 
still resides there, took a contract from the State, about 
1841, for removing stone in the river-bed in Flushing, and 
changing and improving the channel, in order that rafts 
might be run down. Some very large slabs were removed. 
A lock was inserted in the dam at Flushing village, and 
everything prepared for " raft-navigation." 

STATISTICS FOR FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 

The following items from the State census for 1874 will 
serve to show the condition of the township in that year, 
and enable the reader to compare its resources and present 
standing with those of the same territory two-score years 
in the past : 

Population (ilS9 males, 926 females) 1S65 

Number of acres of taxable land 21,910.75 

" " improved land 7,S1)7 

" " land exempt from taxation 11.25 

Value of same, with improvements $1,255 

Number of acres in school- house sites 3.25 

*• " church and parsonage sites 3 

" *' burjing-grounds 5 

*' '* of wheat raised in 1S74 1,558 

" " " " 1873 1,458 

" " corn raised in 1873 822 

" bushels of wheat raised in 1873'. 22,705 

" " corn raised in 1873 23,705 

« " all other grain raised in 1873 36,503 

** " potatoes raised in 1873 ll,fiS3 

" tons of hay cut in 1873 2,088 

" pounds of wool sheared in 1873 8,852 

" " pork marlieted in 1873 80,tiG8 

" " butter made in 1873 83,270 

*• barrels of cider made in 1 874 191 

'* pounds of luaple-sugar made in 1874 6,339 

" acres in orchards 420 

" bushels of apples raised in 1872 18,713 

" " " " 1873 7,972 

" bush, melons and garden vegetables, 1872 225 

" " " " " 1873 700 

Viiluo of all fruit and garden vegetables, 1872 $0,863 

'• " " " " 1873 $5,506 

Number of horses one year old and over, 1874 478 

" mules, 1874 3 

" work-oxen, 1874 82 

" milch-cuws, 1874 676 

** neat cattle, one year old and over, other 

th.an oxen and cows. 1874. 624 

" swine over six mouths old, 1874 501 

" sheep over six months old, 1874 2,482 

" shee[i sheared in 1S73 2,008 

Number of flou ring-mills in township 1 

Number of persons employed in same 4 

Amount of capital invested $7,000 

Number of barrels of flour made 5,000 

Value of products $35,000 

Number n{ saw-niills 2 

Number of persons emploved 10 

Capit:il invested .". $6,500 

yeet of lumber sawed 615.000 

Value of lumber $6,150 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



273 



Number of p1;iDiiig-iuill$ 1 

Per^ms employ ed o 

(.'apiul invested $;i.4O0 

Value of pnxluets $1,W0 

Number of agricultural implement shops and foun- 
dries 1 

Persons employed 2 

Capital iurcsted $1..!00 

Value of products $1,000 

VILLAGE OF FLUSHING 

Horace Jerome, from St. Clair, Mich., purcluised the 
water-power at what is now Flushin<i villajre, in ISoG. In 
the previous fall i^lSoo) Charles Seymour, of Litclifield 
Co., Conu., had been to the State and purch;ised lands up 
the Flint Kiver. He afterwanls employed Jerome to look 
up. pine-lands for him, and finally entered into partnership 
with him. The oriirinal bargain between them was that 
Jerome should build a s;iw-mill and Seymour should furnish 
the logs to cut. In the winter of 1836-87 a large amount 
of timber was prepared with which to construct the mill 
and dam, and the frame of the mill was put up in the 
summer of 1837, on the east side of the river, at the village. 
The circular had been issued by President Jackson author- 
izing land-agents to receive nothing but specie for govern- 
ment lauds, owing to the extensive circulation of '' wild- 
cat" money, and Mr. Seymour returned to the East in the 
winter of 1S37-3S, bringing with him when he came back 
a quantity of good money.* He bought 42 lots of pine- 
land (all on shares'*, and had altogether over 18,000 acres. 
On this land he thinks grew the best pine the region 
afforded, and he was so fortunate as to have first choice. 

The original plan had been to have a saw-mill and 
grist-mill combined. — two saws and a run of stone. The 
s:iw-mill part was completed, but the other project was 
abandoned. The saw-mill irons were made at Brockport, 
N. Y., where Mr. Seymour had lived a few years before 
comin;; to Michigan. In the winter of 1S3S a portion of 
the dam was washed away. One s;>w was then in openition. 
Jerome soon after left, and Seymour repaired the mill and 
carried it on until 1S43, when he sold the pmjierty to his 
brother, James Seymour. Charles Seymour did not move 
to the county to make it his permanent home until Febru- 
ary, 1843. On the first Monday in April of that year, 
election day, the snow lay on the ground to the depth of 
three feet. This was at the close of the memorable '' hard 
winter." Charles Seymour afterwards built a mill with a 
single saw on the west side of the river. In the year 1S40, 
after the completion of the first saw-mill, he, in company 
with Benjamin Bowers, built the first grist-mill in the 
place. It stood on the site of the present " Flushing 
Mills," contained two runs of stone, and was finally de- 
stroyed by fire. 

When James Seymour purchased the property at Flush- 
ing he lived at Brockport, N. Y., and it was not until 
some time later that he moved out. He subsequently re- 
moved to Lansing, where he died. He was one of the 
ablest men of his time in the State. 

Horace Jerome, who had been Charles Seymour's partner, 
conceived the idea of establishing a " wild-cat bank" at 
Flushing, and in company with Rufus Brown and Delos 

* Mr. S., now of Flint, says he oerer owned a "wild-cat" bill in 
bis life. 

35 



Davis, of Detroit, started the institution in the fall of 
1838. Each man gave his note for S30,000; a building 
Wits erected and preparations made for carrying on the 
business according to the fashion of the day. Whatever 
business w.as done was transacted at Flint. The concern 
soon broke down, Jerome lost repute and left the country, 
and the notes of the three men were sold at auction for S5 
each ! The building erected for a bank is now used as a 
barn. Jerome died within recent years somewhere in the 
Saginaw Bay region. The bank was known as the " Flint 
Rapids Bank." The failure of this institution resulted in 
considerable loss to its stockholders and others. 

A village plat, bearing the name of Flushing, after the 
township in which it was located, was laid out Dec. 3, 
1840, on sections 2t> and 27, — both sides of the river, — by 
Charles Seymour. Sufficient allowance was not made in 
the survev for variation from the true meridian, and in 
1847, afler the property had passed into the hands of James 
Seymour, the second plat of the village was laid by him, 
surveyed by Eber G. Langdon. This was not projHirly 
recorded, and it was not until July. 1855, that a full de- 
scription was placed on record. James Seymour laid out 
an addition Feb. 22, 1S50, and block 31 was subdivided by 
Charles Seymour June 1, 1857. 

The mills finally became the property of Judge Ogden 
Clarke, who settled at the village in I84t>. He had located 
as early, probably, as 1834 on Kearsley Creek, above Flint, 
in Genesee township, where he owned a farm, and was also 
the proprietor of a store and a mill. The original mill was 
burned in 1SG4, and Messrs. Hart and Clarke — the owners 
of the present structure — built another one, which burned 
in 1872. The present new mill contains five runs of stone, 
and manufactures in prosperous times about 8000 barrels 
of flour annually. The same firm owns a mill a few rods 
below, whit-h is not now in operation. It w;ts built for a 
s;ish, blind, and door flictory, by Benjamin F. Warner and 
William F. Cull, and afterwards converted into a grist-mill, 
being finally purchased by the present owners. Oscar F. 
Clarke, one of the firm, came here with his uncle, Ogden 
Clarke, iu 1846; he was born in 1837, in Genesee town- 
ship. Orrin Hart, the other member of the firm, settled 
in Genesee township in 1836. 

Probably the first person who sold goods in the village 
was Eber G. Langdon. although he had no regular store. 
One of the Hendersons, from Flint, afterwards brought in 
a stock of goods and sold them out, and Ogden Clarke 
established the first permanent store in the place upon his 
arrival iu 1846. He owned also an ashery. Messrs. 
Rogers and Payson established the nest store of any 
account. 

Daniel Cotcher is at present the oldest merchant in the 
village ; that is. he has been in business here longer than 
any other now in the place. He came here in 1855. 

Daniel 0"Sullivan lived early on the site of what is now 
the " Half-way House," on the river road, between Flint 
and Flushing, and worked at the latter place on the early 
mills. He is now engitged in the mercantile business at 
Flint. 

Robert Patsell, from the town of Newstead, Erie Co., 
N. Y., came with his wife and one child to Flushing town- 



274 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ship in September, 1837. For one season he cleared land 
for Thomas L. L. Brent, and in the spring of 1838 moved 
upon a farm of his own on section 3G, — that now owned by 
C. L. Fuller. Upon it he resided until January, 1805, 
when he purchased and moved into the hotel in the village 
known as the " Flushing Exchange,'' of which he is still 
the proprietor. This hotel was built by Eber G. Langdon 
as early perhaps as 1840 ; it was the first and long the only 
one in the village. Langdon kept it for a considerable 
period, and became one of the prominent men of the village 
and township. Mr. Pansell puroha.sed the building of 
Asahel Fuller (since deceased), who had kept it six years. 
Langdon removed to Bay City, where he died. The house 
was kept by numerous other parties before it passed into 
the hands of Fuller. 

The " Lyons House," originally a store, was converted 
into a hotel by D. B. Lyon, now a prominent merchant of 
Flint. It stood on the opposite (north) side of the street 
from the " Exchange," and was finally torn away by Mr. 
LyoD, who has the present season — 1879 — erected a sub- 
stantial brick hotel on the same site. 

A building which stood on the ground now occupied by 
the " Laurel House" was converted into a hotel, and, in 
1878, was destroyed by fire. The " Laurel House" is a 
three-story brick building, with French roof, since erected 
by Mrs. Passmore, its present proprietress. 

Mr. Parsell keeps a livery in connection with his hotel, 
and is also proprietor of a biacksmith-shop. The first insti- 
tution of the latter kind in the place is said to have been 
opened in 1842, by Isaac Lyons, Esq., of Clayton. His 
was but a temporary shop, and in the same year Messrs. 
Sharp and Van Wormer established the first permanent one. 

Mr. Parsell's father, Robert Parsell, Sr., settled in the 
township of Clayton several years after his son had located 
in Flushing, — probably about 1842, — and died in the first- 
mentioned township. His son, Harry Parsell, settled in 
Flint in 1840, and another son, Hiram, came in 1848. 
These two are both residents of Flint. 

Walter and Porter Cronk, brothers-in-law to Robert 
Parsell, came with the latter to Flushing in 1837. Mr. Par- 
sell's oldest son, Eugene, recently sheriff of Genesee County, 
was a year old when his father's family came. A daughter, 
Olive Parsell, now the wife of Robert McGlinchy, of Clayton, 
was born in Flushing township, Feb. 21, 1839, and is there- 
fore one of the oldest white natives thereof. Mr. Parsell 
is the father of 14 children, 11 by his first wife, who died 
in 18G8, and 3 by his second. He was first married in 
1835. 

James Ingham, from Onondaga Co., N. Y. (a native of 
Sharon, Schoharie Co.), visited Flushing in the summer of 
1838, looking for land. His wife's half-brother, Calvin 
Clark, also related to the Penoyers, purchased for Jlr. Ing- 
ham 50 acres off from an 80 owned by James Penoyer. 
Mr. Clark lived in Medina Co., Ohio, and he and Mr. Ing- 
ham came from there together. The population of Flush- 
ing at that time was very meagre. Mr. Ingham visited 
the locality once afterwards, on his way back from Iowa, 
where his parents were living. In 1845 he removed with 
his family to this place, having but seventy-five cents left 
on his arrival. He had given the landlord of a Grand 



Blanc hotel, where he stopped on the way, a due-bill for 
$2.50, and this he paid several years afterwards. He never 
moved upon the place which had been bought from Pen- 
oyer, but lived farther up the river until 1849, when he 
purchased and moved upon the one he now owns in the 
village. When he came he had nine children, and the 
entire family experienced the liardships of a pioneer life. 
Mr. Ingham worked on a farm and in the pineries for $10 
a month, and the family lived on " bagas" and "johnny- 
cake." Mr. Ingham was one of the first abolitionists in the 
place, and always fearlessly advocated his principles. 

The first post-office in the neighborhood of Flushing was 
kept by Ezckiel R. Ewing, two miles up the river from the 
village, in what is now Mount Morris township, as early as 
1839— iO. The first one at the village was kept at the store 
of Me.s.srs. Green & Langdon, with Loren Green as first post- 
master. The mail was brought from Flint, and was at one 
time carried by Samuel Paine. A stage at present jilies 
between Flushing and Flint, carrying the mail. The pres- 
ent incumbent of the office at Flushing is Mrs. Mary Hills, 
who, uj)on the death of her husband, was appointed to suc- 
ceed him. 

The village was incorporated March 21, 1877, by the 
following " Act to Incorporate the Village of Flushing:" 

"Sec. 1. The Pvojih nf the Sliile nf Mkhit/iiu enact, Tbilt the fol- 
lowing lands and territory in the township of Flushing, county of 
tienesee, and described as follows, to wit: The southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 27, and all that part of the southwest quarter of section 26 as 
lies northerly of Flint River, and all the land on said section 26 lying 
between Flint Uiver and Chamberlain Street, as said street is laid out, 
and extending easterly to Flint River, the same being in township 8 
north, of range 5 east, be and the same is hereby constituted a village 
corporate, by the name of the village of Flushing. 

'* Sec. 2. The first election of oiScers of said village shall be held on 
the second Tuesday in May, in the year nf our Lonl one thou.^and 
eight hundred and seventy-seven, at Flushiug Hall, in the said 
village. 

"Sec. 3. A. N. Niles ami William llosie are hereby constituted a 
board of registration, for the purpo.^e of registering votes for the first 
election to be held in .saiil village ; and said board of registration are 
hereby required to meet on the Saturday preceding the second Tues- 
day of May, eighteen hundred and seventy-seven aforesaid, and reg- 
ister all persons presenting themselves for registration, and having 
the qualifications of voters at annual township-meetings. 

" Sec. 4. Notice of said first election of officers of said village shall 
be posted in three of the most public places in said village, at least ten 
days before the time of said election, which notice may be signed by 
any five freeholders in said village. 

" Sec. 5. The bridge or bridges now built, or that may ereafter be 
built, across Flint River, within the territory described in section one 
of this act, shall be built and maintiiined, as heretofore, by the town- 
ship of Flushing at large. 

" Sec. 6. The said village of Flushing shall in all things not herein 
otherwise provided be governed by, and its powers anil duties defined 
by, an act entitled * an act granting and defining the powers and duties 
of incorporated villages,' approved April first, eighteen hundred and 
seventy-five. 

" Sec. 7. In ease the said officers are not elected at the time tlesig- 
nated in section two of this act, an election for officers may be had at 
any time within one year from the time designated in said section 
two of this act, on notice being given as provided in section four of 
this act. 

" Sec. S. This act shall take immediate effect." 

The first village election was held May 8, 1877, when 82 
votes were polled. The following officers were chosen, viz. : 
President, Oscar F. Clarke ; Trustees (1 year), William 
J. Ottaway, Daniel Cotcher, Corydon Crouk ; (2 years), 




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FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



275 



Henry French, Jacob Kimmell, Hiram P. Ransom ; Village 
Clerk, William Hosie ; Treasurer, Hiram A. Packard; 
Street Commi.ssiom;r, Samui'l E. Ottaway ; Assessor, Aza- 
riah S. Partridge; Constable, Joseph Topliam. Samuel E. 
Ottaway was subsequently chosen marshal. 

1878. — I'resident, Arthur C. Andrus; Trustees (2 years), 
James W. Brown, George W. Hutton, Mortimer N. Park ; 
Clerk, William Hosie; Assessor, Carlos Packard; Treas- 
urer, Nelson Talbot ; Street Commissioner, S. E. Ottaway ; 
Constable, George W. Parmeleo. 

1879. — President, Arthur C. Andrus; Trustees (2 years), 
Nelson Talbot, Jacob Kimmel, Elisha B. Coddington ; Clerk, 
Wes.son G. Sprague ; Treasurer, Hiram A. Packard; As- 
sessor, M. M. Bliss; Street Commissioner, S. E. Ottaway; 
Constable, George Ball. 

The " Wolverine Fire Company" was organized about the 
year 1874, with about j5 members. Arza N. Nilcs was 
chosen first chief engineer. A subscription was raised, 
and a small hand-engine, bell, buckets, etc., were purchased. 
These were turned over to the village after its incorpora- 
tion. The engine was made by Capt. Haas, of Flint, and 
is of his own model and patent. It is an excellent one for 
a small engine, and in 1878 was the means of saving the 
business portion of the village from entire destruction by 
fire. A saloon and hotel were at that time burned on the 
corner where the " Laurel House" now stands. 

NEWSPAPERS. 
The Flushing Patrol, a seven-column folio sheet, was 
established October 18, 1878, by D. C. Aslimun, the pres- 
ent editor and proprietor. A small job-ofl5ce is operated in 
connection. The subscription list of the paper numbers 
700 or 800. A small amateur paper had been previously 
printed for a time by a young man named Burton Smith, a 
nephew of 0. S. Pond. 

BRIDGES. 

The present wooden bridge across the river at the village 
is about 200 feet in length, and was built in the neighbor- 
hood of 1872. Its predecessor, also a wooden structure, 
stood some sixteen years, and the first one — wood — about 
the same length of time, having been built about 1839-40. 

MANUFACTORIES. 
A woolen-factory, carding-machine, etc., was operated 
here at one time. It was finally discontinued in that ca- 
pacity and moved up and made part of a flouring-mill, 
which stood below the present one, and was afterwards 
burned. The saw-mill now standing on the west side of 
the river was originally built by Messrs. Cull & Warner 
(the same who owned the present lower grist-mill) for a 
sash-factory. The furnace now owned by Jlr. Somers, 
near the west end of the bridge, was originally built for an 
ashery by Mr. Henderson, of Flint, and converted into a 
furnace by Ogdeii Clarke. Green it Jjangdon used it for a 
time as an ashery. A shingle-factory on the nortli side of 
the street, west of the bridge, belongs to Mr. Willett, and 
a saw-mill and rake-factory near it is owned by Mrs. Henry 
French, and managed by Smith & Martin. An old steam 
saw-mill stands on the flat above the gri.st-niill, but is not 
now in use. 



In June, 1879, tlie village contained ten or twelve stores 
of various kinds, and the usual number of mechanic-shops 
found in a place of its size. 

SOCIETIES. 

The secret orders are Flushing Lodge, No. 223, F. and 
A. M.; Rankin Lodge, No. 139, I. 0. O. F. ; Valley 
Lodge, No. 093, Knights of Honor; The Royal Templars' 
Lodge, a temperance organization ; Flushing Grange, No. 
387, Patrons of Husbandry. 

THE FLUSIIINQ CORNET BAND 

is a fine organization, numbering sixteen members. It is 
under the leadership of U. L. Smith. A neat uniform of 
gray is worn on parade. As early as about 1849 a band 
was formed in the village, having nine members, and at 
first without drums. After a year or two a teacher was 
hired and music procured. Upon the breaking out of the 
Rebellion in 1801 some of the members of the band entered 
the army, and the organization was nearly broken up, but 
after the war it started again in better .shape. The first 
leader was William Reed, who is playing again with the 
present band. He is the oldest player among the number. 
Henry French joined soon after the original band was 
formed, and, with the exception of a couple of years, has 
belonged to it until the present. This band is much better 
than the average of those found in places of equal size. 

FLUSHING PUBLIC SCHOOL. 

District No. 2, including the village, was organized as a 
union district previous to 18C6. The present fine two- 
story brick school-hou.se was built in 1871, at a cost of 
$5000. The present trustees of this district are A. S. 
Partridge, Director ; M. N. Park, Daniel Cotcher, J. Paton, 
Jr., 0. F. Clarke, J. B. Gallup. The teachers are : I'rin- 
cipal, James Spencer; Assistant, Hattie Chipman ; Inter- 
mediate Department, Hattie L. Collar ; Primary Department, 
Prudic E. Andrews. 

CHURCHES. 
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodists have the 
honor of having organized the first religious society in the 
village, as a class was formed previous to 1840. But two 
of tho.se who were members at that time are now living ; 
of these, one is Mrs. David Penoyer, of the village. Meet- 
ings were held for some time in the old school-house, and 
afterwards in a building which stood on the south side of 
the main street, east of the bridge. In 1845 the society 
began getting material together for the purpose of building 
a church, but, through .some misfortune, it was not com- 
pleted for two or three years. It is a frame edifice, stand- 
ing i[i the eastern part of the village. A portion of the 
original spire has been taken down. This church has been 
prosperous from the beginning. Among the early preachers 
were Revs. Bigolow, Barnes, Scth Rin-d, T. J. Joslin, Syl- 
vester Calkins, and others. Elder William J. Kent became 
a member of the church when he first came to the town- 
ship, in 1843, and is still connected with it. He was one 
of the most steadfast supporters of the early church, as 
were also Columbus (JhiLson, William Lockycr, and Ogden 
' Clarke. The first circuit embraced a large number of ap- 



276 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



pointiuents, nnd the work of the pastor was by no means 
light. 

First BiqUki Church. — The Baptists organized the sec- 
ond society in the village, and at first had services as a 
branch of the Flint Church, but in time became an inde- 
pendent organization. The members of the Deland family 
were early influential members, and Elder Deland, father 
of Charles F. Deland, was for a long time the pastor. The 
present frame building occupied by the society stands in 
the western part of the village, and was erected fur a union 
church by tlie Baptists and others. It subsequently be- 
came the property of the Baptist society alone. Among 
the more recent pastors have been Rev. P. Reynolds, in 
1868; succeeded in 1870 by Rev. A. Tilden, and he by 
Rev. Edward Selleck. The church was then supplied for 
a time, but had no settled pastor until Rev. Edward Blan- 
chard came, in August, 1876. The latter is still in charge. 
The membership of this church is about 150. A Sabbath- 
school is sustained, with a good attendance, and has for its 
superintendent Eugene Herriman. 

Tke Pi-eshi/tLriana organized the third society and also 
built a frame church, the Seymours being among the most 
influential members. The organization has become greatly 
depleted in numbers, has no pastor and does not hold meet- 
ings, and practically does not at present exist. 

FLUSHING CEMKTERY. 

A cemetery association was incorporated in 1847, land 
purchased from Barney Chamberlain, and the " Central 
Burying-Ground" laid out upon it. Adjoining land was 
subsequently purchased and added by the township, to 
which it still belongs, while the cemetery corporation owns 
the original purchase. The first meeting of the association 
was held March 6, 1847. The original members were 
eighteen in number, viz. : William Coutant, Seth S. C. 
Caldwell, A.sahel A. Martin, Columbus C. Chillson, E. 11. 
Ewing, William L. Delbridge, Richard Bowman, John 
Paton, Thomas J. Packard, H. S. Penoyer, Joseph Dunbar, 
R. H. Green, James E. Brown, E. B. Smith, Ebenezer 
French, William J. Kent, Alexander Barber, A. M. Wood- 
ruff. "The present officers are: President, Henry French, 
since May, 1872; Secretary, Samuel J. Paine; Treasurer, 
Ebenezer French ; Sexton, John Caldwell. 

Among the societies of Flushing village is the " Flush- 
ing Ladies' Library Association," which was organized at 
the house of Mrs. James A. Button, July oO, 1873, when 
Mrs. George Button was chosen President and Mrs. E. G. 
Bryant, Secretary. Fifty-two persons became members at 
the organization, and a fund of $67.60 was the amount in 
the treasury. Mrs. T. V. Rogers was chosen as first per- 
manent president. The first order for books, 41 volumes, 
amounted to $63. The number of volumes in 1876 was 
480, and the membership was 102. 

Sincere thanks are tendered to those who have aided in 
the compilation of the foregoing sketch of this township 
and village. Among the number who have kindly rendered 
valuable services are Henry French, Mr. and Mrs. John 
Paton, Sr., James Ingham, Robert Par.sell, Messrs. Hart ct 
Clarke, Daniel Cotcher, and numerous others in the village ; 



Elder William J. Kent, William D. Penoyer, James Wood, 
Mrs. Samuel Wood, and others in the township ; and vari- 
ous manufacturers, members of churches, the town and vil- 
lage clerks, beside many whose names are not recollected. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HENRY FRENCH. 

Henry French was born in Woodstock, Windsor Co. 
Vt., in the year 1813. His father, Apollos French, came 
from Taunton, Conn., at an early date, and settled in the 
place where our subject was born, where he married Miss 
Abigail Carpenter. The fruit of this union was iis follows : 
Robert, Rhoda, Betsy E., Ira, Ebenezer, Henry, George, 




Pliotu. by .1. P. l:h.»lM. 
HENRY FRENCH. 

and Joseph, — all living except George and Rhoda. Mr. 
Apollos French died at his son's residence in Flushing, 
and was buried in Flint. Mrs. French died in Vermont, 
and was buried there, previous to her husband's coming to 
Michigan. 

At the age of fifteen, Henry French was bound to Tracy 
Bingham, in Woodstock, Vt., and lived with him until he 
attained the age of twenty-one. He subsequently worked 
for Mathew Cushing and Seth Brewster, and until be 
started for what was then considered the " Far West," the 
State of Michigan, with his brother Ira. They traveled 
by wagon and canal to Albany, rail to Schenectady, thence 
by canal to Buffalo, and by steamer to Detroit. Remain- 
ing in Detroit but a single night, he started out (in com- 
pany with his brother and two young men) on a prospecting 
tour in the new country, arriving at the village of Flint 
(consisting at that time of a few frame houses) about the 
18th of October, 1835. He located on section 36, town- 
ship 8, since called Flint and Flushing, taking up one hun- 
dred and nine and a half acres of land. Constructing a 
log house, he commenced his labors, fully prepared for the 
hardships and privations which all early settlers had to un- 
dergo. 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



He married in Flint, in November, 1835, Miss Abigail 
Maria Ensign, of Greenwich, N. Y. By this union were 
born a family of four children, viz. : George, Althaea, 
Klioda, and Henry H., — all living. Mrs. French departed 
this life the IGth of November, 1871, and was buried 
in the Flushing cemetery. He married, June 23, 1872, 
for his second wife, Mrs. .Susan Delbridge, widow of Wil- 
liam L. Delbridgc, with whom he now resides. Mr. 



French, by his indu.stry, has ac(|uired a competency suflS- 
cient to enable him to live in ease. He has enjoyed the 
full confidence of his townsmen, they having successively 
elected him town treasurer and justice of the peace ; the latter 
position he filled for six years. At the present time (Sep- 
tember, 1879), he is sixty-six years of age, and seems to be 
possessed of as much energy as a young man of thirty. He 
believes this to be the result of a life of total abstinence. 





J'liutus. by J. I*- Rluides, FluMliiiig. 



EBENEZEK FRENCH. 



MRS. EBENEZER FRENCH. 



EBENEZEIl FRENCH. 

The rock-ribbed Green Mountain State sent many of her 
hardy sons to the western wilderness to help build there a 
mighty and prosperous commonwealth, and than those from 
the green-clad walls of the State, whose people " in the 
name of Vermont defied all the world," none nobler nor 
more staunch came to this region to erect their homes. 

The gentleman above named was born in Woodstock, 
Windsor Co.. Vt., May 12, 1810, and lived with his father 
until sixteen years of age, after which time he worked out 
during summers, and attended the district schools winters 
until he was twenty-one. Still continuing his farm labors, 
he taught school winters until 1834. On the 31st of 
August, in that year, he was united in matrimony to 
Martha S. Dunham, daughter of Simeon and Sophia Dun- 
ham. Sept. G, 1831), he started for Jlichigan with his family, 
going over the mountains to Whitehall in a lumber-wagon, 
thence down the canal to Troy, thence by the Erie Canal to 
Buffalo, and from the latter place to Detroit by steamer. 
From Detroit the remainder of the journey to what is now 
Flushing township was traversed in a lumber-wagon. 

Mr. French purcha.sed and .settled on land in this town, 
and in common with the other .settlers endured the various 
privations and .sore hardships incident to the life of a pioneer. 
Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. French, viz.: 
Martha A., Harriet E., Mary S., Horace D., Morris F., 
Harriet E. (2d), Simeon E., Wilber F., and Willard O. 
Of these all are living except Harriet E. (1st) and Simeon 



E. Mr. French has been placed by the citizens of the town- 
ship in nearly all its oflBces, of which he held that of super- 
visor seven years, and is at present inspector of schools. 



DANIEL COTCHER. 

This gentleman was born in Bethlehem, Albany Co., 
N. Y., Oct. 10, 1833, his father, John Cotcher, having emi- 
grated from England about 1820, and settled in that town, 
about two miles from the city of Albany. He owned a 
farm and managed it until 1846, when he removed to the 
township of West Bloonifield, Oakland Co., Mich., purcha.sed 
a place, and lived \ipon it till his death, which occurred 
Jan. 13, 1873, when he was seventy-six years of age. His 
widow and one .son, James Cotcher, still reside there. 

Until 184S, Daniel Cotcher aided his father in his farm 
duties, but in that year he entered the store of 0. C. & 
11. B. Morris, at I'ontiac, and remained there five years. 
Tlie greater part ol' the two following years he spent in the 
West. Nov. 5, 1855, he came to Flushing village and 
began work at his trade in the establishment of Charles 
Seymour, Mr. Cotcher doing the first tinner's work in the 
first tin-shop in the village. Ho subso(|uently purcha.sed 
the tin-shop and hardware department, and conducted bu.si- 
ncss for himself about eight years. In the spring of 1865 
he entered into a business ])arlr)crship with I'ranklin A. 
Niles, forming the firm ofNiles & Cotcher, which luus con- 
tinued to do a successful business lo the present time. Mr. 



278 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Cotcher has been continuously in trade in Flushing longer 
than any other merchant now residing in the village, and 
his mercantile life has not been niaikcd with any of the 
disasters whicli many less careful managers have experi- 
enced. He has served a number of years as a member of 
the union school board, and was one of the fii'st board of 
village trustees, elected in 1877. 

Sept. 25, 1860, Mr. Cotcher was married to Mary M. 
WoodruflF, a native of Pittsfield, Mass., where she resided 
most of her life previous to her marriage. Her father, 
Amos M. Woodruff, settled in the township of Flushing 
about 1844, and died April 17, 1875, aged sixty-four years. 
Mrs. Cotcher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Flushing. Two children — a son and a daughter — 
have been born to this couple. The family is one of the most 
highly esteemed and respected of any living in the place. 



JOHN PATON. 

At least one native of " Auld Scotia" built for himself a 
home in the wilds of this township, entering his land before 
a single white inhabitant had reared his humble cabin in its 
forest. Born in Blackford, Perthshire, Scotland, Nov. 5, 
1801, his thread of life has spun out to moie than an aver- 
age degree, owing largely, perhaps, to the pure air inhaled 
among his native hills in his youth. He learned the trade 
of a weaver, and followed that occupation until his removal 
to America. On the 21st day of March, 1827, in company 
with his sister, Marian Paton, he left his old home, and, 
after stopping a short time near Glasgow, sailed for New 
York on the 9th of April, arriving at the latter place May 
8, 1827. There he saw the first colored people his eyes 
had ever rested upon, and the sight was a novelty to hira. 
The day following his arrival in New York he visited Pat- 
erson, N. J., and a few days later commenced weaving duck 
at that place for a friend, Mr. Burton. He shortly after 
obtained a situation in the factory of Mr. Heights, at Little 
Falls, near Pater.son. He afterwards, in company with 
James Woodhouse, operated a factory on commission, and 
continued in the business until he came West. Early in 
1834, Mr. Patton came to Michigan, and in June of that 
year purchased land which comprises the principal part of 
his present farm. As he was unwilling to move upon it at 
that time, — so far from any others, — he located up the river 
in what is now Flint township, on the place at present owned 
by Mr. Warren. Farther up the stream, and about five 
miles out from Flint, were then living Nathan and Isaac 
Miles, and eighteen or twenty miles below, in Saginaw 
County, was one Mr. Hayden. These were the nearest 
families to Mr. Paton living on the river, and the only ones 
in the distances mentioned. At the time he located in 
Flint township, Mr. Paton was unmarried, but was ac- 
companied by John Stothers and wife, from Canada, Mrs. 
Stothers doing the housework. This couple remained but 
a short time. Nov. 22, 1835, Mr. Paton was married to 
Miss Mary Evans, and in February, 1837, moved with his 
wife and one child to the farm where they now reside. 

Mrs. Paton was born Jan. 30 or 31, ISIG, in Manchester, 
England. Her parents, although natives of Ireland, were 
botli of English descent. Her mother died in England, 



and in 1830 her father, John Evans, removed with his 
daughter to Stockport, N. Y., five miles north of Hudson, 
Columbia Co., where they remained five years. Their trip, 
in October, 1835, to Flushing, occupied three weeks' time, 
the journey being made by caual to Buffalo, thence to De- 
troit by boat. The Saginaw turnpike was not then com- 
pleted, although work was progressing upon it, and as Mr. 
Evans was unable to procure a team in Detroit, he wished 
his daughter to remain there until he could go to Flushing 
and bring a team back after her. She demurred, however, 
thinking she was as well able to walk as her father, and 
together they started, making Hamilton's tavern, eleven 
miles out, the first day. The following day they walked 
to Waterford, twenty-one miles farther, and attended a quilt- 
ing at that place in the evening. The third day they reached 
Thomas Irish's tavern in Grand Blanc. Upon arriving there, 
Mr. Evans drank a quantity of cider when quite warm, and 
serious results very nearly followed, he becoming for a short 
time like one dead. His daughter was greatly alarmed, 
and the presence of a crowd of roughs and horse- thieves, 
who deliberately proceeded to strip her father and hunt for 
his valuables, tended to heighten her anxiety, she in the 
meanwhile being scoffed and jeered by them. At length 
the landlord appeared and stayed proceedings. Mr. Evans 
finally recovered, and the next day they walked on through 
Flint and down to where Mr. Paton was living. In Novem- 
ber following, Mr. Paton and Mi.'is Evans were married, as 
stated, and after moving to Flushing (in 1837) stayed for a 
short time in Mr. Evans' log house until a frame structure 
could be erected on their own place. They are the parents 
of four children, all living but one, who died at birth. The 
names and births of those living are respectively as follows : 

John Paton, Jr., born in Flint township, Sept. 15, 1836. 

Mary M. Paton, born in Flushing, July 23, 1839. 

Annie B. Paton, born in Flushing, Feb. 12, 1842. 

Since coming to Michigan, Mr. Paton's occupation has 
been that of a farmer. He and his wife were both mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church at Flushing, which .society 
is now so disorganized as to hardly be considered an or- 
ganization. The daughters are both members of the Meth- 
odist Church. Politically, Mr. Paton was a member of the 
old Whig party until the llepublicans organized, since which 
time he has stood on the same platform with them. For 
some account of the trials this estimable i'amily endured in 
the days when they were pioneers, the reader is referred to 
the foregoing history of the township of Flushing. 



THOMAS H. KELLAND. 

In the northwest part of Flushing town.ship is a neigh- 
borhood known as the " English Settlement," from the fact 
that those who located there were from the mother-coun- 
try, and others have arrived in later years. Mr. Kelland, 
who was born in Devon.shire, England, July 18, 1835, 
emigrated with his sister to America in 1850, and for two 
years lived south of Flint, removing subsequently into the 
border of Shiawassee County, west of his present residence. 
After remaining there two years he came to the place he 
now occupies, formerly the home of Samuel ^Vood, and 
still partly owned by his heirs. On the 30th of April, 



FLUSHING TOWNSHIP. 



279 



1862, Mr. Kelland was married to Mr. Wood's daughter, 
Martha A. WixkI, wIki was born on tlic farm July 19, 1844. 
To Mr. and iMrs. Kelland liave been born two children, viz. : 
Fannie A., born Aug. 18, 18(54; George E., born Dec. 8, 
1868. 

Both Mr. Kelland and liis wife are members of tlie 
Methodist Episcopal Church, located near their residence. 
Politically, Mr. Kelland is a Republican. 

Mrs. Kelland's father, Samuel Wood, a native of Der- 
byshire, England, emigrated from Lancashire in May, 
1842, and in March, 1843, was married to Mrs. Mary 
Vernon, also from Lancashire, who had come with her 
father, John Bailey, the same spring, and lived at Flushing 
village, where Mr. Bailey soon after died. His wife died 
on the Wood place. Samuel Wood's death occurred March 
22, 1875, when he was sixty-one years of age. His widow, 
who was also a widow when married to him, still survives, 
and her home is with her son-in-law and daugliter, Mr. and 
Mrs. Kelland. A more full account of the settlement of 
tlie English families, with their experieuee as pioneers, will 
be found in the township history. 



ANDREW F. SUTTON. 

Mr. Sutton, the third son and the third child in a fiimily 
of seven children, was born Nov. 20, 1817, in the State of 
New Jensey. His parents were Micaiah and Rachel (Free- 
man) Sutton, and were farmers. The elder Sutton also 
carried on the tanning and currying business. A. F. 
Sutton came to his present location in Flushing about 
the year 1853, and purchased — opposite his present resi- 
dence — a farm of Jarvis Bailey. Aftt'r his arrival in Gen- 
esee County, Mr. Sutton was married, in Flint, to Jeannette 
Boomer, who died in Flu.shiug, and in 1865 he married 
the widow of Linus Jacox. Mrs. Sutton was born Aug. 
15, 1817, in Putnam County, N. Y., and about 1837 came 
to Michigan with her mother, Jlrs. Davenport, who pur- 
chased a farm near Clarkston, in Oakland County. Mr. 
Davenport's decease occurred before the family removed 
from New York. The daughter was subsequently married 
to Linus Jacox, who also lived near Clarkston, and about 
1854 came with her husband to Flushing, he purchasing 
the place where Mr. and Mrs. Sutton now reside. Mr. 
Bailey, the former owner, had cleared to some extent on 
the farm, but made no further improvements, and Mr. 
Jacox built the house now standing east of Mr. Sutton's 
residence, and also erected barns. The present dwelling of 
Mr. Sutton was built in 1875. The farm now contains 
one hundred acres. Linus Jacox died in November, 1861, 
and his widow (whose maiden name was Rachel Daven- 
port) was married to Mr. Sutton, as above stated. Mr. 
Sutton and Mrs. Jacox had each four children — three sons 
and a daughter — when married. Mr. Sutton is a Repub- 
liam in politics, and both he and his wife are connected 
with the Methodist p]piscopal Church at Flushing. 



ALEXANDER BARBER. 

Among the residents of Flushing who were during their 
lives held in great esteem, the person above named is one 



of the first to be mentioned. His birth occurred Oct. 17, 
1815, among the hills of the town of Morrisville, iNIadison 
Co., N. Y. April 15, 1838, he was married to Amanda 
Smith, who was also a native of Madison County, the date 
of her birth being May 24, 1816, and the town, Hamilton, 
of classic notoriety. In the spring of 1839 they buried an 
infant son, and in June of the same year Mr. and Mrs. 
Barber removed to Michigan, stopping until fall with Mrs. 
Barber's brother, Simeon M. Smith, in Groveland, Oakland 
Co., where he had settled early. He afterwards came to 
Flushing, where he died Upon their arrival in Flushing, Mr. 
Barber and his wife located on a farm on the west side of 
Flint River, four miles below the village. Mrs. Barber's 
father, Ezra Smith, came to the township with his wife and 
one son — Ezra Smith, Jr. (the latter having his wife and 
two children with him), — and both owned land down the 
river. 

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barber, and 
both died in infancy. Mr. Barber's ])rineipal occupation 
was that of a farmer, although much of his time was spent 
in teaching school — principally winters — in both New York 
and Michigan. In 1865 he moved to Flushing village, 
where his widow still resides. During the last ten years of 
his life he had the agency for several insurance companies, 
among them the " Watertown," of Watortown, N. Y. He 
was a firm Republican in politics, and one of the most 
prominent citizens of the township, as is evident from the 
ftict that for many years he was elected to its various 
oftices, and honored with the trust and confidence of those 
whom he represented. He was a member of the BaptLst 
Church at Flushing, with which Mrs. Barber is still con- 
nected, she having, before her marriage, united with the 
church of that denominalion at Hamilton, N. Y. 

The farm Mr. Barber settled on when he came to this 
township he purchased from second hands, yet no improve- 
ments had been made upon it. Until he and Mr. Smith 
could erect board houses on their own places, they lived 
in a small shanty on the Brent farm. Mr. Barber's board 
house, when completed, was twelve by sixteen feet in di- 
mensions, and one story high. The hardships the settlers 
endured in those early days are scarcely to be described, 
but they live vividly in the recollection of those who ex- 
perienced them. Sickness was added to other trials, and 
many times were the dwellers in the wilderness discouraged 
at their gloomy prospects, but the end truly crowned the 
work, and success and prosperity at last smiled upon them. 

A couple of years after he settled, Mr. Barber met with 
a serious accident. While riding his Indian pony in the 
pursuit of his township duties, it fell with him and crushed 
his foot badly, and he never fully recovered the use of it. 
This and his age prevented his acceptance as a volunteer 
during the Rebellion, which circumstance he very much re- 
gretted, lie .suffered much from sicknes's, especially dur- 
ing the last eight months of his life, and a combination of 
the most serious diseases finally cau.sed his death, on the 
27th of February, 1878, and those who were acquainted 
with him and knew his worth were called upon to mourn 
the loss of a respected friend and citizen, while the wife 
who had stood by him in trial and in prosperity was left 
utterly alone, to mourn till she, too, is called. 



M U N D Y. 



The township of Mundy includes Congressional town- 
ship No. G north, in range (5 east, or one-half the territory 
originally set off to it. It is bounded north by Flint town- 
ship, east by Grand Blanc, south by Fenton, and west by 
Gaines, which was until 1842 included within its limits. 
The natural characteristics of Mundy are much the same as 
those of its sister-towns, consisting of a generally level sur- 
face, with portions considerably undulating, a variety of soil, 
and a considerable acreage of timber. In many respects it 
is one of the best townships in the county, and its improve- 
ments are very generally excellent. It was settled by an 
energetic, thrifty class of fermers, and the success which 
has attended their efforts to build up substantial and comfort- 
able homes in the wilderness is everywhere apparent in the 
fine forms, tasty dwellings, and the various accompaniments 
of a well-ordered agricultural community. Unlike many 
portions of the country, its first settlers possessed a greater 
intelligence than those in other localities, and this, combined 
with enterprise, wrought a wonderful change in the face of 
the region which frowned upon them over forty years ago 
in all the majesty of a forest-crowned domain, where the 
brute creation held almost undisputed sway and the axe of 
the pioneer had never swung nor its strokes echoed through 
the primeval aisles. But as change is the order elsewhere, so 
was it here, and the pleasant and peaceful homes of to-day 
are a marked contrast to the wilderness of earlier years. 

LAND ENTRIES. 

The following is a list of land-entries in this township, 

transcribed from the tract-book of George M. Dewey, Esq., 

of Flint: 

Section 1. 

Acres. 

James Spier, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 240 

Josciiii Lawrence, Westchester Co., N. Y., .June, LS;i6 1GS.73 

Junalhiin G. Firman, Oakland Co., Mieh., Nov. 1S35 SU 

Hiram Kusco, Ucncsce Co., Mich., Nov. 1835 169.03 

Section 2. 

Nathaniel Nelson, Genese* Co., Mich., June, 1836 167.59 

James Sjiicr, Livingston Co., N. Y., *' " 80 

Noble Beagle, " " " " SO 

John llamcr, Monroe Co., " " " 160 

Samuel I'reble, (ieuesee Co., " " " 86.75 

Wm. Taylor, Saratoga Co., " July, 1836 SU 

Suction 3. 

James M. Ilutchings, Monroe Co., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

lirailhury Kastman, Genesee Co., N Y. " " 80 

Phehe llatch, " " " " SO 

Uewitt C. Gregory, Chenango Co., N. Y., July, 1836 80 

Abraham C. Mattron, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1836 80 

Wm. Taylor, Saratoga Co., N. Y., July, 1830 85.89 

Robert Cuun, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1S36 163.67 

Section 4. 

Henry H. Ilowland, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 80 

Beiij. Simmons, *' ** *• " 80 

Abigail Simmons, " " " " 80 

Abraham Ueckoru, Morris Co., N. J., June, 1836 80 

Wm. Taylor, Saratoga Co., N. Y., July, 1836 163.38 

Wm. Eddy, Genesee Co., N. Y., March, 1836 84.25 

Abraham liuckhind, Genesee Co., N. Y., April, 1836 80 

280 



Section 5. 

Acres. 

Tlcnrv II. Ilowland, Oiikhmd Co., Mich., May, 1830 160 

Hiram Wright, (ienosee Co., N. Y., June, 1836 83.94 

Thomas Durleo, " " " " 80 

Cook A Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 1836 160 

Truman B. Wilkinson, Genesee Co., Mich., Oct. 1836 164.58 

Section 6. 

John L. Eastman, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 1830 159.80 

A. E. Mather, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836 488.62 

Section 7. 

A. E. Mather, Wayne Co., Mich., June. 1836 SO 

Isaac W. Morton, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Daniel Tookcr, Orange Co., N. Y., September, 1836 321.16 

Sprague Wilkersou, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1836 160 

David Gibson, " " April, 1839 ' 40 

Section S. 

Jonathan Collins, Jr., Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1836 80 

Alonzo ¥. Alger, (jenesee Co., " June, 1830 120 

Smith Titus, Cayuga Co., N. Y., . " " 120 

Samuel Dibble, LitchHeld Co., Conn., " " 160 

Elijah Bishop, Jr., Chautauqua Co., N. Y., " " 160 

Section 9. 

A. H. Ilowland, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1836 SO 

Wm. M. Hodge, Otsego Co., N. Y., June, 1S36 SU 

Bildad Hodge, " " " " 80 

Abigail Siuiuions. Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 80 

Abraham Beckorn, Morris Co., N. J., " " 80 

William Smith, Oakland Co., Mich., " " 80 

" " " " July, 1836 SO 

Sprague Wilkerson, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1836 80 

Section 10. 

McHenry, Hurley, Kurcheval, and Smith, United States, May, 

1836 160 

Irwin C. Simmons, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 80 

Jacob Bentlev, Ontario Co., N. Y., " " SO 

Charles Wilcox, " " " " 40 

Samuel Perry, Columbia Co., " " " 200 

Stephen Cha'thcld, Oakland Co., Mich., " . " 80 

Section 11. 

Volney Stiles, Monroe Co., N. Y., November, 1833 40 

Eli Gilbert, Oakiiind Co., Mich., June, 1835 40 

Birdsell N. Johnson, Broome Co., N. Y., September, 1835 120- 

Dennis Brainard, Niagara Co., " November, 1835 40 

J. Whij.ple and G. Bartlett, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 240 

Samuel Perry, Columbia Co., " " " SO 

John R. Martin, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836 40 

Ira D. Wright, Genesee Co., " July, " 40 

Section 12. 

Bradbury Eastman, Tompkins Co., N. Y., November, 1833 40 

Hiram liusco, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1835 120 

John Lewis, Jackson Co., " February, 1836 80 

Smith Titu.s, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1S36 320 

" •< «' •' " 40 

Chauncoy Brown, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1S36 40 

Section 13. 

Daniel Williams, Lapeer Co., Mich., M.-vy, 1833 80 

John Lewis, Genesee Co., " Novcmljcr, 1835 160 

Bradburv Eastman, " " March, 1836 80 

Peter Crise, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 320 

Section 14. 

John Richards, Niagara Co., N. Y., September, 1833 80 

Birdsell N. Johnson, Broome Co., N. Y., September, 1S35 40 

Isaac W. Morton, W.^shtenaw Co., Mich., February, 1836 SO 

John Hempstead, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836 280 

Seth Beckwith, Livingston Co., " " " SO 

Washington D. Morton, Washtenaw Co., Mich., May, 1836 80 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP 



281 



Skitiox l.'j. 

Acres. 

Mellcnry, Kurcheval, et til., United States, May, lS3f) CiO 

Skction 17. 

NfwboM l,ii»rcnce, New York Citv, Ma.v, 18.-!6 160 

Maxwell Tliom|ison, Ontiirio Co., N. Y., " 100 

Klijuh Bishop, Jr., Cliautauqua Cu., N. Y., June, ISIiC 320 

Seitio.v 18. 

NcwboM Lawrence, New York City, May, 1S3C IfiO 

Morri.-J T.vler, Saiiihusky City, Ohio, *' '* SO 

David .'^liank, Cayuga'Co., N. Y.. June, 1836 81.18 

Jacob Morton. Wa.slitenaw Co., Mich., June, 1836 SO 

A. E. Mather, Wayne Co., " " " 211.30 

Skitiox 19. 

Williani Thompson, .Seneca Co.. N. Y., April. 1S36 321. -18 

Morris Tyler. .Sandusky City, Ohio, May, 18.ifl 811 

Newltold Lawrence, New York City. " ** 160 

Daniel Mcreereau, Cayuga Co., N." Y., June, 1836 81. 2t 

Section 20. 

Ahijah B. Dunlap, .Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 18.16 SO 

Williani Thompson, '• " " " 320 

Ma.xwell Thompson, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 18,36 160 

Edmund Probyu, Gloucester, Kngland, June, 1836 -SU 

Skctio.v 21. 

William Thompson, Seneca Co.. N. Y., April, 1836 SO 

Josiah Alger, Oakland Co., iMnh., •' " 160 

A. li. Alger. •' " " " SO 

Lewis II. AlgiT, " " " " SO 

Cornelius Valentine, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1836 80 

.Joseph Carr, Wayno Co., N. Y., " '* 160 

.Skctiox 22. 

Ka-ka-ge-sic, Shiawassee Co., Mich., December, 1835 120 

Williani Thompson. Seneca Co., X. Y., 4pril, 1S36 SO 

Messrs. I'ark.s, Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1836 80 

Easter .\lger, •' '■ ■' '• " SO 

Newbold Lawrence, New York City, May, 1836 280 

Skction 23. 

Abijah B. Dunlap. Seneca Co.. N. Y., April, 1836 160 

Jliron B. Smith, Oakland Co.. Mich., May, 1836 160 

Dai id JI. Jewell, New London, Conn., " •' 160 

Levi Parsons, Onondaga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

Ilirain L. Dickinson, (jenesee Co., Midi., June, 1836 80 

Surno.v 24. 

Eunice Austin, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1835 40 

Levi Parsons, Onondaga Co., N. V., March, 1836 SO 

Ebenezer Bishop, Genesee Co., Mich., March, 1836 SO 

.Saiiiiiel L. Chapin, Livingston Co, N. Y., May, 1836 160 

Koyal Cliainberlin, Orleans Co., N. \'., May, 1836 120 

Andrew Snider, Cayuga Co., " " " 160 

Seotiox 25. 

James Van Valkenburgh, Livingston Co., N. \'., May, 1835... 40 

David Shuiik. Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1835 320 

JJaniel K. Williams, Ueneseo Co., Mich., July, 1835 40 

llirain Sherwood, " " " " May, 1835 80 

Stephen Sherwood, Livingston Co., N.Y'., June, 1836 160 

Section- 2fi. 

Nelson Mcakcr, Shiawassee Co., Mich., November, 1834 40 

Thomas Van Sickle, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1835 120 

'• " Se|ilomber, 1835 SO 

Edmund L. .Jennings, Tioga Co., N. v., '■ " 160 

Cornelius Bray. Ontario Co., X. Y., October, 1835 SO 

ilirain Sherwood, tieneseo Co., Mich., May. 1S3() 80 

Slejdien Sherwood, Livingston Co., N.\'., June, 1836 80 

Sectios 27. 

Morgan Balilwin, Tioga Co., N. Y., March, 1834 160 

James lloiigliton, " *' " *' " SO 

Wa bc-lte-no-'-se, Shiawassee Co., Mich., .January, 1S35« 40 

L^iis (i. II. Conant, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, t'i'liruary, 183.) SO 

Chc."ter Keynolds. Genesee Co., N. Y.. June, 1835 80 

Cyrenius Simmons, Oakland Co., .Mich., August, 1835 160 

Wabe-be-nes-so, Shiawassee Co., .Mich., December, 1835 40 

Section 28. 

Horace Welmore, Oakland Co., Mieh., AugusI, 1835 80 

Calvin Nelson. Jr., Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1835 40 

Josiah Alger, Oakland Co., Mich., .April. 1836 SO 

Hester Valentine, Oakland Co., Mieh., April. 1836 .80 

Cornelius Valentine, " •' •■ .May, 1836 80 

Stephen S. Durkee, '• " " March, 1 836 SO 

Willi.im Kvaus, " •' *' July, " 40 



Acres. 

Uobert Covel, Jr., Tioga Co., N. Y., July, 1836 80 

Hiiel W. Scovel, Oneida Co., N. Y., October, 1836 40 

John F. Durkee, Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1837 40 

Section 29. 

(leorge W. Paul, Ontario Co., N.Y., Scpiember, 1835 160 

Asa T. Pierce, " " " October, " 80 

Abijah B. Dunlap, Seneca Co.. N. Y., April. 1836 80 

Josiah II. Alger, Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1836 80 

Newb(dd Lawrence, New York City, .May. IS36 SO 

Nelson H. Sanders, Niagara Co., N. Y., May, 1836 100 

Section 30. 

Sally Pierce. Ontario Co., N. Y., Ociolier, 1835 40 

Charles Smith, liene.sce Co., N. Y., April, 1836 242.80 

.losiiih II. Alger. Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1836 240 

William Evans, *• '* '* " " 40 

Sprague Wilkerson, Ijeneseo Co., Mich., October, 1836 82 

Sk<tios 31. 

Oliver Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1835 480.80 

Betsey Kvaiis, Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1836 82.40 

David Shunk, Cayoga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

Section 32. 

George W. Paul, Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1835 160 

Maxwell liray, " " " October, " 160 

A.sa Pierce, " " " " " .80 

Newbold Lawrence, New York City, May, LS36 SO 

Johu li. .Sluiiik, Ciiyuga Co., N. Y., .June, 1836 160 

Section 33. 

William Baldwin. Tioga Co., N. Y., June, 1834 160 

Samuel Bassett, Oakland Co., Mich., July, 1.S35 160 

Calvin Nelson, Jr., Ontario Co., N. V., September, 1835 80 

Thomas B. Kemington, Ontario Co., N. V., October, 1S35 80 

Nathan W. Sheldon, (ienesee Co., N Y., Octolier, 1835 80 

Samuel Bassett, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 SO 

Se'TTion 34. 

Thomas Clover, Wayne Co., Mich., November, 1834 40 

David Gibson, '"' " " " " 40 

William Odell. Oakland Co., Mich., December, 1834 160 

Peter Y. Ilmry, Seneca Co., N. Y.. June, 1S35 120 

Noah L. Whiimore, Oakland Co.. Mich.. November, 1835 40 

David (iibson, (ienesee Co., Micll., December, 1835 40 

Hiram .Marsh. Ontario Co., N. Y., May, IS36 80 

Hciibcii Bingham, Upper Canada, .August, 1836 40 

Noali L. Wbitmore, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1S36 40 

Stephen F. Durkee, " •' " March, 1836 40 

Section 35. 

George Judscm. Oakland Co., Mich., March, 1834 SO 

William Stewart, Wayne Co., N. Y., September, 1835 40 

Ueuben Wriglit, Wayno Co., Mich., " '' 40 

Abigail Dunning. Cayuga Co.. N.Y., October, 1835 80 

George Ju.lsoii, (jenescc Co., Mich,, " " 40 

Mosis Odell. " " " April. 1836 40 

Thomas Hubbard, Ontario Co., N. Y., April, 1836 80 

Asa Sprague, Wayne Co., N. Y., May, 1S36 120 

Newbold Lawrence, New VorJs City, May, 1836 120 

Secth>n 36. 

David Hume, Monroe Co.. N. Y.. June. ISS.-i SO 

Kber ILinily. Shiawassee Co., Mich.. August, IS35 160 

Newbold Lawrence, New York City, May, 1836 320 

Davi.l Shunk, Cayuga Co., N. V., June, 1836 SO 



KAKLY SP:TTLEMENTS. 

Regardiii!; the first early settler in what is now the town- 
.sliip (if Miiiidy tltcTO is .some di.spute, but the dates which 
will here be iiiveii must settle the matter conclusively, as 
they are all authentic. It has been tcenerally accepted as a 
fact that Morgan Baldwin and tieorge Judson were the 
first to settle in this town, and even tho.se gentlemen them- 
selves .still believe such to be the c.ise. It is undoubtedly 
true that, in the then existing condition of the country, 
covered as it was with timber, it must have been difficult 
to learn at once who the inhabitants of the iK'ighborhood 
were, and this probably accounts for the mistaken opinion 
regarding the first settlement. 



282 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



On the 17th day ot May, 1833, Daniel Williams pur- 
chased the west half of the northwest quarter of section 
13, — eighty acres, — which he divided equally between Eli 
Gilbert and Jason L. Austin, who had come with him, and 
who settled on the portions assigned to them at the same 
time. Mr. Williams returned to the State of New York, 
and in October of the same year (1833) came back to 
Mundy in company with Volney Stiles. The latter, in 
November following,* entered the southeast quarter of the 
southeast quarter of section 11, and settled upon it imme- 
diately. Mr. Stiles is yet living at Mundy Centre, and 
beyond a doubt came into the township earlier than any 
pereon now numbered among its residents. He and Lester 
Williams built a shanty and lived in it together,! neither 
of them being at the time married. 

Morgan Baldwin, a native of Elmira, Chemung Co., N. Y., 
started from that place for Michigan on the Gth of Septem- 
ber, 1833, and on the 10th arrived at Put-in-Bay, where 
the passengers cheered themselves hoarse iu honor of the 
millant commodore and the men who had aided him to win 

o 

so signal a victory just twenty years before. After his 
arrival at Detroit, Mr. Baldwin pushed on immediately for 
Bloomfield, Oakland Co., where his uncle, Wilkes Durkee, 
was then living. In December following he went back to 
Elmira, sold his property, and returned to Bloomfield, ar- 
riving in that town early in February. During the same 
month (St. Valentine's Day) he married a second time, his 
first wife having died some time previously. In the spring 
of 1834, Mr. Baldwin and George Judson started together 
on a land-hunting expedition, and, after ranging over the 
counties of Livingston and Shiawassee, finally selected loca- 
tions in what is now Mundy, the entries being made in 
March, 1834. Mr. Baldwin still lives on the place he then 
purchased. Mr. Judson first chose the next lot west of 
Baldwin's, but soon changed it for the place he now occu- 
pies. 

Mr. Baldwin the same month built a log house 16 by 24 
feet in dimensions, with a puncheon-floor, blankets hung up 
to answer for doors, etc. In this work he was helped by 
George Judson, and by Stephen Durkee, of Oakland 
County, a carpenter by trade. Some Indian traders who 
lived fifteen miles away, in Shiawassee County, and who 
were passing over the trail near which Mr. Baldwin located, 
also helped raise, and the favor was returned two or three 
years later by the two gentlemen going to some place in 
Shiawassee County and helping raise a barn. Mr. Baldwin 
moved into his house April 5, 1834, the same day Dustin 
Cheney settled at what is now Fenton, and was one of the 
party who a few days later aided in the search for Mr. 
Cheney's little girl, who had been lost in the woods. | 

Four years after Mr. Baldwin settled his wife died, and 
he is now living with his third wife. When he came here 
with his family he cleared five acres. One day an Indian 
trader from the West came by, and Baldwin told him if he 
knew of any one who wanted to hire out to send him along. 
Soon afterward Nelson Meaker made his appearance at the 
place, and Mr. B. hired him. He squatted on a piece of 

^ Record of entry, November, 1S33. in traet-book for Genesee 
County. 

t Information by T. 1'. Stiles. J See history of Fenton. 



land near by, afterwards selling his " chance" for it to David 
Gibson. Meaker lived in the township many years, and is 
now a resident of the township of Argentine. 

George Judson, who had helped Mr. Baldwin build his 
house, went back to Oakland County to make preparations 
for coming on to his own land and clearing up a portion of 
it. When Baldwin went after his family he met Judson 
on his way to begin chopping. The latter cleared a tract 
on his place and put in some wheat and potatoes, in order 
to have something to live on. He did not move upon his 
farm, however, until November, 18.34. He had also built 
during the same summer. Mr. Judson is a native of Ot- 
sego Co., N. Y., and his parents were from Connecticut. 
He lived in Elmira, Chemung Co., N. Y., until 1832, in 
which year lie came to Michigan, locating in Bloomfield, 
Oakland Co., where he remained until his removal to Mundy 
at the date above given. 

Thomas Glover, from Birmingham, England, and a 
Scotchman named David Gibson, entered land in Novem- 
ber, 1834, on section 34, and settled upon it the same fall. 
The two men arranged for their wives to remain in Detroit 
until they could come on and prepare a shelter for them, but 
IMrs. Glover thought herself as well able to stand the jour- 
ney as her husband, and accompanied him, living with Mr. 
Baldwin's family until her future homo — the proverbial log 
shanty — was ready for occupation. Mrs. Gibson stayed in 
Detroit until everything was ready for her, and then moved 
on and occupied the shanty her husband had prepared. 

Seth Kitchen and family settled in the fall of 1835. 
Several members of the household were consumptive, and 
all who were afflicted finally died with that dread disease. 
The first one to go — and the first death in the township, so 
far as is now recollected — was IMrs. Kitchen herself, who 
died in the spring of 1836. Her children — Thomas, Wil- 
liam, and Mary — followed her within the year, also the 
wife of her son John. The first burials were in what is still 
used as a cemetery near the school-house in District No. 1. 
Among those buried here are the following : 

Daniel Odell, died April 9, 1872, aged 69 years. 
Reuben Winget, died May 27, 1859, aged 53 years. 
Thomas Glover, died Feb. 14, 1855, aged 50 years. 
Robert Co.x, died July 16, 1868, aged 52 years. 
John Ilollowell, "born at Ravensthorp, Northamptonshire, Eng- 
land, October 16, 1794; died September 11. 1859." 
John Judson, died March 24, 1865, aged 70 years. 
Eber Handy, died Oct. 15, 1846, aged 52 years. 
Ebenezcr Conant, died Dec. 31, 1833 (in the East), aged 36 years. 
Lois, his wife, died Sept. 26, 1843, aged 42 years. 
Al.igail, wife of Henry Borst, died April 6, 1841, aged 33 years. 
Harriet, wife of J. Meaker, died Nov. 13, 1843, aged 22 years. 
Susannah, wife of George Judson, died Aug. 14, 1836, aged 24 years. 
Emily, wife of George Judson, died March 29, 1S74, aged 61 years. 
Delilah P. Sage, died Feb. 10, 1857, aged 62 years. 
Mary Jane, wife of M. Baldwin, died March 31, 1 838, aged 22 years. 

Besides these, there arc numerous other old settlers, at 
whose graves headstones have never been placed. 

Ebenezer Bishop, from Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., 
came to Michigan in 1833, and stopped at Springfield, Oak- 
land Co., through that fall and winter, with his father's 
cousin, Giles Bishop. In the spring of 1834, Mr. Bishop 
came on into Grand Blanc, where he remained until the 
fall of 1836, when he returned to New York, married, and 



MUNDY TOWNSHII' 



283 



in Juno, 18l!7, Hcttl(;il in Miindy, on tlur [ilat'o he Htill oc- 
cuptcH. J:i8on h. AiiHtin anil liatxlall Willianm were tlion 
living near him. The former, who has been previously 
mentioned, lived in a lo<^ house. Ili.s wife died within a 
year or two, and lie sold out and removed to Sajrinaw 
County, hK'atin<5 near the Tittihawawtcc River. Williams 
soon sold to C. I). W. Gib.wn, who lived at Whifrvillo, in 
(Jrand Blanc township, and went away with the ,M(jnnons. 

C'hauti(«;y Cofffidell, now of the township of Flint, came 
to Mundy when a boy, in wjmpany with ElHjnczer iJi.sliop. 
He had worked for the latter's father and father-in-law in 
New York, and was allowed to come to Michi;.'an with Mr. 
Bishop, lie stayed with hira until he became of a;;c, 
working with him also afterwards. 

When Mr. Bishop came (IH'.il ), there were living; near 
him — besides those mentioned — Han'ey I'arks and Gilbert 
Plielps, the latter just over the line in Grand Blanc. Parks 
lived on section l.'i, on what was afterwards the Daniel Mawjn, 
now the Todd, farm, lie removi^ not (onj; after U> the 
township of Oceola, Livingston Co., where he died. 

The region of " oak-openings" extended north inUj 
Mundy as far as the farm of Mr. Bishop, or a little beyond, 
his place being clo.sc on the edge of the heavy timber. 
Swartz Creek was the division between the timber and the 
openings. 

After numerous attempts in thu town to hear of some 
hairbreadth escape from wild animals, or desperate struggle 
in a swamp, or other of the tales so often told, the follow- 
ing incident was the only one related which could be safely 
called an adventure. Mr. Bishop was on one occasion 
" packing" home some fresh meat, and while yet some dis- 
tance away from home, and in the township of Grand 
Blanc, the howl of a wolf broke upon his ear, causing him 
to quicken his pace. It was answered by others, and finally 
he imagined he saw one of the .savage brut<« standing in 
the pathway ahead of him. Making up his mind that it 
would be worse for him to run than to advance boldly for- 
ward, he U)ok out his jack-knife and opened it, and prepared 
to manufacture an excellent article of mince-meat from the 
carcass of the wolf. Upon arriving at the object, he was 
agreeably surprised at finding it U) be nothing more dan- 
gerous than an oo/c hugh, which in the moonlight he had 
taken for a wolf Mr. Bi.shop thinks many of the won- 
derful adventures related have no more foundation in fact 
than this of his own. 

Josiab Alger, a native of Mas,sachusctts, and afterwards 
a resident of Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y., settled in 
Troy, Oakland Co., Mich., in 1823, and removed to Mundy 
in May, 18)50, with his family. At that time the Uiwn- 
ship was thinly populated, but th<' same season witne8.scd 
the arrival of several families. Mr. Alger was one of the 
organizers of Mundy tfjwnship, and became its first super- 
visor, holding the position a number of years. lie located 
a large amount of land in the township, and lived on section 
21. Ilis family consisted often children, — seven Sfins and 
three daughters ; atid of these two arc now living, — -Josiah 
H. Alger, at Birmingham, Oakland Co., and Lewis Alger, 
now of the town.ship of Fenton. Mr. Alger gave 80 
acres to each of his children. He was by protVswion a 
physician, and the fimt who practicc<I in the township. 



Tlis journeys were always jKjrfoniied on foot, and he is re- 
membered as a kind neighbor and an excellent nurse. Id 
connection with other office*, he held that of justice of the 
{XMice for many years. He was a man of great general 
information, a I'niversalisl in religious matt^irs, and ex- 
c(«dingly well fxmtdl in Scripture. lie died in Mundy, on 
the «th of March, 1852. 

Josiah H. Alger, son of theal>ovc, hicated the farm where 
his son, William K. Alger ^present supervisor of Mundy), 
now lives. lie did not settle until 1841, but in that year 
made the first improvements on the place, — built a log 
hou.s<; with split stuff for diKjrs, a stick chimney, etc. 
In 1857 he moved back to Oakland County, and since 
about 1870 has resided at Birmingham. He was also for 
some years sufiervisor of the township of Mundy, besides 
holding other jxjsitions. 

William K. Alger, aside from his farming operations, is 
en;:agcd to some extent in dealing in st/x;k, as was alwj his 
father while living here, and has at present a few head of 
improved stock, — horses, cattle, and sheep. He is one of a 
family of eight children, six of whom are living. His only 
brother, John F. Alger, is now in Colorado. 

One of the early settlers in the Alger neighborhood was 
Mr. Barnum, father of Daniel P. Barnum, who now lives 
on the old farm. 

The first white male child born in the township of Mun- 
dy was Thomas Glover's mil, Henry Glover, and the first 
white female child was Hannah Baldwin, daughter of Mor- 
gan Baldwin, her birth oceurring March 30, 1835. 

What is known as the " Baldwin road' was the first one 
laid out in the town, and follows in places nearly the route 
of an old Indian trail which extended from Springfield, 
Oakland Co., to Shiawassee. This was the main traveled 
rout« through the township. 

Asa Pierce, a native of Mas.sachasett8, at)d afterwards a 
resident of Ontario Co., N. Y., came to Mundy with his 
family in 1835. His son, Asa T. Pierce, still living in 
town, came in the fall of the same year, and settled on the 
place he yet occupies, alKjut a hundred rods east of the spot 
on which his father resided. The latter died Feb. 11, 
1853, aged sixty-three years, but hU widow is yet living 
at the okl place, and is now eighty-five years of age. Asa 
T. Pierw is alwj a native of Massachusetts Ttown of Ileho- 
\xil\t), his father moving into the State of New York while 
his son was a small boy, or not long sulwcjuent to the year 
1814. Ilis wife, Mrs. A. T. Pierce, Ls a native of the U>vin 
of De Kalb, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in the famous " Black 
River Country," and came with her husband to Michigan in 
1835, settling on 8<!Ction 32. The nearest house east of 
them was that of Morgan Baldwin, two miles away, and 
beyond that there were but two or three families in a dis- 
tance of ten miles. Mr. Pierce and his wife, then both 
young, were much impres.sed with the gaudy trappings of 
the Indians, and their manners and customs, which were so 
novel to them, and their monot<>noas chant, as they passed 
by in single file, walking or riding, is vividly remembere<l. 

Among the earlier settlers on the " Baldwin road" 
were the Odells and I^cach's, and the following items, fur- 
nished by .Mrs. William Odell, a daughter of Jeshurun 
Ijeach, will prove interesting : 







JOSIAH ALGER. 




JOSIAH ALGER AND FAMILY. 



JOSIAH n. ALiiKH. 



The family of Algers, whioh are widely scattered over the States, sprang, 
according to the best genealogical records, from three brothers who came to 
this country from Wales during the seventeenth century, settling in Massa- 
chusetts, — the home of the Pilgrim Fathers. Josiah Alger, the subject of 
this sketch, and Ira Alger, twins, were born in Massachusetts, June 3, 
1782, coming with their parents to Bloomfield. Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1793, 
then a wild and unbroken wilderness, — their sister being the first white 
woman married in that vicinity. 

Mr. Alger wa,s married, in 1S03, to Esther, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Scovel, of Vermont. They re.ired a family of ten children, of whom but 
two are now living, Josiah H. and Lewis. He emigrated to Troy. Oakland 
Co., Mich , November, 1823, where he located lands, clearing up a large 
farm. Selling out in 1S35, he, in company with others, took a ramble 
tlirough Livingston. Shiawassee, and Genesee Counties, locating eleven lots 
of land in the town of Mundy, Genesee Co., and moved on to it in May, 1S36. 
He was one of the first settlers, being one of the organizers of the township 
then comprising the townships of Gaines and Mundy, with but eighteen 
voters in both. The first town-meeting was held at his house in 1S37, 
and he was the first supervisor, which office he held for several years. 

In profession Mr. Alger was a physician ; in politics, a Democrat : and 
in religion, a strong Universalist to the last. He suffered the change called 
death, March 6, lSf)2. but from information gleaned of old residents, and 
incidents recited by their children, he died not out of the memory of any 
who were so fortunate as to have made his acquaintance. He is accredited 
by the remaining pioneers — Mr. Glover, Thompson, Baldwin, and others 
— as being a man without an enemy, and they relate many incidents of his 
benefaction ; among which was sending a team to Pontiac several times for 
flour and meal to feed those in destitution, refusing to sell to the above 
relators and others because of their having the means of purchase. Mr. 
Alger was most truly a benefactor to his countrymen, always dispensing 
justice, and where most needed. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, as 
was his father, Josiah, in the Revolution, of whom there still remain among 
the relatives mementos of his chivalry and art. 

Mrs. Alger was a most estimable woman. Was born in Vermont, Aug. 19, 
1785, and died in Mundy. of consumption, Jan. 21, 1S43. Ira Alger, the 
twin brother, settled near Holly. Oakland Co., and died there about 1848. 

Josiah H. Alger, son of Josiah. was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 3, 
1809. Came to Michigan with his ]»arents in 1823; he remained at home, 
helping to clear up the farm, until the age of twenty-two. He then started 
out for himself with a fair education, mostly selt-acquired, and an abun- 
dant capital of physical strength and energy, which have made their record 
all along his line of march. He commenced by taking jobs of chopping, 
rail-splitting, etc., until he acquired the means to buy one hundred and 
sixty acres of land in Macomb County. In the spring of I83G he located 
four lots of laud on sections 29 and 30, in Mundy, Genesee Co. 

He was married, April, 1837, to Mary A*., daughter of Wm. and Susan 
F. {Ilowlandl Stanley, of Troy, Oakland Co. Worked his father-in-law's 
farm for four years. Selling his Macomb lands, he moved on his own lands 
in Mundy, in March, IS41, being compelled to cut a road one and a half 
miles in order to reach it; but, by dint of persevering energy and the im- 
petus of a strong will, he soon had a trail to his land, a log house staked, 
chinked, a stone and mud fireplace, to which he improvised a mud and 
stick chimney, a floor of split-stufl". doors, etc., after occupancy. The first 
year he grew of potatoes, roots, corn, and oat fodder sufficient for self-use, 
and some to spare. In the fall he sowed some twenty acres of wheat, which, 
when harvested, he threshed with a tlail on a ground-floor, taking it to 
Pontiac and Detroit, and exchanging it for store pay at three shillings and 
sixpence per bushel. Those were the times that tried the souls of men, 
even of iron nerve, to meet the demands of nature and taxation, — the latter 
of which often periled all. As but little of the wild-cat money had an ex- 
change value, and nearly all business was conducted by barter and exchange 
of produced commodities, the pioneers experienced trials which only an 
indomitable courage and an abiding faith in the future enabled them to 
meet, and to persevere until the dawn of " better times.'' 

In those days there was no social ostracism. The crotoh dray and ox- 



sled were the principal means of transit, and with these neighbors used to 
get together, winding their way through the woods to each other's homes 
on winter evenings to dance, scrape a turnip, exchange hunting tales, and 
other life-scenes; speculate on new projects, public and private, and after 
the midnight banquet of biscuit (baked in a tin-oven — there being no 
stoves) and wild honey, with a bit of dried venison, or perchance bear, 
they repaired to their several homes, without bickering, happy and con- 
tent with each other and their surroundings. The men and women then 
wore homespun for common and nice, with factory, colored with butternut 
a"d oak hark, for a change. Calico then filled the jdace that silks and 
worsteds do now, with from ten to twenty less yards in a pattern. They 
had no use for hippodromes and other paraphernalia, simply the naked 
requisites. Their boots and shoes were made of cowhide, and of home 
manufacture, as nearly every pioneer was a cobbler. 

Thus Mr. and Mrs. Alger, by dint of their united efforts, perseverance, 
and economy, soon had cleared a large farm, and had otherwise given to 
that which but a few years before was a wilderness and Indian hunting- 
ground the appearance of a home of plenty. They are spoken of as very 
estimable neighbors, and universally esteemed hy all in their old home, 
where they resided for sixteen years, during which time Mr. Alger filled 
the office of supervisor and that of commissioner for several yewrs. 
Having, in 1849, by heirship and purchase, become owner of the AVm. 
Stanley farm, in Troy, two hundred and fifty acres, he rented his Mundy 
farm, four hundred and forty acres, and removed there in 1857, where 
he remained until 1870, when he purchased a fine residence in Birming- 
ham, — three miles from his farm, — where he intends to spend his days. 

Mrs. Alger was born Feb. 29, 1820, in Richmond, Ontario Co., and died 
Nov. 26, 1874, of heart-disease, leaving many bright oases along the path- 
way of her busy life, as lasting memorials to her relatives and numberless 
friends who still miss and mourn her demise. 

Mr. Alger, for his second wife, married Mrs. Clarissa Armstrong, Nov, 
1, 1875, a most estimable widow lady, with whom he nowl ives, surrounded 
by a host of friends, and with every needful comfort in their declining years. 

Wn.Li.\« R. Alger, son of Josiah H., was born May 10, 183S, in Troy, 
Oakland Co., Mich. He came with his parents to Mundy in 1841. and re- 
turned with them to Troy in 1857. Having obtained a good academic 
education, he commenced teaching in 1859. During I860 he roamed over 
the South and West, traveling through nine States. Returning in January, 
1861, he taught school in the village of Big Beaver, Oakland Co., three 
months. During the summer he worked his farm of forty acres and a part 
of the homestead, teaching the same school the following winter. In the 
fall of 1861 he exchanged his farm with his father for eighty acres of his 
Mundy farm, and rented the balance for five years. On the 8th day of 
March he was married, at the Antisdale House in Detroit, to Miss Julia 
Jenette, daughter of John and Rachel Bookham. The next April he 
moved to Mundy. In 18G6 he purchased the eighty-acre mendow adjoin- 
ing his farm for two thousand five hundred dollars. The following year 
he sold the one hundred and sixty acres to J. M. Peck for five hundred 
dollars, and the same day purchased the old homestead. On this farm Mr. 
Alger has built an elegant residence, repaired the outbuildings, cleared 
twenty-five acres, and put in six miles of underdraiu. making his farm one 
of the finest in the county. 

Mrs. Alger was born in Troy, Oakland Co., Dee. 25, 1842. Was one of /" 
a family of seven children. Her parents emigrated from Manchester, Eng- 
land, in 1841. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alger two children,— 
John J., born Aug. 14, 1S63, and Agnes A., born Dec. 12, 1S64. 

In religion and local politics Mr. Alger can well be called a liheralist. 
In national matters he votes toe Democratic ticket. He is one who makes 
friends among all classes, and especially among the poor and unfortunate, 
to whom he has ever extended a helping hand. He has been supervisor 
three terms, having been elected on the People's ticket by a large majority, 
in the strongest Republican town in the county, and has filled the office 
with credit to himself and his constituents. He is a strong t'-mperauce 
man and a moralist. Is well read historically and ofhcnvise. iind possesses 
the traits necessary to make him a leader among men. 



• * I J > > ' 




284 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



"William Odell, from Soutliport, Tiojra Co.,N. Y., came 
to what is now the township of Mundy in the year 1834. 
The Cth day of December he purchased 1(50 acres of land 
from government. In March, 18o5, he built a log house, 
and in April his mother came. He was then twenty-three 
years of age. In November, 1836, he was married to Miss 
Mary Sly, of Oakland County. He voted at the first town- 
meeting, and attended the first court held in Genesee 
County as petit juror. He has cleared 140 acres of his 
land, and still lives upon it. Has had ten children, of 
whom five are living. His wife died in August, 1S72, and 
he is now living with his second wife, whose maiden name 
was Lois H. Leach. She came to Mundy in 1835, being 
then six years of age. 

" Jeshurun Leach came from Ohio to what is now the 
township of Mundy in April, 1835. He was formerly 
from Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y. His family at the time he 
came consisted of his wife, three sons, and two daughters. 
He purchased 80 acres of land at $1.25 per acre for his 
wife's sister, IMrs. Conant, who came with her family the 
following June. Mr. Leach did much towards improving 
the country while here. Was one of the firat voters in the 
township. In October, 1837, he returned with his family 
(to which had been added one more son) to Ohio. In 
April, 1843, Mrs. Leach returned to Mundy (Mr. Leach 
and the oldest daughter having died in Ohio) with five sons 
and two daughters, the youngest two born while in Ohio. 
The youngest daughter died soon after ; the rest lived to 
act in various capacities. Several .school districts in the 
township remember them as teachers, the oldest three sons 
and the daughter having taught. The second son, D. C. 
Leach, taught as many as twelve terms in the Baldwin 
district. He was in the State Legislature, and was also 
sent from the Sixth Congressional District two terms as 
member of Congress. He is now in Springfield, Mo. The 
eldest son, M. L. Leach, has been a practicing physician 
in Clinton County for more than twenty years. A. J. 
Leach, the third son, has settled in Nebraska. William H., 
the fourth son, who was a Methodist minister, died in 1876. 
The youngest son, W. H., has settled in Kalkaska Co., 
Mich. The only remaining daughter is the present wife of 
William Odell, of Mundy. Mrs. Leach died in 1872." 

Mi's. Odell mentions that her fiither (Mr. Leach) used 
to go to Pontiac to mill, and on one occa.sion heard her 
mother say they were out of flour. She suddenly imagined 
herself very hungry, but felt better after her father procured 
some flour of George Judson. At one time provisions were 
so scarce that the family lived for two weeks on potatoes 
and salt. 

It was not unusual for an Indian to come in and lie by 
the fire during a cold night, and, as the latch-string was 
always out, their red neighbor came as they pleased. The 
children knew not the feeling of fear in the presence of the 
Indians. Fisher, the chief, is described as being a noble 
specimen of his race. 

Hon. D. C. Leach, who for a number of years resided at 
Traverse City, Mich., is now living at Springfield, Mo., 
where he is engaged in the publishing business, being ed- 
itor and proprietor of the Patriot Advertiser. In his con- 
nection with the Grand Traverse llerald before leaving 



Michigan he won distinction among the journalists of the 
State. 

John Remington, living near Mundy Centre, although 
but a short time a resident of this town, settled in Grand 
Blanc in 1834, and lived there until 1865, holding nu- 
merous important ofiiccs. 

It is related of Dr. Josiah Alger that at one time when 
provisions were very scarce in his neighborhood, and the 
settlers were glad even to gather cowslips and use them for 
greens, he made occasional trips to Pontiac, and brought 
back supplies of necessary provisions, and dealt them out 
to those who had neither money nor food, while those 
having funds he told to get what they wanted at the same 
place he did. As a remarkable case of ingratitude, it is 
stated that some of the poorer ones, who afterwards had 
plenty of money, never remunerated the doctor for his 
kindness in their hour of need. 

The following " Reminiscences of Early Michigan" were 
furnished for the Feiiton Gazette by W. I. Williams, of 
Mundy, and published in that paper in the spring of 1871. 
They are descriptive principally of the experiences of-thc 
family during their residence of four years in Saginaw 
County, before coming to Mundy, yet are applicable to all 
cases of pioneer life, as those who participated in the scenes 
of forty and fifty years ago will readily acknowledge. The 
experience was, generally, nearly the same, — the actors 
only were diff^erent. Mr. Willium.s' article is as follows : 

" I have often thought that, could every one having any 
experience, practically, of pioneer life in Michigan, be pre- 
vailed upon to furnish a written statement of those experi- 
ences, all, compiled in book-form, would make one of the 
most interesting works of the kind in existence. 

" How often do we dwell, more or less, upon scenes of 
early days, in our commonplace lives, where all has been 
smooth and placid, with naught to ' trouble or make afraid,' 
or drive us from the even tenor of our ways ! How much 
more, then, should the vivid imaginations of the early set- 
tlers of Michigan be interested in the past, — tho.se recol- 
lections of early life in a new country, often beset with dif- 
ficulties and dangers connected with the hardships incident 
to a pioneer life in the wilderness ! . . . 

" Living in the State of New York, in 1835, when a 
mere lad, I often heard strange stories of the wilds of Mich- 
igan, — of its Indians, wolves, and bears, — little dreaming 
that my experiences in after-life would be so closely allied 
with its interests. Well do I recollect the excitement of 
moving to Michigan, in the fall of 1836, and a brief sketch 
of the journey may not be uninteresting My step-father 
hired a man with his team to move us and our household 
goods to Bufialo, a distance of sixty miles or more, starting 
from Mount Morris, Livingston Co., on or about the middle 
of September. We stayed two nights on the road, and after 
a tedious journey of tliree days over rough and muddy 
roads, we arrived at the port of Bufl'alo just in time to take 
passage on the steamer ' Governor jMarcy,' which plied 
between Bufl^alo and Saginaw every two weeks, and which 
many of the early settlers of Michigan will probably recol- 
lect. Nothing occurred worthy of notice except a good 
deal of sea-sickness on Lake Erie (which, by the way, is 
about the stormiest of all the lakes), until we arrived at 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



285 



Detroit, wliere we stopped for wood niid passengers, and 
had a chance to see what there was of the City of the 
Straits. It was then, comparatively speaking, a small vil- 
lege by the side of its present dimensions, with but one 
business street of any importance, buildings mostly of wood, 
and small at that. While lying at the wharf, a negro, 
black as the ace of spades, left tiie boat with a large satchel 
in hand, and soon after a general stir was made to find him. 
A new overcoat belonging to one of the officers was missing, 
and the theft was laid to him, which proved to be true, as 
a general search brought him to light with the missing 
overcoat done up compactly in his large satchel. The negro 
showed some fight, which gathered quite a crowd on the 
quay, but he was soon brought under by putting the irons 
on liis wrists and marching him off to jail, where he was 
probably dwelt with according to law. Thus ended quite 
an exciting scene to my boyish imagination. 

" All went well as wo continued our voyage until we ar- 
rived near the entrance of Saginaw Bay, when a severe 
northeaster came swooping down upon us, making every 
limber in the old ship creak and tremble, while many a 
stout heart quailed under the threatenings of the fearful 
tempest. Towards the close of the day preceding that 
fearful night there was strong talk among the passengers 
that the captain should put about for port, but he still kept 
on his course, regardless of the warring elements. We had 
strong hopes of weathering the storm, now we were so near 
our port of destination, but with increasing fury the wild 
storm sped, and, when nearly midnight, the violence of the 
gale forced our captain to return back to port, where we ar- 
rived next morning. The turning back was often spoken 
of as a critical moment in our existence, as we turned on 
the top of a huge wave, when, if wo had turned in a trough 
of the sea, the probabilities are that none would have lived 
to tell the tale. But the horrors of that fearful storm, to- 
gether with the wailings of anguish which rose above the 
howling of the tempest, will never be erased from my 
memory. The scenes of that dismal night of storm, dark 
and rainy ; the loud cries of those bewailing their hapless 
fate, and wishing themselves on shore ; and often when 
some bold dash of the elements, more furious than common, 
would override all barriers, and deluge the innermost cabin 
to the tune of ankle-deep in water, — then you might hear, 
far above the roar of wind and water, the cries and wailings 
of the distressed, calling on the good Lord to deliver them 
out of the depths of the sea in all the agony of a broken 
and contrite spirit. Well do I recollect my sensations as I 
lay crosswise the boat in my berth, holding on to a stan- 
chion for dear life, as the old boat careened first to one side 
and then the other, describing the various gradations of an 
inclined plane with my head and feet. One of the eccen- 
tricities of our capt;iin I will have to relate, although it may 
Dot be much to his credit. He was a very still sort of per- 
sonage as a general rule, rather rotund in form, apparently 
given to good living, as well as good drinking; you would 
think, to see him, there was (to use a common phrase), not 
much snap about him ; but when the storm broke upon us, a 
new spirit seemed to take possession of him. With oaths 
more dreadful than the storm itself to the tired sailors, his 
pent-up tongue was let loose with voluniiuous iin]irecations on 



God and man, while with stentorian lungs he gave his com- 
mands about ship, and the louder the storm or the wail- 
ings of the fearful, still above all you could hear his all- 
powerful commands, efficiently setting the ship to rights ; 
but when the storm had ceased, the spell was broken, and 
once more the ealtn and placid serenity of manner, before 
noticed, had spread its mantle upon him. 

" After the storm on Saginaw Bay we arrived the next 
day sai'ely in the harbor of Fort Gratiot. Here we had to 
lay over until the next morning, for some slight repairs and 
the lulling of the storm, which had been quite severe on all 
the lakes. Some few of our goodly company left us here 
to make the balance of the journey by land, feeling quite 
averse to a renewal of the preceding night's ' unpleasant- 
ness.' Here we had a chance to look about the premises, 
and, it being ((uite a pleasant day, the most of the passen- 
gers made good use of our delay in seeing the sights about 
the fort and vicinity. Long rows of bristling cannon, re- 
cently painted black, run out from under their rough sheds 
to dry, made things look quite warlike, and to those of us 
who never saw anything of the kind before, the sight wa.s 
quite interesting. Kach row of cannon had a number of 
soldiers on duty to guard them, and many times through 
the day would they have to speak sharply to some of the 
boys, whose curiosity demanded a closer inspection, to keep 
' hands ofl^,' and not a few had black hands to show for 
their pains. After a few days' sojourn on terra Jirnui, the 
most of the passengers had regained somewhat their wonted 
equilibrium, and the pleasant weather, succeeding so severe 
a storm, made them feel more courageous in regard to re- 
newing their journey by water. The next morning, on 
awaking, the thumping of machinery and noise about the 
decks told us that we were once more on our journey. 
The bright sun overhead, and a steady breeze from off 
shore, gave us high hopes of reaching our place of destina- 
tion without again coming in contact with nature's warring 
elements. We had a pleasant day running up the bay, as 
near the land as was prudent, often looking with spy-glasses 
at the native Indians, gathered about their wigwams, watch- 
ing the ' big canoe,' or roaming the forest in all its pristine 
loveliness. The weather towards night changed somewhat, 
and we had the first snow of the season just as we were 
entering the mouth of Saginaw River. It turned to rain 
in the evening. Our journey up the river was rather dis- 
mal than otherwise, — the snow and the extensive marshes 
for miles inland, covered with water, looking more like a 
lake than a river, — with no human habitation on either 
shore to break the monotony of the scene. Some few miles 
below Saginaw City, all hands, as well as passengers, were 
called on deck to help get the boat adrift, as we had run 
out of the main cliannel and stuck in the sand. First to 
one side of the boat and then the other we were all ordered 
to run at the word of command, while the opposite wheel 
would turn a few strokes each time, helping us to loiijylu 
the boat, like some huge anaconda, through the sand. 
After an hour's struggle, where all got some tired, — although 
having considerable merriment at each other's expense, — 
some tuinliiing about like porpoises, as the boat careened 
nearly on her beam ends, we finally shoved into deep water 
and sleamcd on our course, by where East Saginaw now 



286 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



stands (which, by the way, was a howliog wilderness down 
to the water's edge), and soon arrived at the only dock in 
Saginaw City. A sightly place indeed to be called a city ! 
A clearing in the woods, extending in area perhaps two 
hundred rods back from the river, and about three hundred 
in length, with a very few houses, — a large majority of 
which were log, or block, as some were called, being made 
of hewn timber, with port-holes, and the frame houses small 
and inconvenient. 

"We landed Oct. 1, 183G, having been nearly eight 
days in making the passage from Buffiilo, and you may 
suppose that it was a great relief to many anxious hearts 
when we arrived ; for all, more or less, had friends, relatives, 
and acquaintances whom they were anxiously expecting on 
this boat, which was the only one then plying between 
Saginaw and Buffalo, making the trip generally in two 
weeks. As we landed the whole city turned out en 7nasse 
to welcome us, offering us the best hospitalities it afforded, 
and its free range — if we had a mind — afoot in the mud. 
As it was about the time that cities generally lighted up 
their gas, we looked in vain for any intimation of such a 
state of things, except what was bandied between the crew 
and some jolly fellows on shore. It was said we were a 
city within a city, for the population aboard the boat num- 
bered nearly as many as those on shore, there being about 
thirty families. The boat had brought up quite a number 
of influential men — men of capital — representing the most 
of the real valuation of the city, and speculators in lands 
of the surrounding country. This great addition to the 
place in population and capital bade fair to make it one of 
the most thriving cities of the then far West. Thriving, 
I say, and safely so, for who ever heard of a city doubling 
its population in so short a time ? Among those most con- 
spicuously governing its interests were the Littles, the Rich- 
monds, the Millers, and a few other forehanded gentlemen, 
who came to make this their permanent abiding-place. But 
the main question was, after we had all debarked. Where 
are we going to lodge? Where are all the taverns? — the 
Metropolitan, the National, the Waverley, anywhere to get 
out of the pitiless storm that was drenching us to the hide? 
In vain we listened for runners to these different hotels, 
but we soon had the unwelcome assurance that there were 
none, except the Saginaw Hotel, and there we proceeded, 
tramp, tramp, through the mud ankle-deep, and soon ar- 
rived at — -what? A common double block-house, the only 
tavern in the c(Vy. The old stockade fort, with its heavy- 
built block-houses, wore still iu passable order, but rather 
on the decaying list, as might be noticed in the mossy roof 
and in the decayed pickets, here and there one falling over 
by its own weight. On a closer inspection you might see 
the traces of the leaden missiles that years before, perhaps, 
were sent with deadly intent, marring the houses and pickets 
in many places. One general dry-goods store, two or three 
groceries, oue or two saloons, one steam saw-mill, and one 
log tavern constituted the principal places of business iu 
the city. 

" At the date of which I write there was no farming 
community of any importance settled about the vicinity of 
Saginaw, as that branch of industry was in its first stages 
of infancy. Consequotilly we had to dcjiend almost entirely 



on receiving our supplies of provisions from regular trips 
of the steamboat ' Governor Marcy,' which made the round- 
trip— generally — once in two weeks. 

" At one time during the summer of 1837, some acci- 
dent happening to the boat, its trip was delayed nearly four 
weeks, which caused nearly a famine iu our community. 
Famine prices were necessarily prevalent, and glad was 
many a poor family if it had a potato even to still the ap- 
peals of hunger. More than one family was known to have 
dug up its seed potatoes after planting, so great were their 
necessities, to keep from starving. Some instances were 
known where they had planted potato-parings and were 
forced to exhume them to satisfy the demands of nature. 
Money seemed to be plenty among the business portion of 
the community, but that we could not eat, and a few who 
were dealers in provisions made small fortunes on what they 
had to sell. But when the boat did arrive, was there not 
a day of rejoicing ? Some men iu canoes brought the in- 
telligence up the river, ahead of the boat, that she had 
been sighted on the bay, and such a turnout, according to 
the population, is seldom witnessed as that which gave them 
welcome. Provisions generally were about the following 
prices, to wit: $1.5 per barrel for flour; $40 per barrel for 
pork; 75 ceuts per pound for butter; $1.50 for potatoes; 
and other things in proportion. So, you perceive, it wanted 
no small capital to set up housekeeping iu the line of the 
necessaries of life. 

" This was about the period when ' wild-cat banks' were 
plenty, and speculations of all kinds were in vogue on the 
high-pressure principle. Especially was this the ciuse in 
real estate. Agents were continually sent East with the 
avowed intention of swindling the Eastern capitalists out of 
their money, and the chief outfit of au agent would be his 
map of Saginaw City, or perhaps a map of some im- 
aginary city gotten up for the occasion, penciled and colored 
in the highest style of perfection that art could produce, 
showing the many hundreds of blocks and streets you 
might search for in vain, even with a map and compass, — 
not forgetting a guide, — for you would be likely to find 
some of the best pictured avenues or blocks an hour's walk 
in the dense forest, where you would need some expert to 
guide you out into the sunlight. And so it was in numer- 
ous instances where there was not the least foundation for 
such a swindling operation. Some ' very eligible' sites were 
located on the extensive marshes lining the shores of Sagi- 
naw River, and you might search for them in almost any 
season of the year, and there would be nothing to be seen 
but one wide expanse of water. But the excitement of 
speculation was in its zenith, and many a fortune was made 
easily by the sharpers of the day in duping E;istern men 
who had taken the Western fever, which nothing but a step 
off into one of their imaginary streets would cure. It was 
rather laughable, sometimes, to see a trio of Eastern men 
starting out on a voyage of discovery, with canoes and 
guides, in quest of real estate, and more 9o to see them on 
their return, chopfallen and disheartened, though puttting 
the best face they could on the matter, hoping to dupe 
some one else to get their money back ; and instances 
were known where they doubled on their money instead of 
losiiiir. 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



287 



" Under the wild-cat excitement Saginaw must needs have 
a bank, and men and money were on liand in plenty to in- 
vest in the speculation. The denomination of twenty-five 
dollars was to be called a share, and it was within the reach 
of all to participate to some extent. But the speculation, 
after running a few months, culminated in the absorption 
of the little fish by the larger ones, — the • busting' of the 
bank, — and some one made money out of it. So ended the 
first experiment of the banking system in Saginaw City. 
At that tijne the place looked very well, as far as the site 
was concerned, from the river for perhaps a half-mile back, 
when it degenerated into a rather low, wet, and heavy-tim- 
bered country, where one commodity was easily raised by 
simply presenting your card in person, viz. : mosqmloes. 
When planting-time came it was a common practice to wear 
gloves and veils, and have them well tied on, or it was im- 
possible for human nature to stand the pressure. While 
speaking of the natives of the forest I will give you a short 
chapter on wolves. It was nothing uncommon, almost any 
evening, to listen to a serenade from their melodious throats, 
and as they could be heard the whole length and breadth of 
the city, the music was rather too cheap to be popular. 
Many an evening, while their melodious voices were in full 
concert, have I sat and listened to highly-wrought pictures 
of their ferocity and deadly encounters with some of the 
first settlers as well as Indians, which would make one's hair 
seem to stand on end. The first day after our arrival, to- 
wards evening, having just moved into a house near the 
suburbs of the city, our people .saw something they took to 
be a dog, resting its forepaws on a log some ten rods from 
the door, but which some of the neighbors, who happened 
to be present, told us was a wolf, — a rather early call on 
neighbors, we thought, before we could get settled. While 
living at Saginaw, which was nearly four years, my stop- 
father caught about a dozen in large traps, which I used to 
go with him to set just in the edge of the woods, and many 
an exciting time did we have in dispatching them. On 
going near them, when fast in the trap, they would look 
sneaking enough, and would hardly make the least resist- 
ance while we dispatched them with hand-spikes. 

" I recollect one large gray wolf which we had trapped 
and killed, and which we brought up to the door a.s usual 
and laid down on the doorstep, caused quite an excitement 
among the bystanders who happened to be present. A large 
cat happening to pass by the wolf and smell of it, some one 
of the company picked it up and threw it with full force on 
the wolf as it lay stretched at full length in front of the 
door, upon which the wolf immediately sprang up, as with 
a new life, gave a leap in the air, and with one long-drawn 
sigh breathed his last. You can readily guess there was a 
scattering among the curious who stood immediately over, 
and some screeching among the ladies, who were considera- 
bly frightened. 

" There wiis one very large wolf which we caught in the 
trap, and concluded to take him bodily to town for a show 
while alive, to receive the bounty, which I believe was 
88. So we got some bark for cords, and after lassoing him 
around the nose he gave up completely, while we bound 
him securely ; then, running a long pole between his legs 
and under the thongs, carried him in triiiinpli to the city. 



Afler interviewing him to their hearts' content, some of the 
citizens, who had lost quite heavily by the devouring na- 
ture of him and his brethren, concluded to make an exam- 
ple of him. So, after making up a purse to replace the 
bounty, which could not be drawn from the State unless the 
wolf was killed, they commenced to treat poor Mr. Wolf 
after the manner of the barbarous savage. First they cut 
off his ears close to his head, next his tail close to his body, 
otherwise making him look as hideous and unlike himself 
as it was in their power to invent ; then they put on his 
neck a loud-sounding cow-bell and sent him on his way re- 
joicing (they, not he) to ' see his friends once more.' It 
is hardly possible to conceive the alteration made in his 
looks, and I am sure his most intimate friends would not 
have recognized him. The result was the wolves were 
cleaned out of the adjoining forests for a long time after- 
wards. About six months afterwards the famished remains 
of a wolf with a bell on were found in the edge of a clear- 
ing in the city." 

In the sjiring of 1840 the writer of the foregoing, Wil- 
liam Ira Williams, came from Saginaw in company with 
his mother and step-father, Arden Moses, the family lo- 
cating on a rented farm in Grand Blanc. In the spring of 
1842 they settled on a farm in the north part of Mundy 
township, now owned by John L. Jennings. Mr. Moses 
died a few weeks later, and in the fall of the same year the 
family moved south to a location on the Baldwin road, half 
a mile east of Mr. Williams' pre.sent residence. Mrs. 
Williams, Sr., is yet living. Her son purchased the farm 
he now owns in the winter of 1849-50, and made upon it 
the first clearing at the corners, except a lot which had 
been made ready to build a school-house upon in 1847. 

Mr. Williams prepared a considerable amount of cooper- 
stufi" from timber which grew upon his place, made a part 
of his tools and bought others, learned (he trade alone, and 
worked at it some six years. He now has a finely-improved 
farm, and in connection with it is keeping the Mundy post- 
office and a small general store. He has written to con- 
siderable extent for the press of the county, and aspired to 
poetical fame with greater success than have many who 
inflict their effusions of poor rhyme and bad grammar upon 
publishers. By reference to the list of township officei-s it 
will bo soon that ho has been the recipient of numerous 
official favors from the hands of his townsmen. Although 
yet comparatively young, there are few in the township wlio 
have bottor-iniiiroved farms, and none, perhaps, who arc 
better or more influential citizens. 

The following poem, by Mr. Williams, was read by the 
author at one of the meetings of the Genesee Pioneer 
Society : 

THE PIONEEIl. 
Once more, my friends, wo meet again on tliis our feptul day, 
To tall< of scenes <if early youth and trials by the way 
When first the wilds uf Genesee by white men's feet were trod — 
^Vhen tirst our cabin-walls were reared, when first we broke the sod. 

We love to dwell upon these scenes, though often sonic were sad, 
While others ofttiuies in their sheen have made our spirits glad. 
Then let us talk together of those days now past and gone, 
While distance fresh enchantment lends to feed our minds upon. 

Whi-n first with a.\e in brawny hands wo felled those oaks of yore. 
We little dreamed this fruitful land, so plentiful in store, 



2SS 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Would be our happy lol to own, which blossoms as the rose, 
Aud brings us what our toil has won — a prosperous repose. 

When first wc cleared the arooked roads that led us to our doors. 
And chinked the logs with basswood, of which we maile our iloors, — 
Twus then we sang our merriest songs to keep our spirits up, 
While the spirits that we drank those days were from the brook and 
cup. 

With coat thrown off and sleeves rolled up, we grappled with the 

work, 
While throughout all this gooilly land you found no lazy shirk. 
But all with one accortl endured the hardships of the day, 
Aud night's refreshing sleep would chase all gloomy thoughts away. 

'Twas then with hearty relish the pork and beans went down, 
With johnny-cake in plenty, all done so nicely brown. 
Oh yes, those days were happy ones, without a sorrowing tear. 
When first we felled the forest, a hardy pioneer. 

'Twas then the partners of our joys, with ever-ready hands, 
Would help to jiile and burn the brush aud poke the burning brands; 
An<i ott with song and words of hope would fill our hearts with cheer, 
That made us glail wc undertook to be a pioneer. 

Our children, fat and ragged as seldom children arc. 
With freedom roamed the forests and plucked the cotvslips fair 
With which we eked our scanty store, while oft the timid deer 
.At the crack of our trusty rifles wouM fill our homes with cheer. 

Our smoke-house was the chimney-top, our chimney rand and sticks, 
With wall and hearth of clay and stone, for want of better bricks. 
Our roof was covered o'er with bark, held firmly down with poles; 
Our bakery the ashes, whence came the sweetest rolls. 

Then, as we cleared our homesteads and let the sky-light in. 
It made us think of youthful homes, where all our past had been. 
And as the opening widened, with vigorous nerve and hand 
We'd roll together ponderous logs to clear the goodly land. 

And often, as the shade of night its sable mantle spread, 
We'd kindle bonfires to give us light to bow the forest's head; 
And often in the gloaming would you hear the deafening sound. 
When the lofty oak would tremble, and then come thundering down ■ 

While wife and children merrily would cheer us on our way. 
Knowing full well the darkest night would lengthen into day. 
Then, when the rich and blackened ground was ready for the seed 
With axe instead of hoe wed |>lant the corn for winter's need; 

For many a mile of crooked road we'd have to travel o'er 
If industry should fail to give to us the bounteous store. 
Yet still wc fought on manfully to do our humble part. 
While joy and sorrow often mingled in the peasant's heart. 

Hut through them all we often saw the placid seas beyond, 
Which gave our strength new energy, and bade us not despond; 
For ofttimes iu the future would we see the welcome li"ht 
That came to us in prophecy, and made our hearts delight. 

How well do we remember that dear oM brindle cow 

Which gave us milk, and raised those steers to which we hitched the 

plow ; 
That drew our wood, our fallows logged and helped us manv a time ; 
.■\nd the boys ivould strive to see which should drive the o.\en Duke 

and I>ime. 

And often when the bright moon shone would wc hitch to the wood- 
shod sleigh 

To visit some near neighbor, perhaps five miles away ; 

AVhilc the glistening trees with splendor shone, and childhood's happy 
shout. 

With happiness o'ersurging. went merrily ringing out. 

How happy were those visits ! — and we often made them o'er. 
Anil which were oft relumed again— by which we set much store. 
Thus, mingling oft together, we cheered each other on. 
When taking from each other's hopes would bid our cares begone. 



Though oft through many a care-worn path we trod the walks of life, 
Wc had no neighbors' gossip, no neighbors' feud nor strife, — 
No jarring nor discordant notes to give our bliss alloy, 
For all was peace and unity, which gave a genial joy. 

And when new-comers sought our door.s, latch-strings were always out, 
With hearty welcome to our fare, which never gave the gout; 
And often, with the compass as our only guide and fricntl. 
Would we look with them for future homes, a helping hand to lend. 

IIow every man, with axe in hand, would hurry to the spot, 
When told that a new-comer needed help to raise his cot, — 
When logging-bccs were ]>Ienty, and huskings all the go, 
Aud youngsters tripped, with merry zeal, the light fantastic toe. 

Oh, yes, those days were happy ones, the thoughts of which still 

cheer — 
When first we cleared the forests wild, a hardy pioneer. 
Indelibly those times of yore are stanqted upon the mind. 
And who would e'er forget them ? 'Twould not be human-kind. 

So oft Ihnuigh many hardships the pioneer has passed. 
Till hopes, now in fruition, have come to him at last; 
And many of life's changes bright visi()ns often seem, 
M'bile early days of hardship are but a pleasant dream. 

The wolf no more with fearful howl his nightly vigils keeps: 
No more the luring panther will wake y<>u from your sleep. 
No more the savage war-cry shall give you harrowing fear, 
Forsuch things long have given way to things of better cheer. 

Instead, the church bell's welcome sound comes ringing through the 

air. 
And noisy cars, with human freight, go hurrying here and there, — 
With the busy hum of thousands, which falls upon the ear, — 
But withal you still remember when you were a pioneer. 

And once where nature's forests covered ail this land. 
You now see towns and cities in their places stand, — 
And ask in wondrous awe, — who made such changes here? 
While we but answer truthfully, the hariiy piimeer. 

Nathan W. Shelden, a native of Haddam, Conn., and 
afterwards a resident of the town of Le Roy, Genesee Co., 
N. Y., came to Miehijran in 1835 and took up the land 
upon which his widow now resides. In 1836 he came 
attain, cleared a small tract, and partly built a log house. 
Au idea had entered the heads of some of the settlers that 
he was only a speculator, and it was with difficulty he 
could get help enough to raise his house. He moved here 
with his wife in October, 1838, arriving on the 26th of 
the month, and here has been the home of the family since 
that time. The log house was finished and occupied De- 
cetnber 13th succeeding their arrival. During the interim 
they had lived with the family of Henry N. Thompson, 
next east of their own place. Mr. Thompson, who was a 
carpenter by trade, was then working in Highland, Oak- 
land Co. Times were so hard that it was almost impossible 
to obtain provisions. As an example of the effect of Mich- 
igan food on the cattle the following will answer: Mr. 
Selden at one time bought of George Judson a quarter of 
beef, paying at the rate of seven dollars per hundred-weight, 
and from it Mrs. Selden procured but two poinuk of hdluw! 
Yet no one had any better, and people could not complain 
of being in wor.se circumstances in this respect than others. 
On one occa.sion the families of H. N. Thompson, Esquire 
Baldwin, and Daniel Brewer — the latter also aiv.early set- 
tlor in the neighborhood — had to put their provisions 
together in order to have enough for a meal, for neither 



.^, 




MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



289 



had a sufficient quantity alone. Mr. Brewer, who had 
settled a little previous to 1838, afterwards returned to New 
York, but finally settled permanently in Micliiu;an, in whieh 
State he died. Mr. Seldeu died in May, 18G!). 

For the first two or three years after coming here the 
times for all the settlers were the hardest. Dr. Algor, on 
one of his missions of mercy, went to I'ontiac and bought 
several barrels of Indian meal, — a portion of it sour, which 
mattered not to the hungry, — and out of the whole used 
but two mes.ses in his own family, having distributed it 
among his suffering neighbors. Mr. Seldcn was known to 
have sent to Fenton, Flint, Grand Blanc, Highland, and 
even to Pontiac, for tea, but without success, nor could he 
get it any place nearer than Detroit. 

John Thompson, from Cayuga Co., N. Y., came to Mich- 
igan in 18-tl and located in the township of Convis, Cal- 
houn Co., where he lived until 1843, working at his trade 
(that of a mason) part of the time in Hattic Creek, where 
he helped build the first brick building. In the latter year 
lie removed to Mundy and .settled on the place where he 
now live.*, section 20. He purchased of Maxwell Thomp- 
son, now of Fenton, and the latter had purcliased the place 
from Cornelius Bray, who had entered it in October, 1835, 
cleared about 7 acres, and built a log house. Bray became 
dissatisfied and returned to New York. Mr. Thompson 
helped build the first brick house in Geno.sec County,* — 
a small brick school-house on Chauncey Paine's lots on the 
north side of the river at Flint. Ilazelton's brick block, 
on Saginaw Street, was built the same season. Mr. Thomp- 
son continued to work at his trade until about 187(), since 
which time his whole attention has been paid to his farm. 

John Slaght, a native of New Jersey, and later a resi- 
dent of Seneca Co., N. Y., to which he moved in 1802, has 
lived in Mundy since June, 1847, and is now in his eighty- 
ninth year. During the war of 1812 he belonged to an 
independent rifle company, which " went out to the lines." 
Mr. Slaght, who had been badly poisoned in his limbs, was 
unable to follow them until two weeks later. 

Mr. Slaght's sons — Dr. Andrew Slaght, of Grand Blanc, 
and his brother, Joseph Slaght — had come to Hillsdale 
County the previous spring, and the rest of the family came 
the following winter. 

Peter Hempstead, from Genesee Co., N. Y., came to 
Mundy in December, 1843, and settled on the place where 
he now lives, having previously resided several years in 
Grand Blanc. He married there the widow of James H. 
Beebe, who settled in Grand Blanc about a year iifter Mr. 
Hempstead had come, or in 183tJ. Mr. Beebe and his wife 
had lived a short time in Ohio. Mr. Hempstead's father 
also settled in Grand Blanc, living near Whigville."!' 

Jason F. Allen came with his family from Mendon, 
Monroe Co., N. Y., to Genesee County in 1837, and set- 
tled in the township of Burton. He had previou.sly lived 
in Livingston Co., N. Y. In 1843 he came to Mutidy and 
purcha.sed a farm north of his present residence, a part of 
which he still owns. He made the first improvements upon 
it, and has only lived upon his present place since about 



37 



• So Mr. Thoinp.^on wa.-< toM at thv time. 
I Infurraiitinn by Mrd. lturn|it<lcu<l. 



1862. The latter was originally settled by Mithra J. Bar- 
rett several years before Mr. Allen came to the township. 
Barrett committed suicide on the place by cutting his 
throat. 

Jolin Ilichards, from the St4ite of New Jersey, settled in 
Grand Blanc some time previous to 1840, and subsequently 
moved into Mundy, where he held numerous offices. His 
son, David Ilichards, is a resident of the town of Richfield, 
in this county. 

William Ilichards, father of the present town clerk, was 
also from the State of New Jersey, and a nephew of John 
Ilichards, above mentioned. He came to Grand Blanc with 
his family about 184(J-47, and after two years removed to 
Mundy, settling on the farm now owned by A. Bigelow, 
northeast of Mundy Centre. He lived there about eleven 
years, and then removed to the farm where his .son, Philctus 
Ilichards, now lives, and finally to the place his son, John 
Ilichards, now occupies. Ho died in the fall of 1873. 
When he located on the present Bigelow farm he made the 
first clearing upon it, and built a log liou.se a short distance 
south of where Bigelow's present residence stands. 

Henry H. Howland, a native of the town of Ira, Rut- 
land Co., Vt., moved with his father to Monroe Co., N. Y., 
when very young, and when but nine years old went with 
the family to Middleport, Niagara Co., in the same State, 
his father removing to that place. In the fall of 1829, Mr. 
Howland emigrated to Michigan, and settled in Troy, Oak- 
land Co. His father wiis a soldier of 1812, and his grand- 
father a veteran of the Revolution. In 183(5 he purchased 
land in Mundy, went back to New York after his wife, and, 
owing to her sickness, Wiis obliged to stay there until March, 
1837, when they came on to their home in the forest. Their 
nearest neighbor at that time was the widow Simmons, who 
had moved in with one daughter and three sons,— Cyrenus, 
Benjamin, and Lowell Simmons. Some of the family after- 
wards became involved in the counterfeiting business, and 
were obliged to leave the neighborhood. 

Mrs. Ilowland's father, Peter Van Tifflin, — now living 
in Grand Blanc, aged eighty-three years, — -occupies the 
same farm he took from the government. When he set- 
tled there he had to procure his flour and provisions at 
Detroit. One of his sons, Reuben Van Tifilin, is a promi- 
nent citizen of Flint, and another son, William, lives in 
the township of Mundy. 

In 1838, Mr. Howland raised some corn on his place, 
and when it was ripe shelled out a bushel and a halt, took 
it on his back, carried it to John Cook's " pepper-mill," at 
Long I>:iko. — eight miles away, — and, on arriving, found he 
could not get it ground for some time ; so he left it there, 
started homeward, and borrowed 79 pounds of flour at a 
house one mile on his way, and carried it home. The way 
the family relished a portion of it when cooked will un- 
doubtedly never be forgotten by them. 

In October, 1837, Mr. Howland was summoned to Flint 
on county business, ami walked up in the morning without 
a cent in his pocket, sat there all day, aii<l walked home at 
night in time to do his chores. 

In the matter of opening and working highways, Mr. 
Howland has perhaps done more; work than any other man 
in the township. Samuel Dibble and John Newton were 



290 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



also influential in that direction, and these three acted as 
chief movers in building excellent highways throughout 
the township. Of this trio of sturdy and enterprising cit- 
izens Mr. Howland is the sole survivor. 

When Mr. Howland came with his family he moved up 
from the south and stopped with Josiah Alger until the 5th 
of April, when his log shanty was near enough finished to 
serve as a habitation, although it had neither doors nor 
floor. 

Samuel Dibble came to the township about 1839, took 
up land where Henry Hill now lives, and settled upon it. 
He was a native of Connecticut, but had moved here from 
Hudson, Columbia Co., N. Y. He started with a wagon- 
load of goods to peddle, and, on arriving in Michigan, 
chose to locate. He was then unmarried. On one occa- 
sion, while hunting land, he lost his way in the woods, and 
climbed a tree in order to ascertain where he was. He 
afterwards married and settled, and his widow is now living 
east of Mr. Howland. 

Henry Hill and his father, Darius G. Tlill, came to the 
township in the fall of 1839. The elder Hill bought land 
of Chauncey Simmons, and made the first improvements 
upon it. He was quite prominent in the township, and 
both he and his wife died on their farm, on section 10. 
Henry Hill is yet living in the township. 

The next farm east of the Hill place was located by 
Josiah Chatfield, who settled in June, 1837. He and his 
wife both died here. His son, Cyrus G. Chatfield, is one 
of the prominent citizens of the township, and his daugh- 
ter is now the widow of Alvah Bigelow. 

Jacob Bentley, who lived still farther east, settled a few 
days before Mr. Howland came, and Charles Wilcox came 
some time later, and settled on the farm adjoining Bent- 
ley's on the east. 

Smith Titus purchased land south of Mr. Howland the 
same day with the latter, but never settled upon it. It was 
afterwards taken by some Frenchmen, — Peter Coquigne 
and his son-in-law, Francis Larobardierre. They stopped 
at first on section 1, where they cleared up 240 acres of 
land for a man named Baldwin, and with the money thus 
earned purchased the land above mentioned. They came 
soon after 1840, and were in very destitute circumstances, 
having scarcely anything s;ive a yoke of oxen. They have 
been prosperous during their residence here, however, and 
are worthy citizens. 

Bradbury Eastman settled opposite the Bentley place as 
early as 1837-38, and he and his wife both died in the 
township. 

John Newton purchased land of H. H. Howland in 
1838, and settled next east of the latter, on section 4. His 
wife and Mr. Howland's first wife (who died in 1838) were 
sisters. Of the family two children are left, one son — 
George — occupying the old farm, and a daughter teaching 
in the high-school at Flint. 

Bildad Hodge and his son William lived in 1838 a mile 
south of Howland's Corners. Both are now deceased. A 
grandson is a resident of the township. Old Jlrs. Hodge 
fell in the fire and received injuries which caused her death. 
Her husband was a man of much intelligence and ability, 
but the demon of strong drink obtained possession of his 



faculties, and he was too often seen under the influence of 
some one of the various distilled poisons in use at that day. 

A man named Nelson bought land on section 2, and 
settled upon it in the spring of 1838. None of the family 
now live in town, and the farm is divided among other 
persons. 

Jonathan G. Firman was one of the earlier settlers in 
the northeast part of the township, where he was living in 
1835. 

The Indians who lived in Mundy and owned property 
finally sold out. Some of them are now living in Gaines 
township. Others went to Pewonigawink, and some to 
Shiawassee. There were about two hundred of them in 
IMundy at one time, and they owned altogether about 160 
acres of land. Of this amount Fisher, the chief, owned 
40 acres. They gave as a reason for leaving, that there 
were " too many white folhs — JcUl all muskrat." 

"PODUNK." 
In 1844 a raceway was cut through from Long Lake, 
passing across the farm of George Judson, the water finally 
finding its way into tributaries of Swartz Creek. On Mr. 
Judson's place an oil well was built by David L. Latourette, 
who then lived at the head of Long Lake, in Fentou town- 
ship. The business of manufacturing linseed oil was con- 
ducted with varying success for a year or more. Other 
parties succeeded Latourette, among them Smith & Gris- 
wold .and George C. Thorp. After several yeare the build- 
ing was converted into a grist-mill by Edward Thorp. It 
was finally abandoned, and none is now in operation in 
the locality, called " Podunk," which euphonious title is 
ever ready to be applied to places of equal importance. 

OLD TAVERNS. 

Along the old plank road from Fenton to Flint which 
formed the eastern boundary of the township for four miles 
were built at an early date numerous taverns. The one known 
as " Mason's Tavern" stood on the southeast corner of sec- 
tion 1 3, and for many years was owned and conducted by 
Daniel Mason and his brother. It was flourishing finely 
some time previous to 1850. Daniel Mason now lives in 
Flint, and a Mr. Todd owns the property. 

" Reed's Tavern," on the northeast corner of section 13, 
was built considerably later, by John Reed, now deceased. 
He was an early settler in the township. His family lives 
opposite the old tavern in Grand Blanc township. 

A tavern was built on the southeast corner of section 17 
in the summer of 18G7, by Solomon Bloss, who moved here 
that spring from Saratoga Co., N. Y. Mr. Bloss is now 
deceased, and the building is no longer kept as a tavern, 
although occupied by his family. 

POST-OFFICES. 

A post-office called '• Elgin" at one time existed in the 
eastern part of town, and was kept at Mason's tavern. 
After the Flint and Pere Marquette Railway was completed, 
the line of stages which had long run between Fenton and 
Flint was taken i>ff. and the office was discontinued. 

About 1845 an office was established in Fenton town- 
ship, north of Long Lake, and called " Long Lake Post- 



3IUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



291 



Office." In March, 1851, it was moved to Goors;o Judson's 
place, in Muiuly township, Mr. Judsoii appointed post- 
master, and the name of the office clianged to Mundy, 
which it still retains. About 1858 the offiee was moved 
to the " Baldwin Road," and Benjamin Hunt appointed to 
take charge of it. He held it about two years, and was 
succeeded by Morgan Baldwin, who held it about the same 
length of time. Ara Hopkins was postiuitster from about 
1862 for several years, and was succeeded by Nathan W. 
Selden, now deceased. From 186!) to 1873 it was held 
by William II. Borden, and in the spring of the latter year, 
William I. Williams, the present incumbent, assumed charge 
and hits held it since, keeping the office at his house. 
Up to and including Mr. Baldwin's term of office mail was 
brought from Fentonville, but since then from Linden. 

The following were resident tax-payers in 1S44, as appears 
from the iissessment roll for that year : 



Allon, Hopkins S. 
Alger, A. B. 
Algor, Lowiii H. 
Alger, Samuel W. 
Austin, .Ttisdti L. 
Alger, Josiah ]I. 
Beckwilh, Ijoilowiok. 
Uentlcy, Thoiiiiis E. 
Bentley. Joiiiah. 
BrainurJ, Diulley. 
Bigelow, Alvah. 
Bishop, Alvah. 
Bigelow, Jainis, Jr. 
Brninunl, llirniu, 
Bigelow. .\Uiert. 
Harrett, Milhia .1. 
Bit.lu>p, Ebenezer. 
Borst, Henry. 
Barnuui, Briiymond. 
Curtis, Joseph A. 
ChaltieM, .Tosiab. 
Chatfiel.l, Cyrus. 
Clark, William D. 
Dibble, Samuel. 
Davis, Samuel B. 
l>unning, Ira. 
Ka:>tnian, Bradbury. 
Firman, Jonathan O. 
FairchiUI, Vhilo. 
Fellows, Jonathan. 
Gillett, Daniel. 
Qillett, liarilner. 
Glyver, Thomas. 
Gregory, Lewie. 
Gibson, David. 
Gilbert, Kli. 
Howlanil, Henry H. 
Hill, Henry. 
Hodge. Bildad. 
Hill, Darius U. 
Huxley, Hiram. 
HeuipsteatI, Peter. 
Houghton, James. 
Hathaway, Daniel D. 
Hopkins, .\ra. 
Handy, Kber. 
Ji)hnson, Timitthy J. 
Johnson, Abner C. 
Judd, Henry. 
Jameson, John B, 
Judson, George. 
Kirklinger. Andrew. 
Kirklingor, Jacob. 



Linsley, Orange. 
Lawrence, Joseph. 
Lewis, John. 
Lovejoy, Palmor. 
Leach, DeAVilt C. 
Lovejoy, David B. 
Lanioreux, Joseph. 
Morton, Washington D. 
Jlcaker, Nelson. 
Martin, Mrs. 
Mead, Burton. 
Marble, David C. 
Nelson, Nathaniel. 
Newton, John. 
Odell, William. 
Odell, Moses. 
Odell, Daniel. 
Parrish, John. 
Parks, Harvey. 
Phillips, Joseph. 
Phillips, James. 
Pearsall, Joseph. 
Pierce, William B. 
Pierce, Asa T. 
Pease, Granger. 
Perry, Joseph. 
Rusco, Hiram. 
Ri.x, James. 
Rusco, Horace. 
Richards, John. 
Stearns, Edmund. 
Storrs, Harvey. 
Smith, William. 
Scovel, Ruol W. 
Seovel, Nathan. 
Smith, Homer B. 
Sage, William. 
Selden, Nathan M'. 
Stuart, William. 
Thomjison, Lyman. 
Tup]>er, Charles. 
Thompson, Ma.xwell. 
Volcntine, Cornelius. 
Wilcox, Henry. 
Wilco.x, Charles. 
Whitmorc, Horace. 
Wilkerson, Spraguc. 
White, (Jeorgc. 
White, Orson. 
White, Alphcus. 
Wbitmore, Noah L. 
AVinget, Kcuben. 



NAME AND ORGANIZATION OP TOWNSHIP- 
CIVIL LIST, Etc. 

When the petition for a new township was sent in to 
the liCgislature, the name liulependence was proposed for it, 
but owing to the fact that a township in Oakland County 
bore the same name, that of Mundy was substituted by the 
Legislature, in honor of Edward S. Mundy, then lieuten- 
ant-governor of the State. The act forming the towuship 
was approved March 11, 1837, and reads as follows: 

" Skc. 9. All that portion of the county of Genesee designated in 
the United St4ites survey as township 6 north, of ranges 5 and 6 
east, be, and the same is hereby, set off and organized into a sep- 
arate township by the name of Mundy ; and the first township-moet- 
ing therein shall bo held at the bouse of Josish Alger, in said town- 
ship." 

On the 16th of February, 1842, the west half of the 
township, as formed above, was set off and organized into 
a separate township, called Gaines, leaving Mundy with its 
present dimensions, or including township 6 north in range 
6 east. 

" The election in the town of Mundy, in the county of 
Genesee and State of Michigan, met at the house of Jo- 
siah Alger, in said town, on Monday, the 3d day of April, 
1837. First chose Josiah Alger, Moderator, and Morgan 
Baldwin, Clerk. Then, moderator and clerk being duly 
sworn, the meeting proceeded to business according to law, 
and made choice of Seth Kitchen, George Judson, Ben- 
jamin Simmons, Inspectors." 

This extract is from the account of the first town-meet- 
ing, as it appears in the township records. It was " Voted, 
That all overseers of highways shall be fence-viewers ; all 
horses, cattle, sheep, and hogs shall be free commoners." 

The following were the officers chosen, viz. : Supervisor, 
Joseph Alger ; Town Clerk, Morgan Baldwin ; Assessors, 
Jonathan G. Firman, Morgan Baldwin, Benjamin Simmons, 
Seth Kitchen : Collector, George Judson ; Commissioners 
of Highways, J. G. Firman, George Judson, Je-shurun 
Leach ; School Inspectoi-s, .Jonathan G. Firman, Ira Dun- 
ning, Dudley Braiuard ; Justices of the Peace, Benjamin 
Simmons, one year ; Josiah Alger, two years ; Morgan 
Baldwin, three years ; Henry M. Thompson, four years ; 
Constables, George Judson, Volney Stiles. 

At the above election but eighteen votes were cast, and 
of these only three were from the west half of the town- 
ship. At the annual election in 1838 it was " Voted, That 
SlOO be raised by a tax for the purpose of assisting to 
make bridges acrost the Swartz Creek in said town," but at 
a special meeting held on the 25th of September in the 
same year, the appropriation was voted down. At an clco- 
tion held Nov. 4 and 5, 1839, to vote upon the amend- 
ments to the State constitution, as proposed by the Legisla- 
ture of 1838, they were rejected by a vote of 40 to 9. 
At the general election in November, 1840, 89 vot<» were 
cast, the following being the names of the voters : 



1. William Gazley. 

2. William Smith. 
.*). Morgan Baldwin. 

4. Palmer Lovejoy. 

5. William J. King. 
G. J. W. Morton. 

7. William Pierce. 



8. Marvin Williams. 

9. Seth Hathaway. 

10. Gideon Hathaway. 

11. Nelson Meaker. 

12. W. D. Morton. 
i;i. E. D. Crane. 
14. Josiah Algor. 



292 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



15. 


W. B. Young. 


16. 


David (Jregiiry. 


17. 


J. U. Williams. 


IS. 


Daviil Cf^ler. 


19. 


Joshua Dart. 


20. 


George Juilson. 


21. 


Frederick Wilcox. 


22. 


Williaiu Knapp. 


23. 


Henry H. Uowland. 


24. 


Bildad Uodgc 


2.1. 


.\aron Decker. 


26. 


Philander McLain. 


27. 


Kli^ha Martin. 


2S. 


MMlin DarU 


2;t. 


Marvin Davis. 


so. 


SpRigiic Wilkerson. 


31. 


G. M. I>art. 


32. 


David Gibson. 


33. 


Jesse B. Martin. 


34. 


HarvcT Parks. 


35. 


Noah Whitmore. 


36. 


lliraui Huxley. 


37. 


Liidowiek Bcckwilh. 


3S. 


.Aluieron .-llherton (?). 


311. 


William Lovejoy. 


40. 


Knol W. &.wvel. 


41. 


H. A. Brainard. 


42. 


Eber Handy. 


43. 


Jason L. .Austin. 


44. 


Lewis Liregory. 


46. 


Dudley Brainard. 


46 


Ir^ Dunning. 


47. 


Ebenezcr Bishop. 


4S 


A. Bishop. 


49 


Horace Whitmore. 


50 


Myron Whitmore. 


51 


Orange Lindsey. 


52 


Henry Hill. 



5.1. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
5S. 
59. 
60. 
61. 
62. 
63. 
64. 
65. 
66. 
67. 
6S. 
69. 
70. 
71. 
72. 
73. 
74. 
75. 



7S. 
79. 
SO. 
SI. 
82. 
83. 
S4. 
S5. 
S6. 
S7. 
8S. 
89. 



William Stewart. 
L. H. Alger. 
.Jacob Bcntley. 
Josiah Chatficld. 
N. W. Sclden. 
B. B. Bradley. 
Charles Wilcox. 
Bradbury E;4stnian. 
Ganlner Gillett. 
Daniel Brewer. 
T. J. Johnson. 
A. B. Alger. 
Nathaniel Nelson. 
William Sage. 
W. M. Hodge. 
John Xeivton. 
Henry Borst. 
Hiram Rusco. 
Jonathan G. Finnan. 
Horace Ruscxi. 
William Odcll. 
Moses iMell. 
Elisha Rusco. 
James Houghton. 
Jonas M. Martin. 
Joseph W. Bissell. 
Darius G. Hill. 
Burton Me:ul. 
A. R. Pc;ise. 
Ephmim Fletcher. 
Thomas Glover. 
Cornelius Yolenline. 
John Wo<>d. 
Reuben Winget. 
Asa Pierce. 
Josiah Bentley. 
Thomas E. Bcntley. 



The following are some of the stock marks which were 
adopted by the settlers in the township in 1S37 : 

Morgan Baldwin's mark, square crop on left ear. 

J. G. Firman's, '' hapiny" under side each ear. 

Ira Punnings, one hole and crop in right ear. 

Abigail Simmons', slit in right ear, " hapiny" under 
left. 

Josiah Alger's, crop off left ear and "hapiny" ander 
right. 

Seth Kitchen's, square crop off left ear. hole in right. 

George Judsons, " hapiuy " under right ear. 

IKidley Brainard's, square crop in right ear, slit in left. 

Volney Stiles', two slits in end of left e:ir. 

William Odell's, swallow fork in right car. 

Reuben Winget's, slit in left ear. 

Pavid Gibson's, hole in left ear. 

Tl\e following is a list of officers of the township, from 
1S3S to 1S79, inclusive, as compiled from the township 
records: 

SUPERVISORS. 



1S3S-39. Josiah Aiger. 

1540. George Judson. 

1541. David Gibson. 

1542. Darius G. Hill. 

1543. Nathan W. Sclden. 
1844. Ebcuczer Bishop. 
1S45. J?o record. 

1846. Ebenczer Bishop. 

1847. Homer B. Smith. 
1S4S. Ebeneicr Bishop. 
1S4U-51. George Judsou. 



1S52. Josiah H. Alger. 
JS.i-l-oC. -Abncr 0. Johnson. 
1857. Silas Jameson. 
185S. Ebcneier Bishop. 

1859. H. B. Smith. 

1860. Julian Bishop. 

1861. Ebcneier Bishop. 
1862-63. Cyrus G. Chatficld. 
1864. Abner C. Johnson. 
186.1. Cyrus G. Chatficld. 
1866. William 1. Williams. 



1867-69. Cyrus G. Chatficld. 

1870. No record. 

1871. John A. Kline. 
1872-73. No record. 



1874-75. William I. Williams. 
1876-77. William R. Alger. 

1878. Cyrus G. Chatficld. 

1879. William R. Alger. 



1838. Morgan Baldwin. 

1839. William Smith. 
1S40-41. Josiah Alger. 

1842. Asahcl H. Beach. 

1843. Morgan L. Leach. 

1844. .Albert Bigelow. 

1845. No rcc*»rd. 

1846. William Griswold. 

1847. J»»siah -\lger. 

1848. John Richards. 

1849. Beujamin Phelps.* 
IS50. Cyrus Chatficld. 
18.il. Benjamin Phillips.* 
1852-53. Cyrus Chatficld. 

1854. David Richards. 

1855. Benjamin Phillips. 



TOWN CLERKS. 

1856. Edward W. Savage. 

1857. William I. Williams. 

1858. .\Ibert Hathaway. 
1859-60. William I. Williams. 
lS61-6:i. Samuel C. Baldwin. 

1864. Charles M. iMell. 

1865. .Andrew Slaght. 
1866-68. John Richards. 

1869. Samuel A. Williams. 

1870. No record. 

1871. William I. Williams. 
1872-73. No record. 
1874. Volney Stiles. 
1875-78. Henry G. Mason. 
1S79. John Richards. 



1838. Jonathan G. Firman. 
Josiah Chatficld. 
Cornelius Volentine. 
David Gibson. 
Volney Stiles. 

1839. Thomas Glover. 
William Galley. 
W. D. Morton. 

1840. Thomas Glover. 
W. D. .Morton. 
Martin Dart. 

1841. Samuel Dibble. 
E. D. Crane. 
Asa T. Pierce. 

1842. Jwiah .\lger. 
Nelson Mwvker. 

1843. Gardiner Gillct. 



ASSESSORS. 

1843. 
1844. 



1845. 
1846. 

1847. 
1848. 

1849. 

1850. 

1851. 

1852. 



Josiah H. Alger. 

John B. Jameson. 

Lyman Thompson. 

No record. 

John Parrish. 

Asa T. Pierce. 

No record of ivssessors. 

Cyrus Chatficld. 

John Parrish. 

Caleb Winget, 

John Richards. 

J. H. Alger. 

J. Chatficld. 

M. J. Barrett. 

E. Steiirncs. 

Same as previous year. 



COLLECTORS. 
1838-39. George Judson. | 1840-41. Cornelius Volentine. 

DIRECTORS OF THE POOR. 

1850. Thomas Glover. 

1851. D. G. Hill. 
H. H. Uowland. 



1838-40. George Judsou. 
Josiah .\lger. 

1841. William Smith. 
Palmer Lovejoy. 

1842. C. Volentine. 
R,W. Scovel. 

1843. Palmer Lovejoy. 
Jairus Bigelow. 

1844. P. Lovejoy. 
H. S. Allen. 

1845. No record. 

1846. Bradbury Eastman. 
P. Lovejoy. 

1847. Thomas Glover. 
Rucl W. Scovel. 

1848. William Smith. 
Hopkins S. Allen. 

1S49. William Sage. 

John C. Mathowsou. 
1850. Josiah Bentley. 



1852. Reuben Winget. 
J. Chatficld. 

1853. Peter Hempstead. 
J. Chatficld. 

1854. R. W. ScovcL 
M. J. Bjirrett. 

1855. John Reid. 
William Griswold. 

1856. R. W. Scovel. 
James llempst&ul. 

1857. M. Baldwin. 
J. Slaght. 

1858. P. Hempstead. 
M. Baldwin. 

1859. Robert J.adwin. 
B. W. S<x)vel. 



COMMISSIONERS OF HIGHWAYS. 



1838. Jesse B. Martin. 
George Judson. 
W. D. Morton. 

1839. G corge Judson. 
William Odell. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 



1840. George .Tudson. 
Spraguc Wilkerson. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 

1841. Thomas Glover. 
Walter Beers. 
Noah Whitmore. 



^ Probablv same name. 



MUNDY TOWNSHIl'. 



293 



1S42. 


E. Ilnnily. 
M. J. Barrett. 


1S56 




Will. Smith. 


1857 


1S43. 


Tituothv J. Johnson. 


1858 




David liibson. 


18.W 




U. Whittenioro. 


1860 


1S44. 


Hirnni Riisco. 


18fil 




Daviil Gibson. 


1862 




Houior B. Smith. 


1863 


1S45. 


No record. 




IS46. 


David Gibson. 


1864 




Ja»in F. .\llon. 


1S65 




Heurv 11. Howland. 


1866 


1S47. 


Josiah 11. .Alger. 






Jacob Bentloy. 


1867 




David Gibson. 


1868 


1848. 


Reuben Winget. 


1869 




A. Uowland. 


1870 


1S49. 


John Shvght. 


1871 


1850. 


Josiah Bcutley. 




1851. 


Henry H. Rowland. 


1872- 


1862. 


William Odell. 


1874. 


1853. 


Caleb B. WiiigeU 


1875- 


1S54. 


J. B. Jameson. 


1877. 




Samuel Dibble. 


1878. 


18,15. 


Friinois Wilson. 


1879 


1S56. 


U. Kennedy. 





. Jupol* Bt'ntJey. 

AVillinui I. Willtnms. 
. Tiiuuthy Johnson. 
. John C. Mathewson. 
. Tsnfto P. T>iiini»nil, 
. Dtivi)! Hiuuly. 
. J. C. Muthowson. 
. Asa Bigoluw. 
. W. M. Armstrong. 

Honry Hill. 
. Geo. W. Poer. 
. Joshua C. Covert. 
. Cyrus Hewitt. 

Win. M. Arm::trong. 
. Henry H. Howhind. 
. Walter Crosu*. 
. William M. Armstrong. 
. No record. 
. Walter Cross. 

Joseph M. Peck. 
-73, No record. 
. William R. Alger. 
-76. John li. Jennings. 
. B. Glover. 
. Benjamin F. Pooso. 
. Getirgo W. Peer. 



JUSTICES OP THE PEACE. 



1838. 


Henry 11. Howland. 


1859. 


William I. Williams 


1839. 


Josiah -Alger. 


1860. 


Josiah Bentloy. 


1840. 


Washington D. Morton. 




David Winget. 


1841. 


Nathan Sclden. 


1861. 


N. W. Selden. 


1842. 


Josiah Chalfield. 




Josiah Bentloy. 


1843. 


Ebcneier Bishop. 


1862. 


Ebenezer Bishop. 


1844. 


W. D. Morton. 


1803. 


Volnoy Stiles. 


1845. 


No record. 


1864. 


David Richards. 


1846. 


Josiah Bentlcy. 


1865. 


Nathan W. Selden. 


1847. 


Ebenezer Bishop. 


1866. 


Josiah Bentley. 


1848. 


Jabei Close. 


1867. 


Ebenexer Bishop. 


1849. 


Nathan W. Seldcn. 


1868. 


David Hichards. 


1850. 


Xorwin C. .Tohnson. 




Henry Hill. 


1851. 


John Thompson. 


1869. 


Nathan W. Seldcn. 


1852. 


Josiah Bontley. 


1870. 


No record. 




D. C. Leach. 


1871. 


Ebenczer Bishop. 


1853. 


N. W. Sclden. 


1872- 


73. No record. 




James E. Spicer. 


1874. 


John H. Slaght. 


1854. 


N. C. Johnson. 


1875. 


John Richards. 




J. Bontley. 


1876. 


Charles D. llnyt, Jr. 




Silas Jameson. 


1877. 


Reuben AV. Sago. 


18.15. 


Asa T. Pierce. 


1878. 


John H. Slaght. 


1856. 


Josiah Bentley. 


1879. 


S. A. Williams. 


1857. 


John B. .Tameson. 




Hiram B. Gilbert. 


1858. 


John 11. Slaght. 







TREASURERS. 



1839. Comolins Volenline. 
1840-41. William Odell. 
1842. No record. 
1843-44. John Richards. 
1845. No record. 
1816. John Richanls. 
IS47-49. Charles Wileo.\. 
1850-51. Thomas Glover. 
IS52. John C. Mathewson. 
1853. Reuben Winget. 
18.14-56. George White. 

1857. Cyrus Chatfield. 

1858. William M. Avery. 

1859. Andrew Slaght. 

1860. John a. Slaght. 
1S6I. Hiram B. Gilbert. 



1862. John C. Mathewson. 

1863. Elisha A. Moses. 

1864. Edward H. Savage. 

1865. Francis Hopkins. 

1866. Josiah Bentley. 
1867-68. Edward 11. Savage. 

1869. John Richards. 

1870. No record. 

1871. George White. 
1872-73. No reconl. 

1874. Francis 1'. Alger. 

1875. George S. Witherell. 
187t>-77. Francis P. .\lger. 

1878. John L. Jennings. 

1879. Francis P. Alger. 



SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 



1838. 


Dutlley Brainard. 


1852. 


W. I. Williams. 




W. 1>. Morton. 




S. Mathewson. 




Josiah Alger. 


185.3. 


Marshall Armstrong. 


1839. 


Nelson .Mcakor. 


1854. 


Francis Hopkins. 




W. I). Morton. 


1855. 


W. M. Armstrong. 




Josiah .\Igcr. 


1856. 


Andrew Slaght. 


1840. 


W. D. .Morton. 


1857. 


William M. Armstrong 




G. Judson. 


1858. 


Stephen Mathewson. 




M. Dart. 


1S59. 


James Jameson. 


1841. 


Nelson Meakor. 


1800. 


Albert Hathaway. 




W. D. Morion. 


1861. 


William M. Armstrong 




Duilley Brainard. 


1862. 


David Richanls. 


1842. 


W. I). Morton. 


1863. 


Andrew Slaght. 




A. H. Beach. 


1864. 


David Richards. 




N. Meaker. 


1865. 


James Brewer. 


1843. 


Ira Dunning. 


IS66. 


David Richards. 




Dudley Brainard. 


1867. 


James T. Brewer, 


1844. 


Dudley Brainard. 


1868. 


M. D. Stuart. 


1845. 


No reconl. 




John C. Howland. 


1846. 


Albert Bigelow. 


1869. 


John L. Jennings. 




M«.vwoll Thompson. 


1870. 


No record. 


1847. 


Jabez Close. 


1871. 


Henry Mason. 


1848. 


Jabez Close. 


1872- 


73. No record. 




N. C. Johnson. 


1874. 


George Hill. 


1849. 


DeWitt C. Leaeh. 


1875. 


Joseph M. Peek. 




Jabez Close. 


1876- 


78. Nathan E. Seldcn. 


1850. 


Jabez Close. 


1879. 


Theodore George. 


1851. 


D. C. Leach. 







TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

I 1877-79. De Wilt J. Lawrence. 



1875. Abram Peer. 

1876. Theodore George, 



TOWNSHIP DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 



1874. Nohoiniah Countryman. 

1875. Dudley S. Keid. 



1876. E. H. Sherwood (2yr3.). 
No record since. 



CONSTABLES. 



1838. 
1839. 

1840. 

1841. 

1842. 

1843, 

1844. 



1845. 
1846. 



1817. 



George Judson. 
Almoron S. Simmons. 
George Judson. 
Is.aac W. Morton. 
Albert B. Alger. 
Cornelius Volentine. 
Isaac M'. Morton. 
William Young. 
Cornelius Volentine. 
Isaac W. Morton. 
Palmer Lovejoy. 
William Odell. 
Josiah Bentley. 
Isaac W. Morton. 
John Wood, 
,Iohn Richards. 
Jairus Higelow, Jr. 
Palmer Lovejoy. 
Charles Wilcox. 
Anilrew Kitchen. 
Henry ,ludd. 
Cyrus Chalfield. 
Charles Wilcox. 
No recfird. 
Levi Hodge. 
Charles Wilcox. 
Henry .ludd. 
Alpheus White. 
Charles Wilcox. 
Palmer Lovejoy. 
.\r.i Hopkins. 
Jacob Buutlcy. 



1848. Henry S. Richards. 
A. S. Hopkins. 
Cyrenus Parrish, 
James Northway. 

1849. Hopkins S. Allen, 
Edmund Rix. 

1850. Alvah Bigelow. 
Charles Wilcox. 
E. Rix. 
Orson White. 

1851. 0. White. 

J. T. Williams. 
L. B. Jcwett. 
Barnabas Greenfield. 

1852. George Brown. 
J. T. Williams. 
D. L. Lighthall. 

1853. John Howe. 

J. Bigelow, Jr. 
D. L. Lighthall. 
J. 0. Northway. 

1854. Nelson Stormcs. 
J. T. Williams. 
Win. Van Tifllin. 

1855. J. C. Pratt. 
A. Halloek. 

J. Bigelow, Jr. 
J. T. Williams. 
18.'i6, .John Howe, 

Everett Booth. 
.Samuel A. Williams. 
John Slaght. 



294 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1857. 



1858. 



1859. 



1860. 



1861. 



1862. 



1863. 



1S64. 



1865. 



1866. 



1867. 



William Avery. 
Nelson Stormes. 
A. Hallock. 
Charles ^Vilcox. 
William M. Avery. 
John Wells. 
Samuel Brown. 
Almon Hallock. 
Henry Childs. 
J. T. Williams. 
James Lovejoy. 
Thomas Davis. 
Ira Remington. 
Kcuben Sage. 
Daniel Gillett. 
J. T. Williams. 
Walter Cross. 
Riley Tupper. 
Reuben Sage. 
Asa Wilson. 
W. Cross. 
R. Tupper. 
Salmon Lacy. 
Samuel Brown. 
R. R. Tupper. 
W. Cross. 
Charles Bell. 
Samuel Brown. 
John L. Jennings. 
Peter Phillips. 
Stewart Curie. 
Manville Bloss. 
Jesse Buck. 
Cyrenus Hodge. 
Peter Phillips. 
Samuel Brown. 
W. Cross. 
R. Tupper. 
Alfred Lovejoy. 
John D. Light. 
Caleb Gillett. 



1867, 



1868. 



1869. 



1870. 
1871. 



1872- 
1874. 



1875. 



1876. 



1877. 



1878. 



1879. 



W. Cross. 
R. Tupper. 
John D. Light. 
C. Gillett. 
John D. Light. 
Riley R Tupper. 
Reuben W. Sage. 
R. R. Tupper. 
Chester Collins. 
George Borden. 
Samuel Brown. 
No record. 
Stewart Carle, 
John A. King. 
George Borden. 
Almon Hallock. 
73. No record. 
James Hempstead. 
Riley Tupper. 
George Borden. 
Peter Phillips. 
Eugene George. 
Edward H. Sherwood. 
John H. Soper. 
James Hemp.stead. 
James Hempstead. 
John H. Soper. 
Lockwood Barnum. 
Peter Phillips. 
P. Phillips. 
John Hill. 
Charles Eckley. 
John H. Soper. 
Peter Phillips. 
John Hill, Jr. 
Dan Brown. 
Peter Phillips. 
William Cross. 
Wm. E. Van Tifflin. 
Charles Eckley. 



SCHOOLS. 

The first school district organized in the township was 
what is still known as District No. 1, in the Baldwin neigh- 
borhood. It was organized in the spring of 1837,* and a 
school taught the summer following, by Miss Mary Gazley, 
in a log school-house which stood on the corner of the farm 
now owned by LaFayette Odell. This building was subse- 
quently burned. Before this school was taught — or in the 
summer of 1836 — the few settlers living in the neighbor- 
liood, wishing for a school to send their children to, hired 
Mrs. Conant, the widowed sister-in-law of Jeshurun Leach, 
to teach one for them, paying her ten shillings a week for 
her services. The school was held in her own house, — ^a 
small log shaiity, — and she proved an excellent teacher. 
This was the first school taught in the township. Mrs. 
Conant was the mother of Avery G. and Wesley Conant, 
now of Fenton. 

The first winter term was taught by a Scotchman named 
McClerganf (or McClagan). DeWitt C. Leach taught a 
number of terms afterwards, as is elsewhere mentioned. 

In Fractional District No. 9, also on the Baldwin road, 
a lot was cleared and a log school-house built about 1845. 
This building was never finished or used. In 1847 a 
frame school-house was put up on the opposite corner, and 
is the one still in use. The first teacher in this district 
was Mary Ann Odell, who taught in the summer of 1847. 

In what is now District No. 6 a log school-house was 
built about 1841—42, on the northeast corner of section 29, 
and Mary S. Williams, sister of William I. Williams, was 
probably the first teacher. 

The following was the condition of the schools in Mundy 
township on the 2d of September, 1878, according to the 
annual report of the school inspectors : 





a >. 






^- ■ 


















|g 


u 




11 


i 


^ 


i 












n. 


■c 

9 


P4 




tc £ 


■s 


s 


Ndmbeb of 


Teach EKS. 


Teachers' Wages. 


Districts. 


o - !S 


1' 

C 




p tS 




o 
u 

s 


o 

3 












^?/s 


2 


B 


11^ 




a 


iS 






















15 


< 


& 


Frame, 


i^ 




Male. 


Female. 


Male. 


Female. 


No. 1 


37 
45 
68 
53 
37 
89 
44 
62 
34 


40 
35 
54 
48 
27 
65 
30 
60 
31 


4 
2 

"s 

4 


180 
150 
160 
208 
160 
178 
160 
150 
140 


1 


60 
50 
80 

60 
65 

40 
40 


$600 
300 
800 
300 
600 
500 

1000 
250 
400 


1 
1 
1 
1 
1 

"i 


2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
2 


$160 
105 
120 
100 
112 



•Tl5 


$44 

56 

64 

48 

40 
151.40 
102 

56.25 
136 


" 2 


" 3 


" 6 


" 10 . 


" 11 


« 41 


" 9t 


" lot 





Beceipts for year, $2001.88; amount on hand, Sept. 
2, 1878, $341.51 ; total expenditures, less amount on hand, 
$1660.37. 

KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MUNDY CENTRE. 
On the 28th of July, 1844, a church was formed, and 
given the name of the " First Presbyterian Church of Mount 
Pleasant." March 7, 1856, the name was changed to the 
" First Presbyterian Church of the Town of Mundy." An 
organization had previously existed, which was known as 
the " First Church of Christ in Mundy," but this was 
finally discontinued, and the Presbyterian church formed iu 



its place. The latter was organized by Rev. Peter H. Burg- 
hardt, of Fenton, and consisted of the following members, 
viz. : Nathan W. Sclden, John Cook, Palmer Lovejoy, 
Theophilus Stone, — these four from the " First Church of 
Christ in Mundy," — and Joseph Child, from the Houston 
Street Presbyterian Ciiurch, in New York City. Nathan 
W. Selden was chosen ruling elder, and held the position 
until his death, in Mayf 1869. Joseph Child was first 
clerk. Aug. 10, 1844, four additional members were re- 

■*■ 1836 according to some authority. 

"I" Information by Hon. D, C. Leach, of Springfield, Mo. 

J Fractional districts. 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



295 



ceived, viz. : William B. Ferris, Mrs. Emeline Roys, Mrs. 
Sophia MeOmber, and Mrs. Isabella Cook. 

The first services were held by Rev. P. H. Burghardt. 
Revs. George P. Kiiif; and Ira Duuuing preached in 1845, 
and in June or July, 184C, Rev. J. Copeland came, re- 
maining about three months. Rev. J. B. Jewell became 
stated supply in September, 1851, and preached for a num- 
ber of years. He finally removed to California, in which 
State he yet resides. While ministering to this church 
he lived in the township of Gaines. Rev. Alanson Herrick 
and family united with the church in February, 18G4, and 
Mr. Herrick began preaching soon after. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Armon Spencer, whose name first appears 
on the records in August, 1873. Rev. William Wood- 
mansee, from the Congregational church at Grand Blanc, 
was the next pastor, coming in 1874. Rev. L. P. Frost 
took charge in May, 1876, and, after a stay of two years 
was succeeded in May, 1877, by the present pastor. Rev. 
A. T. Waterman. 

For many years this church was only a mission, and re- 
ceived aid from the Home Mis.sionary Society. The pres- 
ent frame house of worship was built in 18()9, a portion of 
the funds being taken from the " church-erection fund" of 
the Presbyterian society. The dedicatory sermon for this 
church was preached by Rev. Mr. McSween, of Flint. 
The membership in June, 1879, was 51. A Sabbath- 
school is sustained, with John H. Slaght as superintendent. 
Meetings were at first held in dift'erent school-houses. 

BAPTIST CHDRCH, NEAR iMUNDY CENTRE.* 

This society was organized in 1845, and has a present 
nicnibership of about 50. A tasty frame church has been 
erected. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHnRCU, NEAR MUNDY P. O. 

This is known as the " South Mundy Methodist Episco- 
pal Church," and has a membership of about 90. A class 
was formed in 1 837, at or near the Odel sehuol-house, and a 
log school-house was subsequently built near the south line 
of the township. The location was finally changed to Long 
Lake, in Fenton township, where a class still exists. The 
South Mundy class was organized in 1840, and is at present 
a part of the Linden circuit. The present frame church 
was built in 1872, and dedicated in December of that year 
free from debt. The pastor in charge of the Linden circuit 
is Rev. Orlando Sanborn, now serving his second term of 
three years. 

To those who have furnished information which has 
been incorporated in the foregoing history of Mundy town- 
ship, the thanks of the historian are hereby tendered. 
Among those included are Hon. DeWitt C. Leach, of 
Springfield, Mo., Mr. and Mrs. William Odell, Volney 
Stiles and his son, T. P. Stiles, Morgan Baldwin, 
George Judson, .John Thompson, William I. Williams, 
Mrs. N. W. Selden, Asa T. Pierce, William 11. Alger, 
Mrs. J. F. Allen, Henry H. Howland and wife, John 
Richards, Ebenezer Bishop, Mrs. Peter Hempstead, John 



Remington, and many others not now recollected. Numer- 
ous points in the history of the township have been difficult 
to ascertain correctly, but this article is submitted with the 
belief that it is accurate and reliable so far as it is possible 
to make it so. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MORGAN BALDWIN. 

Around the name and memory of the first settler of a 
town, county, or State, there will always cling a peculiar 
interest,- — an interest felt for no other class of men. Who 
was the first settler of this town ? Why did he come in 
here alone? What must have been his feelings when he 
knew that for miles around him there was no other white 



» Item.? furnished by .John Remington. It is regretted that noth- 
ing further was Iciirued of ibis urgnnization, which ia the second in 
uge in the ton'nshi|>. 




Pliut... hy J. n. Phipps, Fenlon. 
AlOKCi.VN HALDWIN. 

man ? — will be the (jueries in after-years. Such a man was 
Morgan Baldwin, the first white settler in the town of 
Mundy. 

He was born July 15, 1796, in what was then called 
Newtown, Tioga Co., N. Y., but what is now known as 
Elmira, Chemung Co. His father. Col. Thomas Baldwin, 
was born in Norwich, Conn., Feb. 23, 1755, where he re- 
sided with his parents until the breaking out of the Revo- 
lutionary war, when he joined the American army, and 
served as a private in Gen. Morgan's command. He served 
seven years and participated in many battles and skir- 
mishes. He was slightly wounded at Red Bank and 
Brandywinc, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis 
at Yorktown. .\fter the war, he, with his father's family, 
emigrated to the Wyoming Valley, where they lived until the 
Wyoming massacre, when they were driven out, two of his 
uncles being killed by the Indians. After the ma,s.sacro. 
Col. Baldwin joined (Jen. Sullivan as a scout, and for meri- 
torious conduct was breveted ensign. The history of Sulii- 



296 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Tan's campaign speaks of Ensign Baldwin being wounded 
at the battle of Chemung. In another place the history 
speaks of him as Col. Thomas Baldwin, and mentions that 
he was severely wounded. Col. Baldwin afterwards pur- 
chased as his farm the ground where he fell wounded, and 
the orchard he .set out still stands near the battlefield. On 
this farm he lived until his death, which occurred Jan. 14, 
1810. 

Morgan lived with his parents until he arrived at his 
majority, when he started out in life for himself In Feb- 
ruary, 1818, he married Miss Hannah Sly. The result of 
this marriage was three children, viz. : Almira, Mary, and 
John. Mrs. Baldwin died Aug. 4, 1826. After the death 
of his wife, Mr. Baldwin resided with his father-in-law 
until the fall of 1833, when he resolved to seek a home 
wliere land was plenty and cheap. He came to Michigan, 
and in February, 1834, located the land he now owns, on 
section 27, in Mundy township. There was then no white 
residents in the township, nor for many miles around. The 
following March he built a log house on his land, and April 
5th following moved his family into it. He had previously 
(Feb. 14, 1834) married Mary Jane Yanger. Their 
daughter, Hannah, born March 31, 1835, was the first 
white child born in the township. She married David 
Joslyn. Mr. Baldwin had lived in the town a year and 
nine months, when Thos. Glover and David Gibson moved 
in and settled near him. Mr. Baldwin says it seemed to 
him then that the town was full, and he the happiest man 
in the county. The first summer he cleared ten acres, and 
in the fall sowed five acres of wheat, which yielded twenty- 
seven bushels to the acre, and was threshed by Thomas 
Glover. Mr. Baldwin soon learned to talk with his Indian 
neighbors, with whom he lived on intimate and very friendly 
terms. They were of great assistance to him, and saved 
his family much sulfering. The land he first bought has 
increased by subsequent additions to two hundred acres 
under good cultivation, upon which he still resides, and in- 
tends to pass the remainder of his days. He has lived to 
see the wilderness disappear, and in its place fine farms, 
with beautiful homes, churches, and schools. The six miles 
square of woods and swamps, which he saw when he first 
settled, is now one of the finest towns in the county. Then, 
the home of the Indians and wild animals ; now, the home 
of an intelligent, enterprising people. 

Mr. Baldwin in early life was a Whig, and is now an 
ardent Republican. He was one of the first justices of the 
peace in the town, and held the office several years. Was 
town clerk, and has held other minor offices. In the war 
of 1812 he enlisted, but saw no active service. Has been 
for twenty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Baldwin married, for his third wife, Eunice 
Dart, daughter of Joshua and Susannah (Stebbins) Dart. 
She was born Jan. 16, 1816; married Dec. 13, 1838. 
Children, — Mathew S., born Sept. 17, 1839; Ency, born 
April 12, 1842 ; Thomas, born Dec. 27, 1844, died Oct. 
26, 1847 ; Morgan G., born Aug. 26, 1847 ; Susan, born 
June 7, 1851 ; and Vine, born Oct. 12, 1854, died Dec. 5, 
1857. 



PETER HEMPSTED 
was born in Rice township, Monroe Co., N. Y. His father, 
John Hempsted, was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1776, 
where he grew to manhood ; he was a weaver by trade, and 
worked at it when he was not farming. Soon after his mar- 
riage to Miss Amy Barker he moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., 
where he bought a small farm. Here Peter lived until he 
was twenty-three years old, working on the farm, or at 
whatever he could get to do. In 1836 he was attacked by 
the Western fever, and determined to go West and make 
himself a home where land was cheap. He came to Grand 
Blanc, in Genesee County. The first year he worked for Ro- 
land Perry ; in 1837 he bought of his father the west half 
of the southwest quarter of section 14, in Mundy township, 
a lot which his father had purcha.sed of the government. 
On this farm, now one of the best in the county, Mr. 
Hempsted still resides. In 1843 he built a small house on 
his farm, and made a permanent settlement. At that time 
there was no road to his land, and the family came and 
went by blazed trees. From Flint and Grand Blanc he 
carried his supplies to the new home in the woods with the 
help of an old fashioned neck-yoke. Their nearest neigh- 
bors were Indians, with whom they lived on the most 
friendly terms. The wolves were then a great source of 
annoyance, killing their sheep and making it unsafe for the 
family to be out in the evening. 

Mr. Hempsted is one of the most successful agriculturists 
in the county, and his farm is a model after which the 
young men of to-day would do well to pattern. One secret 
of his success is his versatile skill in labor, making most of 
his farming tools, and assisting to erect his buildings. In 
politics Mr. Hempsted is a Republican, but not a seeker of 
office. He has been a member of the Baptist Church for 
nearly half a century, as has also his wife. He is spoken 
of by his neighbors as an honorable and successful business 
man, one whom to know is to respect. 

On the 8th day of June, 1841, he married Mr.s. Mind- 
well Beebe, daughter of Guernsey and Asenath (Brainard) 
GofF. She was born Jan. 9, 1814. There have been born 
to them eight children : Arthur, born April 6, 1842 ; 
Adelia, born Feb. 22, 1844; Eliza, born Feb. 11, 1846, 
died March 24, 1848 ; Cyrus, born April 30, 1848 ; Eme- 
line, born Dec. 17, 1849, died Aug. 6, 1850 ; Sylvester, 
born July 23, 1851 ; Peter J., born Oct. 12, 1853; and 
Frank, born Dec. 9, 1857. To Mrs. Hempsted, by her 
first husband, were born two children, — Zala Beebe, born 
Oct. 25, 1837, and Edmund Beebe, born Nov. 25, 1839. 
Three of their children served in the Union army during 
the war of the Rebellion, — Arthur Hempsted, in Co. E, 
5th Michigan Battery, enlisted Dec. 9, 1862, and served 
until the war closed ; Zala Beebe, served in the same com- 
pany and battery about a year ; Edmund Beebe, enlisted 
Dec. 9, 1 862, and served during the war in the same com- 
pany as his brother. 



EBENEZER BISHOP. 

Among the early settlei-s of Mundy, there is no one who 
has done more lor the advancement of the township and 
the county at large than Ebenezer Bishop. He was born in 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



297 



Montville, New London Co., Conn., April 9, 1807. In 1818 
his father uioved to Livingston Co., N. Y., and bought a 
farm, on which Ebenezer grew to manhood, working with 
his father, and spending a few of the winter months at the 
district school. At the age of twenty-one he left the pa- 
ternal home, and started out in life for himself For two 
years he worked out by the month, then leased his father's 
farm for three years. With the money thus earned he 
started for Michigan, ariiving at Springfield, Oakland Co., 
in 1833. The next .'spring he came to Grand Blanc, 
Genesee Co. The following year he was sick, and instead 




EBENEZER BISHOP. 

of gaining ground he ran behind over one hundred dollars. 
In 1835, Mr. Bi.sliop bought a farm near Flint, but soon 
sold it. During the next year he bought and sold farms, 
and helped new comers in locating land. In the fall of 
183G he returned to New York and there spent the winter, 
but returned to Genesee County the ensuing spring, and 
brought his newly-married wife with him. Previous to 
this he had purchased from the government eighty acres of 
the farm he now owns, on section 24. At that time Mundy 
was a new and wild country ; there were no roads, and 
but few white people. Mr. IJi.shop procured his supplies 
from Grand Blanc, going by an Indian trail and bringing 
the goods home on lii.s back. On this lot of wild land he 
built a log house, and at once commenced to improve and 
clear the land. Their neighbors were Indians, of whose 
kindness Mrs. Bishop speaks in the highest terms. Some 
of the Indians' descendants still visit them, and are always 
kindly received. When the plank road was built from 
Flint to Fentonville, Mr. Bi.shop took an active part in 
its construction, and at one time owned a controlling inter- 
est in the same. He was throughout one of its directors, 
most of the time its treasurer, and for a while its president. 
The road did not prove a financial success, and Mr. Bishop 
lost many thou.sand dollars in this enterpri.sc. Still, what 
38 



was his Joss was the community's gain, as they still have 
the benefit of five miles of gravel road built by Mr. Bishop. 
At an early day Mr. Bishop was a Whig, and later a Re- 
publican, of which latter party he is a firm adherent, 
lie has been supervisor of his township several times, and 
one of its justices for more than thirty years. Mr. Bishop 
is now, at the age of seventy-two, a hale and hearty man, 
— one of whom his neighbors and fellow-citizens speak in 
the highest terms. To the form of eighty acres first 
bought of the government, he has added until he now owns 
a fine farm of over three hundred acres under good im- 
provement. April 10, 1837, he married Miss Mary P. 
Morgan, who was born in Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., 
July 17, 1817. She was a daughter of John and Mary 
(Pierce) Morgan. Their union has been blessed with three 
children, viz. : Thomas S., born Oct. 2-4, 1838 ; Eliza W., 
born Jan. IG, 1844; and Mary Frances, boru May 10, 
1858. 



JOHN L. JENNINGS 

was born in Ennis township, Shiawassee Co., Mich., April 

I, 1842. His father, Abram M. Jennings, was born in 
New Jersey, Aug. 26, 1802 ; he married Miss Emily Lay- 
ton, and afterwards lived for a time in Lyons, Wayne Co., 
N. Y. In 1837 he emigrated to Shiawassee Co., Mich., 
and purchased an eighty-acre lot of the government. On 
this lot he built a log house and barn, and commenced to 
improve. At the time of his death, which occurred Jan. 
13, 1848, he had improved his land and made a comfort- 
able home. John L. continued to live at home after his 
father's death and until he was sixteen years of age, when 
he started out in life for himself. His chances for an edu- 
cation were very limited, yet he acquired enough book 
knowledge to do any ordinary business. His start in life 
was obtained by working on the farms of his neighbors at 
twelve dollars per month. In 18G3 he purchased the 
northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 9 in 
Mundy township, and ran in debt for the .same and for his 
team. The only assistance he received was two hundred 
dollars from his father's estate. Since then Mr. Jennings 
has owned more land than he now possesses, but, believing 
that more money can be made on a small farm properly 
managed, he has reduced his farm to sixty acres, and his 
success proves the truth of his belief He is accounted as 
one of the most successful and energetic business men of 
his town. In politics he is and ever has been a Republican. 
He has always taken an active interest in political matters, 
and has held the positions of town treasurer and commis- 
sioner of highways. On the IGth day of April, 18C8, he 
was married to Miss Harriet E. Dibble, who was born Dec. 

II, 1842, in Mundy. She is the daughter of Samuel and 
Juliza (Hill) Dibble. Their union has been blessed with 
four children, as follows: Julia D., born Feb. 23, 1863, 
married to Charles Countryman, April 30, 1879; Henry 
M., born Aug. 20, 1805 ; Emma J., born Nov. 11, 1872 ; 
and John D., born Jan. 3, 1874. A view of the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Jennings will be found elsewhere in this 
work. 



298 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MIC RIG AN. 





JOHN SLAOUT. 



MRS. JOHN SLAGHT. 



JOHN SLAGHT. 

Tliis venerable geutlemaii is the fourth in a family of 
eijrht children, hi.s birth occurring in the State of New 
Jersey, June 2, 1790. The name, as its orthography indi- 
cates, was originally Holland Dutch, although a portion of 
French blood flows in the veins of those in this family. 
Mr. Slaght and one sister, residing in Ingham Co., 
Mich., are the only survivors of the family of their 
father, Matthias Slaght. Time dealt gently with all its 
members, and their years were prolonged much beyond the 
ordinary span of human existence. Mr. Slaght's father 
served a few months in the patriot army during the Revo- 
lutionary war, being at the time but sixteen years of age. 
When the son was twelve years old his father removed to 
Seneca Co., N. Y. Upon the breaking out of the war of 
1812 the young man was not found lacking in a love of 
country, but went to the front with the rifle company to 
which he belonged, commanded by Capt. Swick. Mr. 
Slaght grew to manhood upon his father's farm of two hun- 
dred acres, receiving a common-school education and ex- 
periencing the varied phases of pioneer life in the then wild 
region of Central New York. On the 13th of December, 
1814, he married Miss Phebe Howell, and began work for 
himself on his father's place, erecting thereon a small tan- 
nery and a saw-mill, both of which he operated for many 
years. Mrs. Slaght, who was born Aug. G, 1792, was one 
of a family of seven children, — five sons and two daughtei's. 
Her grandfather and his brother emigrated to this country, 
before the Revolution, from Scotland, and settled in New 
Jersey. Her father, too young to serve as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary army, yet aspiring to fame, carried dispatches 
for the American commanders, placing them between the 
soles of his slioes. After the war was ended he settled also 
in Seneca Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming and the man- 
ufacture of bricks. 

Mr. and Mrs. Slaght were the parents of eight children, 
as follows: Mary, born Nov. 5, 1815; Joseph, born Dec. 
6, 1817; Matthias, horn Jan. 12, 1821 ; Catherine, born 
May 9, 1823 ; Susan, born Oct. 8, 1825 ; Julia, born Oct. 
10, 1828; John, born Dec. 6, 1830; Andrew, born Dec. 
1, 1832. Mi-s. Slaght died July 8, 1871. 



In 1847, 5Ir. Slaght sold his property in Seneca County 
and removed with his family to Michigan, locating in 
Mundy township, upon the farm he still owns. He pur- 
chased two eighty-acre lots from Peter Chriss, and, aided 
by his sons, has cleared up the farm, upon which no timber 
had been felled when he came, and built his present resi- 
dence. Mr. Slaght's hospitality has been almost phenom- 
enal, he never having turned a person away from his door. 
Politically, he was a Democrat until the organization of the 
Republican party, since when he has been found in the 
ranks of the latter. He voted for the lamented Lincoln, 
thus aiding in the overthrow of .slavery in the Republic. 
For many years not a drop of liquor has been tasted by 
him, and for more than sixty 3'ears he has been a member 
of the Dutch Reformed and Presbyterian Churches, first of 
the former in New York, and, since coming to Mundy, of 
the Preiibyterian Church at the centre. At the age of 
eilihty-nine he possesses much vigor, yet the weight of 
years is reminding him at length of a home with those 
who have " gone before. ' 



WILLIAM I. WILLIAMS. 

Among the self-made men of Genesee County there are 
none who better deserve the title, or who by their acts have 
made their influence more felt, than William I. Williams, 
of whom this brief sketch is written. Mr. Williams was 
born in Darlington, Canada, May 31, 1828. His father, 
Adna Williams, was born in Connecticut, but moved to 
Canada, where he married Jliss Ellen Cutcher, who was 
born Oct. 23, 1809. Soon after William's birth bis father 
moved back to the States, and settled in Livingston Co., 
N. Y., where he worked at his trade, that of a machinist. 
After the death of his father his mother again married, 
and the family at once came to Jlichigan, settling in Sagi- 
naw, then a place of about two hundred inhabitants. This 
was in 1836. In 1840 they moved to Grand Blanc, where 
his step-father worked a rented farm. He afterwards pur- 
chased the farm now owned by Johu L. Jennings, but, his 
death occurring a few weeks later, the farm was given up. 
William I. was then but fourteen years old, and the eldest 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



209 



of llie cliildioii ; he tlius parly Iiccnnio the lioad of the 
liimily. With the hi'l)i of an uncle a log house was hnilt, 
and tlie first three acres cleared and got into wheat, hut tlie 
farm had to be given up as above stated. He then bouglit 
five years of a ten-year lease of fourteen acres of land on 
the farm of Mr. Baldwin, and paid the rent for the same 
by clearing land. He lived on tiiis land five years, and 
endured many privations, there being days in tlieir lives 
when, with nothing in tlic house to eat, hunger and grim 
want stared them in the face. Yet William showed him- 
self equal to the occasion, and the family were reared and 
educated, he himself having had but limited ojiportunitics 
in that direction, being wholly embraced by a i'ew months' 
attendance at a winter school and studying nights by the 
light of a fireplace. So well did he avail himself of liis 
advantages that when seventeen years of age we find him 
teaching school, wliich he followed successfully for several 
terms. 

In 1850, Mr. Williams bought the south half of the 
west half of the southwest quarter of section 28, which 
was then all new, he cutting thereon the first tree. On 
this tract he built a log house, and moved his mother's 
iiimily into it. Six years after, he bought the remainder 
of the eighty acres which he now owns, and which are under 
a good state of iuiprovemcnt, with a fine new house, good 
barns, orchard, etc., and where the aged motlier still finds 
a home. 

Mr. Williams owes his success in life to the fact that he 
lias always been able to turn his hand to almost any kind 
of work. He has worked at the cooper's trade, has helped 
build Lis own buildings, iu his younger day was a success- 
ful sheep-shearer, and has never rei'used to work on account 
of low wages. He is now working his iarm and is also 
engaged in the mercantile business, keeping a small stock 
of general merchandise iu connection with the post-ottice 
at Mundy, of which he is and has been ibr several years 
postmaster. He has for several years passed his leisure 
hours in writing poetry and articles on temperance and 
pioneer life, many of which he has contributed to the 
county press. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been 
for five years supervisor of his town, filling the ottice to 
the satisfaction of his Constituents ; lias also served as town 
clerk for several years, and many times as highway com- 
uiissioner and school inspector. Iu 187U lie was the Demo- 
cratic nominee fur State senator, and in 1872 for sheriff, 
but, his parly being largely in the minority, he was not 
elected. 

On the 1st day of January, 1859, Mr. Williams married 
Miss Julia Merrill, daughter of Horace Merrill. This 
union was bles.sed with one child, Ida J., born Sept. 19, 
1859. Miss Williams is now teaching in Oregon. Mrs. 
Williams died April S, 18l)2. For his second wife Mr. 
Williams married Miss Seliua L. I'eck, daughter of Wil- 
liam A. and Kliza (Lindsleyj Peck, born May 15, 1839, 
married March 29, IHii'J. There have been born to them 
four children, — Charles B., born Dec. 8, 18(J8 ; William 
E., born March 8, 1870; Julius 1., born April 15, 1873; 
and Clarence M., born Dec. 25, 1875. 



VOLNKY STILES 

was born in Aurelius, Cayuga Co., N. Y., April 10, 1811. 
His father moved to Livingston Co., N. Y., when Mr. 
Stiles was a small lad, and engaged in farming. Volnoj-, 
like the farmers' boys of that day, worked on his father's 
farm as soon as he was old enough, and went to school a 
few weeks during the winter months. Arrived at his ma- 
jority, lie started out in life for himself, with only his indus- 
trious habits and health and strength as his capital. His 
first money was made from raising wheat on shares. But 




VOLNEY STII.ES. 

this was too slow a method, and he determined to go to a 
new country where land was cheap, and there obtain a farm 
of his own. The fall of 1833 found him in Mundy town- 
ship, Genesee Co., Mich., then an almost unbroken wilder- 
ness. Two or three settlers only had preceded him. Mr. 
Stiles, who was then a single man, bought of the govern- 
ment the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of sec- 
tion 11, and erected a shanty thereon. He pa.ssed the 
winter of 1833-34 on his lot, and made a clearing. In the 
fall of 1834 he sowed a few acres of wheat. Two years 
later he sold this land and bought the west half of the 
northwest quarter of section 13, in Mundy, a few acres only 
of which was improved. On this he built a log house, and 
cleared and improved thirty acres. The wolves were then 
numerous, and their howling at first kept Mr. Stiles awake, 
but he soon became accustomed to it, and slept :ts soundly 
as though in the midst of civilization. The subsetpicnt 
death of his wife was a sad bereavement, and caused him 
to sell his place and, (or a time, work for others. In 1840 
he again married, and then bought another (new) farm, in 
Grand Blanc, which he cleared up and improved. Since 
then Mr. Stiles has owned several farms, and has done his 
share towards improving and making Genesee County what 
it is to-day. And now, at a ripe old age, respected and 
esteemed by his fellow-townsmen, he resides in the town- 



300 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ship which he has seen develop from a wilderness into one 
of the finest in the county. In politics Mr. Stiles is a 
Democrat. He has held the office.s of town clerk and jus- 
lice of the peace, filling the latter position for eigiit years. 
He is liberal in his religious views, and is not a member of 
any church. 

In 1834, Mr. Stiles married Miss Mary Page, who was 
born in Lowell, Mass. Their union was blessed with one 
child, Caroline E., born Dec. 25, 1835. 

He married, Jan. 28, 1840, llhoda Dayton, who was 
born, Dec. 2, 1805, in Bennington Co., Vt. There have 
been born to them the following children : Thomas P., 
born Oct. 13, 1842; and Mary L., born Nov. 16, 1844. 
Thomas P. married, March 8, 1869, Miss Wealthy Whit- 
more, who was born Dec. 18, 1844 ; they have had two 
children, viz. : Horace, born Feb. 25, 1871, died Aug. 15, 
same year; Edith May, born May 6, 1876. 



HENRY H. HOWLAND. 

Since the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers at Plymouth 
Rock, the pioneers of America have been men of iron nerve, 
of energy and perseverance, — men who, when they had once 
turned their faces westward, turned not back for trifles, but 
kept resolutely on, until to-day a great and beautiful country 
shows the work of their strong arms and willing hearts. 
Such a man is Henry H. Howland, one of the first settlers 
in the town of Mundy. He was born in the town of Ira, 
Rutland Co., Vt., April 30, 1807. His father. Banister 
Y Howland, was born in the town of Scituate, R. I. After his 
marriage to Miss Mary Forbes, the elder Mr. Howland 
moved to Monroe Co., N. Y., where he bought, in 1808, 
a farm of unimproved land. Here he remained four years, 
when he moved to the town of Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y., 
of which section he was one of the first settlers. The 
country was then an almost unbroken wilderness. He had 
just got a start in the new home when the war of 1812 
broke out; he was drafted, and served through the war, as 
his father, Samuel Howland, had previously in the Revo- 
tionary war. At the close of the war Banister went back 
to his farm, and lived there until 1836, when he again emi- 
grated to a new country, settling in Oakland Co., Mich., 
where he died, June 11, 1856. 

Henry H. lived at home with his father until he was 
twenty-two, helping to clear up and improve the new farms, 
and having but a limited chance to acijuire an education. 
He then started out for himself, with no capital save a strong 
constitution and an abundance of energy and industry. He 
commenced by taking jobs of chopping and clearing land, 
and in this way earned the money to buy eighty acres of 
new land in Troy, Oakland Co. This farm he sold in 1836, 
when, in company with his uncle, he came to Mundy, Gen- 
esee Co., looking for land. It was then a wilderness, with 
but few inhabitants save its original owners, the Indians. 
They followed the section lines by the aid of the trees marked 
by the surveyors. When they came to the land now owned 
by Mr. Howland, he told his uncle he should locate there 
unless he found something better. They went west till they 
struck the big swamp. Mr. Howland climbed a tree, and 
saw before him only swamp, with the water up to a man's 



arms. They then struck south, and the uncle selected his 
land in Gaines township, while Mr. Howland bought of the 
government four eighty-acre lots, two hundred and forty 
acres of which he now owns. There was then no one 
within one mile of his land, and but twelve families in the 
town. The next spring, at the first town-meeting, there 
were but eighteen voters in what is now Gaines and Mundy. 

In the spring of 1837, Mr. Howland moved his family, 
consisting of his wife and two children, to the new home. 
He had built a log shanty, eighteen by twenty feet, covered 
with shakes, and without doors or windows. He had to 
cut his roads in, and ford the streams. Swartz Creek was 
partly frozen over, and Mr. Howland waded it seven times 
in one day, with the water up to his arm-pits, breaking 
the ice with a pole, and then driving his own and his father- 
in-law's team through, the last trip leading a pig through 
by the ear. In the log shanty they lived five years, while 
Mr. Howland was clearing and improving his farm. His sup- 
plies were bought in Bloomfield, and five days were consumed 
in making the trip with an ox-team. 

He sold his first wheat for " three-and-sixpence" a bushel, 
oats ten, and potatoes eight cents per bushel, — not for cash, 
but in trade out of the store. He was then a man of great 
strength and powers of endurance, there being few men who 
could do more of any kind of work than he ; by his energy 
and industry the forest disappeared as if by magic, and soon 
a well-improved farm was to be seen where so short a time be- 
fore was only a wilderness. The howl of the wolf w;is no 
more to be heard, but in its stead the bleating of sheep and 
the lowing of cattle. 

In 1854 the old home was replaced with the present 
commodious home, which was at the time of its erection 
the finest house in Mundy. At the first term of court held 
in Genesee County, Mr. Howland was one of the jurors, 
few of whom now survive. 

Mr. Howland is now in the seventy-third year of his age, 
the owner of one of the finest farms in Genesee County, the 
reward of a lifetime of labor ; and here, under his own 
" vine and fig-tree," he intends to spend the remainder of 
his days. He is spoken of by those who know him well 
as a citizen esteemed and respected by all. There are but 
few men of his age who, like Mr. Howland, can say they 
never drank a glass of liquor, or any beverage save water. 
In politics Mr. Howland is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, 
having in early days been a Whig. His sons likewise are 
all Republicans. 

Mr. Howland married, for his first wife, Polly M. Sprague. 
She was born June 12, 1814. They were married July 
15, 1832. Their children were : Barnibas S., born Sept. 
8, 1833, died July 23, 1859 ; Harley H., born Sept. 10, 
1836, died July 12, 1854 ; Banister F., born Aug. 7, 1839, 
enlisted in Co. G, 8th Michigan Infantry, in July, 1861 ; 
killed June 16, 1862, at James Island, S. C, while storm- 
ing the fort at that place. Mrs. Howland died Dec. 4, 
1839. For his second wife he married Esther P. Van 
Tifllin (born in Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1822), daughter 
of Peter and Hannah (Allen) Van Tifflin. There have been 
born to them five children : Mary P., born Sept. 28, 1840 ; 
Aretus S., born Dec. 14, 1841 ; John C., born Sept. 27, 
1843 ; George W., born April 30, 1845 ; Millard F., born 




, TENANT 




RESIDENCE OF H•^^•/^Ov 




\ND,MUNDY, Michigan 



MUNDY TOWNSHIP. 



301 



March 15, 1856. The latter was killed by the cars at Du- 
raiid, Dec. 9, 1877; he was conductor of a freight train, 
and was making his last trip as such, prior to taking the 
position of a passenger conductor. 

Aretus Howland is now living on and owns a part of the 
old farm. The daughter, Mary P., is married and lives at 
Charlotte. John C. graduated in the literary class of 1870, 
at Ann Arbor, and afterwards was graduated in the law 
school. He subsequently practiced law three years with 
Judge Swift, in Detroit, but is now by himself, and has a 
good practice. George W. went to Ann Arbor in 1867, 
and was graduated in the medical school in 1870; he prac- 
ticed medicine in Pontiac during 18G'J ; since graduating 
he has had an office in Flint, where he has a good practice. 



SAMUEL W. ALGER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in West Bloomfiold, 
Ontario Co., N. Y., Dec. 2, 1821. He was the son of 
Jusiah Alger, of whom an extended notice is given on an- 
other page of this work. Samuel W. came into the town 
of Mundy in 1836, where he grew to manhood. By long 
association with the Indians he learned to talk their lan- 
guage fluently, and became an interpreter for them, often 
going with them to Detroit, where they exchanged their 
fui-s for blankets, provisions, etc. He was looked up to by 
them, and ti them his advice and word were law. His sou 
Alvah well remembers his being called to their village to 
settle disputes. Arrived at his majority, his father gave 
him the east half of the southwest quarter of section 22 
in Mundy, which was then all new. There was then no 
road to it, Mr. Alger going and coming by Indian trails. 
On this land he built a log house, set out an orchard, and 
improved it. He afterwards bought the west half of the 
southwest quarter of section 22, and also the northwest 
quarter of the southeast quarter of the same section, which 
he improved, and part of which is now owned by his son, 
Alvah W. 

In politics, Mr. Alger was a Democrat, although he never 
took an active part in political matters. He was married 
April 24, 1843, to Mary Lovejoy, who was born Oct. 27, 
1826. There were born to them Alvah W., born April 
11, 1846; Albert, born Dec. 25, 1847 ; and Charles, born 
March 21, 1857. Mr. Alger died July 18, 1805. 

Alvah W. Alger was born on the old homestead, and 
intends to make it his permanent home. He has done 
much to beautify it, having built a new and handsome 
liou.se, good outbuildings, iences, etc. He was married 
April 17, 1867, Miss Iloseltha Childs becoming his con- 
sort. She was born in Broome Co., N. Y., April 24, 
1846. She is a daughter of Jesse and Clara (Ilub- 
bardj Childs. There have been born to them two children, 
as follows: Benuie E., born Aug. 22, 1871 ; and Alonzo, 
born Nov. 28, 1875. In politics, Mr. Alger is a Democrat. 



JOHN llEID 
was born in the township of Hush, Monroe Co., N. V., 
July 16, 1822. His father, Benjamin T. Ilcid, came, with 
his Aunily, to Michigan in 1834, with the intention of 



locating, but were taken with the cholera on their way, and 
within five weeks of tiicir arrival Mr. and Mrs. Reid, one 
son, and a daughter died. John was then a boy of twelve, 
and was thus left an orphan and without any means. He 
made his home with his sister, Mrs. Tupper, with whom 
he resided until after his marriage. The country was then 




JOHN llEID. 

new, and his chances for an education were limited ; still he 
acquired sufficient to fit him for the active and successful 
business man he afterwards became. He first bought fifty- 
four acres of land in Clayton, which he afterwards deeded to 
Dudley Bruinard in exchange for the one hundred and twenty 
acres now owned by his wife, and which is called the Reid 
farm. One con.sideration of the exchange was that Mr. Reid 
should support Mr. Brainard and his sister during their 
lifetime. This was his start in life. The farm was cleared 
and improved by his hard labor, and to it he added, until 
at the time of his death he was the possessor of three hun- 
dred acres of land under improvement. He was the owner 
and proprietor of the Reid House for twelve years, and be- 
came widely known. In politics, Mr. Reid was an ardent 
Republican, and used his influence and money to advance 
the interests of his party, although he was never an office- 
seeker or office-holder. He died Jan. 12, 1875, mourned 
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. 

Mr. Reid married, Nov. 20, 1845, Miss AWnira Halleck, 
daughter of Amos and Rachel (Crane) Halleck. Mrs. 
Reid was born, March 5, 1824, in Chittenden Co., Vt. 
Their union was blessed with four children, as follo\»s : 
Adelaide J., born May 27, 1847; Su.san A., born April 4, 
1853; George W., born Nov. 1, 1857; and Alfred H. 
born Sept. 3, 1860. 



NATHAN W. SELDEN 

was born in Haddam, Conn., Nov. 25, 1810. When he 
was four years old his father moved to Leroy, Genesee Co., 
N. Y., where Nathan grew to manhood, going to school 
winters and working on the farm summers. Arrived at his 
majority, he started out for himself, with nothing to com- 



302 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



mcnce with but a strong constitution and rectitude of pur- 
pose. He worked by tlie month on a farm, and at other 
times duj; wells, thus gettiiit; his first start b)' the hardest 
kind of labor. In 1833 the Western fever was at its lieight, 
and Mr. Selden with many others determined to seek his 
fortunes in a new country. To think with him was to act; 
and he came to Michigan and bought of the government 
the east half of the northwest quarter of section 33, in the 
town of Mundy. He then returned to New York and 
stayed one year ; the following year he returned, and dur- 
ing the winter cleared a small spot and eoninionced a log 
house, after which he returned again to New York. 

On the lOlh of October, 1838, he led to the altar Miss 




peace, which oiBce he held until his death, with the excep- 
tion of four years, — an incumbency of twenty-four years. 
He also served as supervisor of his townsliip. Before 
leaving Leroy, Mr. Selden joined the Presbyterian Church, 
and lie continued a member of that society until his death. 
Two years after his final settlement in Michigan the first 
Presbyterian Church of Mundy was organized, Mr. Selden 
taking an active part in its institution and growth. He 
was one of its first deacons, and filled that ofifice while he 
lived. There were born to 3Ir. and Mrs. Selden eight 
children, as follows: Phiiicas C, born July 17, 1839, died 
Aug. 1, 1839; John K., born Feb. 12, 18U,died June 
24, 1841; William H., born May 5, 1842; Nathan E., 




NATHA.N W. SELDt.V. 



Mils. NATHAN W. SELDEN. 



Harriet R. Dudley, a native of Madison, New Haven Co., 
Conn., and daughter of Phineas and Elizabeth A. (Graves) 
Dudley. Soon after their marriage the young couple moved 
to the farm previously purchased in Mundy, where a partly 
finished log house awaited them. The house was soon 
completed, and life in the wilderness began. There were 
no roads, and near them no clearings; while white neigh- 
bors were few and scattering. Yet Mrs. Selden, who proved 
to be a true pioneer wife, says they enjoyed themselves, 
and she believes those were the happiest days of their 
liv»s. The Indians were their nearest neighbors, but were 
very friendly, and Mrs. Selden was never afraid of them. 
Wolves, deer, and other game were numerous, but were 
unmolested by Mr. Selden, as he was no hunter. With 
his accustomed energy he at once commenced to improve 
his place, and soon a well-improved farm, with good (build- 
ings, orchards, etc., took the place of the forest. And on 
this farm he passed the remainder of his life, respected and 
esteemed by all who knew him. He died May 1, 1869. 
In polities Sir. Selden was in early life a Whig, subse- 
quently a llepubliean. He always took an active interest 
in political and educational matters, and was for many years 
a school-director. In 1841 he was elected a justice of the 



born April 10, 1844; Eliza A., born Dee. 12, 1843 ; Ste- 
phen D., born July 18, 1847 ; Mary E., born April 20, 
1849; and Francis G., born May 16, 1851. 



CHAIINCEY L. BADGLEY 

was born in Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., March 5, 1836. 
His father, William H. Badgley, was born in New York 
about the year 1809. He married Miss Lovica Green. 
The result of this union was thirteen children, Chauncey 
L. being the .sixth. The elder Mr. Badgley moved to 
Michigan in 1849, and settled in Grand Blanc, Genesee 
Co., where he worked land on shares. When Chauncey 
was fifteen he went to Flint to learn the moulder's trade, 
and worked for King & Forsyth. Remained in Flint three 
years, then went to Grand Rapids, where he worked at his 
trade one year. Until 1858 he worked in Chicago and 
Grand Haven at his trade, and also in a saw-mill. In 1858 
he joined a party which was formed in Grand Haven to go 
to California. In St. Louis the party broke up, and Mr. 
Badgley, who was determined to see the Western world, en- 
listed on the 29th day of January, 1858, in Co. I, 7th 



ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP. 



303 



Rej^imerit U. S. Iiifantiy, Major Paul cuiuiiiainliiiL'. Soon 
afturwards his company went to Utali, whore they were 
kept scouting after the Indians and watching the Jlurmnns. 
From Utah they were sent to Fort Filniorc, New Mexico, 
marching the entire distance. Remained tliere, doing 
frontier service, until the war of the Rebellion broke out. 
After the first Bull Run, he, with the entire command, was 
surrendered by Maj. Lynde to the rebels without firing a 
gun. They were paroled and sent to Fort Jlontgomory, 
Rouse's Point, N. Y., where they remained until October, 
1862, when they were exchanged, sent to the Army of the 
Potomac, and assigned to the 5th Corps. Mr. Badgley 
was in the battle of Fredericksburg and other minor en- 
gagements. His time iiaving expired, he was discharged 
Jan. 29, 18{)3. Mr. Badgley lost three brothers in the 
war; one died in Andcrsonvillc. After bis discharge he 
returned to Rouse's Point, the attraction being one of its 
fair daughter.?. He was married, Feb. 11, 1803, to Mi.ss 
Atma Doly, daughter of Samson and Arrilla Doty. She 
was born Nov. 12, lS3li, at Peru, Clinton Co., N. Y. Her 
father, Samson Doty, was born in Wallingford, Rutland 



Co., Vt., Feb. 23, 1809; her mother, Arrilla Sulfin, was 
born in Northumberland, Saratoga Co., N. Y., July 19, 
1803. Of their two children, Jlrs. Badgley was the eldest. 
Mr. Doty came to Michigan in 1863, and on the 22d day 
of February, 1804, he enlisted in Co. F, 8th Michigan In- 
fantry Regiment. Although exempt from military service 
by reason of his age, he was an ardent patriot, and resolved 
to fight for his principles. He was killed the Oih day of 
May, 180+, in the battle of the Wilderness. 

After Mr. Badgley 's marriage, be, with his father-in-law, 
came to Michigan and purchased the east half of the south- 
west quarter of section 28 in Mundy, to which have since 
been added ten acres. The farm was partly improved, but 
the subse(|uent labor and care bestowed upon it have de- 
veloped it into one of the finest in the town. Sir. Badgley 
is a Republican, but not a politician. There have been 
bom to Mr. and Mrs. Badgley children as follows: Katy 
Doty, born April 19, 1804; Ida I., born Sept. C, 1800; 
Lillian M., born Feb. 0, 1809 ; Ruby, born Oct. 10, 1871 ; 
Chauncey L., Jr., born June 27, 1875 ; and Mary E., born 
Jan. 19, 1878. 



ARGENTINE. 



Abqentine is the southwest-corner township of Gene- 
see County, and is bounded north by Gaines, east by Fen- 
ton, .south by Livingston County, and west by Shiawassee 
County. Much of its surface is rolling, and many pleasing 
landscapes are beheld within its borders. Its .soil has the 
same characteristics as all that in the inimodiatc region. 
Fine improvements are met with throughout the township, 
and evidences of prosperity and wealth are seen on nearly 
every hand. The township is well watered by the Shiawassee 
River and its tributaries, which furnish considerable power, 
and numerous lakes and ponds add to the water-area. 
Principal among the latter are Lobdell, on sections 35 and 
30, named after an early settler on its shore; Murray, on 
section 34, named after the first .settler in the township ; 
McKane, on sections 28 and 32 ; McCaslin, section 22 ; 
Bass, section 27, etc. Lobdell Lake has been changed 
somewhat in area by the raising of a dam at Argentine 
village. The shores in many places are marshy, and in 
various parts of the township tamarack-swamps exist. 

This town.ship at first included what is now Fenton, which 
latter was first settled. A large acreage of timber is yet 
left, although but a portion of this township was heavily 
timbered, the balance being " oak-openings." 

Through this town, as through all others in this region 
when first settled, roamed great numbers of wolves and 
deer, with an occasional bear or panther, and the lover of 
sport could enjoy himself to the utmost. 

LAND ENTRIES. 
The following is a list of the entries of land in what now 
constitutes the town.ship of Argentine : 



Section 1. 

Acreg. 

Ahijah B. Dnnlap, Penecii Co , N. Y., .'^iiril fi, IS.'lfi So 84 

Nflson Stiokncv. Oaldancl Co., Mi,-h,. June 14, 1836 ; 80 

Gilman Davis, Wayne C.i., Mieh., .June 14. I8:'.6 95.41 

Phinens Davis, " •• " Au^. ■•!■ lS:iG 240 

Ira Lamb, (icncsee Co., Mich., Nov. 14. 18:tfi 80 

Philip S. Ilubboll, Livingston Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836 80 

Section- 2. 

Cyrus E.My, .TefTcrson Co.. N. Y.. .Tunc 13, 1836 160 

Hiram 15.11. iws, Fianldin Co.. N. Y., June 25, 1836 80 

John Pattcr.son. U'avne Co., N. Y., Au;,'. 1, 1836 176.57 

llinman Kexf.ir.l. I.'iviii-.ston Co., Mi.th., Aug. 3, 1836 174.27 

David Tilhnan, Genesee Co., Mielj., Nov. 14, 1836 80 

Skction 3. 

David and William I. Willianis, Jctferson Co., N. Y'., June 13, 

1836 SO 

Iloraee Parmelee, Clermont. .M. II., July 16, 1 S36 IliO 

Jiinies Wa.lsworrh, Livin„'.s|..n Co., N. Y., July 16, 1836 343.12 

Charles Comlen. St. Clair Co.. Mieh., June IS, 1846 40 

Thomas U. Gilbert, Genesee Co., i\lieh., June 16, 1849 40 

Skction 4. 

Allen Spencer, Allegany Co., N. Y., July 13, 183G 657.73 

Sectio.n 5. 

Allen Sp«noer, Allegany Co., N. Y., July 13, 1836 48,8.83 

James liogcrt, Orange Co., N. Y., July 16, 1836 169.72 

Suction 6. 

Sarah A. Preston, Oakland Co., Mich., July 13, 1836 S5.66 

James N. Smith, Ulster Co.. N. Y., July 14, 1836 160 

Foster I). Prest.m, Oakland Co., Mich., Aug. 1, 1836 79.60 

Seott, Bi.vley .t Co., Ail.lison Co., Vt., Aug. 2, 1836 238.84 

Clarissa li. Preston, 0.ikhind Co., Mieh., .luly 14, 1836 SO.OS 

Section 7. 

John Myers, Cavuga Co., N. Y., July, 1836 80 

Scotl, Hi.\lcy .t C.I.. Ad.lisr)n Co., Vt., August, 1836 80 

Phineas D.ivis, Wayne C... Mieh., 237.30 

George G.ill. Onlari.) Co., N. V., October, 1.836 80 

" ' •• '• 155.84 



304 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Section 8. 

Acrrs. 

Phiiioas Davis, Wayno Co., Micb.. August, ISi^e S*l) 

Scth Wi'iil, Cii.vugii Co., N. Y., Soptcuiber, " li:il 

<!i>iirj;L- (ioft. Ontario Co., N. Y., Octuhcr, " 160 

Aliraln Middlesworth, Gencsce Co., Mich., Noveniljor, 18:!6.... 80 

Daviil Tillman, Ucnescc Co., Mich., November, 1836 80 

John Myers, Cayuga Co., N. \'., September, 18:17 80 

Skction 9. 

Bartimeus Packard, .Jr., Wayne Co., N. Y., Juno, 18.16 80 

Cook A Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., July, ISIifi 160 

E. L. Goodman, " " " August, 18:!6 160 

Ziba Got!', Ontario Co., N. Y., October, 1836 80 

William Urady, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 184'.l 40 

David Jlyers," " " " December, 1853 40 

Thomas Wbaram, " " " January, 18,'i4 40 

Gustavus V. Condon, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 18o4 40 

Truman Atherlon, " " " December, 1854 80 

Section 10. 

William B. Mead, Tioga Co., N. Y., June, 1836 160 

M. h. I'ratt, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1836 160 

John Patterson, Wayne Co., N.Y'., .Vugust, 1836 SO 

Dclos Davis, Wayne Co., Mich., Sciiteinhcr, " 160 

Jacob A. Clark, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1853 40 

To be entered 40 

Section 11. 

William B. Mead, Tioga Co., N.Y'., June, 1836 160 

David Brooks, Oakland Co., Mich., July, " 120 

Moses S. Soott, SaratogaCo.,N.Y'., August, " 160 

ScotI, Bi.\Iey, Morgan, and Richards, Addison Co., Vt., August, 

18.36 120 

William U. Scott, Saratoga Co., N. Y., August, 1836 80 

Section 12. 

Asahal Ticknor, Oakland Co., Mich., September, 1836 80 

Edwin A. Seymour, Albany Citv, N-.Y"., " " 160 

Joseph lladley, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1836 SO 

Everett L. Y'ates, Montgomery Co., N.Y'., November, 1838.... 160 
Philip S. Hubbell, Livingston Co., Mich., " " .... SO 
Swamp land 80 

Section 13. 

William Manifold, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June, 1836 80 

Samuel W. Pattison, Genesee Co., " " " SO 

Alfred A. Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y'., July, 1836. 480 

Sectio.n 14. 

Enoch Stark, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June, 1836 160 

Asaph C. Smith, Oakland Co., " " •' 16fl 

Edwin A. Seymour, Alb.any City, N.Y., September, 1836 160 

Philip S. Hubbell, Livingston Co., Mich., November, 1836.... 160 

Section 15. 

Enoch Stark, Washtenaw Co., Mich., June, 1836 SO 

llezekiah Seely, Seneca Co.,"N.Y\, " " 160 

John Myers, Cayuga Co., N. Y'., July, 1836 SO 

John Patterson, Wayne Co., Mich., August, lS:ifi SO 

Delos Davis, " " " September, 1 836 160 

Dauiel Alger, Orleans Co., N.Y''., December, 1836 80 

Section 16. 
School land 640 

Section 17. 

Isaac R. Middlesworth, Sussex Co., N. J., June, 1836 320 

Ziba (ioff, Ontario Co., N. Y., October, 183fi IfiO 

George Goff, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1838 80 

Samuel Kollcy, " " " September, 1838 40 

Abram Middlesworth, Genesee Co., Mich., January, 1864 40 

Section 18. 

Jabin W. Elliott, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1836 76.36 

Abram AMiddlesworth, Sussex Co., N. J., June, 1830 160 

Scott, Bixlev, Morgan, and Richard Addison, Vermont, Au- 

gust,'l836 154 52 

William II. Scott, Saratoga Co., N. Y., August, 1836 80 

Ralph J. Smith, Livingston Co., N.Y'., Sejjtember, 1836 SO 

Calvin AV. Ellis, Genesee Co., Mich., January, 1839 76.36 

Section 19. 

Samuel W. Dexter, New Y'ork, September, 1824 160 

" " " " December, 1824 160 

William Chapman, Washtenaw Co., Mich., April, IS3(; 80 

Azel Pcttibone, Genesee Co., N.Y. , May. 1830 221.04 



Section 20. 

Acr(*8. 
Daniel 11. Chandler, Genesee Co., N. Y'., May, 1836 480 

Alfred L. Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1836. 160 

Section 21. 

Solomon Sutherland, Orleans Co., N. Y'., May, 1S36 160 

Elijah Bird, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Julv, 183B 320 

Orates H. Wright. Adilison Co., Vt., July, 183fi ; 40 

Alfred Coy and Wm. Lalhrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1836... 80 
Elijah Bird, Ginesee Co., Mich., June, 1838 40 

Section 22. 

A. Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., Julv, 1836 240 

John Paitcrsou, Wayne Co., N. Y., August, 1836 160 

B. B.Kircheval, Wayne Co., Mich, December, 1836 80 

Nathan E. Shaw, Gcucsce Co., Mich., October, 1830 SO 

Not given 80 

Section 23. 

Daniel II. Chandler. Genesee Co., N". Y., June, 1830 240 

A. Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1836 400 

Section 24. 

II. and R. Rhodes, Washtenaw Co., Mich., January, 1830 80 

IMiilemon C. Murrav, Washlenaw Co., Mich., February, 1836.. 160 

E. J. Penniman, Win nc Co., N. Y., March, 1836 240 

• A. Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1836 160 

Section 25. 

Philemon C. Murray, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Fobrury, 1836.... 80 
Philoihv Dutchcr, " " " " " .... 80 

Wm. Benmer, Oakland Co., Mich., February, 1836 80 

Jiiab Uillman, Lewis Co., N. Y.. May. 1836 160 

Henry Singleton, Devonshire, England, June. 1830 160 

John Patterson, Wayne Co., N. Y., August, 1836 80 

Section 26. 

James B. OInov, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1836 320 

Elijah Crane. Wavne Co., Mich., May, 1S26 80 

David II. Chandler, (ienesee Co., N. Y, June, 1836 80 

Samuel Fowler, Macomb Co., Mich., January, 1837 40 

Swamp lands 120 

Section 27. 

Samuel W. Dexter, New Y'ork, November, 1824 160 

Charles E. (Jreen, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March, 1836 SO 

Calvin W. Ellis, " " " June, 1836 SO 

Charles A. Green, " " " " " 40 

Johu Patterson, Wayne Co., N. Y., August, 1836 80 

Wm. C. Ruby, Macomb Co., Mich., November, 1837 80 

John Middlesworth, Warren Co., N. J., October, 1838 40 

Margaret Bird, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1843 40 

Swamp land 40 

Section 28. 

Jarvis Bailey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., March, 1830 120 

Thomas Sturgis, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1830 160 

Josei)h D. Beers, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May, IS30 120 

Calvin W. Ellis, Wa.«btenaw Co., Mich., June, 1S36 80 

Benjamin L. King, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1836 160 

Section 29. 

David Penoyer, Onondaga Co., N. Y., March, 1836 120 

J. and S. Beers, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May, 1830 80 

John Myers, Cayuga Co., N. Y., .lulv, 1830 100 

Henry L. Whipple, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1830 80 

John Myers, Cayuga Co., N. Y'., September, 1830 80 

B. Thorp, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, May, 1850 120 

Section 30. 

John Myers, Caynga Co., N. Y'., July, 1830 148.04 

William" Chapman, Washtenaw Co., Mich., July, 1830 80 

John Cooper, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y'., July, 1830 200 

Elixur L. Goodman, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1836 148.76 

Abram Middlesworth, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1830... 40 

Section 31. 

Boutwell and Moore, United States, May. 1830 80 

McGregor and Alctiraw, l!ost<in, Mass., June, 1S30 66.60 

John .Mvcis, Cayuga Co., N. Y., July, 1836 147.34 

Alfred Coy and Wm. Lathrop, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1836... 240 
Fr.anois G. Murray, Erie Co., N.Y'., August, 1836 80 

Section 32. 

McGregor and McGraw, Boston, Ma,«s.. May, 1836 160 

E. J. Penniman, Wavuc Co., Mich., June, 1830 160 

" '. " ' " 80 



AllGKNTINK TOWNSllll'. 



305 



Acres. 

Honry li. Ilollirouk, Wayno Co., Midi., Juno, 183fi 40 

E. .1. Peniiirnan, " ' 40 

lii'thucl Norris, Gcnusoo Co., Mich., October, ISS.'J 40 

\V;irrcii .1. Lobdcll, " " " July, 1854 80 

Viicant ■"' 

Skotiox 3.'t. 

15. L. King, Wayne Co., Mich., August, IS.Ifi 240 

Fletcher Collycr. Wayne Co., Mich., August, 18:i7 80 

McGregor and McOraw, Boston, Mass., May, 18.'i6 320 

Suction 34. 

James H. Murray. Washtenaw Co., Mich., November, 1835... 80 

Asa Sprague, Wayne Co., Mich., .May, 1836 120 

Anthony Paddock. Wayne Co., Midi", June, 1836 40 

Calvin W. Ellis, Washtenaw Co., ' 40 

John Ryan, WaynoCo., Mich., August, 1836 100 

Abram Midillesworth, Ooncsee Co., Mich., November, 1836 .. 80 

Calvin W. Ellis, Genusoc Co., .Mich., November, 1838 40 

John Halpin, Wayne Co., Mich., " " 80 

Skction 35. 

Sally Murray, Washtenaw Co., Mich.,- November, 1835 80 

Asa Sprague, Wayne Co., .Mich., May, 183G 40 

Anthony Paddock, Wayno Co., Mich., June. IS30 40 

Jauies il. Murray, Genesee Co.. Mich.. Noveuibor, 1831) 80 

Samuel Eowlcr, Macomb Co., Mi(di., January. 1837 40 

John Kimball, Ocnesco Co., Mich., March, l."54 40 

C. Sutherland, " " " November, 1854 160 

" " " January, 1855 80 

Vacant 80 

Section 36. 

William Lobdcll, Wayne Co., Mich., February, 1836 120 

E. J. Pcnnim.an, " " " March, 1836 80 

Daniel II. Chandler, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1836 160 

John Krccland, Macomb Co., Mich., September, 1836 81) 

E. J. Penniman, Wayne Co., Mich., November, 1837 40 

Castle Sutherland, Genesee Co., Mich., January, 1855 80 

Vacant 80 

EAKLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first white men who became residents of what is 
now Argentine town.ship were James II. Murray and Wil- 
liam Lobdell, who located in March, 183G, but it is at this 
time impossible to determine which of the two came first. 
The former hits been generally given the credit, but neither 
his widow, — ndw Mrs. Palmer, — who is yet living at Ar- 
gentine village, nor the widow of Mr. Lobdell, who resides 
at Linden, can tell positively the facts in the case. Beyond 
dispute, however, they settled during the same month and 
very nearly at the same time, and it is probable that Mur- 
ray was in first. 

James H. Murray, who formerly lived near Rochester, 
N. Y., came from Cayuga County, in that State, to Michi- 
gan with his family in May, 18/30, and .settled in the town- 
ship of Superior, Washtenaw Co. In the fall (November) 
of 1835 lie located land in Argentine, purchasing four 40- 
acre lots, in order to secure a water-privilege. On the 4th 
of March, 1830, he moved in with his family, and imme- 
diately after built the dam now standing at the village, and 
erected a saw-mill, which was jiut in operation the same 
season. At the date of his arrival there was no house 
nearer than one owned by a man named Bennett, two miles 
south, in Livingston County. Sctli C. Sadler lived four 
miles east, in Feriton township, and to the west a wilder- 
ness, sixteen miles across, intervened between Mr. Murray's 
and the nearest house, — away in Shiawassee County. 

Mrs. Murray (Palmer) rccollocts seeing Mr. Lobdell be- 
fore her husband's saw-mill was completed. The mill-irons 
were made in WiLshtenaw (!oun(y, and liroiiglil up by Mr. 
Murray on a wagon. 
3'J 



William Bennett, who settled the same spring, in Living- 
ston County, at " Bennett's Bridge," had drawn logs up and 
prepared to build a saw-mill at his place east (above) of 
Argentine, but Murray proved the more energetic of the 
two, and completed his mill while Bennett was still making 
preparations, and the plan of the latter was not carried out. 
The old Murray saw-mill is not now standing. 

In the course of two or three years, Murray built a largo 
frame grist-mill, and placed in it two runs of stone. From 
it flour was drawn to Detroit in wagons, and Argentine 
soon became a village of considerable importance. The 
giist-mill is the same now owned by Mes.srs. Hall & 
Bishop. 

The first store in the village was established by Mr. 
Murray, and stood opposite the grist-mill. Goods were 
purchitsed in Detroit. Previous to 1845 it was rented to 
William Axford, who carried it on for a time. 

The first hotel was built by Abram Middlesworth, and 
the second by Mr. Murray, and both had considerable cus- 
tom. The one now owned and occupied by J. II. Page 
was built subsequent to 1844 by William Bennett, who 
had moved in from his place in Livingston County. It is 
a large frame building. Murray's hotel stood on the north 
side of the street. 

Mr. Murray, at a later day, established a cooper-shop 
and a blacksmith-shop on the east side of the river pre- 
vious to the building of the grist-mill. A man named 
George Elliott worked in the blacksmith-shop, but, his wife 
becoming di.ssatisfied with the place, he finally moved back 
to Plymouth, Wayne Co., from which place he had come. 

A tailor — name not remembered — came to the village at 
an early day, built a house, and worked at his trade sev- 
eral years. 

Castle and George G. Sutherland located here early. 
The former built the stone blacksmith-shop on the west 
side of the river, and the latter built the planing-mill he is 
now operating. Their father, Col. Sutherland, lived in 
Livingston County. 

In 1845, Dr. Isaac Wixora, now of Penton, moved with 
his family to Argentine, from Farraington, Oakland Co., 
where he had resided since 1829. He was the first resi- 
dent physician at the place. He purchased the Murray 
property, including the mills and store, and managed the 
milling and mercantile business for fifteen years. Mr. 
Murray moved to Farmington, but about 18G0 came back 
to Argentine, where he died in 1871, in the house where 
his widow at present resides. 

Dr. Wixom, who had purchased the property before 
moving upon it, laid out the village-plat of Argentine, 
Oct. 9, 1844, since which time no additions have been 
made. He built to considerable extent, and through his 
efl'orts the place became of much importance, having at 
one time three stores and numerous other establishments. 
The building of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway through 
Fenton and Linden, leaving Argentine so far t<i one side, 
eflfectually destroyed all ita hopes of future greatness. The 
doctor located at Fenton in 18G9, since which time that 
village; has been his home.* 



I'*or mo 



IT extended imlice of Dr. Wixom sei' I'enl'.n history. 



306 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Williuiii Lobdoll, wlio eaiiic fioiii near Auburn, Cayuca 
Co., N. Y., settled near Ar<;uiitine village, as stated, in 
Mareli, 183(j. He built a lofj; house on liis place, chinking 
up the ereviees. He had eoine to Detroit with his family 
in the fall of 1835, and stayed at that ]>laec duriiij; the 
winter. He was the owner of a wagon and three horses, 
and found plenty of en)ploymont in transporting pioneer 
families and their effiets through to Grand lliver. On one 
of these trips he found the land upon which lie afterwards 
settled. He teamed more oi- less after settling in Argentine, 
besides working his farm. The lake near the village was 
named for him. 

Mos((uitoes were so plenty during tho.sc days that it was 
almost impossible to live in comfort, or to open the mouth, 
or go through the woods without taking something to brush 
away the troublesome pests. Mr. Lobdell's liouse, like 
nearly all other pioneer habitations, was always open to set- 
tlei-s who were on their way to their new homes, and one 
night I'orty persons slept in it. As usual the mos(|uitoes 
were on hand with their Oilh, and sleep was almost out of 
the fjue.'^tion. One Irishwoman among the number re- 
marked, " The muskethers erawl through a veri/ small 
liole." They were coming in through the chinks. 

While the settlers themselves were inventing means to 
keep off the mosf|uitoes, it was necessary also for them to 
look well to their pigpens, lest the wolves should carry off 
the inhabitants thereof, as those animals were numerous, and 
never loath to indulge in a choice morsel of fresh pork of 
their own killing. 

Ui)oii the old Lobdell farm (which was east of Argentine 
village, and is now owned partly by John Hyatt, of Fenton) 
were two most excellent springs, one of which was near the 
shore of the lake, and never froze over. Murray's dam 
finally caused its overflow by back-water. The other was 
farther back, and the Indians often encamped beside it. In 
INlrs. liolKlcH's possession is a fine fossil tooth, which was 
found on the farm when it was first settled. 

The first death in the township was very probably that 
of an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell, which died 
in June, 183G. A man named Bugbee lived in the neigh- 
borhood, and perhaps a son of his, born on his place, Wiis 
the fii-st white child born in town. It died when about a 
year old. Mr. Lobdell's little girl, Kstlicr L., who died 
when a year and a half old, was also born in the township, 
and one or two children were boru early in the family of 
William Bcauicr, who had settled early in the sumnior of 
183U. lie st;\yed with William Lobdell until he could 
build a house for himself. He finally sold out to Bciija- 
luin Taylor. 

A man named Ayers, who lived on the White Lake road, 
iu Tyrone, Livingston Co., showed Mr. Lobdell the laud 
he purchased, and iu 1837 the iMessrs. Rhodes, who lived 
also ill Tyrone, came up and helped BIr. Lobdell cut his 
mai^sh hay ; this was plenty, and the only kind to be pro- 
cured. 

The log bouse built by William Beamer was destroyed 
by fire in the spring of 1837 or 1838, including its con- 
tents, among which was a lot of maple-sugar and maple- 
syrup. The families made maplc-sug;>r on an island in Lob- 
dell's Ijiikc. 



Hannibal Lee, although not a resident of Argentine, 
lived close enough to bo a neighbor, his home being just 
across the line in Livingston County. His place was sub- 
sequently sold to Daniel Locke. After a short time, 
Charles Green settled to the west of the village. The Mid- 
dlesworths, David and Abram, settled early, — the latter op- 
posite the present hotel in the village, and the former far- 
ther west. William Alger and William Jennings settled a 
short distance east. Among the early residents of the 
village were William and Henry Pratt and Ira Murray ; 
the latter was a cousin to James H. Murray, and moved 
afterwards to Owasso, Shiawassee Co., where he died. Israel 
Crow lived we.st of the village. 

Calvin W. Ellis, brother to Mi-s. J. H. Murray, came with 
Mr. BL to the village. He was then a single man ; i\fter- 
wards owned and lived on a farm on the bank of McCaslin 
Lake, where he died. Mr. McCaslin, for whom the lake 
was named, occupied the same farm in later years ; he is 
also deceased, but two of his sons live on the place. 

Before Murray's grist-mill was built, Benjamin Taylor 
came in from Vermont, and lived with Mr. Murray seven 
or eight years. He afterwards married and settled in 
Linden, where he died about 18G9. 

A post-ofiice was established at the village at an early 
day, and called Booton, but, owing to its inconvenience on 
account of another office existing in the State with a some- 
what similar name, it was finally changed to Argentine. 
James H. Murray was the first postmaster, and to him is 
given the credit of naming the township. Mail was carried 
on horseback over a route which extended from Pontiac to 
Ionia. William Hubbard, now of Flint, was an early mail- 
carrier, as was also Brown Hyatt, now of Linden. The 
present incumbent of the oflice is Luman Bishop. 

Amos Sturgis, a native of Avon, Oakland Co., Mich., 
came with his father, Thomas Sturgis, to Argentine in 1837 
or '38, the latter settling with his family on the Byron 
road, two miles northwest of Argentine village. Two other 
sons, John and Lewis Sturgis, are also now living in the 
township. Among the residents of the town when the 
Sturgis family came were James H. JMurray, David Brooks, 
Solomon Sutherland, — who kept a tavern on the bank of 
what is now known as Myei-s' Lake, — William Lobdell, 
Halsey Whitehead, and possibly George GofiF, who was 
either here then or cauie soon after, and is uow living in 
Byron, Shiawassee Co. 

Asa Athcrton settled about 1838, and took up consider- 
able land, including that upon which his son, Freeman 
Atherton, now lives. He lived north of the railroad, on 
the place now occupied by Stephen Atherton. Samuel 
Atherton, Asa's brother, came soou after the latter, and 
now lives east of Freeman Athcrton. 

Halsey Whitehead, a native of Hanover, Morris Co., 
N. J., and afterwards a resident of Seneca County, N. Y., 
came to Michigan in 1832, and in 1837 settled in Argen- 
tine, where he lived until his death, which occurred Sept. 
2, 1874, when he had nearly reached the age of eighty- 
three years. He was a prominent citizen of the township, 
and had served in the army during the war of 1812. 

David Brooks, who located first in Oakland County, sot- 
tied in Argentine in 1830. He was elected, in 1837, the 




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Lew/sLahrino. 





-iirl^ f 'jl T I' 



1 "]1 li 





Jii.=;P^^.i ,;.■' 



^^3!^-:'.-«|ti 



#• 





RESIDENCE OF _iW;i „AHRiN 





..'.IS 






s-^r^' 




Hfiu£.NT.\£, 'JiMSLL LG ,M!CH, 



ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP. 



307 



first justice of the peace in the township, and has continued 
to hold the oflSce to the present. Most of the supplies for 
family use had then to be procured at Detroit, while Pon- 
tiac was the customary objective point for those wishing 
grists ground, as the nearest grist-mill was at that place. 

Mr. Brooks one year raised 40 bushels of wheat, which 
he had threshed out with a flail and winnowed by pouring 
back and forth between two blankets laid on the ground 
and held down by rails. He finally took 30 bushels of 
wheat in his wagon, bitched two yokes of oxen to it, and 
started with that and his family to Pontiac, to get a grist 
ground, having to cut his road a good share of the di.stance, 
and being guided the greater part of the way by marked trees. 
On the evening of the second day after starting they reached 
Pontiac. On going to the mill, Mr. Hrooks found the miller 
reading. The latter inquired of Mr. B. if he had come to 
mill, to which he replied that ho had come forty miles, 
cutting his road most of the wa}', and asked when he could 
have his grinding done. Ilis disappointment can scarcely 
be imagined when he was told that he would have to wait 
four weeks, as the water was very low ! Upon mentioning 
to the miller that he and his family had Heed for three 
weckn im boded wheat, — which was a fact, — his heart .soft- 
ened, and he at once ground Mr. Brooks' grist and let him 
go on his way rejoicing, even though the mill was then full 
of grain waiting to be ground. It took two days to grind 
the 30 bushels. 

John Boyd, of Scotch descent, located in the town.sbip 
in the spring of 1845, returning soon afterwards to Hart- 
ford, Conn., for his family, and bringing them back with 
him. The farm upon which he settled had a log house 
previously built upon it and a few acres improved. Mr. 
Boyd died in March, 1862. 

George \V. Hovey, from Livingston Co., N. Y., came to 
Argentine in 1843. Upon his arrival in Flint he traded 
his horses and wagon to George M. Dewey for the 80 
acres upon which he now lives, and after the transaction 
was completed had but thirty cents left. In 1850 he built 
a saw-mill, which he continued to operate until 1875. 

Stephen Jennings, a cooper by trade, settled half a mile 
south of the village in 1843. 

Isaac 11. Middlesworth, a surveyor by profession, from 
Newark, N. J., bought 400 acres of land in the township 
June 1, 1837, and settled in 1840. 

From the assessment roll for 1844 is made up the following 
list of resident tax-payers in Argentine township in that 
year: 



Alger, Daniel. 

Alger, Wiliift'ii. 

Atliertdii, Asabcl. 

liiril, lOlij.ih. 

ISr<H)k.«, J)aviil. 

I'arron, .Tohri. 

Criiw, Israel. 

]tu.>4hncll, Joseph. 

Cuininin:', William. 

Chiiac, .John F. 

Coehran, .lolin B. 

Collins, Norman. 

Cuinphell, Miner. 

Cory, Cyrus 11., A Co. (near 

Murray's Mill). 
Dodge, Ira. 



Ellis, Calvin W. 
Ferris, William 13. 
Goir, Ziba. 
(iotr, George. 
Green, Charles A. 
Il4>lilson, Uobert. 
Harmon. Alinon<I. 
Hicks, William U. 
Hallctek, Almon. 
J(jhnson, John I. 
Kelly, Samuel. 
LobJell, William. 
Midillesnortb, Isaae K. 
Miiltlleuworth, iiiehanl U. 
MitMlesworth, John. 
Middlesworth, Willi ;iiii. 



Middlesworth, David. 

Murray, .Tames 11. 

Mason, William P. (one dis- 
tillery, together with one 
aere of land adjoining 
James H. Murray's grist- 
mill). 

Myers, William. 

Mitehidl. Dominicus. 

Parker, James E. 

Starks, Enoeh. 



Sturgis, Thomas. 
Sturgis, Amos. 
Shaw, Nathan E. 
Smith, Robert. 
Smith, Reuben. 
Stroger, John. 
Sutherland, Solomon. 
Tillman, David. 
Thomas, E/.ekiel. 
Taylor, Renjamin. 
Whitehead, llalsey. 



The heaviest resident tax-payer was James II. Murray, 
who.se property was valued at $3200, and whose total tax 
was $117.00. 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION AND PARTIAL CIVIL 
LIST. 

The following act creating the township of Argentine was 
approved July 26, 1836 : 

"Skction 1, fie it enacted bi/ the Senate and House nf Repretenta- 
tivcit of tJin Slate of Mirlti'f/nu, That all that part of the eounty of Gen- 
esee eompriscd in surveyed township number five north, of ranges 
fiva and .si.\ east, be a township by the name of Argentine, and the 
first township-meeting be held at the now dwelling-house of Charles 
Ryrani, in said township, on the second Monday of August next." 

The house of Charles Byram was on the shore of Byram 
Lake, in what is now the township of Feiiton, formed from 
the east half of Argentine, in 1838. The early records of 
the township of Argentine cannot be found, and it is im- 
possible to give a full list of her officers. Some account of 
the first township-meeting will be found in a historical ad- 
dress included in the history of Fenton village. The rec- 
ords preserved in the town clerk's office in Argentine begin 
with the year 1850, from which date to 1870, inclusive, the 
officers elected each year have been as follows, viz. : 



SUPERVISORS. 



ISSO-S.I. William H. Hicks. 
1S.')4. Isaac Wixom. 
ISo5. A. Middlesworth. 
18.56. Isaac R. Midillcsworth. 
1857-58. William II. Hicks. 
1859. William Myers. 



1S60-C'_'. John n. Cochran. 
18fi:i. William Myers. 
18C.4-G5. J. C. Wilcox. 
lSliB-07. John B. Cochran. 
1868-73. Uorton llealey. 
187I-7». Jacob S. Dodder, 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1850. W. W. Wixom. 
1851-53. Isaac Wixom. 
1854-55. J. G. Hicks. 
1856. Horatio N. Richards. 
1857-58. .James L. Topping. 

1859. Isaac Wixom. 

1860. J. L. Topping. 

1801. Franklin Bradley. 

1802. 1). N. Roberts. 
1863. Richard R. Britton. 
1S61. J. W. Sherwood. 



1865-67. B, Stevens. 

1868. .\I. V. B. Wixom. 

1869. Anson Sbotwell. 

1870. Albert E. Hall. 
1871-72. Bimslcy Stevens. 
1873-74. Edward B. Field, 
1875-76. Albert E. Hall. 

1877. Michael Hull. 

1878. Lorenzo V. Fletcher. 

1879. Albert E. Hall. 



TREASURERS. 



1850-52. William Myers. 

1853. Abram Middlesworth. 

1854. Oliver 11. Whitehead. 
1855-56. Elijah Bird. 
1S57-58. William Myers. 
1859-61. Oliver 11. Whitehead. 
1862-63. Franklin Bradley. 
1861-65. It. R. Britton. 



1866-67. J. W. Sherwood. 
1868-69. Jacob S. Dodder. 
1870-71. William T. Jennings. 
1872-73. Jacob S. Dodder. 
1871. William Harper. 
1875-77. .John Barron. 
1S7S-79. Alexander Gillespie. 



308 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



JUSTICES OF 


rHE PEACE. 


1866. M.V.B. Wixom. 


1871. No record. 








1807. M. V. B. Wixom. 


1872. Albert E. Hall. 


1S50. William CuramiDS. 


1S66. 


H. G. Whitehead. 


Wm. Harper. 


1873. William Harper. 


1851. Halsey Whitehead. 


1867. 


David Brooks. 


1868. N. J. Whitehead. 


1874. Albert E. Hall. 


1S52. JeffcrsoD H. Downer. 




N. J. Whitehead. 


David R. Reed. 


1875-78. William Harper. 


1853. Reuben M. Ford. 


1868. 


Sedgwick P. Stcdman. 


1S09. David R. Reed. 


1879. Stephen B. Cooley. 


John Barron. 


1869. 


S. P. Stcdman. 


1870. William Harper. 




1854. Matthias Cummins. 




George Fox. 






1856. Joseph Collins. 


1S70. 


Matthias Cummins. 


TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 


David Brooks. 




J. L. AVolverton. 






1856. George A. Fletcher. 


1871. 


David Brooks. 


1875. J. E. Vail. 


1877. James R. Burr. 


Ashley T. Craw. 




D. N. Roberts. 


1876. Jesse M. Crandall. 


1878. Aaron R. Ingram. 


1857. James F. Mead. 


1872. 


Peter Acre. 






Castle Sutherland. 


1873. 


R. R. Britton. 












DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 


1858. Mathias Cnmmins. 




John A. Royce. 






1859. J. L. Topping. 


1874. 


M. Cummins. 


1871. John B. Cochran (appt'd). 


1876. William Tummingly. 


David Brooks. 




Benjamin Van Riper. 


1872-73, Warren Lueo. 


1877. E. F. Lillie. 


1860. Lorenzo C. Fletcher. 


1875. 


David Brooks. 


1874. William Tunimingly. 


1878. Freeman Athcrton (2 yrs.) 


1861. J. L. Topping. 




B. Stevens. 


1875. William L. Smith. 




1862. Matthias Cummins. 


1876. 


Richard R. Britton. 






1863. David Brooks. 


1S77. 


Bimsley Stevens. 






1SC4. Jacob S. Dodder. 


1878. 


Robert K. Strublc. 


CONSTABLES. 


1865. Franklin Bradley. 


1879. 


H. L. Bishop. 


1850. D.anicl M. Case. 


1863. J. Shank. 


D. K. Roberts. 




F. Athcrton. 


Samuel Fields. 


H. Whitehead. 


1866. M. Cummins. 






Castle Sutherland. 
John D. Bennett. 


Freeman Athcrton. 
Albert Voorheis. 


ASSES 


SORS. 




1851. John D. Bennett. 
C. Sutherland. 


1864. M. V. B. Wixom. 
F. Athcrton. 


1850. William Crane. 


1852. 


H.alscy Whitehead. 


D. M. Case. 


R. R. Britton. 


William Myers. 




Elijah Bin!. 


Jacob G. Hicks. 


A. N. Newman. 


1851. No record. 






1852. L. F. Thompson. 
Warner Lobdell. 


1865. H. Whitehead. 
D. M. Case. 


COMMISSIONERS 


OF HIGHWAYS. 


Oliver Whitehead. 


Amos J. .* 








William Myers. 


John Niles. 


1850. Matthias Cnmmins. 


1865. 


D. M. Case. 


1853. Lafayette Lampson. 


1866. M. V. B. Wixom. 


1851. John Barron. 


1866. 


G. B. Whitney. 


Amos Lobdell. 


Anson Shotwell. 


1852. John B. Cochran. 


1867. 


M. Cummins. 


David M. Case. 


D. M. Case. 


1853. William Myers. 




D. N. Roberts. 


Charles Wbittaker. 


Halsey Whitehead. 


1854. John Barron. 


1868. 


Robert K. Struble. 


1854. Wm. U. Hicks. 


1867. J. S. Wolverton. 


1855. John B. Cochran. 


1869. 


D. N. Rolierts. 


D. M. Case. 


David Niles. 


1856. John D. Williams. 




J. B. Cochran. 


N. J. Whitehead. 


Anson Shotwell. 


1857. Henry H. Brownell. 


1870. 


Eliphalct Lillic. 


Ashley Craw. 


D. M. Case. 


1858. John B. Cot:hraD. 


1871. 


Robert K. Struble. 


1855. George W. Chase. 


1868. D. Niles. 


1859. AVilliam H. Hicks. 


1872. 


Lewis Lahring. 


N. J. Whitehead. 


Bimsley Stevens. 


1860. Jacob S. Dodder. 


1873. 


Asa Devore. 


Jacob W. Craw. 


John T. Wolverton. 


1861. James C. Wilcox. 


1874. 


Warren Luce. 


Norton G. Skinner. 


John Middlesworth. 


David JJ. Roberts. 


1875. 


Robert K. Struble. 


1856. John I. Middlesworth. 


1809. William Bowk. 


1S62. Bimsley Stevens. 


1876- 


77. Bimsley Stevens. 


N. (i. Skinner. 


D. R. Reed. 


1863. Matthias Cummins. 


1878. 


E. F. Lillic. 


George W. Chase. 


Andrus Betterley. 


1864. No record. 


1879. 


William J. Tower. 


Jason Whitehead. 
1857. Halsey Whitehead. 


Byron Hopkins. 
1870. George Lillie. 


OVERSEERS 


F THE POOR. 


L. F. Lampson. 


D. R. Reed. 








D. M. Case. 


Warren Hawley. 


1850. Halsey Whitehead. 


1855. 


Wm. Cummins. 


Ambrose Kitchen. 


Stuart Douglas. 


Isaac Wixom. 


1856. 


Joseph Middlesworth. 


1858. D. M. Case. 


1871. D. N. Reed. 


1851. No record. 




A. S. Harmon. 


Jacob Shank. 


Ch.arles Devena. 


1852. H. Whitehead. 


1857. 


John Kimball. 


L. F. Lampson. 
Halsey Whitehead. 


B. Stevens. 


Matthias Cummins. 




Green Hicks. 


Ralph Collins. 
1872. James H. Page. 


1853. H. Whitehead. 


1858. 


Green Hicks. 


1859. Jacob Shank. 


William Cummins. 




Halscy Whitehead. 


D. M. Case. 


George Lillie. 


1854. H. H. Brownell. 


1859. 


D. N. Roberts. 


Isaac Wixom, Jr. 


D. N. Reed. 


1855. A. Fletcher. 




H. Whitehead. 


Halsey Whitehead. 
1860. Jacob Shank. 


James C. Whalen. 
1873. John Baird. 


SCHOOL IN 


SPECTORS. 


Isaac Wixom, Jr. 


John Develin. 


1850. William Whitehead. 


1859. 


James L. Topping. 


D. M. Case. 
Ilalscy Whitehead. 
1861. Halsey Whitehead. 


Ralph Collins. 
D. R. Reed. 


1851. George S. Fletcher. 


1860. 


J.icob G. Hicks. 


1874. D. R. Reed. 


1852. Jefferson H. Downer. 




H. H. Brownell. 










D. M. Case. 


George Miller. 


1853. Jacob G. Hicks. 


1861. 


Washington W. Faulkner. 


John F. Wise. 


James H. Pago. 


Reuben M. Ford. 


1862. 


J. G. Hicks. 






1854. N. J. Whitehead. 




J. C. Wilnox. 


Jacob Shank. 


Ralph Collins. 








1862. Jesse Harris. 


1875. J. H. Page. 


W. W. Faulkner. 


1863. 


N. J. Whitehead. 






1855. N. J. Whitehead. 


1864. 


M. V. B. Wixom. 


William Brady. 
Jacob Shank. 


George Dodder. 
D. R. Reed. 


1856. William W. Faulkner. 


1865. 


J. C. Wilcox. 


H. Whitehead. 


Edgar Durfce. 


1857. Isaac Wi.xom. 


1806. 


J. W. McCollum. 
Geo. W. Chase. 






1S58. Jacob G. Hicks. 


"^ Record 


illegible. 



ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP. 



309 



1876. Hugh Murray. 

Edgnr Durfeo. 

.I.inies C. Whalcn. 

V. R. Reed. 
1S77. n. Murray. 

J. R. Burr. 

J. C. Whalen. 

D. R. Reed. 



187S. H. Murray. 

JoliH Cowcll. 

Miv-cs Parker. 

Frederick Moran. 
1S79. William Hatt. 

James II. Pago. 

Hugh Murray. 

Jnuic9 R. Stcdman. 



SCHOOLS. 
The first school in the township was t.iught in a small 
cooper-shop, owned by James H. Murray, as early as 
1838-39, by Sarah JIurniy. A lo<r school-house was 
built, probably the next season, on land owned by James 
Olney. and afterwards the property of Halsey Whitehead. 
It now belongs to Allen Leonard. The following report of 
the township school-inspeetors shows the condition of the 
schools in town for the year ending Sept. 2, 1S7S: 

District No. 1* has one frame school-house with 60 sit- 
tings ; value of property, §200 ; one male and one female 
teacher; number of school-children, 5-4 ; attendance during 
the year, 47 ; school tiiught ISO days. 

District No. 2 has one frame sehool-house, 50 sittings ; 
property worth S600 ; one male and one female teacher ; 
58 school-children, of whom 45 attended during the year; 
school t;iught 160 days. 

District No. 3 * has one fnime school-house ; 39 school- 
children, all in attendance during the year ; school taught 
160daj-s; number of sittings, 40 ; valueof property, S450 ; 
two male teachers. 

District No. 4 has one frame school-house with 44 sit- 
tings ; value of property, SIOOO ; 49 school-children, and 31 
in attendance during the year; school taught 160 days; 
two female teachers. 

District No. 5 has one brick school-house, 60 sittings, 
and property valued at $500 ; one male and one female 
teacher ; 65 school-children, of whom 55 attended during 
the year; school taught 160 days. 

District No. 6 has 47 school-children, 46 in attendance ; 
school taught 15S days; two female teachers; one frame 
school-house ; 43 sittings ; value of property, S600. 

The amount paid to the teachers of these six schools was : 
five male teachers received S4S5 ; seven female teachers 
received S420 ; aggregate, §905. Total receipts for the 
year, §1468.23; expenditures (less amount on hand), 
81158.99. 

KELIGIOUS. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ARGENTINE VILLAGE. 

A cl;i&3 was organized here in February, 1869, by Rev. 
J. W. Holt, with B. G. Wliituey as chiss-leadcr. The ap- 
pointment was at first on Oak Grove circuit, but was 
changed to the Linden circuit in 1870. The frame church 
now standing was built and dedicated in 1873. The pres- 
ent membership of this church is 34, and the pastor is the 
Rev. 0. Sanborn. 

THE " DODI>ER SCnOOI.-IlOlSE CI,.\Ss"' 

was originally org-anized in Feiiton township, at the Blair 
school-house, in February, 1867, by Rev. James Berry. 
B. F. Hitchcock was chosen first class-leader. This class 

* Fraotional district. 



was subsequently changed to the Dodder school-house, in 
Arjj^entine, where its meetings are still held. It is a part 
of the Linden circuit, in charge of Rev. O. Sanborn, and 
has a membei-sbip of 27. 

Among those who have furni.<hed material aid in the 
compilation of this chapter, and to whom thanks are hereby 
tendered, are Mi-s. rainier, of Argentine village (the widow 
of James II. Murray^ ; Mrs. William Lobdell, of Linden ; 
David Brooks. Dr. Is;jac Wisom, of Feuton ; Amos Sturgis, 
Albert E. Hall, town clerk (for use of books of record), 
and others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN BOYCE COCHRAN 

was born in Camden, Maine, Nov. 13, 1812, and died at 
Argentine, Mich., March 8, 1876. He was the son of the 
Rev. Thomas Cochran, who graduated at Brown Univer- 
sity in the class of 1799, and who, subso<iucntly (in 1805), 
received from his Alma Mater the degree of Master of 
Arts. Jlr. Cochran's mother, whose maiden-name was 
Mary Baistow, was the daughter of Nathaniel Barstow and 
Elizabeth Cashing, who was the daughter of the Hon. 
Judge Joseph Cushing, of Revolutionary fame. Mr. 
Cochran's father died when he was quite young, and he 
went to reside with one of his paternal uncles at New Bos- 
ton, N. H., the birthplace of his father. 

His ancestry on his father's side was of that hardy, noble 
Scotch-Irish race that settled New Boston, N. H.. where 
the earth rises to meet tlie heavens ; where cataracts foam 
and watei-s leap ; where, above the herds that graze and the 
fields that bloom in the valleys below, the eagle wheels to 
his home in the cliffs. It Wiis there, among those hills 
and bold and majestic scenery, that he spent his youth and 
early manhood. Mountainous regions have always pro- 
duced a race pos.sessed of sterling qualities, hardy, ardent, 
generous, patriotic lovers of liberty; simple and sometimes 
blunt in their .iddress, they are men who have always dis- 
tinguished themselves in seasons of emergency ; and 5Ir. 
Cochran had many of these characteristics. 

It has been said that " New Hampshire is rough and 
rocky, her climate cold and uncongenial, and the produc- 
tions of her soil granite and ice." This is true in part, but 
there is a product of which she may justly feel proud. She 
has raised good men, and from her native hills a living 
stream has swept over this land, enriching, like the Nile, 
every spot where it has flowed, and Miciiigan and " old 
Genesee" have received the benefit of their intelligence, 
principles, and morals. Mr. Cochran was a native of one 
State and the adopted son of another, but he w;is proud of 
both. Though he never desired to forget from whence he 
came, yet his interests and sympathies were idl with the 
State and community of his adoption. His temperament 
was ardent, nervous, and generous. He Wiis a lover of his 
race, a man of broad charity and deep sympathies,— a genial, 
large-minded man, upright in his conduct, " the very soul of 
honor," commanding the conlidenco and esteem of all. He 
was full of '-the milk of liuman kindne.-s,' which was re- 



310 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



cognised in the glance of his eye, the tone of his voice, and 
the pressure of his hand. His heart overflowed with 
syuipathj- towards those around liini, and many who re- 
paired to him for counsel and advice could testify to the 
warmth of his feelings, as well as to the rectitude of his 
judgment. He was a man of great energy and decision of 
chanicter. In his home he was kind, confiding, and unos- 
tentatious ; sensitive to the cry of pain, zealous to alleviate 
suflering. and careful of wounding the feelings of others. 
How unstudied, and yet how effectual, his power to throw 
around him the sunshine of a loving and confiding heart, 
his four sons (^John L., Varnum B., George E., and 
Clarence F.), who have all arrived at man's estate, and all 
others who had access to that home, will ever remember. 

He was married, Sept. 1, 1S39, to Miss Mary Elizabeth 
Fletcher, who was born at Lowell, Mass., March 20, 1S20, 
and died at Argentine. Mich., Aug. 15, 1S77. She was 
the daughter of Jonathan Fletcher and Mary Varnum, 
who w;is the daughter of Col. Prescott Varnum, of Dracut, 
Mtiss. She received a libend education, and the fall after 
aft«r her marriage (_Sept. 21, 1840 ">, she, with her mother, 
accompanied her husband to Michigan, arriving at Detroit, 
Sept. 27, 1S40. After spending a year at the " City of the 
Straits," they moved into the township. Oct. 8, 1841, aud 
commenced ■' clearing up" the farm where they ever afler 
lived. It was a great change for Mrs. Cochran, from the so- 
ciety and etimfort.-; of au E;istern city to the quiet and solitude 
of an almost uubrokeu forest ; but for her young husband she 
felt, " Whither thou goest, I will go ; where thou diest will 
I die, and there will I be buried." How true, indeed, of 
her ! as she only survived her husband a short time, aud her 
mortal remaius now rest by the side of her husband's, in 
the beautiful cemetery at Linden, where, in her own 
words, — 

■• The silent sleepers, one by one, 
Rest with their kindred lieail ; 
Whore youth and ,"ige put off their pride, — 

Forg:et there's rank or birth. 
And by this softly-rippling tide 

Mingle again with e.irth. 
And so 'twill be in afler-yesirs 
Our forms will slumber too : 
Friends will plant flowers amid their tears, 

Whieh fall like evening dew. 
Stringers will walk amid these grounds. 

Drink from this purling spring. 
And joyous birds above these mounds 

Will linger oft to sing. 
Oh, sacred s)>ot, — serenely calm, 

To rest at life's glad ev'n 
With glorious hope, — the spirit's balm, 
Of a home above, in heaven," 

Though Mrs. Cochrau wrote of Massachusetts, her native 
State, — 

'■ I hail thee with pride, dear State of my birth. 
And think thee the fairest and brightest of earth," — 

she livevl to love her own adopted county, Genesee, and 
wrote of her, — 

" I've wandered 'nealh the orange tree, 

And culled the tropic flowers : 
My cheek was fanned by ocean broeie, 

I've dreamed in Southern bowers: 
But naught so fair, no air so free, 

As thy lair county, Genesee." 



Mrs. Cochran was a lady of fine literary tastes and 
taleuts, and often contributed both prose aud poetry to the 
periodical press of the country. Many of her productions 
appeared from lime to time in the different county papers. 
It was a pleasure for her to write ; and, as she often ex- 
pressed it, " she wrote for her own ainu.<ement." A promi- 
nent lady of Flint, in writing to T/w Democrat at the time 
of Mrs. Cochran's death, said : " She was a lady of great 
strength of character and much ability as a writer, and I 
felt honored in being able to class her as among my per- 
sonal friends. But now she is numbered with those who 
have passed to that land from whence no traveler returns 
to tell us of its hidden mysteries. I seem as one let\ alone 
upon a dreary waste, with chilling winds moaning over the 
deserted plain." 

Her life was one of active usefulness and unselfish devo- 
tion to her family, and it was here in the home circle, 
as wife and mother, that her many noble qualities of he:id 
and heart found fullest play. She alwap gave her personal 
attention to the eilncation and instruction of her children, 
aud was largely iustrumeutid in giving them ;dl a libend 
education. 

Her influence and interests were by no means circum- 
scribed by the walls of her own home, but extended to all who 
needed her assistance and friendship. It can truly be said 
that she was always foremost in promoting the interests of 
religion, education, and temperance in the community where 
she was so long and favorably known. During the late 
Kebellion she was active in collecting supplies to send for- 
ward for the benefit of our wounded soldiers, and many will 
remember her as one ever ready to carry sympathy and 
comfort to the home of suffering and distress. 

Is it not possible that the influence of her life, which 

lives after her, is a most fitting answer to her own beautiful 

words ? — 

"And when others fill these places. 
Which have echoetl to our tread, 
May we leave some bright memento 
Which will speak thoagh we are dead." 



LORENZO C. FLETCHER 

was born in Lowell, Middlesex Co., Mass . Sept. 16, 1S15. 
His father, Jonathan Fletcher, was a merchant in his early 
life, but later bec;une a builder, which occupation he fol- 
lowed until his death, which occurred in 1830. He w:is 
au estimable man of much energy and determination, and 
successful. Lorenzo received an academical education, and 
at the age of eighteen years w;is apprenticed to the trade 
of a builder, which occupation he followed until 1854, In 
1839, in company with his brother George, he came to 
Michigan, and settled in Detroit, where he njiuaiued until 
his removal to Argentine, in 1854, During his residence 
in Detroit, a period of nearly fifteen years, he was pniuii- 
nently identifietl with the city, and w:\s twice elected alder- 
man, which position he filled with credit to himself, and to 
the entire s;>tisfaction of his cinistituents. In 1854 he 
disposed of his property in Detroit, and purchaseil of Gov- 
ernor Fentou three hundred and twenty acres of wild land 
in Argentine, which he hivs improved, and to which he has 





o/^^ayC^^in. L^^^y^ ^ 



A^eiyi^ 




9t UJ ^(ToA^h^O^^ 





MRS. DAVID BROOKS. 



DAVID BROOKS, 



f PHOTOS BT J M PxrpPS. ) 



ARGENTINE TOWNSHIP. 



311 



added about four hundred acres, making one of the largest 
farms in the county. 

In 184.5, IMr. Fletcher was married to Miss Julia A. 
Harris, of Macomb Co., Mich. She was born in Burrel- 
ville, R. I., Jan. 28, 1821. They have reared a family of 
three children, — two sons and one daughter. 

Mr. Fletcher is a man of decided opinions, and of invin- 
cible determination. He possesses the elements of a suc- 
cessful business man, — keen perceptive faculties, coupled 
with good judgment and an abundance of will-power. 
Socially, he is courteous and genial, winning and retaining 
the regard of all with whom he conies in contact. He is 
in every way worthy of the position he holds among the 
representative men of Genesee County. 



JOHN BOYD 
was of Scotch parentage, born in Londonderry, Ireland, 
in 1815. He was the son of David and Rebecca Boyd. 
At the age of twenty he came to America, and shortly 
after his arrival went to Hartford, Conn., and entered the 
employ of H. & H. Freeman, manufacturers of boots and 
shoes. lie remained with this firm nine years. In the 
spring of 1845 he came to Argentine, and purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land. Returning to Hartford, 
he arranged his business, and with his family — which 
consisted of his wife and two children, William D. and 
Colwell — returned to his new home. He was a man of 
very industrious habits, great energy, a successful farmer, 
and a valuable citizen. He died in March, 1862. 

In 1840, Mr. Boyd was married to Margaret Pattison, of 
Hartford. She was born in Philadelphia, in 1820, and 
was the oldest child in the family of James and Martha 
(Allen) Pattison. Her father was a weaver by occupa- 
tion, and came to Hartford in 1838, where he resided until 
his death. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd reared a family of seven 
children, — five sons and two danghters. John Boyd was 
emphatically a self-made man. Starting in life with only his 
natural resources for his capital, he attained success, and 
became not only prominent in his calling, but an esteemed 
and valuable member of society. 



LEWIS LAHRING. 

This gentleman, one of the prominent farmers and early 
settlers of Argentine, was born in Hanover, Germany, 
March 24, 1825. His parents, John and Elizabeth 
Labring, had a family of six children, — four boys and two 
girls. The elder Lahring died when Lewis was but six 
years of age, and in 1837 the family emigrated to America, 
and settled in Holly, Oakland Co. He commenced life as 
a farm-hand, which occupation he followed three years. In 
1849 he came to Argentine, and purchased one hundred 
and .sixty acres of land, where he now resides. He was at 
this time unmarried, and built a log cabin in the woods, in 
which he lived alone for two years, when he married Miss 
Sally, daughter of Halscy Whitehead, one of the town's 
first settlers. She was born in the town of Tyre, Seneca 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1828. 

When four years of age Halsey Whitehead came to 



Michigan, and settled in the town of West Bloomfield, Oak- 
land Co. ; in 1838 he came to Argentine, where he resided 
until his death, which occurred Sept. 2, 1874, having lived 
in the town thirty-seven years. He filled various offices of 
public trust to the satisfaction of all. He was born in the 
town of Morris, Hanover Co., N. J., and while young 
moved to Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y. He was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, and was a man highly esteemed. 

Mr. Lahring is a thrifty and successful agriculturist. To 
his first purchase he has added two hundred acres, and his 
farm is justly considered to be one of the best in the county. 



WILLIAM T. JENNINGS 
was born in the town of Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., July 
31, 1837. His father, Stephen Jennings, was a native of 
Massachusetts, and a cooper by occupation. In 1843 he 
came to Argentine with his family, — which consisted of 
his wife and two children, Elvira H. and William T., — 
and settled near the village, where he purchased eighty 
acres of land. This he exchanged in 1858 for one hundred 
and sixty acres, which is a part of the farm now owned by 
his son ; to this William T. has added two hundred acres, 
making one of the largest farms of the town. In 1859 he 
married IMiss Savilla Middlesworth, daughter of Isaac R. 
Middlesworth, one of the pioneers of the town. Mrs. Jen- 
nings was born in Newark, N. J., June 1, 1837. Mr. Jen- 
nings has been prominently identified with Argentine, and is 
one of the successful and progressive farmers of the county. 
He has an interesting family of five children, — two boys 
and three girls. 



DAVID BROOKS. 

Among the venerable pioneers of Genesee County who, 
by their own industry and energy, laid the broad founda- 
tion for its present wealth, none are more worthy of a con- 
spicuous place in the annals of its early history than David 
Brooks. He was born in the town of Homer, Cortland Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 17, 1808. His ftithor, Samuel Brooks, was a 
soldier in the war of 1812, and was killed in the battle of 
Queenstown Heights. About 1815 the family removed to 
Cayuga County, where they resided until Mr. Brooks' emi- 
gration to Michigan, in 1831. He first stopped in Roch- 
ester, Oakland Co., where he was engaged as a teamster ; 
this occupation he followed some sixteen months. At the 
expiration of his term of service he was married to Miss 
Abigail Shipey, daughter of Stephen Shipey, one of the 
town's first settlers. Mrs. Brooks was born in the town of 
Adams, Jefrcr,son Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1812. When she 
was seven years of age her parents emigrated to Oakland 
County. 

After a residence of three years in Oakland County, Mr. 
Brooks came to Argentine, and " took up" tlie farm where 
he now resides. At that time there was only one other 
white person in the town, — Mr. James Murray, who had 
settled in what is now Argentine village. 

Pioneer life in Genesee was at this time replete with 
hardship and i)rivations, and Mr. and Mrs. Brooks had 



312 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



their full share. The nearest mill was at Pontiac, and for 
nearly all articles, either for the farm or household, they 
were obliged to go to Detroit. He speaks of the kindness 
of the Indians, by whom he was highly esteemed, and says 
that they frequently rendered him material assistanee. Many 
interesting incidents occurred, for which we refer our readers 
to the township history. 

Mr. Brooks' farm was originally heavily timbered ; the 
fine farm of to-day is the result of years of toil, and a last- 
ing monument to his industry and energy. In 1837 the 
town of Argentine was organized, and Mr. Brooks was 
elected its first justice, which position he has since held, — 
a period (1879) of over forty-two yeai-s. 



Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had eight children, — four sons 
and four daughters, — five of whom are now living. One 
son, Edward, was a member of the 8th Michigan Infantry, 
and lost his life at the battle of Coosaw River, N. C, in 
January, 1862. He was a brave soldier, and in the fatal 
charge was so far ahead of his comrades that his loss was 
not discovered unti. the company left the field. The other 
sons, James and William, served through the war, — the 
former as a member of the 7th and the latter of the 11th 
Infantry Regiments. Mr. Brooks has passed his " three- 
score and ten ;" is possessed of most of the virtues and but 
few of the fiiilings of humanity. He has endeared himself 
to a large circle of friends and relations. 



MOUNT MOERIS. 



MoBNT JIoRRis, one of the latest township organizations 
in the county, was formed from Flushing and Genesee by an 
act of the State Legislature, approved Feb. 12, 1855. An 
interior township, it is joined on the north by Vienna, east 
by Genesee, south by Flint, west by Flushing, and in the 
field notes of the United States survey is designated as 
township No. 8 north, of range No. 6 east. In its natural 
features it is very similar to other interior divisions of the 
county iilready described, the surface slightly rolling, and 
covered originally with heavy forests of beech, maple, oak, 
ash, and many other varieties of deciduous trees indigenous 
to the soil in this section of the State. 

The Flint River, in its flow to the northwest, crosses the 
extreme southwest corner. Devil Lake, a small body of 
water containing from ten to fifteen acres, is situated upon 
section 35. Brent's Run takes its rise from this lake, and 
flows northerly through the central part. Several other 
small tributaries of the Flint cross the township and flow 
in a general northwest course. Stone similar to that ob- 
tained in the Flushing quarries is found in the bed of the 
river upon section 31. The soil is very productive. The 
people, who number about 2000 at the present writing, are 
chiefly agriculturists, and wool, live-stock, and wheat the 
principal products. 

ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

To one engaged in preparing a historical sketch of Blount 
Morris whose field shall be confined within its present boun- 
daries, the task is a most arduous one. From the date of its 
first settlement (in 1833) to 1836, its territory formed part 
of Grand Blanc township. Flint was formed in the spring 
of the latter year, and from that time until early in 1838, 
this township was under the jurisdiction of Flint. In the 
year last mentioned the townships of Genesee and Flushing 
were erected. By the act of their formation the east half 
of surveyed township No. 8 north, of range No. G east, was 
assigned to the township of Genesee, while the west half 
WiLS included wllliiu that of Flashing. This condition of 



afiairs, so far as the present town of Mount Morris was con- 
cerned, remained unchanged until 1855. Consequently, 
the early social and political history of the township was so 
clearly divided by an imaginary line, separating the east 
from the west half, and so interwoven with those townships 
with which they were connected, that old residents of to- 
day, when they go back in their recollections to years prior 
to 1855, still insist, when speaking of friends and neighbors 
who reside in the east half, as of being in Genesee, those in 
the west half as of Flushing. Another obstacle confronts 
the local historian at the outset, viz. : the almost total 
disappearance from the vicinity of those who witnessed or 
took an active part in the first improvements. However, 
it is conceded by those most conversant with the facts that 
Benjamin Pearson — " Uncle Ben," as he was more familiarly 
called^was the pioneer of Mount Morris. He came from 
Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., early in the spring of 1833, 
and immediately after his arrival at Todd's tavern devoted 
many days to " land-looking," as it was his purpose to be- 
come a permanent resident of the new country, and also to 
invest a considerable sum in the purchase of desirable lands. 
He finally made choice of the south half of section 25, and 
the east half of the northeast quarter of section 36, as the 
place of his future residence, and purchased the same from 
the general government early in May, 1833. At the same 
time he entered lands situated in the present township of 
Genesee. A few years subsequently he became the owner 
by purchase of many other tracts situated in this and ad- 
joining townships. 

About the time that Mr. Pearson had decided where to 
locate, there arrived at his hostelry (Todd's tavern) Lewis 
Buckingham, John Pratt, Isaac N. Robinson, and Richard 
Marvin, from Jlount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., also in 
search of lauds and a homestead in the promising young 
Territory. Desirous of securing them as neighbors, Mr. 
Pearson volunteered to show them " some of the nicest 
land they had ever seen." The following morning. May 2, 
1833, he guided them to a point on the Saginaw road about 



MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP. 



four miles noith of the present city of Flint. The location 
suited all except Marvin, and two or three days later I'ear- 
sou, Pratt, Buekiughaui, and Robinson repaired to Detroit 
and entered lands in what was to be known a few months 
later as the " Coldwater settlement." After assisting to 
build a log house for Luman Beach, which was located in 
the present township of Genesee, they all returned to New 
York. 

In the month of August, or early in September, 1833, 
Benjamin Pearson and John Pratt returned from the East, 
accompanied by their families. Sir. Pearson then erected, 
and before the 1st of October was occupying, the fii-st dwell- 
ing built in Mount Morris township. This was situated 
upon the northeast corner of section 36. 

Mr. Pratt lived with Luman Beach until the completion 
of his cabin, which was situated a short distance north of 
Pearson's. It is stated that later in the same season Ly- 
man G. Buckingham and Alanson and Luther Dickinson 
arrived and settled on section 36; also Asahel Beach and 
a 51 r. Ballard, who locjited on the west side of the Sagi- 
naw road. 

Daniel Curtis settled upon section 35 in the fall of 1834. 
During this and the succeeding year the " Coldwater set- 
tlement" was considerably increased in numbers by new ar- 
rivals, all of whom, and their place of settlement, we are 
now unable to trace. Schools were opened, a society of 
Presbyterians organized, and the principles of temperance 
disseminated and practiced in their midst. 

Ezekiel R. Ewing, the first supervisor of Mount Morris, 
came to Grand Blane in 182!). After residing there and 
at the Flint River settlemsnt for a number of years, it is 
believed that he settled upon section 31, in this township, 
some time during the ye.ir 1835. During the period that 
the west half of this township formed part of Flushing, 
Mr. Ewing was prominently identified with the public in- 
terests of the latter, anJ Wiis also conspicuous as a county 
official. 

Charles N. Beecher, from Livingston Co., N. Y., settled 
upon section 24 in the fall of 1835. Years later he became 
a resident of the city of Flint. He was always a promi- 
nent man in Genesee County, and was the recipient of many 
official favors in the gifb of an appreciative public. Years 
ago, while reciting soma of his pioneer espjriences, he men- 
tioned that Peabody Pratt came to Genesee with him. 
There was then a turnpike, 99 feet wide, opened five miles 
north of Flint, terminating near Benjamin Pearson's farm. 
The roads out of Detroit were welluigh impassable. He 
paid 81.25 per hundredweight to have his goods brought 
from the latter city. It w;is no unusual sight to see babies 
packed in baskets and carried through on horseback. 

Edwin Coruwell, from MidJletowu, Conn., arrived in 
the township in 0>;tober, 1836, and settled near the cen- 
tral part, upon section 14. He, with his family, consisting 
of a wife and two children, shared the hospitality of Nor- 
man Cone, an early settler of Genesee township, until a log 
dwelling could be constructed, and a road cut out by him- 
self, Iciiding from the Saginaw turnpike to the place of his 
(Cornwell's) present residence. Without a doubt, Mr. 
Cornwell was the first permanent settler in the central part 
of the township. He relates that during the first winter 
40 



he killed nineteen wolves, and that his nearest and only 
neighbor on the west was Jacob Djhn, a German, who had 
settled upon section 18* early in 1836. Frederick Walker 
settled in the northeast corner at about the same time as 
Cornwell, and their dwellings were " raised" the same day. 
Among other settlei-s, not already mentioned, who were 
here prior to Mr. Cornwell's settlement, were Juba Bar- 
rows, at whose house the first township-meeting for Gen- 
esee was held, and Ilicli.ird Johnson, from England, one of 
the early leading Methodists. 

Frederick Walker, a native of England, came from 
Dutchess Co., N. Y., in Oolobor, 1S36, and settled upon 
the present site of the village of Mount Morris, being the 
first settler in that vicinity. Mrs. Walker remembers that 
their nearest neighbors were Grovncr Vinton, two miles 
distant to the northward, and William Wooltitt, who was 
on section 13, one and a half miles south. Albert H. Hart 
was on the opposite side of the road, in Genesee township. 
Mr. Walker, during his lifetime, was ever active in ad- 
vancing the best interests of his townsmen, and discharged 
with rare fidelity the many duties imposed while wearing 
official honors. He was the first postm;tster in the village, 
and, besides serving in various official capacities in Genesee 
township, represented Genesee County in the State Legis- 
lature during three terms. Henry Parker also settled in 
the northe;ist part in 1836. In 1837, George Selby bought 
of Frederick Walker 30 acres, and the first dwelling built 
by him (Walker). A few months later Selby died. Wil- 
liam Bodine then purchased the Solby place, and lived there 
for many years. 

In July, 1839, Rodman W. Albro, a native of Rhode 
Island, came from the city of New York, and purchased 
of II. I. Higgins the west one-half of the southwest quar- 
ter of section 13, which he still owns. lie was accompa- 
nied by his wife and three children. Mr. Albro's recollec- 
tions of those residing in the e;tst half of the township at 
the time of his arrival are as follows: " Manley Miles. Ly- 
man G. Buckingham, Alanson Dickinson, William Pier.son, 
John Rusco, near Devil's Lake, Jesse Clark, Porter Flem- 
ings, John Pratt, Daniel Curtis and his father-in-law 
Bacon, Luther Trickcy, who had been here two or three 
years, Juba Barrows, Elder Cobb, of the Presbyterian 
Church, Daniel Andrews, Pratt's brother-in-law Humphrey 
Hunt, Charles N. Beecher, who owned a large tract of land, 

Edwin Cornwell, Linus Atkins, Twogood, M'illiam 

Woolfitt, Frederick Walker, Henry Barber, George Scho- 
field, with a large family of sons, William Bodine, and 
Richard Johnson. A man named Moffat had settled on 
section 19, built a small log house, and done some clearing, 
but removed prior to 1839. Samuel Stewart had built a 
house, but after living here a short period had gone away ; 
also a man named Hopkins, who made a beginning on 
the property now owned by Louis Cornwell." 

He Wiis not so conversant with those living in the west 
part, as heavy forests separated the Flushing and Genesee 
settlements, but believes that " James Armstrong, Abial C. 
Bliss, Sylvester Beebe, William Chase, Jacob Dehn, Eze- 
kiel R. Ewing, Nathaniel Hopson, William H. Hughes, 



* On the farm known as the Travis place. 



314 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Doiiiinick Kelly, Vincent Runyon, Russell Wckli, and 
Alvin Wright were all there prior to 1840." 

The resident tax-payers of 1844, alphabetically arranged, 
together with the sections upon which they paid taxes, 
were as follows : 



-Andrews, Ilrnry, 23. 
Albro, liodman W., \Z, 14. 
Aniistroug, Jiinies, IS. 
Buckingbaiu, Lyman G., 36. 
Barber, Henry, 2, 3. 
Barrows, Juba, 24. 
Bodinc, ^Villiam, 12. 
Bacon, Nathan. 25. 
Bliss, Abial C, 31, 32. 
Brown, William, 30. 
Bowers, Benjaniin, 31. 
Bcebe, Sylvester, 21. 
Cornwell, Edwin, 14. 
Curtis, Daniel, 24, 25. 
Chase, William, 29. 
Cooper, William ]!., 30. 
Chilson, C. C, 27. 
Daly, Patrick, 2. 
Dickinson, Alanson, 36. 
Dickinson, William, 36. 
Dehn, Jacob, 18. 
Ewing, Ezekicl K., 31. 
Hunt, Humphrey, 24. 



Hopson, Nathaniel, 9. 
Hughes, William H., 28. 
Hoyes, Aaron G., 31. 
Johnson, Richard. 1, 10. 
Kelly, Dominick, 29. 
Miles, Manlcy, 36. 
Pearson, AVilliam S., 36. 
Pratt, A. B., 24, 25. 
Pettengill, Samuel, 32. 
Pottengill, Daniel, 32. 
Rusco, J. A., 36. 
Runyon, Vincent, 29. 
Ransom, Benjamin, 31. 
Rood, G. B., 31. 
Scboficld, George, 3. 
Shepard, William, 30. 
Todd, Joseph J., 32. 
Thayer, Washington (personal). 
Woolfitt, William, 13. 
AVulker, Frederick, 12. 
Welch, Russell, 32, 33. 
Wright. Alvin, 33. 
Williams, Henry A., 31. 



LAND ENTRIES. 

The sixth section of Smith's reservation, allotted in the 
survey of 1820 to Messmcwakul, or Harriet M. Smith, in- 
cludes the southeast corner of section 32 and the south- 
west corner of section 33. The first purchase of lands 
from the general government seems to have been made 
early in May, 1833, by Benjamin Pearson and John Pratt, 
both from Livingston Co., N. Y'. Pearson's choice rested 
upon portions of sections 25 and 36, while Pratt chose 
parts of sections 24 and 25, all resting upon the Saginaw 
trail. In June, 1833, Benjamin Cory, from Livingston 
Co., N. Y., entered the east half of the northeast quarter 
of section 24. In October of the same year Hiram Green, 
also from Livingston Co., N. Y., purchased the south half 
of the southeast quarter of section 13. Alvah Peabody 
from the same place, and the same day, entered the north 
half of the last-mentioned quarter. 

The following list embraces the names of those purchas- 
ing from the government lands situated in this township, 
designating also the year the fii^st entry was made upon 
each section. Those whose names are in italics became 
actual settlers. 

1835, section 1 : Timothy J. Walling, Benjamin Pear- 
son, William Sissins, Richard Johnson, Healey & Kir- 
cheval. 

1835, section 2 : Joshua Pattee, Mink Healey and B. 
B. Kercheval, William Thayer, John Lyon, Elizabeth 
Eaton, Orville S. Allen, Hugh Birckhead, Bouck, Geb- 
herd & Deitz. 

1836, section 3 : Richard JUarvin, Juha Barrows, John 
Lyon, John Taylor. 

1836, section 4: Healey & Kercheval, Daniel Webster, 
Boston, Mass., Thomas H. Perkins, David PiiTord. 

1836, section 5 : Thomas H. Perkins, Samuel Perry, 



Horace Perry, Hiram Sibley, Charles F. Dickinson, Charles 
S. Boughton. 

1836, section 6: Ambrose Smith, Daniel Webster, Hiram 
Sibley, Denton G. Stewart, George M. Dewey, Henri/ Tulles, 
Samuel Wright. 

1836, section 7 : Lyman Strowbridge, William S. Taylor, 
Charles F. Dickinson, Charles Boughton, George M.Dewey, 
John D. Armstrong. 

1836, section 8 : Hiram Sibley, Charles F. Dickinson, 
and C. S. Boughton. 

1836, section 9 : Daniel Webster, Thomas H. Perkins, 
David Pifford, Jabez W. Throop. 

1836, section 10: Richard Marvin, Healey & Ker- 
cheval, James Abrams, Jabez W. Throop. 

1836, section 11: Newell French, Moses Camp, James 
Wadsworth, James Abrams. 

1834, section 12: William M. Parker, Harvey Wood- 
ford, David PifFoid, John Palmer, Albert Hosuier. 

1833, section 13: Hiram Green, Alvah Peabody, Wm. 
M. Parker, William Wooljitt, David Pifford, Timothy Walk- 
ley, Charles N'. Beecher, Sarah A. Beecher. 

1836. section 14; Edwin Cornwell, Pardon K. Fay, 
John llollslander, Adam Holtslander, Bouck, Gebherd & 
Doilz. 

1836, section 15 : Alvah Beach, James Wadsworth. 

1835, section 17: Abraham Bevier, Charles Twogood, 
Bouck, Gebherd & Deitz, Socrates Smith, Dickinson & 
Boughton. 

1836, section 18 : Samuel S. Dunning, Ja7)ies Armstrong, 
Calvin S. Wheeler, Hiram Sibley. 

1836, section 19 : Abigail and Sarah Cronk, Hcrrick 
Allen, Richard Taylor, Nicholas C. Haywood, John Green- 
field, Nathaniel ffoj'son, Edward Armstrong, Jacob S. 
Deland, Andrew Fisher, Robert Patrick. 

1836, section 20 : William Capron, Thomas C. Mahon, 
William Taylor, Herrick Allen, Nicholas Bouck, John C. 
Gebherd, and David Deitz. 

1836, section 21 : Electus Boardman, Thomas C. Mahon, 
Thomas H. Perkins, David Pifford, Bouck, Gebherd & 
Deitz, Sylvester Beehe, George M. Dewey. 

1836, section 22 : Electus Boardman, Isaac N. Robin- 
son, David Pifford. 

1836, section 23 : Henry Andrews, David T. Bacon, 
Pardon K. Fay, Healey & Kercheval, Bouck, Gebherd & 
Deitz. 

1833, section 24: John Pratt, Benjamin Coy, Abraham 
Bevier, Charles N. Beecher, John Pratt, Mary Bodine. 

1833, section 25 : John Pratt, Benjamin Pearson, Daniel 
Curtis, John Pratt, Betsey Arthur. 

1836, section 26 : James Hosmer, Benjamin Pearson, 
Loren Coy, Benjamin Coy. 

1836, section 27 : Healey & Kercheval, Fitch Read, 
Prentiss Williams, Hiram Hall, Thomas Durfee. 

1836, section 28 : Alanson Pat/son, Wm. Molby, Smith 
Titus, Prentiss Williams, William F. Crane, Hugh Warren, 
Cortland Lindsay, Nicholas C. Haywood. 

1836, section 29 : Ira Payson, Ira French, Jacob Dehn, 
William S. Taylor, Herrick Allen, Dominick Kelly. 

1836, section 30 : George JIacomber, Leonard Cutler. 

1834, section 13 : Aaron G. Hoyes, Andrevf Donaldson, 



MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSIIIl'. 



315 



Jr., E::rl-id R. Ewliig, Jcilin Glass, Ilcnry Cobb, Noah 
Hamilton, George Macoiubor. 

1836, section 32 : David M. Jcwctt, E. R. Ewing, 
Erastus Jones, Joseph J. Tod J, Jncoh Dehii, Voortiies & 
Seeley, Solomon Mathews, Jeremiah C. Thomas, Iliram 
Hall. 

1835, section 33 : Russell Wtlcli, Samuel WiiylU, Jarcd 
Newell, John Tolk. 

1836, section 34 : James Hosmer, John Tollc, Jonas G. 
Potter. 

1835, section 35 : William H. Carpenter, Samuel C. 
Holden, Albert Ilosmer, Herman Camp, Malachi Loveland. 

1833, section 36 : Benjamin Pearson, Lyman G. Bnclc- 
ingham, Alanson Dickinson, Lathe}' Dickinson. 

CIVIL AND POLITICAL. 

During the session of 1855 the State Legislature passed 
the following act : 

" Skition 1. The pmple of ilic Sinic of Mlrhigiin tnm-t, Tliiit town- 
ship Dumber eight north, of range number gix cast, be and tlie same 
is hereby set off from the towns of Genesee and Flushing, and organ- 
ized into a separate township, under tlie name and style of Mount 
Morris, and the tirst township-meeting shall be held on the first Mon- 
day of April next, at such place as the County Treasurer of the county 
of Genesee shall determine; and said County Treasurer shall be and 
is hereby required to give at least ten days' notice of said meeting by 
jKistiug notices in at least three of the most public places in said town- 
ship. 

*' This act shall take effect immediately. 

" Approved February 12th, 1855." 

The township derives its name from Mount Morris, Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y., the early home of many of the first 
settlers. 

Pursuant to the act of organization, and tlie notices pre- 
viously posted by the county treasurer, the legal voters as- 
sembled for the purpose of holding their first township 
election, April 2, 1S55. The place of meeting was in an 
old abandoned log house which stood on the west half of 
the northeast quarter of section 34, and an organization 
was effected by choosing Ezekiel R. Ewing, Moderator, 
Bradford P. Foster, Clerk, Sylvester Beebo, Assistant Clerk, 
and Frederick Walker, a justice of the peace. Inspector. The 
■whole number of votes polled at this election was 74, and at 
its close the following-named officers were declared elected : 
Ezekiel R. Ewing, Supervisor; Bradford P. Foster, Town- 
ship Clerk ; Samuel R. Farnham,* Treasurer ; Frederick 
Walker, H. S. Root, Daniel Pettengill, Justices of the Peace ; 
Alanson Payson, Rodman W. Albro, H. S. Root, Highway 
Commissioners ; G. L. Ewing, J. L. Deland, School Inspec- 
tors ; Alanson Payson, William S. Pierson, Overseers of the 
Poor ; E. L. Johnson, Constable. 

The residents a.ssessed for taxation upon the first assess- 
ment roll were one hundred and sixteen in number; their 
names, and the sections upon portions of which they paid 
taxes in 1855, were as follows: 



Baker, Byron, 16. 
Brown, Foster, 18. 
Beckwith, Thomas, 22. 
Brockwiiy, J. L., .t. 
Baker, Thomas, 12, 23. 
Baker, 11., 35. 
Clark, Jesse, 26. 
Cornwell, Edwin, 14. 
Campbell, John, 25. 
Copelnnd, William, 14. 
Clupham, John, 2. 
Carpenter, Rowland, 27. 
Cooley, Isabella, 12. 
Chase, \V. L. (estate of), 29. 
Cramer, I. D., 30. 
Cogswell, Iliram, 16. 
Craig, Andrew, 16. 
DelanJ, J. L., IS. 
Davis, Edward, ]!). 
Dempster, A., 16. 
Donley, .lohn, 35. 
Dewey, E. B., 36. 
Daly, Patrick, 2, 10, 11. 
Ewing, E. R., 31. 
Ewing, G. L., 31. 
Ewing, C. II. (personal). 

Elder, James, 32. 

Edin, A. W. (estate of), 2. 

Farnum, Samuel R., 33. 

Ferris, Gano, 12, 

Foster, Bradford P., 25. 

Fleming, Porter, 26. 

Fisher, A. (estate of), 19, 

Giberson, , 12. 

Gay, Masten, 35. 

Grover, E. D., 12. 

(Jraham, Thomas, 10. 

Gilbert, Lucius, 35. 

Gilbert, Pbilo, 23. 

Gilbert, J. M., 27. 

Hughes, Edward, 13. 

Hughes, William, 13. 

Hughes, John, 13. 

Hughes, Christojiber, 1, 12. 

Hughes, William H., 34, 36. 

Hart, George, 2. 

Herrin^ton, Wni. II., 3. 

Herrick, Chauncey, 13. 

Hosmer, Henry, 13. 

Holtslander, .\brani,14. 

Hopson, Nathaniel, 19. 

Hosford, Nevi, 20, 21. 



Hovcy, A., 16. 
Harrison, Rufus, 31. 
Johnson, Richard, 10. 
Johnson, Abraham, 28. 
Johnson, Edmond, 1. 
Judge, F., 16. 
Kenney, Patrick, 36. 
Kclley, Barney, 29. 
Lent, Stephen F., 35. 
McDowell, Lewis, 30. 
Mann, Wm. H., 12. 
Maloncy, John, 3. 
Miiscman, Charles, 18. 
Miller, Benjamin, 24. 
Miles, Nath.in M,, 32. 

Olorick, , 12. 

Parmington, Aaron, 23. 
Pierson, William S., 25, 26, 36. 
Pearson, Benjamin, 36. 
Perry, John, 36. 
Pettee, E. N., 36. 
Pangburu, Wra., 2. 
l*atlec, Joshua, 2. 
Pettengill, Daniel, 32. 
Pettengill, Samuel, 32. 
Payson, Alanson, 28, 29. 
Russell, Thomas, 12. 
Rcardon, Patrick, 28. 
Ransom, Benjamin, 31. 
Root, H. S., 30. 
Root, Wm. W., 31. 
Simmons, A. G., 16. 
Spoar, D.aniel, 28. 
Scutt, Truman, 29. 
Seeley, George, 16. 

Sackrider, , 4, 

Stimp&on, -, 14. 

Schofield, George, 3. 
Sissins, William, 1. 
Stnley, Henry (personal). 
Thayer, C. W., 31. 
Tyler, P. H., 4. 
Wisner, E. G., 24. 
Wisner, James, 24. 
Woolfitt, William, 13. 
Walkley, T. A., 25. 
Walker, Frederick, 12. 
Wait, George W., 19. 
Wright, Sewell, 33. • 

Wright, Alvin, 33. 
Welch, Russell, 32, 33. 
Wilson, John, 10. 



Austin, , 30. 

Albro, Rodman W., 13. 
Beel)e, Sylvester, 32. 
Beeehcr, Charles N., 24. 
Beaham, Mat hew, 26. 
liarrows, Juba, 24. 



Barber, Henry, 1, 2, 3. 
Baker, Adin, 14, 23. 
Baker, Ezekiel, 23. 
Baker, Oringcr, 24. 
Buckingham, Lyman G., 36. 
Baker, R. H., 23. 



* Sometimes spoiled Farnum. 



At the township election held in April, 18ti6, it was 
voted that $150 be raised to build a town-house, and 
Hiram S. Root, Frederick Walker, and Rodman W. Albro 
were appointed the building committee. The site selected 
was the northwest corner of the west one-half of the north- 
east quarter of section 22. 

Walter Maxwell was the builder, and the house was 
completed in October, 1866. 

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FROM 1856 TO 1879, INCLUSIVK.f 

1856.— Whole number of votes polled, 85. Ezekiel R. 
Ewing, Supervisor; Bradford P. Foster, Township Clerk ; 
Samuel R. Farnham, T rea.su re r ; Eli L. Simmons, Juba 
Barrows, Assessors; Rodman W. Albro, Highway Com- 
missioner; Aaron Parmeter, School Inspector; Frederick 

t Many of the earliest residents were prominent as ullicors in 
Flushing and (Jencsoe, .and the reader is referred to the civil lists of 
those townships for information. 



31C 



HISTOliy OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Walker, William 11. Mann, Justices of the Peace; William 
H. Pcnington, Constable. 

1857. — Whole nuraber of votes polled, C9. Ezekiel R. 
Ewing, Supervisor ; Oranger Baker, Town Clerk ; William 
B. Albro, Treasurer ; Aaron Parmeter, Sylvester Beebe, 
Justices of the Peace ; Edmond Hughes, Highway Com- 
missioner; G. L. Ewing, School Inspector; Thomas Ga- 
han, John Donley, Poor-Masters; John Middleton, James 
Iloltslander, James Gahan, Gilbert Travis, Constables. 

1858. — Whole number of votes polled, 131. AVilliam 
B. Albro, Supervisor ; Daniel Pettengill, Town Clerk ; Jo- 
seph L. Brockway, St'bool Inspector ; Edmund D. Grover, 
Treasurer; Alanson Payson, Poor-Master; Nathaniel Hop- 
son, Highway Commissioner; Joel L. Deland, Justice of 
the Peace ; Hiram G. Cogswell, James Chase, Elisha T. 
Mott. John D. Armstrong, Constables. 

1859.— Whole number of votes polled, 143. William 

B. Albro, Supervisor; Oranger Baker, Township Clerk; 
Barney Kelley, Treasurer ; Job Nichols, Ezekiel II. Ewing, 
Justices of the Peace; George L. Ewing, School Inspector ; 
Aaron Parmeter, Highway Commissioner ; John Holts- 
lander. Andrew Crecry, Poor-Masters; Whitman Dean, 
Abraham Pierson, James Holtslander, Charles Elder, Con- 
stables. 

18(;0.— Whole number of votes polled, 135. William B. 
Albro, Supervisor ; Oranger Baker, Township Clerk ; Bar- 
ney Kelley, Treasurer; Henry Barber, Justice of the Peace ; 
Edward H. Hughes, Highway Commissioner : Charles H. 
Penoycr, Charles H. Ewing, School Inspectors ; Chauncey 

C. Hodge, John Middleton, James Gahan, Charles Elder, 
Constables. 

1861. — Whole number of votes polled, 129. Job 
Nichols, Supervisor ; Orrin Soper, Township Clerk ; Syl- 
vester Beebe, Justice of the Peace ; Charles Elder, Treas- 
urer; James Gahan, Highw.ay Commissioner; Charles II. 
Ewing, John Donley, School In.spoctors ; Edward H. Bar- 
ber, Eli Simmons, Frederick II. Holts, Caleb W. Stevens, 
Constables. 

1862. — Whole number of votes polled, 150. Joseph L. 
Brockway, Supervisor ; Harrison C. Pettengill, Township 
Clerk ; Charles Elder, Treasurer : Joseph L. Brockway, 
School Inspector ; Hiram S. Root, Highway Commissioner ; 
Frederick Walker, Justice of the Peace ; Daniel C. Cran- 
dall, Walter Wisner, Thomas Barber, Porter Fleming, 
Constables. 

1863.- — Whole number of votes polled, 148. Joseph L. 
Brockway, Supervisor; Silas E. Prior, Township Clerk; 
Daniel C. Crandall, Treasurer ; Darwin B. Foster, Byron 
G. Baker, School Inspectors ; Rowland Carpenter, High- 
way Commissioner ; Phineas H. Tyler, Justice of the 
Peace ; Thomas P. Barber, Henry Nichols, Porter Flem- 
ing, John Woolfitt, Constables. 

1864. — Whole number of votes polled, 135. Joseph L. 
Brockway, Supervisor ; Harrison H. Pettengill, Township 
Clerk ; Daniel H. Crandall, Treasurer ; Charles G. John- 
son, School Inspector; William H. Hughes, Justice of the 
Peace; Edmund D. Grover, Highway Commissioner; Har- 
din Young, AVilliam Cady, Thomas P. Barber, Andrew G. 
AVilcox, Constables. 

1865. — Who'e number of votes polled, 140. William 



B. Albro, Supervisor; William Halston, Tcjwnship Clerk ; 
Andrew J. Wilcox, Treasurer ; Harrison C. Pettengill, 
School Inspector ; Hiram S. Root, Highway Commissioner ; 
Joseph L. Brockway, John Shank, Justices of the Peace; 
Daniel C. Crandall, James S. Wetherby, Daniel Beckwith, 
Thomas Barber, Constables. 

1866. — Whole number of votes polled, 173. William 
B. Albro, Supervisor ; Rodman W. Albro, Township Clerk ; 
Andrew J. Wilcox, Treasurer ; Charles Johnson, School 
Inspector; Rowland Carpenter, Highway Commissioner; 
Frederick Walker, Robert L. Johnson, Justices of the 
Peace; William Cady, Charles Griffith, L. M^ Beckwith, 
Thomas Barber, Constables. 

1867. — Whole number of votes polled, 173. Aaron 
Parmeter, Supervisor ; Rodman W. Albro, Township Clerk ; 
Thomas B. Elder, Treasurer ; Henry Barber, Justice of the 
Peace; Gilbert Travis, Highway Commissioner; James 
Craven, School Inspector ; Horace Sharp, M. Beebe, James 
Gahan, Constables. 

1868. — Whole number of votes polled, 243. Aaron 
Parmeter, Supervisor ; Rodman W. Albro, Township Clerk ; 
Thomas B. Elder, Treasurer; Sylvester Beebe, Justice of 
the Peace ; Charles H. Penoycr, School Inspector ; William 
B. Albro, Highway Commissioner; Henry Tolls. R. D. 
Pratt, Washington 31 iller, James Haligan, Constables. 

1869. — Whole number of vote? polled, 234. Andrew 
M. Felt, Supervisor ; Charles Penoycr, Township Clerk ; 
Michael Hughes, Treasurer; William M. Wright, Justice 
of the Peace; Alfred Walworth, Highway Commissioner; 
John W. Birdsall, School Inspector ; Gold Perry, J. L. 
Brockway, James Davis, William Cady, Constables. 

1870. — Whole number of votes polled, 267. Thomas 
B. Elder, Supervisor; Michael F. Hughes, Trea.surer ; 
Charles II. Pcnoyer, Township Clerk ; Peter O'Hare, Jus- 
tice of the Peace ; James Elder, School Inspector ; Robert 
S. Pailthorp, Highway Commissioner; Henry Tolls, John 
Giberson, James H. Rush, James Haligan, Constables. 

1871. — -Whole number of votes polled, 247. Thomas 

B. Elder, Supervisor ; James Davis, Township Clerk ; 
Michael F. Hughes, Treasurer ; Henry Barber, John Don- 
nelly, Justices of the Peace ; Robert L. Johnston, James 
Craven, School Inspecters ; Joseph Davis, Highway Com- 
missioner ; Henry Tolls, James H. Rush, James Maloney, 
Edward L. Baker, Constables. 

1872.— Whole number of votes polled, 221. Thomas B. 
Elder, Supervisor ; Rodman W. Albro, Clerk ; Michael F. 
Hughes, Treasurer ; James Craven, Sylvester Beebe, Jus- 
tices of the Peace ; Herman L. Pierson, School Inspector ; 
James Davis, Highway Commissioner; Patrick Dolan, 
Drain Commissioner; Henry Tolls, James Haligan, Harvey 

C. Downing, Jesse Warren, Constables. 

1873. — Whole number of votes polled, 206. Thomas B. 
Elder, Supervisor ; Rodman W. Albro, Clerk ; Isaac Gault, 
Treasurer ; Robert L. Johnston, Justice of the Peace ; 
Charles H. Pcnoyer, School Inspector ; George Beckwith, 
Highway Commissioner; John Donnelly, Drain Commis- 
sioner; Henry Tolls, Harvey C. Downing, William Doran, 
Constables. - 

1874.— Whole number of votes polled, 266. Thomas B. 
Elder, Supervisor; Richard H. Hughes, Clerk; Edward 



MOUNT SIORKIS TOWNSHIP. 



317 



Hughes, Treasurer ; Joseph L. Brockwaj-, Justice of the 
Peace; Thomas SeliofiolJ, IIi<ihway Commissioner; Still- 
well Burroughs, Joseph W. Granger, Richard O'Leary, 
Ilarvej- C. Downing, Constables. 

1875. — Whole number of votes polled, 297. Thomas B. 
Elder, Supervisor; Richard H. Hughes, Clerk; PIdward 
Hughes, Treasurer ; Hiram Green, Justice of the Peace ; 
Walter Johnson, School Inspector; Robert L. Johnston, 
School Superintendent; Rodman W. Albro, Highway 
Commissioner ; Joseph W. Granger, Henry Tolls, James 
E. Ruby, Washington L. Miller, Constables. 

187G.— Whole number of votes polled, 299. Alfred C. 
Nichols, Supervisor; John Baker, Clerk; Edward Hughes, 
Treasurer ; William S. Pierson, Jr., Richard Maginn, Jus- 
tices of the Peace ; M. S. Newell, School Inspector ; H. 
C. Pettengill, School Superintendent ; William B. Albro, 
Highway Commissioner ; William Wheeler, Drain Commis- 
sioner ; Joseph Granger, Thomas Hughes, James Ruby, 
Barney Kelley, Constables. 

1877. — Whole number of votes polled, 310. Richard 
H. Hughes, Supervisor; Richard Hopson, Clerk ; Edward 
Hughes, Treasurer; Joseph Davis, Justice of the Peace; 
Richard O'Leary. School Inspector ; William W. Root, 
Highway Commissioner; Barney Kelley, Thomas Hughes, 
John O'Conner, Thomas Reddy, Constables. 

1878.— Whole number of votes polled, 303. Alfred C. 
Nichols, Supervisor; Patrick W. O'Hare, Clerk; George 
Monroe, Treasurer ; Richard Maginn, Justice of the Peace ; 
Thomas Schofield, Drain Commissioner ; Jarvis Albro, 
School Superintendent ; Richard O'Leary, Highway Com- 
missioner; Robert L. Johnston, School Inspector; Barney 
Kelley, John Perry, William Selby, Harry C. Downing, 
Constables. 

1879.— Whole number of votes polled, 324. M. S. 
Newell, Supervisor; Patrick W. Hare, Clerk; George 
Monroe, Treasurer ; Hiram Green, Justice of the Peace ; 
Charles Johnston, Jarvis E. Albro, School Inspectors ; W. 
W. Root, Highway Commissioner; L. R. Beck with, N. D. 
Olmstcad, Porter Flemming, W. J. White, Constables. 

SCHOOLS. 

Tlie children of those people who fii-st settled on the 
w&st side of the Saginaw road attended the first .school or- 
ganized in the Coldwater settlement, and Lewis Bucking- 
ham, Esq., claims that the first school in the settlement was 
taught in his house by Miss Sarah Curtis, sister of Daniel 
Curtis, as early as the winter of 1835-3G, — possibly a year 
earlier. Some eight or ten scholars attended. Miss Eliza- 
beth Pratt was al.so an early teacher. In 1836 or 1837 a 
school district was organized and a log school-house built 
upon section 31 in Genesee township. Miss Harriet Hoyes 
was the first teacher in this house. Soon after, another 
log school-hou.se was built on Moses Camp's farm, situated 
on section 19, Genesee township, in which, it is claimed, 
Newton Robinson taught the first school. The Beecher 
school-house, the first school structure erected in Mount 
Morris township, was built about the year 1 848. In it D. 
G. Wilder was an early teacher, and perhaps the first. 

At the first meeting of the school inspectors of Mount 
Morris township, held April 14, 1855, present Levi De- 



land and George L. Ewing, Miss E. Atery was examined 
as to her qualifications for teaching, and a certificate granted 
her for two years from date. On the 28th of the same 
juonth, Elizabeth and Lucinda Chase were granted certifi- 
cates. Charles Ewing, Henry Brockway, and Miss E. 
Robinson were given teachers' certificates Nov. 3, 1855. 

Seven school districts were formed in 1855, and their 
boundaries described as per township records. The whole 
number of children of school age then residing in the town- 
ship was 174, and the total amount of public money appor- 
tioned, 8175.78. 

The following .statistics, from the school inspector's report 
for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878, show the present condi- 
tion of schools : Whole districts, 4 ; fractional districts, 3. 
Children of school age in township, 379. Whole number 
of children attending school during the year, 303. Frame 
.school-houses, 7. Seating capacity of school-liou.scs, 339. 
Value of school property, S2250. Male teachers employed 
during the year, 3; female teachers, 9. Months taught by 
males, 12; by females, 40. Paid male teachers, 8392; 
female teachers, 8772.90. 

Receipts. — ^Total resources for tlic year, from moneys on 
hand, Sept. 3, 1877 : two-mill tux, primary-school fund, 
tuition of non-residents, taxes for all purposes, and raised 
from all other .sources, 8198G.05. 

Expeiidittiics. — For teachers' wages, building and repairs, 
and other purposes, 81420. G9; amount on hand Sept. 2, 
1878, 8565.3G. 

VILLAGE OF MOUNT MORRIS. 

The incorporated village of Mount Morris is situated on 
the line dividing Genesee and Mount Morris townships, 
and occupies within its corporate limits the southeast ijuar- 
ter of section 1 and the northeast quarter of section 12 of 
Mount Morris, the southwest <[uarter of section G and 
northwest quarter of section 7 in Genesee, or a total area of 
one square mile. 

It is pleasantly located, and is a station on the line of the 
Flint and Pere Marquette Railway, seventy-two miles from 
Detroit and seven miles north of Flint. The local gov- 
ernment is vested in a president, six trustees, treasurer, 
clerk, assessor, street commissioner, and marshal. 

The village contains three churches, — Methodist Episco- 
pal, Congregationalist, and Catholic, — one grist-mill, one 
saw-mill, one steam grain-elevator, a fine district-school 
building, a post-office, — which receives daily mails, — Ameri- 
can Express and Western Union telegraph offices, two hotels, 
four stores of general merchandise, and various small me- 
chanic shops, and minor places of business. 

The present population is estimated at 700. 

The first settler in or near the village site was Frederick 
Walker, who made permanent settlement on the northeast 
quarter of section 12 in October, 183G. He was also the 
first postmaster of the village, the office being kept in his 
dwelling-house. About 1840, William Pailthorp located 
where Grovner Vinton now resides. Carlos Sceley also 
came hero about the same time. However, there was 
nothing to indicate this as a village, or as the place for one, 
until the projection of the Flint and P6re Marquette Rail- 
way, in January, 1857. 



318 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



After tlie line liad been surveyed and active operations 
commenced in 1858, quite a number of families settled 
upon the site of the village in prospective. But it was not 
until the arrival of the first locomotive in January, 1862, 
that the settlement took on the true aspects of a village. 
As much difference of opinion exists among Mount Morris 
people as to the time the road was first opened from their 
village northward, we insert the following from the Wolver- 
ine Citizen, of Saturday, Jan. 25, 18G2 : " The Flint and 
P6re Marquette Eailway was regularly opened for passen- 
gers and freight-traffic in connection with Boss, Burrell & 
Co.'s line of stage-coaches on Monday last. The railway 
is now completed from East Saginaw as far as Mount Morris 
station, within six miles of Flint. The company has iron 
on hand to continue the track to Flint as soon as the season 
opens." 

Five years later, or in 1867, an act incorporating the 
village passed the State legislative body, then in session. 

Pursuant to this act, the legal voters within the territory 
so incorporated assembled at the hotel of Wright Douglass 
on the second Tuesday in April, 1867. 

By a viva voce vote, Frederick Walker and Edmund D. 
Kurd were chosen inspectors of the election, and Dexter 
Douglass clerk. The v/holo number of votes polled was 
57, and the ofiBcers elected as follows : Wra. J. Adderley, 
President; Adna Lewis, William Berry, Edmund D. Hurd, 
Andrew Costello, Wright Douglass, IMichael Hughes, Trus- 
tees ; Enos Palmer, William Deal, Assessors ; Henry A. 
Tibbetts, Marshal ; Edward Hughes, Treasurer ; Dexter 
Douglass, Clerk ; James Murray, Charles Kelley, Enoch 
Streeter, Street Commissioners; Joseph Barber, Pound- 
Blaster. 

Among the first acts of the village fathers was the 
purchase of a piece of land from Mr. Look for the con- 
struction of a village pound. The job of building the 
same was awarded to John Ma.son for the sum of ?43.75. 
They also resolved " to lay a sidewalk from the church to 
the burying-ground, to be laid on the south side of the 
street, said walk to be four feet wide, of four parallel planks 
one foot wide." 

The following is a list of the officers of the village from 
1868 to 1879, inclusive: 

1868. — Whole number of votes polled, 85. William J. 
Adderley, President ; Wright Douglass, Michael H. Hughes, 
Andrew Costello, Edmund D. Hurd, Hosea Pratt, William 
Berry, Trustees ; William M. Wright, James B. Murray, 
Assessors; Edward Hughes, Treasurer; Dexter Douglass, 
Chester Wadsworth, Street Commissioners ; Henry A. Tib- 
betts, Marshal ; Franklin A. Wright, Pound-Master. 

1869. — Whole number of votes polled, 66. Edmund 
D. Hurd, President; Frederick Walker, Enos Palmer, 
Charles Kelley, Edwin W. Gilbert, Adna Lewis, Edwin F. 
Lamb, Trustees ; Darius Smith, Waterman S. Fuller, As- 
sessors ; Frank A. Wright, Treasurer ; Charles W. Grover, 
Street Commissioner ; Henry A. Tibbetts, Marshal ; John 
A. Edwards, Pound-Master. 

1870.— Whole number of votes polled, 102. p]dward 
Hughes, President; Edward Rogers, Wesley J. Martin, 
Hiram Bardwell, William Birdsall, Franklin J. Bonnoy, 
Andrew Costello, Trustees ; James B. Murray, Charles A. 



Kelley, Assessors ; Albert K. Hunton, Treasurer ; William 
O'Sullivan, Clerk ; Charles W. Grover, Street Commis- 
sioner; Daniel C. Crandall, Marshal : Frank Booth, Pound- 
Blaster. 

1871. — Whole number of votes polled, 80. Frederick 
Walker, President ; Henry A. Tibbetts, Hiram H. Bard- 
well, Edward Hughes, Lewis S. Adams, Austin Herrick, 
William J. White, Trustees ; Michael H. Hughes, William 
Wright, Assessors ; Andrew Costello, Treasurer ; Edmund 
D. Hurd, Street Commissioner; Edward Cox, Marshal; 
Frank Booth, Pound-Master. 

1872. — Whole number of votes polled, 78. William 
Giberson, President; John S. Elwell, Nicholas Cashin, 
Darius E. Smith, Trustees; Albert K. Hunter, Assessor; 
Andrew Costello, Treasurer; William Sullivan, Clerk; 
John Giberson, Street Commissioner; James B.Murray, 
Marshal ; Frank Booth, Pound-Master. 

1873. — Whole number of votes polled, 88. James B. 
Murray, President ; William Hughes, William J. Adderley, 
Brooks Serven, Trustees ; Edwin Mann, William Owens, 
Assessors ; Andrew Costello, Treasurer ; Alanson Burr, 
Street Commissioner; Joseph Granger, Marshal; Hiram 
N. Bardwell, Pound-Master. 

1874. — No record. 

1875. — Whole number of votes polled, 91. Thomas S. 
Read, President ; Enos Palmer, Chauncey W. Chandler, 
William J. Adderley, Trustees ; William M. Wright, Mar- 
tin Mills, Assessors ; Andrew Costello, Treasurer ; David 
Babeock, Street Commissioner ; Lewis S. Adams, Marshal ; 
William Giberson, Pound-Master. 

1876. — Whole number of votes polled, 117. Hiram H. 
Bardwell, President ; Dexter Douglass, Alanson Burr, Grov- 
ner Vinton, Trustees ; Edward S. Johnson, John R. Ben- 
sen, Assessors; Andrew Costello, Treasurer; William 
Sullivan, Clerk; Martin Mills, Street Commissioner; Wal- 
ter Palmoter, Marshal ; Sanford Schoolcraft, Pound-Master. 

The village was reincorporated in March, 1877, subject 
to and under the provisions of the general act approved 
April 1, 1875. The first election of village officers under 
this act was held at the engine house, on Monday, March 
19, 1877, with the following result: 

1877. — Whole number of votes polled, 104. Hiram H. 
Bardwell, President ; Edmund D. Hurd, Enos Golden, Ed- 
mund S. John.son, Frederick Walker, Darius E. Smith, 
Dexter Douglass, Trustees ; Albert L. Adams, Clerk ; Hor- 
ace G. Mann, Treasurer; Peter Close, Street Commis- 
sioner; John R. Benson, Assessor; John A. Edwards, 
Constable. 

1878. — Whole number of votes polled, 114. Thomas 
S. Reed, President ; Peter Close, Nicholas Cashin, William 
Berry, Trustees ; Albert L. Adams, Clerk ; Horace G. 
Mann, Treasurer; Harvey S. Warner, Assessor; Oscar 
Severn, Street Commissioner ; Joseph W. Granger, Con- 
stable. 

1879. — Whole number of votes polled, 109. Darius E. 
Smith, President ; Enos Palmer, Hiram 11. Bardwell, 
Brooks Serven, Trustees ; Edwin F. Lamb, Clerk ; Edward 
Hughes, Treasurer; Daniel E. Adams, Street Commis- 
sioner ; Otis E. Snyder, Assessor ; Joseph W. Granger, 
Constable. 



MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP. 



319 



FIRE DEPARTMENT. 
The first fire company was formed in 18G9, witb about 
15 members, Slack, foreman. Its apparatus con- 
sisted of two dozen firc-buekets, a force-pump, and one 
hundred feet of one-and-a-half-inch hose. The fire-engine 
possessed by the village at the present time was manufac- 
tured by Cowens & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., and purchased 
through Forsyth, White & Co., of Flint, in January, 1871, 
at a cost of SG50. A hose-cart costing §50 was manufac- 
tured in the village. The fire-apparatus at present in pos- 
session of the village authorities is valued at 81200. An 
engine-house, two stories in height, was constructed in 1871, 
mainly with money contributed by the citizens. Tlie vil- 
lage has been visited by two disastrous conflagrations. The 
first, in 1871, destroj'ed five buildings; the second, which 
occurred one year later, was not stayed until fifteen buildings 
were in ashes. 

PO.STiIASTERS. 
Frederick Walker was the first postmaster, and, as be- 
fore mentioned, kept the oflBce at his house, lie was suc- 
ceeded by William Giberson, who kept the same at his 
store. The third was Henry A. Tibbetts, the fourth Ed- 
win W. Gilbert, who was succeeded in 1871 by Edwin F. 
Lamb, the present incumbent. 

PROFESSIONAL. 
The legal fraternity is represented by Daniel E. Adams, 
the medical by Drs. Hiram H. Bardwell and Thomas S. 
Reed. At an early day the people of Mount Morris town- 
ship were attended by Dr. John A. Iloyes, of Flint, and 
Dr. Fish, of Genesee. 

SECRET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. 
UNION LODGE, NO. 213, I. 0. 0. F., 

in the village of Mount Morris, was instituted with seven 
charter members by Deputy Grand Master G. S. Curtis, Aug. 
21, 1873. The first officers were Carlos J. Greene, N. G. ; 
Edgar J. Wait, V. G. ; Albert L. Adams, Rec. Sec. ; 
Alanson Burr, Treas. 

The following embraces the names and terms of office of 
the Noble Grands from date of organization to the present 
time : Edgar J. Wait, from Jan. 1 to July 1 , 1874 ; Albert 
L. Adams, from July 1 to Dec. 31, 187-1; William D. Bird, 
from Jan. 1 to July 1, 1875 ; Walter K. Parmeter, from 
July 1 to Dec. 31, 1875 J Frank C. Hazen, from Jan. 1 to 
July 1, 1876 ; Walter K. Parmeter, from July 1 to Dec. 31, 
1876 ; Carlos J. Greene, from Jan. 1 to July 1, 1877 ; Albert 
E. Owens, from July 1 to Dec. 31, 1877; Wellington F. 
Stephens, from Jan. 1 to July 1, 1878; Albert L. Adams, 
from July 1 to Dec. 31, 1878 ; William Owens, from Jan. 
1 to July 1, 1879. 

Other present officers are William 0. Boughton, V. G. ; 
Edwin F. Lamb, Sec. ; Wellington F. Stephens, Treas. 
The lodge meets every Saturday evening, in Odd- Fellows' 
Hall, Mount Morris village. 

MOUNT MORRIS LODGE, NO. 1383, KNIGHTS OF HONOR, 

was organized with twenty-six charter members by E. 
Ncwkirk, Deputy Grand Dictator of the State of Michigan, 



Jan. 27, 1879. The first and present board of officers were 
Hiram H. Bardwell, Dictator; AVilliara J. White, Vice- 
Dictator; John A. Chapell, Assistant Dictator; Dexter 
Douglass, Reporter ; Edwin F. Lamb, Fin. Reporter ; Enos 
Golden, Treas. ; Rev. L. S. Tedman, Chaplain ; Carlos J. 
Greene, Guide ; Lawson L. T. Sraodley, Guardian ; Sanford 
Schoolcraft, Sentinel ; William O. Boughton, Past Dictator. 
Meetings are hold in their lodge-rooms in Mount Morris 
villase on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of 
each month. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

The earliest religious association which included residents 
of this township was formed in the " Coldwater settlement," 
on the Saginaw road, in 1834. Among the prominent 
Jlount Morris members were John Pratt and Charles N. 
Beechcr. The .society were Presbyterians, yet it is .said they 
were liberal enough to denominate as members those who 
assisted to pay the minister. A house of worship was built 
on lands owned by Daniel Curtis, and completed in 1836. 
Soon after, Elder Cobb became the pa.stor, and was to receive 
as salary §400 per year, and the use of a parsonage. The 
church edifice was used for religious purposes for a period 
of twenty years. It was then sold, removed some fifty rods 
north of its original site, and is now occupied as a dwelling 
by Orrin Firman. For further particulars concerning the 
history of this society, the reader b referred to Genesee 
township historical sketches. 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF GENESEE. 

This was the second church formed in the old town of 
Genesee, the class dating back to about 1837, and consisting 
originally of Richard, Elizabeth, and Mary Johnson, Ben- 
jamin F. and Clarissa Robinson. B. F. Robinson was the 
class-leader, and Richard Johnson was the steward. 

The first meetings were held at Mr. R. John.son's house, 
and the preaching was done by a minister named Whitney, 
who occupied the position in connection with Rev. William 
Broekway, a missionary. 

Until 1848 the class formed an appointment on the Flint 
circuit, but at that time it was set oif and Mount Morris 
circuit was organized. The same ministers who preached 
in Flint also preached here until that time. The pastors 
since that time have been Revs. Andrew Bell, 1848 ; 
Samuel P. Lee, John Whitmore, Thomas Wakelin, D. S. 

Freeman, Hollenbeck, Lewis Mitchell, Rufus H. 

Crane, Giles Belknap, M. S. Leet, William Blades, 1864; 
William Birdsall, 1865-67; John Wesley, 1868; W. 
Hagedorn, 1869; John Hamilton, 1870-72; C. W. Aus- 
tin, 1873 ; R. C. Lanning, 1874-75 ; J. B. Goss, 1876-77 ; 
L. S. Tedman, 1878. 

The church was built in 1840, while Rev. S. P. Lee was 
preacher in charge on the Flint circuit. The presiding 
elder. Rev. George Bradley, took an active part in the 
work of raising the money to build it. A church site was 
donated by Frederick Walker. It contained one-half acre 
on the northeast corner of section 12, in the town of Mount 
Morris. The work was done under contract by Ezra G. 
Wisner, and was completed so that the dedication occurred 
in the early summer of 1841, Rev. George Bradley deliv- 



320 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



erini; the dedicatoiv sermon on tliat occasion. The cost of 
the buililinj; was about $1000. In 1865-60 it was moved 
to its present location on the site of cue-half acre purchased of 
Mrs. Fairbanks. At that time an addition of 12 feet was 
built on the front, giving the building at present a seating 
capacity of about 200. 

The first parsonage was built in 1S53, on a lot donated 
hy Seeley and Imrie, the title to revert to them when it 
should cease to be used for church purposes. It cost about 
§500, and was sold in the fail of ISOU to Robert Ferguson. 
In the fall of 1870 the present parsonage and lot were pur- 
chased of William Birdsall, and wheu finished the cost 
amounted to about 61000. 

The first trustees of the church were Richard Johnson, 
John Imrie, Frederick Walker, and Benjamin F. Robinson. 
The present board of officers is composed as follows : 
William Owen, E. S. Johnson, Class-leaders ; Austin Her- 
rick, George Hart, William Johnson. Stewards ; William 
Johnson, Charles Johnson, George Hart, James Craven, 
Austin Herrick, Trustees. 

The Mount Morris circuit includes three appointments, the 
two others being known respectively as the Mount Morris 
Centre class and the Southwest Vienna class. The mem- 
bership is divided among the three churches as follows: 
Mount Morris, 100; Mount Morris Centre, 20 ; Southwest 
Vienna, 65. William Morrish is the leader of the class 
at the centre, and Jamas Halliday of the Vienna class. 

The Sabbath-school was organized many years ago, with 
John Imrie as superintendent. The present membership 
is about 177, of which number 21 are officers and teachers. 
The officers are as follows : E. S. Johnson, Superintendent ; 
Roswell C. Burroughs, Assistant Superintendent ; Charles 
Johnson, Secretary ; William Woolfitt, Tre;isurer ; Shepard 
Bliss, Librarian ; Daniel Mann, Assistant Librarian ; Aus- 
tin Herrick. Chorister; Carrie Tedman, Orgaubt. The 
library consists of about 150 volumes. 

THE CATHOLIC CHfRCH OF MOCXT MORRIS. 

In 1868 there were 30 Catholic families living in this 
vicinity, who desired to form themselves into a church and 
build up an edifice in which they could enjoy the privileges 
of their religion. Christopher Hughes was the leader in 
the enterprise, and gave sis acres of ground in addition to 
a money subscription to found the church. This land was 
equally divided, three acres being for the church and par- 
sonage ground and three for a burial-ground. William 
Adderley, Stephen R. Hughes, John Hughes, Stephen 
Hughes, Jr., Christopher Daly, James Guhan, Michael H. 
Hughes. Edward Hughes, Nicholas Cashin, John Benson, 
Robert Ferguson, Frank 0"Hare, and others also contrib- 
uted towards this object, and sufficient money was speedily 
raised to enable the building committee — consisting of Ste- 
phen R. Hughes, Christopher Hughes, Edward Hughes, 
William Adderley, John Hughes, James Gahan, and Peter 
O Hare — to commence work on the church. It was com- 
pleted that summer, at a cost of about §2700, and was ded- 
icated in September by Rev. Charles L. Deceuninck. The 
parsonage was bailt in 1S70, costing, with furniture, about I 
$1600. 

The pastors of the church hare been Revs. M. Canters, 1 



G. V. Girard, and E. M. Dekiere, the last named being the 
present one. 

THE COSGREG.\T10XAL CHURCH AT MOUNT MORRIS. 

This church w;is organized by Rsv. Mr. Lucas in 1869. 
He came here to live, and, thinking the chances good for 
building up a society, undertook the task. At first there 
were only nine members, among them being Mrs. Sarah 
H. Fairbank, Mr. and Mrs. E. 0. Taylor, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Frank Wright. 

Frank Wright was the first deacon, and E. 0. Taylor 
was the second one chosen. 

Mrs. S. H. Fairbank gave a church lot, and in 1870 
the church was built, at a cost of SIOOO. It was dedicated 
by a minister from Flint in the fall of the year named. 

The church gradually died out, several of its members 
moving away, and after the removal of Mr. Lucas no active 
church organization was kept up. In the society, how- 
ever, it was perpetuated by the election of trustees to hold 
the property. March 25, 1879, the following board of 
trustees was chosen, viz. : 0. E. Snyder, James Craven, 
Alanson Curtis, William Ellis, Darius E. Smith, and M.C. 
I Hoyt. 

The pastors of the church were Rev. Mr. Lucas, Rev. 
Mr. Borden, and Rev. J. C. Thompson. At present Rev. 
J. P. Sanderson is preaching once in two weeks. 

The Sabbath-school connected with this church was first 

under the superintendence of E. 0. Taylor, and flourished 

for a time, once reaching a membership of 40 scholars. 

It was kept up until about the time that Rev. Mt. Lucas 

went away. 

CEMETERT. 

THE MOUNT MORRIS CEMETERT ASSOCIATION 

was incorporated Feb. 16, 1878, and organized by the elec- 
tion of the following officers : Grovner Vinton, President ; 
William Johnson, Vice-President ; Roswell C. Burroughs, 
Secretary ; George Hart, Treasurer ; Rodman W. Albro, 
Charles Johnson, and James Craven, Directors. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



RICHARD JOHNSON. 

Richard Johnson, one of the pioneers of Mount Morris, 
was born in Waddington, Lincolnshire, England, Sept. 26, 
1797. He was a laborer, and in 1835 came to this coun- 
try and settled in Oakland County. After a two years' res- 
idence at the latter place he removed to Mount Morris, and 
settled on the farm now owned by his son Charles, where 
he lived until hb death, which occurred in June, 1861. 

Mr. Johnson was married in May, 1821, to Elizabeth 
Sessions, of his native town, by whom he had nine chil- 
dren, seven of whom were born in England. Charles, 
the youngest, was born on the old homestead, Jan. S, 1830 ; 
Nov. 21, 1867, he was married to CaroEne Woolfitt, daugh- 
ter of John Woolfitt, Esq., of Genesee, one of the pioneers 
of that town. The elder Johneon was an industrious and 
successful farmer, a worthy citizen, and his name is prom- 
inently identified with the early history of Mount Morris. 



GENESEE. 



The township called Genesee received its name from the 
pioneers, many of whom came from the " Genesee Country" 
in Western New York, and a goodly number of them from 
Genesee County. It was but natural that they should 
desire to perpetuate the name of that fair country, whose 
fertile soil and lovely scenery had already made it famous 
throughout the country as a sort of modern Arcadia, where 
to dwell was to enjoy the best things of life, — not alone in 
a material, but also in an aesthetic sense. And it was also 
fitting that this township, having so large an area of the 
beautiful oak or timbered openings, thus resembling in its 
primitive form that pleasant land, should also bear its 
name. 

Genesee is known in the minutes of the surveys as town- 
ship 8 north, range 7 east, contains an area of about 22,G14 
acres, is centrally distant from Flint, the county-seat, six 
miles, and adjoins the towns of Thetford on the north, Rich- 
field on the cast, Burton on the south, and Mount Morris 
on the west. Its surface is comparatively level, though it 
might properly be called lightly rolling in some parts, prin- 
cipally on the south and east side of the river. About one- 
fourth of the surface was originally covered with pine, the 
pinery generally following the course of the river and lying 
principally on its south bank. The soil of the pine-land 
was of a light, sandy nature. The rest of the town was 
timbered with hard-wood, white-oak predominating, and in 
the southwest part there was considerable timbered opening. 
The soil in the parts of the town free from pine is of a 
fine quality, and composed of a rich clayey loam, mixed 
with some gravel and sand. 

The town is well watered. Flint River, the principal 
water-course, enters from Richfield, near the southeast cor- 
ner of section 12, and pursues a somewhat tortuous course 
through the town in a general southwest direction, passing 
through .some parts of sections 12, 13, 11, 10, 15, IC, 21, 
28, 29, and 32, at the southwest corner of which it cros.scs 
the line in the town of Burton. Its course is crooked and 
its current generally sluggish. Near the southwest corner 
of section 11 it is more rapid, and furnishes a very good 
water-power, which has been utilized for many years. 

The stream second in importance is Kearsley Creek, 
which enters from Burton at the southwest corner of sec- 
tion 35, crosses sections 3-t, 33, and 32 till it reaches 
Flint River, into which it discharges its waters a little south 
and west of the centre of the latter section. The stream 
is more rapid, and furnishes two mill-seats, — one on sec- 
tion 32, and one on section 34. 

The third stream is Butternut Creek, coming from the 
north, draining portions of the towns of Forest and Thet- 
ford. It enters near the northeast corner of section 1, 
crosses it in a southerly direction, flows across the corner of 
41 



section 12, turns to the west, and cro.s.ses section 11 till it 
joins the Flint River, a little distance east of Genesoeville. 

Stanley Creek, Bray Brook, and a half-dozen or more 
lesser streams are tributaries of Flint River. 

The town has eleven and one-half miles of railroad. The 
main line of the Flint and Pere Marquette Railway crosses 
sections 31, 30, 19, 18, and 7 in a north and northwest 
coui-se, and the Flint River Division, leaving the main line 
at the junction near the ea.st quarter-stake of section 19, 
running northeasterly, crosses sections 20, IG, 15, 10, 11, 
12, and 1. Near the east quarter-stake of section 1 it 
crosses the line into Richfield. The stations in this town 
are Mount Morris on the main line, and Geneseeville on the 
branch. Trains on the branch also stop at the junction and 
Rogersville, where there is another station on the town-line 
between Genesee and Richfield. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The first settlement in this town was begun in the sum- 
mer of 1833. Regarding the identity of the first settler 
there arc conflicting statements which render the historian's 
task somewhat unpleasant and emphatically a thankless one, 
since, let the ca.se be decided which way it may, there will 
be dissent and dissatisfaction. In this case, therefore, it 
seems to be best to give a brief statement of the facts as 
presented by the diflferent .sides, and let the reader judge for 
himself as to the real truth of the matter. 

The honor is claimed for two persons, Luman Beach and 
Addison Stewart. It is conceded that Mr. Stewart did not 
settle in the town until the 1st of August, while it is claimed 
by some that Beach was residing on his land as early as May 
or June. Mrs. Stewart, who is still living in Flint, is posi- 
tive that she was the first white woman to live along the 
Saginaw trail north of Flint, while Mr. Lewis Buckingham 
and wife and Mr. Isaac N. Robinson believe Beach and his 
family to have been the first. The question of priority in 
point of time does not involve any great diSerencc, as will 
be seen. To still more complicate the matter, the records 
show that, while Stewart entered his land in June, the land 
on which Beach settled was not purchased from the govern- 
ment until the 28th of September. 

With this brief statement we will proceed to relate the 
history of the .settlement. 

There were residing in the town of Mount Morris, in 
Livingston Co., N. Y., four young men, who were, as young 
men arc generally supposed to be, anxious to improve their 
circumstances. Their names were Lewis Buckingham, Isaac 
N. Robinson, John Pratt, and Richard Marvin. They con- 
sulted together, and finally came to the conclusion that there 
was no opportunity offered for them to better their fortunes 
that promised better than that of coming to the West to 

321 



322 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



purchase farms of the government and assist in the develop- 
ment of the wilderness. Having come to the conclusion, 
they at once set about carrying their resolution into prac- 
tice, and, procuring a team and wagon, started on their 
journey. They intended to go to Chicago and settle on 
some of the fertile prairie lands of Illinois. Reaching a 
friend's residence in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., they stopped 
a few days, then proceeded to Cleveland, where they took 
passage for Detroit on a boat that was just starting up the 
lake. From Detroit they came to Pontiac to see Elisha 
Beach, a step-brother of Mr. Buckingham, and were in- 
duced by him to visit the country about Flint, where he 
owned some land. He left his store in Pontiae in charge 
of some one else, and himself piloted the party along the 
Saginaw turnpike to Flint, where they arrived on the even- 
ing of the 1st of May, and sought accommodations at John 
Todd's tavern. There they met Benjamin Pearson, who 
had just returned from a trip to the north in search of land. 
He, being from Avon, in the same county of Livingston, 
was interested in having these men for his neighbors, and 
told them that in the morning he would take them to look 
at some of the nicest land they had ever seen. 

The morning of the 2d of May dawned, bright and 
clear. The party left Todd's inn about nine o'clock, and, 
after a few hours' pleasant travel, arrived at the place 
where Pearson had located his land. The scene was beau- 
tiful in the extreme, and captivated the hearts of the emi- 
grants at once. The timbered openings in which they were, 
were dressed out in their freshest and most attractive garb, 
and they feasted their eyes with the beauty of Nature, while 
they satisfied their hungry stomachs with the substantial 
lunch they had brought with them. After finishing their 
repast each one set about getting a description of the land 
he wished to enter, and then all returned to Flint. The 
next morning they started for Detroit, and on the following 
day entered land as follows : Benjamin Pearson entered the 
south half of section 25 and the east half of the northeast 
quarter of section 36, in township 8 north, range 6 east 
(the present town of Mount Morris), and the south half of 
section 30 and the west part of the northwest fractional 
quarter of section 31 in this town. Lewis Buckingham 
entered the west part of the northwest fractional quarter, 
the northeast quarter of the northwest fractional quarter, 
and the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 
30 in this town. Isaac N. Robinson entered the southwest 
quarter of the southeast quarter, the west part of the south- 
west fractional quarter, and the southeast quarter of the 
southwest fractional quarter of section 19 in this town. 
John Pratt entered the cast half of the southeast quarter of 
section 24 and the east half of the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 25 in the present town of Mount Morris. Richard 
Marvin alone of all the party did not take up any of the 
land. 

The little band of pioneers returned to Flint, and re- 
mained there various lengths of time before returning to 
the East. Mr. Robinson was the first one to return, being 
recalled by the dangerous sickness of his wife, and Lewis 
Buckingham was the last, arriving home at Mount Morris 
about the 20th of June. Before they returned East they 
assisted Luman Beach to build a log house on section 30. 



It was about 22 by 24 feet square, with 15-foot sides. The 
boards for floors, gables, etc., were procured at the Thread 
River saw-mill, then being run by George Oliver. Into 
this house Luman Beach, with his wife and one child (a 
daughter), is supposed to have moved in May or June, 
1833. In the month of August or early in September, 
John Pratt and Benjamin Pearson returned from the East 
with their families, and moved on to their farms in the 
present town of Mount Morris. September 29th, Lewis 
Buckingham and Isaac N. Robinson arrived. Pearson had 
then got to living in a log house he had built, and Pratt 
was living with Beach. Pratt had a house under way, and 
Buckingham had a house (put up during his absence) with- 
out doors or windows. For two days and nights the four 
families were domiciled in Beach's house, the men finding 
sleeping apartments in the unfinished house belonging to 
Mr. Pratt. At the expiration of that time Buckingham 
and Robinson moved into the former's house, and the latter 
began work on a house of his own, which had progressed 
sufficiently in two weeks to allow of his moving his family 
into it. 

In the time intervening between Beach's settlement and 
the return of the Mount Morris people from the East, Addi- 
son Stewart had entered the west part of the southwest 
fractional quarter of section 31, and about the 1st of 
August moved into a small board cabin or shanty he had 
erected there. He lived in it while he was building a 
more substantial and comfortable log house for a winter 
residence, which he moved into about the 1st of Novem- 
ber. 

That same season Asahel Beach, Luther and Alanson 
Dickinson, and a Mr. Ballard had also come on from the 
East and joined the settlement along the Saginaw road. 
They were nil on the west side of the road, in the present 
town of Mount Morris, and their houses were built by 
Mr. Stewart, who contracted to build four houses for §400. 

The settlement, thus begun, grew a little from time to 
time, and the settlers were all people of exemplary habits 
and irreproachable character. In the matter of the use of 
intoxicating drinks they all took a very advanced ground 
for the times : they were all total abstainers. This absti- 
nence not only gave to the settlement the name of " The 
Coldwater Settlement," but it also left the system strong 
and healthy to resist the attacks of the malarial diseases so 
prevalent at that time. Good health gave them good appe- 
tites, and their less abstemious and more afflicted neighbors 
conferred on the settlement the name of " Hungry Hill." 

During the time that intervened between the arrival of 
the emigrants and the spring of 1834, work was pushed in 
the clearings, and the mighty monarchs of the forest were 
laid low by the sturdy blows of the settlers' axes, wielded 
by arms whose sinews were toughened by constant exercise 
and strengthened by the thoughts of future competence and 
comfort. When the spring opened, small fields of corn, 
potatoes, and oats were planted and sowed, and garden veg- 
etables were planted by all of the pioneers. No wheat was 
sown, however, until the fall of 1834, when several small 
fields were sown, Mr. Buckingham putting in about five acres. 
This crop, harvested in the summer of 1835, was a good 
one for the times, considering the state of the .soil and the 





MrS.W. S.PiERSON. 



W.S.PlERSON. 



WILLIAM S. PIERSOX. 



The name of Pierson, though worn with becoming 
modesty b_v the present generation, is one that traces its 
ancestry back for nearly two and a half centnri^, where 
we find the family in Yorkshire, England. In the 
mother-country their surroundings were such as to endear 
them to the associations of their native country ; but in 
the large family circle were some ambitious spirits who 
desirevi to explore the wilds of the western world, and, 
in 1639, Rev. Abram Pierson came as the pioneer of the 
family, and forty years after died in Newark, N. J. 
Later «\me a second Rev. Abram Pierson. who settled in 
Connecticut, aud was a man of scholarly attainments. 
To him belongs the proud distinction of having been 
the first president of Yale College. For a period of 
years the family continued to reside in Connecticut until 
later generations left New England and located in the 
Middle and Western States. The branch of the family 
whose biography is embnw^tl in this brief sketch are de- 
scendants of the Yorkshire stock, though it is not our 
purpose to trace them in the direct line of descent for want 
of space, 

William S. was the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth 
Pierson, and \Fas born April 21, 1806, in Hartford, 
Ontario Co., N. Y. He came from Livingston Co., 
N. Y., in 1839, and purchased six hundred acres of land 
in Genesee township, Genesee Co., Mich., desiring to 



make of it a home farm, though he had other land in 
the county. Having permanently established himself, 
he returned the following year and brought his family 
to their Western home. The large tract of laud Mr. 
Pierson purchiised required much labor and judgment 
to cultivate successfully, aud he devoted himself ex- 
clusively to the pursuits of a farmer. 

He was never ambitious for political honors, and ac- 
cepted few otfices, desiring rather to lead a quiet life. 
He enjoyed an enviable reputation as a neighbor and 
citizen, and his opinions were held in esteem not less for 
the sound judgment than for the fairness which inspired 
them. After a long life of industry he died, April 14, 
1S7S, aged seventy-two years, having been twice married : 
first to Fanny M. Arthur. Oct. 12. 1S29, and second to 
Fanny Ladd, Deo. 2, 1S34. By the firrt marriage he 
had one child, and by the second six. His sou, Her- 
man L.. is one of the proprietors of tlie thread-mills in 
Flint. 

Mrs. Fanny Ladd Pierson, the second'wife of William 
S., whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was marrie<l 
in Avon, N. Y., and resided during the greater portion of 
her life in Michigan. She %vas a native of the Green 
Mountain State, aud removed very early in life to Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y. Her death occurred Oct, 15. 1876, 
in Genesee township. 



GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 



323 



facilities for cultivating it, the yield averaging about 25 
bushels to the acre. 

From this beginning the settlement extended to other 
parts of the town, and in the space of seven years, or pre- 
vious to 1840, settlements had been begun in many places. 
We have not the space to spare to enable us to give a de- 
tailed personal sketch of all of the pioneers, but we will 
give a brief mention of the individual history of these first 
aud consequently most prominent ones, tracing their subse- 
quent lives. 

Lewis Buckingham remained on his place three years. 
In the fall of 1836 he was elected sheriff of the county, 
and in February, 1837, removed to Flint. After serving 
four years in that oflSce, he purchased a farm in the town 
of Flint, aud moved on to it and remained until he was 
again chosen to the office of sheriff, in 1858, when he 
moved to the city of Flint, where he still resides. His 
wife is also still living, and looks back upon the experiences 
of their pioneer days with pleasure and satisfaction. 

Luman Beach remained a resident of Genesee for several 
years, then removed to Wisconsin, whore both he and his 
wife died, — he in 1870, and she some time previous. 

Isaac N. Robinson was a native of Schoharie Co., N. Y., 
his family being from Connecticut. His childhood and 
youth were spent in Greene County. From there he went 
to Genesee County, where he met, wooed, won, and married 
Eliza Buckingham, in the year 1837. Miss Buckingham 
was a sister of Lewis Buckingham. In 1833 he came to 
Michigan, as has been related. He lost his wife in 1839, 
was subsequently married again, and in 1855 removed from 
his farm to his present home in the city of Flint. He 
came of a good family, — genuine Puritan stock, — and boasts 
some illustrious relatives, Hon. Lucius Robinson, the pres- 
ent Governor of the Empire State, being his nephew. He 
has always been prominent in religious circles, laboring with 
all his powers to promote the interests of his Master's king- 
dom. 

Addison Stewart was born in Truston, Cortland Co., 
N. Y. Educated for a teacher, he came West to Genesee 
Co., N. Y., in search of employment. He there met Miss 
Lucy Tildcn, and a mutual attachment sprang up between 
them, which led to their marriage on the 22d of April, 
1833, he being then twenty-one and she twenty years of 
age. They immediately started on a bridal-tour to the 
wilds of Michigan, traveling in a covered lumber-wagon to 
Buffalo, where they took boat for Detroit, it being the first 
boat up the lake that season. Reaching Detroit, they 
learned that the cholera was raging there; so that, stopping 
only to get dinner, they at once started on and came to 
Grand Blanc, where they remained over the Sabbath at the 
house of a friend. Judge Riggs. They then came on to 
Flint, and about the 1st of August moved on to their farm. 
They lived on this place until 1843, when they moved to 
Flint, where Mr. Stewart died on the 8th of March, 1848. 
Mrs. Stewart is still residing there. 

Norman aud Francis Cone, from East Iladdam, Middle- 
sex Co., Conn., settled in this town on section 20, in June, 
1835. Norman Cone made the journey from Connecticut 
on foot, following the canal through the State of New York, 
and bought his land. He then returned to Connecticut, 



was married, and in June became a permanent settler on 
the farm he is now residing on. 

The Stanley settlement, deriving its name from Sherman 
Stanley, the most prominent settler there, was begun in 
1835. It is located at the corners of .sections 8, 9, IG, and 
17. In the summer of 1835, 5Ir. Stanley left his former 
home in Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., and came to 
Michigan in search of land. During the month of May 
he entered (340 acres of land on sections 3, 8, and 9. Ho 
then returned to New York, and in the early part of Sep- 
tember started with his wife and five children, and in com- 
pany with Albert T. Stevens, with his wife and two children. 
Stanley gave Stevens the description of some land which 
he thought was desirable, and, while passing through De- 
troit, he entered 40 acres, it being the northeast quarter of 
the northeast quarter of section 17. They arrived in this 
town Sept. 17, 1835, and both families moved into a vacant 
house belonging to Luman Bcacli, which stood on section 
17, and lived there nearly a month, while they were build- 
ing their houses. Stanley's house stood about one hundred 
rods east of the southwest corner of section 9, and Stevens' 
on the site of his present residence, near the northeast 
corner of section 17. 

About the 1st of October, Cyrenus Lake, with his wife 
and five children, came and settled on section 9, adjoining 
Stanley on the east. A month later Joseph Simons, with 
his mother, two sisters, and three brothers, settled on section 
17, west of Stevens. 

During the winter of 1835-36, Stanley cleared about ten 
acres of ground and Stevens about five acres. Lake did not 
clear much, as he, being a carpenter, had plenty of work at 
his trade, building several barns in the Coldwater settle- 
ment, and Simons, being a poor man, did no clearing, be- 
cause he was obliged to work out by the day to get provisions 
to support the family, which was entirely dependent upon 
him. 

In the spring of 1836, Stanley and Stevens each sowed 
a piece of spring wheat, harrowing it into the ground with- 
out any plowing being done. The yield was only about ten 
bushels to the acre, but was quite a help towards provision- 
ing the families. 

Ezra Stevens, father of Albert T., with his wife and son 
Ralsa W., his son Weed H., with his wife, one son, and 
one daughter, and his son William, with his wife and two 
sons, came from Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in May, 
1837, and settled in Genesee, Weed H. on section 8 and 
the others on section 9. 

Peter Snyder and Henry D. Hunt settled on section 8 
in 1838, and Charles R. Coolcy and an Iri-shnian named 
Patrick Daly on section 18. 

These families constituted the Stanley settlement. All 
except Daly and Coolcy and the three Stevenses were from 
Mount Morris, N. Y. Daly was from Ireland, and Cooley 
from Wayne County, N. Y. 

During the first few years the settlers were all more or less 
dependent upon outside sources for a considerable portion 
of their provisions, and suffered, as all pioneers, in a tim- 
bered country, especially, are called upon to do, many hard- 
ships and privations. Most of the settlers brought iron 
plows with them, — generally the Livingston County plow, 



324 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



which was quite a favorite, — but Mr. Lake manufactured 
for liis own use a wooden plow, which served during one 
or two seasons. 

Sherman Stanley was a very thorough, energetic farmer, 
a man of the strictest integrity, and a conscientious mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. His life in Genesee was a 
long and useful one, and enabled him to witness many and 
great changes in this part of the country. He died about 
eighteen or nineteen years ago, at the age of sixt3-five 
years and five months. His wife, who died about one and 
a half years before, also lived to the same age. 

Cyrenus Lake's wife died in 1841, and, soon after, he 
moved to Grand Kapids, where he died of brain-fever, in 
1846. 

Joseph Simons subsequently married Miss Eunice Da- 
mon, of Mount Morris, who was then living with her 
cousin, Henry D. Hunt. They are still residents of the 
town. 

Charles R. Cooley died in this town about the year 
1853. 

Of the Stcvenses, Ezra died in 1848 ; Abigail, his wife, 
in 1841 ; Ralsa W., in October, 1875. "William remained 
here only four weeks, and then removed to Ohio. He died 
in New London, Huron Co., Ohio, in 1876. Weed H. 
and Albert T. are still residents of this town. To the 
last named we are indebted for much of the information 
contained in this sketch. 

John Woolfitt, a native of that country on whose do- 
minions the sun never sets, settled on section 19 in 1835 
or 1836. Benjamin F. Robinson also settled on the same 
section in the latter year. 

These arc not, by any means, all of the first settlers. 
The following li.st, prepared from the tract-book on file 
in the register's ofiice, shows the names of some others. 
It is, however, intended to show the names of all who 
entered land from the government. The names of those 
who are known to have actually settled here are printed in 
italics. The list shows the names, residences, dates of 
entry, number of acres entered, and the number of the 
sections on which it was located. We first give a list of 
those who entered land on more than one section : 

Thomas L. L. Brent, of the State of Virginia, March 16, 
1836, 259 acres on section 1, 255 acres on section 2, 240 
acres on section 13, 320 acres on section 14, 94 acres on 
section 15, 120 acres on section 21, 320 acres on section 
22, 120 acres on section 27, and 40 acres on section 28; 
total, 1768 acres. 

Ira Davenport, of Steuben Co., N. Y., May 25, 1836, 
80 acres on section 1, 80 acres on section 2, 351 acres on 
section 3, 90 acres on section 4, 80 acres on section 6, 101 
acres on section 11, 100 acres on section 14, and 160 acres 
on section 35; total, 1168 acres. 

Frederick St. John, of New York City, June 2, 1836, 80 
acres on section 9 ; June 9th, 95 acres on section 2, 80 acres 
on section 4, 349 acres on section 5, and 160 acres on sec- 
tion 9 ; total, 764 acres. 

Sherman Stanley, of Livingston Co., N. Y., May 30, 
1835, 80 acres on section 8, 160 acres on section 9 ; May 
18, 1836, 160 acres on section 3, 80 acres on section 8, and 
160 acres on section 9 ; total, 640 acres. 



Charles D. Seymour, of this county, Jlay 20, 1836, 80 
acres each on sections 4 and 5 ; total, 160 acres. 

Ira D. Wright, of this county, Nov. 9, 1836, 80 acres 
each on sections 4 and 9 ; tot.il, 160 acres. 

Lewis Biiclciiiffham, of Livingston Co., N. Y., May 4, 
1833, 137 acres on section 30; June 2, 1836, 240 acres 
on section 5 ; total, 377 acres. 

Albert H. Z?i/)/, of Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 8, 1835, 
80 acres on section 6, 120 acres on section 7 ; Oct. 20th, 
40 acres on section 7 ; total. 240 acres. 

Benjamin Pearson, of Livingston Co., N. Y., May 4, 
1833, 299 acres on section 30, 62 acres on section 31 ; 
June 23, 1834, 40 acres on section 32 ; November 4th, 
55 acres on section 32 ; May 22 and Sept. 26, 1835, 104 
acres on section 32 ; September ISth, 122 acres on section 
6, 80 acres on section 18, and 40 acres on section 29 ; total, 
802 acres. 

David Thompson, of Wayne Co., Mich., Jan. 29, 1836, 
40 acres on section 7, 80 acres on section 17, and 40 
acres on section 32 ; February 8th, 160 acres on section 6, 
and 80 acres on section 7 ; February 19th, 80 acres on sec- 
tion 21 ; total, 480 acres. 

Allen Peck, Seth Hooker, and Walter Nimocks, of Jef- 
ferson Co., N. Y., April 22, 183G, 80 acres on section 7, 
and 160 acres on section 8 ; total, 240 acres. 

Russel S. Parser, of Livingston Co., N. Y., Nov. 3, 
1835, 160 acres on section 17 ; Oct. 25, 1836, 80 acres on 
section 8 ; total, 240 acres. 

James A. Van Dyke, of Wa3'ne Co., Mich., April 18, 
1836, 80 acres on section 8, and 45 acres on section 18; 
total, 125 acres. 

Martha Beach, of this county, Sept. 26, 1835, 80 acres 
on section 10, and 46 acres on section 15 ; total, 126 acres. 

Lott Clark and Stephen Warren, of the State of New 
York, Feb. 13, 1836, 72 acres on section 10, 148 acres on 
section 11, 165 acres on section 12, 65 acres on section 13, 
and 80 acres on section 15 ; February 22d, 78 acres on 
section 11, 79 acres on section 12, 80 acres on section 15, 
and 90 acres on section 21 ; total, 857 acres. 

John Clifford, of Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1835, 
08 acres on section 11, 142 acres on section 13, and 56 
acres on section 28 ; March 16, 1836, 80 acres on section 
15 ; March 17th, 30 acres on section 28 ; total, 376 acres. 

Thomas R. Roby, of Monroe Co., N. Y., March 1, 1836, 
160 acres on section 11, 320 acres on section 12, 160 acres 
on section 33, and 120 acres on section 34; total, 760 acres. 

Henry Dwight, of Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 11, 1836, 
50 acres on section 12, and 20 acres on section 13 ; total, 
70 acres. 

Hiram Lyon, of Wayne Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1834, 80 
acres on section 17, and 80 acres on section 20 ; total, 160 
acres. 

Moses Camp, of Livingston Co., N. Y., June 2, 1835, 
80 acres on section 17, and 80 acres on section 20; total, 
160 acres. 

James Seymour, of Monroe Co., N. Y., March 1, 1836, 
84 acres on section 21, and 160 acres on section 28; total, 
244 acres. 

Francis G. Maey, of Erie Co., N. Y., May 28, 1836, 
three entire sections, 23, 24, and 25 ; total, 1920 acres. 



GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 



325 



George R. Perkins, of Livingston Co., N. Y., June 22, 
1836, 400 acres on section 27 ; August 26th, 240 acres 
on section 22 ; total, G40 acres. 

Ogden M. Willey, of Livingston Co., N. Y., June L3, 
1836, 320 acres on section 26, and 320 acres on section 36 ; 
total, 640 acres. 

William Young, of Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 12, 
1834, 22 acres on section 28, and 159 acres on section 29 ; 
total, 181 acres. 

Gilbert Howell, of Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 10, 1835, 
68 acres on section 29; October IStli, 39 acres on sec- 
tion 28 ; total, 107 acres. 

Enoch Jones, of Wayne Co., Mich., March 1, 1830, 
160 acres on section 28; Slarch 2d, 320 acres on section 
34 ; total, 480 acres. 

Daniel Curtis, of Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 6, 1833, 
80 acres on section 31 ; Dec. 17, 1835, 40 acres on sec- 
tion 32 ; total, 120 acres. 

The remaining entries, for convenience, are classified by 
sections, the list showing, in addition to the details hereto- 
fore given, the area of each section. The reason that so 
many sections fall short of the full sectional area is that, in 
addition to the fractional sections on the north and west 
borders, those sections through which the river passes have 
considerable " meandered lands," which are not counted in. 
The list continues as follows : 

Section 1, 677.56 acres: Nov. 9, 1836, Oliver G. Wes- 
son, of this county, 80 acres; Eunice Beach, same county, 
160 acres; Nov. 10th, Nathaniel Thunston, same county, 
98 J acres. 

Section 2, 669.05 acres: May 30, 1836, William Devin- 
ney, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres ; Samuel Dcvinney, 
same county, 80 acres ; Alva Thayer, same county, 80 
acres. 

Section 3, 671.04 acres: March 14, 1830, Waldo How- 
ard, of Monroe Co., N. Y., 160 acres. 

Section 4,673.83 acres: March 30, 1836, Aaron Foster, 
of Tompkins Co., N. Y., 160 acres; May 27th, Peter 
Richardson, of Oakland Co., Mich., 178 acres. 

Section 5, 669.36 acres. 

Section 6,564.38 acres: May 22, 1835, Calista Arthur, 
of Livingston Co., N. Y., 28 acres ; June 25, 1836, Thomas 
M. Howell, of Canandaigua, Ontario Co., N. Y., 95 acres. 

Section 7,556.48 acres: Sept. 25, 1834, William Sis- 
sons, of Lapeer Co., Mich., 40 acres, and the same party, 
Oct. 29, 1835, 40 acres; Nov. 15, 1834, Timothy J. Wal- 
ling, of the .same county, 36 acres; Feb. 3, 1836, Lorcn 
Parsons, of this county, 80 acres. 

Section 8, 640 acres: IMay 30, 1835, retcr Sui/dcr, of 
Livingston Co., N. Y., 160 acres. 

Section 9, 640 acres. 

Section 10, 634.16 acres: Feb. 3, 1836, Bradford P. 
Foster, of Tompkins Co., N. Y., 100 acres; Feb. lltli, 
Lansing B. Mizncr, of Ontario Co., N. Y., 2i acres; April 
16th, Morgan L. Schemerhorn, of Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
160 acres: May 30th, Harley Thayer, of Livingston Co., 
N. Y., 160 acres. 

Section 11, 615.20 acres: March 30, 1836, Bradford A. 
Potter, of Tompkins Co., N. Y., 80 acres. 

Section 12, 614.29 acres. 



Section 13: 627 52 acres: March 28, 1836, Douglas 
Houghton, of Wayne Co., Mich., 160 acres. 

Section 14, 040 acres: Sept. 16, 1836, Jo.scph Jones, of 
this county, 80 acres ; Jan. 25, 1851, Peter Kinney, of Ni- 
agara Co., N. Y., 40 acres ; Juno 3, 1852, George W. Good- 
enough, 40 acres. 

Section 15, 610.29 acres: Oct. 13, 1835, Nelson K. 
Moore, of Wayne Co., Mich., 89J acres, and the same 
party, October 30th, 59 acres; April 9, 1836, Gideon 
Loc, of Now York City, 80 acres. 

Section 16, about 625 acres: school land. 

Section 17, 650 acres: April 22, 1835, Nathaniel Fisk, 
of Wayne Co., Mich., 160 acres ; September 2Gth, Albert T. 
Stevens, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 40 acres; October 29th, 
Joseph Simons, of the same county, 40 acres. 

Section 18, 574.20 acres: June 23, 1834, Fidelia Ar- 
thur, of Lapeer Co., Mich., 50 acres; September 25tl), 
John Wooljilt, of the -same county, 45 acres ; October 10th, 
William M. Parker, of Oneida Co., N. Y., 80 acres, and 
the same party. May 27, 1835, 160 acres; Dec. 1, 1835, 
Charles Ji. Coolei/, of Wayne Co., N. Y., SO acres ; Feb. 6, 
1836, William Smith, of Oakland Co., Mich., 40 acres. 

Section 19, 587.52 acres ; May 4, 1833, Isaac N. Robin- 
son, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 134 acres, and the same party, 
July 10, 1835, SO acres; June 17, 1833, Benjamin Coy, 
of the same county, 53 acres; March 30, 1835, Alanson 
Sheley, of Wayne Co., Mich., 240 acres; October 29th, 
Betijamin F. Robinson, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres. 

Section 20,640 acres: Oct. 2, 1834, Amos Gillett,o? 
Livingston Co., N. Y., 240 acres; April 1, 1835, Nelson 
If. Chittenden, of Wayne Co., Mich., 160 acres ; May 16th, 
Norman Cone, of Middlesex Co., Conn., 80 acres. 

Section 21, 607.94 acres: March 30, 1835, Anson Gil- 
bert, of Wayne Co., Mich., 197 acres; Feb. 22, 1836, 
Joshua Terry, of Oakland Co., Mich., 38 acres. 

Section 22, 640 acres: Sept. 16, 1836, Amos Jones, of 
this county, 80 acres. 

Section 23, 640 acres. 

Section 24, 610 acres. 

Section 25, 640 acres. 

Section 26, 640 acres: Sept. 14, 1836, Charles Wright, 
of this county, 160 acres; Nov. 6, 1851, Alva Rogers, 160 
acres. 

Section 27, 640 acres: Sept. 7, 1835, Asa Bishop, of 
this county, 40 acres; December 3d, Charles D. W. Gib- 
son, of the same county, 40 acres; December 30th, Shubael 
Atherton, of Oakland County, 40 acres. 

Section 28, 625.71 acres: May 6, 1834, Burnett Scott, 
of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres ; Feb. 24, 1836, Thomas 
Hadley, of Oakland Co., Mich., 40 acres. 

Section 29, 623.01 acres: July 6, 1833, Joshua Young, 
of Montgomery Co., N. Y., 80 acres; December 11th, Ln- 
man Beach, of Lapeer Co., Mich., 40 acres ; June 23, 1834, 
Bradley Hutchinson, of the same county, 80 acres, and 
May 16, 1835, the same party, 76 acres ; March 30, 1835, 
Charles Ivison, of Wayne Co., Mich., 80 acres. 

Section 30, 595.64 acres: Sept. 28, 1833, Elisha Beach, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., 80 acres; June 10, 1835, Wait 
Beach, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres. 

Section 31, 571 acres: June 22, 1833, Addison Stewart, 



326 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of Lapeer Co., Mich., 42 acres; September lltli, Hiram 
Brown, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres ; November 5th, 
Thomas W. Mather, of New York City, 80 acres ; June 
23, 1834, Ransom Slewart, of Chenango Co., N. Y., 68 
acres, and the same party, November 4th, 40 acres ; Septem- 
ber 22(1, Constant Terry, of Wayne Co., N. Y., 80 acres ; 
September 18th, Charles Toogood, of tliis county, 40 acres. 
Section 32, 615.56"acres: Sept. 11, 1833, Daniel Brown, 
of Livingston Co., N. Y., 52 acres; Jan. 29, 1834, Ilervey 
Andrews, of Lapeer Co., Mich., 100 acres; Dec. 26, 1835, 
Secley Ilarger, of Oakland Co., Mich., 80 acres; Feb. 1, 
1836, Albert J. Smith, of this county, 35 acres. 

Section 32, 040 acres : Sept. 5 and Nov. 3, 1834, Ogden 
Clark, of Oakland Co., Mich., 120 acres; Oct. 8, 1835, 
Samuel Clark, Jr., of the same county, 40 acres ; Decem- 
ber 7th, John McCoruiiek, of this county, 40 acres ; De- 
cember 22d, John Pratt, of tliis county, 40 acres; Feb. 9, 
1836, diaries M. Bull, of Wayne Co, Mich., 80 acres; 
February 20th, Asa Spencer, of Oakland Co., Mich., 40 
acres ; February 26th, Benjamin G. Barker, of AVayne Co., 
Mich., 120 acres. 

Section 34, 640 acres: Nov. 27, 1835, Nathan Herrick, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., 40 acres; March 5, 1836, George 
W. Kceney, SO acres; May 21.st, Oliver E. MaUby and 
Amon W. Langdon, of the State of New York, 80 acres. 

Section 35, 640 acres: April 1, \^'iQ, BnslincU Andrews, 
of Wayne Co., Mich., SO acres ; July 11th, Herman Camp, 
of Tompkins Co., N. Y., 240 acres ; September 14th, Charles 
Wright, of this county, 160 acres. 

Section 36, 640 acres: June 21, 1836, Samuel Bassett, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., 320 acres. 

From this list we are able to trace the tide of immigration 
in its force and progress. In 1833 a little more than 1200 
acres was taken up ; in 1834, a little more than 1500 acres ; 
in 1835, almost 4000 acres; and in 1836, when the grand 
rush came, and the tide of immigration was at its flood, over 
15,000 acres were entered. 

As showing the names of others of the pioneers, and 
also their comparative wealth at that time, we give the fol- 
lowing copy of the roll of resident ta.x-paycrs fur the year 
1844. 



Names of Tuxpayers. 



Xo. of Section. 



James Abram 5 

Nicholas Abram 5 

Biisbncll Andrews 29 aud 30 

llervey Andrews :i2 and 33 

William Algate 20 

Josiah W. lic^ole 10 

Abraham Bodinc 3 

Brown & Dickinson 31 

David Brown 3-t 

Orson Binj^ham 34 

Timothy Boies 32 

Luman Beach Personal 

llichard Bush '* 

Ogden Clark 31 

Ogden Clark (administra- 
tor, etc.) 34 and35 

Moses Camp 19 

Nelson H. Chittenden 20 

Noah Chittenden 21 

Norman Cone 20 

Francis Cone 20 

Charles U. Coole.v 18 

William Chambe'rlin 2S, 29, and 30.. 

Widow Cawden 7 

Samuel Devinny \ 

Widow Daly IS 

Jacob Demerco 21 

Benja 



A. Fay 20 and 21 121 



No. of 


Amount 


AcrL'8. 


of Tux. 


80 


$,^59 


80 


3.24 


lfi,i 


y.oi 


158 


7.13 


CO 


2.25 


160 


0.86 


SO 


3.12 


143 


in.{i2 


SO 


COS 


SO 


2.18 


51 


2.80 




.37 




.25 


200 


5.49 


100 


4.49 


107 


6.17 


SO 


5.51 


47 


1.91 


SO 


6.27 


72 


3.93 


78 


4.90 


250 


9.S2 


40 


1.24 


80 


2.86 


40 


1.96 


40 


1.411 


121 


7.5S 



Names of Tnxpayore. 



No. of Section. 



Robert Ferj^uson 5 

linldforil V. Foster 10 

Daniel Foot... 34 

Isaac N. Robinson 19 

. Fitch 24 

Li>ron7o (^ore 32 

Elisha Galpin 20 

Chester Goodalo 9 

Patrick Gribbcn 8 

AVilliam Hughes 18 

A. II. Hart 7 

WaUl., Uowanl 4 

Simeon Ilowarii 4 

Henry D. Hunt 8 

George Hovey 2 

Wright J. Hoiton 19 

John Imrie 6 

L. G. Jones 28 an.l 33 

Mcrrilt Johnson 22 

Gardner Kellogg 16 and 20 

M. .?. Kellogg 21 

"Walter Kittredgo 17 

Chester McComb 9 

John Slartin 19 

David Mather 31 

J. D. Morehouse 29 

. — — Macy 24 

Reuben MoCreery 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15.. 

Lyman Oaks 28 

Uussel S. Parker 17 

Sarah Parker 17 

A. B. Parker IS 

PeaboJy Pratt 19 

AVilliam Paletbor|ie 6 

David Powell 33 

Benjamin F. Robinson 17 

Jairus Robinson 17 

John Rose 17 

John C. Russell 30 

Howland Russell Personal 

Joseph Simons 17 

D. M. Seymour 18 

Charles D. Seymour 4 and 5 

Asher Simons 5 

D. H. Seeley 3 

Orrin Seeley 9 

C. B. Seeley 6 

Stillman Stanley 9 

Sherman Stanley Sand 9 

AVeed II. Stevens 4 and 8 

Ezra Stevens 9 

Ralsa W.Stevens 9 

Seth Stevens 8 

Polly Snyder 8 

Peter Snyder 8 

Ransom Stewart 31 

Lewis Stevens 20 

Albert T.Stevens 17 

Simon Smith Personal 

Charles Toogooil 17 

Edward Taylor 15, 21 and 28 

John E. I'pton 3 

Polly Van Riper 8 

Abraham Voorhees 2 

Franklin Vinton 34 

Loren AVilliams 3 

Reuben Wethercll 19 and 20 

A. E. Wilcox 20 

Harvey Wilco.\ 20 

Chouneey Wisncr 2 

John Woollitt 18 



KEMINISCENCES. 

The fii'st saw-mill in the town was huilt by Mr. Ilarger. 
Benjamin Pearson, familiarly called " Uncle Ben," was in- 
terested in it to some extent either at the time of building 
or soon after. It was probably built in the summer of 
1834. The power was furnished by Kear.sley Creek, which 
was dammed for that purpose about one hundred rods above 
its junction with the river. The mill was not very large, 
having a capacity of about 2000 feet per day, but it never- 
theless furnished lumber for many of the pioneer houses in 
the northern towns of the county. 

A second mill was built on the Kearsley, in 1836, by the 
Joneses. It w.as known as the Jones mill, and was about a 



No. of 


Ainoiitit 


-\cres. 


of Tax. 


SO 


$3.12 


160 


8.90 


40 


1.64 


107 


6.05 


240 


6.99 


52 


2.52 


43 


5.70 


SO 


4.07 


40 


1.05 


40 


2.65 


150 


9.07 


SO 


4.33 


95 


2.59 


SO 


4.26 


80 


1.99 


120 


5.24 


80 


2.93 


440 


18.72 


80 


2.29 


120 


4.91 


87 


2.85 


86 


4.46 


40 


1.77 


80 


5.63 


80 


4.51 


27 


1.47 


160 


3.99 


769 


21.93 


100 


4.70 


100 


3.49 


40 


1..37 


160 


6.95 


146 


10.17 


19 


.54 


44 


1.39 


SO 


4.57 


72 


2.9 4 


80 


2.46 


108 


1S.54 




.64 


40 


1.87 


SO 


3.56 


140 


3.93 


20 


.50 


160 


8.73 


40 


1.69 


75 


3.33 


411 


2.14 


240 


12.35 


100 


3.64 


17 


.71 


23 


1.29 


10 


.25 


10 


.25 


SO 


3.34 


80 


3.38 


20 


.50 


40 


1.62 




.37 


20 


1.12 


313 


8.67 


SO 


3.87 


40 


.75 


SO 


1.50 


40 


1.25 


80 


2.76 


90 


5.80 


55 


2.49 


60 


1.50 


SO 


3.03 


60 


3.37 



GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 



327 



luilo above the first, or Hnrger, mill. The buildcre of tins 
mill had con.siJerable trouble to get a dam that would stand 
the pressure of the water and the thumps given it by the 
floating logs that filled the stream during certain seasons of 
high water. 

A third mill was built on the Kearsley, in 1837, by Og- 
den Clark. It was on section 34, and on the site at present 
occupied by Pettis' grist-mill. 

The fourth saw-mill was built on the Flint River, near the 
west line of section 11, at Genesoeville. It was built by 
Lot Clark and Stephen Warren, who purchased the site of 
the government, and also procured a charter granting tliem 
the privilege of damming the river for the purpose of fur- 
nishing a mill-power. The property was by them trans- 
ferred to Reuben McCrecry, Oct. 6, 1847. JlcCreery sold 
one-half of his interest to Simon King, April 24, 1848, and in 
1849 they built the first grist-mill in town. By deed dated 
June 14, 1861, King rcconveyed to MeCreery his half- 
interest, and on June 13, 1SG5, lie sold to Drake & Bing- 
ham (Hastings E. Drake and Samuel Bingham"). They 
ran the grist-mill four years, and then sold to William E. 
Alexander, Dec. 29, 18G9. Alexander sold to the present 
owner, Isaac 0. Rogers, July 1 , 1872. From 1872 to 1874, 
George W. Lissett owned a half-interest in the property. 
These have been the owners of the gi'ist-mill. A second 
saw-mill was built by McCreory & King, in 1853, and this 
was subsequently owned by William Throop, who sold to 
William Hovey, who was the owner when, in 1878, it was 
dismantled and torn down. At this time his right in the 
water-power was sold to Dyer Ainsworth, who transferred 
it to Mr. Isaac 0. Rogers. The grist-mill is still in opera- 
tion, converting the product of the farmer's field into the 
white dust which is so necessary to the existence as well as 
happiness of civilized man. It is still in its original form, 
none other than ordinary repairs having been made, and is 
one of the landmarks of the section. Its dimensions are 
40 by 50 feet, with 30-foot posts, giving two and a half 
stories in height above the basement. The power is applied 
to the three run of stones and other machinery by means of 
four iron turbine water-wheels, of the Walker pattern, each 
of which is four feel in diameter and two feet deep. The 
dam is nearly forty rods in length, and affords a head of 
water of about six feet. The capacity of the mill is about 
100 barrels of flour per day. During the past year it has 
done but little work aside from custom grinding. 

At first the pioneers had no bridges across the river, and 
had to ford it when business or pleasure necessitated their 
cro.ssiDg it. But this state of affairs could not long exist 
among so stirring and progressive a people as those who 
had undertaken to bring order out of the chaotic wilder- 
ness and replace the trees of the gloomy forest with smiling 
roof-trees, whose cheering welcomes should ever gladden the 
hearts of their inmates as well as of the stranger who should 
be fortunate enough to find a temporary resting-place be- 
neath their beneficent shadows. The project of bridging 
the turbulent waters of the Flint was oficn and thoroughly 
discussed, and in 1843 or 1844 the work was undertaken. 
The place chosen was that on section 32, below the mouth 
of the Kearsley where " the Oliver road" eros.sed. The 
work was dune under the supervision of Joseph Smith, — 



not by any means the redoubtable apostle of Mormonism, 
but a much more honorable, upright, and exemplary citizen, 
— and the necessary materials and labor were furnished or 
paid fur by the voluntary contributions of the citizens. 
There is not at present any bridge at this point. The sec- 
ond bridge was located at, or a little west of, the corners of 
sections 10, 11, 14, and 15, and was built under the super- 
vision of Reuben MeCreery. It was rebuilt in 1875, and 
is now the only bridge across Flint River in this town. A 
third bridge, called " the Fay Bridge," was built about 1860 
at the southwest corner of section 21. After being in use 
about nine years it was abandoned, 

Though the woods were frequently filled with wandering 
Indians, these aborigines had no village or special camping- 
place within the limits of this town. The most prominent, 
and perhaps the only real, trace of their former residence 
here, is found in the northwestern part of section 12, where 
a ridge of land, running from the river-bank northward 
until it cro.sses the railroad, bears indisputable evidence of 
once having been used as a burial-ground. The soil is sandy 
and dry, — facts that account for its selection for this pur- 
pose, as the Indians, having only the rudest kind of im- 
plements for excavating purposes, naturally selected places 
where the soil was light, loose, and easily worked. At the 
time the Flint River Railroad was built a cut was made 
through the northern part of this ridge, and while working 
this cut the workmen discovered human bones, which led 
to further explorations and further discoveries. 

Probably the first white person born in the town of Gen- 
esee was Damon Stewart, a son of Addison and Lucy 
Stewart, who was born on the 5th of February, 1834. We 
say probably, because Edward, a son of Luman Beach, was 
also born in the same month, and we have no means of 
knowing the exact date of his birth. He removed to AVis- 
consin with his parents, was married there, and died without 
issue. Damon Stewart lived on the farm until his parents 
removed to Flint, in 1843, when he went to that place with 
them. He studied in the common schools till the death of 
his father : soon after which event, at the age of fifteen, he 
commenced life for himself by working as a clerk in the 
" Scotch store." At the breaking out of the Rebellion he 
enlisted as a member of the Flint Union Grays, and was a 
member of the 2d Michigan Infantry. At the battle of 
Williamsburg, May 5, 18G2, he was wounded, and, before 
returning to the field after his recovery, received an adju- 
tant's commission in the 23d Michigan Infantry, being mus- 
tered iu as captain of Company K. After serving till the 
close of the war, be returned to Flint, where he has most of 
the time since been engaged in the mercantile business. 
Oct. 23, 186.S, he was married to Miss Frances N. McQuigg, 
by whom he has a family of two sons and three daughters. 

The first marriage among the pioneers occurred in the 
fall of 1838, when Henry Cadwcll and Ann M. Stanley, a 
daughter of Sherman Stanley, were united in the silken 
bonds of matrimony. They lived in this town for a time, 
and then removed to Flint. Mr. Cadwcll died in Detroit 
about ten years after his marriage. Mrs. Cadwcll, now 
Mrs. G. V. S. Youngs, is living in the village of Mount 
Morris. 

During tirw same fall the first death occurred among the 



328 



IirSTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



settlers. Weed II. Stevens' little two-year-old daughter, 
Abigail, while playing about the house found a screw, 
which, child like, she put into her mouth. By some moans 
it got into her throat, and in spite of all efforts to relieve 
her choked her to death. Siio was buried in the woods 
on the farm of Siierman Stanley. The grave has long 
since subsided to the level of the surrounding surface and 
no trace of it remains, and, stranger than all, its location 
oven is now unknown. The first deatli of an adult was 
that of Eliza Buckingham, wife of Isaac N. Ilobinson, who 
died Feb. 23, 1839. Her death resulted from disease of 
the heart, and, though not unexpected, was very sudden. 

The people who formed the population of the Coldwater 
settlement were intelligent and progressive to a degree that 
insured the prompt establishing of schools for the education 
of their children. The first school was kept at the house 
of Lewis Buckingham by Miss Sarah Curtis, a sister of 
Daniel Curtis. It was as early as the winter of 1835-3G, 
and possibly a year earlier than that. There were some 
eight or ten scholars, and one room of the house was set 
apart for their sole use. Sliss Elizabeth Pratt, a daughter 
of Peabody Pratt, subsequently kept a school in the neigh- 
borhood, and not long after — probably in 183G-37 — a 
school district was organized and a school-house built on 
section 31. Miss Harriet Iloyes taught the first school in 
that house. In 1837-38 a log .school-house was built on 
the north line of section 16, near the quarter-stake. It 
was a small aflfair, probably not larger than 14 by 18 feet. 
The first term of school was kept by Jliss Delia Fish, a 
daughter of Dr. George W. Fi.sh, of Flint, and the school 
numbered about a dozen scholars. The board of school 
inspectors met at the town clerk's office, Sept. 22, 1S3S, 
and divided the town into five school districts. The num- 
ber of children of school age was as follows: District No. 
1, 28 ; No. 2, 30 ; No. 4, 19 ; and No. 5, 14. 

At the present time there are eight school districts in 
the town, three of them (Nos. 1, 3, and 11) being frac- 
tional. There are nine frame school-houses. District No. 
3 — Genesee and Mount Morris — having two, and their ag- 
gregate value is $0000. The school at Mount Morris village 
is the only graded school in the town. During the year 
ending Sept. 30, 1878, 8 male and II female teachers were 
employed, teaching an aggregate of 77 months. The sum 
of $1300.50 wiis raised by tax. $1112.25 was paid to male 
teachers, $1046 to female teachers, and an aggregate amount 
of $3291.06 was expended for all school purposes. 

The first blacksmith in town was probably Washington 
Todd, who worked at Genesceville when the mill was being 
built. 

The first burial-ground opened in Genesee was purchased 
by the town from John E. Upton, in 1840 or 1841. The 
first person buried there was Horace Freeman, whoso death 
resulted from an accident. Ho was going to Flint with 
D. II. Secley, and, while riding along near what was known 
as the Beecher school-house, a tree in which the fire had 
been working fell on them. Freeman was badly crushed 
and lived but a few hours, and Seeley had a leg broken by 
the falling tree-top. This burial-ground has always gone 
by the name of the Upton ground. It was purchased at 
the petition of the citizens in the northeast part of the town, 



and consisted of one acre of ground on the south part of 
the southwest quarter of section 3. It was to be cleared 
and surrounded by a board fence, and cost the town $50. 

The township had in 1839 purchased an acre of ground 
of Daniel Curtis, and in 1840 had it fenced and graded, 
making its total cost about $60. This, being in the pres- 
ent town of Mount Morris, is not accounted as first in this 
sketch. 

CIVIL AND POLITICAL. 

As originally organized in 1838, this town comprised, in 
addition to its present territory, the east half of the present 
township of Mount Morris. This arrangement continued 
until the year 1855, when the town of Mount Morris was 
organized. 

Of the steps preparatory to the formation of the town, 
the conferring upon it of a name, and other interesting de- 
tails we have no record from which to glean the facts, and 
are conse((Ucntly debarred from giving to them the prom- 
inence they rightfully deserve. 

The first town-meeting was held in what is now the 
town of Mount Morris, at the Coldwater settlement. Juba 
Barrows' house was the place of meeting, and the following 
copy of the record will show better than we can otherwise 
describe what business was there transacted. The record 
reads as follows : 

'' Kecord of tbo proceedings of the first Town-meeting held in the 
town of Genesee, County of Gcncsce, and State of Michigan: 

"The Electors of said Town assembled at the house of Jub.i Bar- 
rows, in said Town, on Monday, the second day of April, 1S.3S, and 
organized by Choosing Chas. N. Beecher Moderator. A. II. Ilart 
was chosen Clerk. Peabody Pratt, Daniel Curtis, and Bushnell An- 
drews were chosen inspectors. The above-named persons being duly 
sworn and qualified, and having selected Elsworth Walkley and Jo- 
siah Bcgole as clerks of election, and being given that the poles were 
open, proceeded to receive votes for town officers for the ensuing year; 
and upon canvassing the Votes it was ntuerlaincd that the following 
I)ersons were duly elected to the several offices set opoaitc their re- 
spective names, to wit: John Pratt, Supervisor. Chas. N. Beecher, 
Town Clerk. Addison Stewart, Daniel Curtis, A. II. Hart, Assessors. 
Addison Stewart, Juba Barrows, I. N. Robinson, School Inspectors. 
Sherman St.nnley, Bushnell Andrews, Alanson Dickinson, Commish- 
ioners of Highways. A. II. Hart, Jeremy Hitchcock, C. N. Beecher, 
Asa Spencer, Justices of the Peace. L. G. Buckingham, Collector. 
L. G. Buckingham, Frederick Walker, Albeit T. Stevens, G. L. Jones, 
Contt.iljlcs. John Martin, Peabody Pratt, Directors of the Poor. 
Road District No. 1, B. Picrsons; No. 2, N. Cone; No. 3, Wm, 
Thayer; No. 4, Sherman Stanley; No. 5, J. Hitchcock; No. 6, "Wm. 
Tillori; No. 7, Samuel Clark, Jr., — Overseers of Highways. 

'•The following bye Laws were proposed & adojited, to wit: 

** Article 1st. The compensation of all Town officers Shal be fifty 
cents ]»r day in addition to what was before ])rcscribcd by the Statute 
Law. 

"Art. 2n. the over Seers of Highways shall act as fence-viewers 
& pound-matters. 

"Art. 3d. a fence four A a half feet high shall bo considered a 
lawful fence. 

"Art. 4tii. No pigs or swine of Less weight than Twcnty-fivo 
jiounds shall be free commoners. 

" A vote w.as taken and carried to Raise fifiy Dollars for the benefit 
of Ihc Town poor. 

" It was also voted that the next Town-meeting be holden at the 
school House in District No. two, near I. N. Robinson's, in said town 

of Genesee. 

"A. H. Hart, CUrk. 

" C. N. BrecheR, ModeniUtr." 

Then follows a paragraph telling how the justices of the 
peace drew for the respective terms of one, two, three, and 
four years : 






H.D.Hunt. 



MRS.H. D.Hunt. 



HENRY D. HUNT. 



This gentleman, whose name and history is promi- 
nently associated with the township of Genesee, was 
born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., July 2, 1812. He was the 
son of Humphrey and Margaret (Moore) Hunt, who 
had a family of thirteen children, — seven boys and sLx 
girls, — all of whom, with the exception of Henry D., are 
now deceased. The elder Hunt was a native of Ver- 
mont. He was a farmer by occupation, and at the age 
of seventeen entered the Continental army as a private 
soldier. He was with Washington at the time of Bur- 
goyne's surrender. He was afterwards transferred to 
Sullivan's command. He served through the war with 
credit, and at its close returned to Vermont, where he 
lived until 1802, when he removed with his family to 
Cayuga Co., N. Y. 

In 1827 he went to Livingston Co., N. Y., where he 
resided until his death, which occurred in May, 1828, 
in the sixty-sixth year of his age. He was a man of 
excellent principles, energetic, and moderately successful 
in business. 

At the age of sixteen Henry D. was thrown upon his 



own resources by the death of his father, and by his 
labor supported his widowed mother and two younger 
brothers, one of whom he educated as a physician. In 
1834 he was married to Miss Agnes Parker, of Mount 
Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y. She was born in Con- 
necticut in May, 1809. She died in November, 1864. 
The result of this union was five children. 

In 1867 he was again married, to Mrs. Lucy Beam, 
of Albion, N. Y. She was born in Seneca County in 
1818. 

In 1837, Mr. Hunt came to Michigan, and settled 
in Genesee, where he purchased eighty acres of land, on 
which he now resides. Mr. Hunt has been successful 
in his chosen vocation ; to his first purchase he haa added 
two hundred and twenty acres, and he is considered one 
of the prominent farmers of the county. In his re- 
ligious and political affiliations he is a Congregationalist 
and a Republican, and has been a justice of the peace 
for twenty-four years. He has five children living, — 
Agues M., now Mrs. Q«orge Seely ; Fanny, wife of 
Henry Lee ; and Ira, Emma, and James S. 




j\\RAM ^. BARDWELL.M.D. 




Residence OF HIRAM H BARDWELL.MD mount Morris, Mich 



GENESEE TOWNSHIP. 



329 



"On the 12th day of April, 1S38, the justices elect for the town of 
Genosoo were classed as follows, to wit : Asa S|>encer ilrcw for four 
years, Albert H. Hart for thrccyears, J. Hitchcock drew for one year, 
C. N. Beccher for two years." 

Tlie following list of ofiBcers of the town comprises all that 
could be found by a careful examination of both the town 
and county records. The town records of elections and town 
business for the years from 1850 to ISO!), both inclusive, 
arc not to be found. The list during those years Ls not, 
consequently, complete. 

CIVIL LIST. 



SUPERVISORS. 



18.38-38. John Pratt. 

1840. Walter Kittrcdge. 

1841. Benjaniin F. Robinson. 

1842. Charles N. Beccher. 
184.3. John Pratt. 

1844. Addison Stewart."*' 

1845. llcuben McCreery. 
184G. Ellsworth Walkley. 
1847-48. Charles N. licccher. 
1849. tieorge (Jihson. 
18r)0-.')2. Charles N. lieecher. 
lS5:i-o4. Lester P. Stutson. 
185i-56. Josiah W. Bcgolcf 



1856. Charles N. Beccher. 

1857. Wright J. llorton. 
lS58-fill. Chandler II. Itockwood. 
ISC.l. Nelson II. Chittenden. 
1802. .Marquis F. Baldwin. 
18C.3-C7. Chandler II. Ilockwood. 
1868-69. William Johnson. 

1870. Isaac A. Chapman. 

1871. Abram C. Eldredgo. 

1872. Isaac A. Chapman. 
1873-74. Cliandlcrll. Ilo.kwood. 
1875-70. Philo D. Phillips. 
1877-79. Ilcnry B. Uillur. 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1838-41. Charles N. Beecher. 
1842-13. Richard Marvin.^ 
1843-44. Moses Camp. 
1845. Ellsworth Walkley. 
1840. Hiram Brown. 
1847. T. Allen Walkley. 
1848-49. L. G. Buckingham. 

1850. Daniel Curtis. 

1851. Manley Miles, Jr. 

1852. A. E. Wilco.t. 
1853-54. Wright J. llorton. 
1855. A. E. Wilcox. 

1850. Nelson II. Chittenden. 
1857. M. W. Lake. 
1858-59. U. A. Goodale. 



18C0-GI. A. R. Bray. 
1802-03. R. C. Burroughs. 
1804. William B. Wethenll. 
1S05. ILaniilton Stanley. 

1806. Nelson n. Chittenden. 

1807. T. T. Shifter. 
1808-01). R. C. Burroughs. 

1870. William B. Wethcrcll. 

1871. Uextcr Douglass. 

1872. James B. Murray. 
1873-74. Job Nichols. 
1875-76. William Sullivan. 
1877-78. Frank Booth. 
1879. Edmund U. Ilurd. 



TOWN TUEASrRERS. 



1839. 


John Pratt. 


1854. 


1840. 


Walter Kittredgc. 


1855- 


1841. 


Moses Camp.§ 


1857- 




Hiram Brown. 


1859. 


1842. 


Humphrey Hunt. 


1800- 


1843. 


Peabody Pratt. 


1862- 


1844. 


Josiah W. Bcgolc. 


1864. 


1845. 


Daniel II. Seeley. 


1805- 


1846. 


Asabel Simons. 


1807- 


1847. 


Rodman W. Albro. 


1809. 


1848. 


Joseph Simons. 


IS70- 


1849. 


Russel S. Parker. 


1872- 


1850. 


A. E. Wilcox. 


1875- 


1851. 


Stillman Stanley (2d). 


1877- 


1852. 


Walter B. Wcthercll. 


1879. 


1853. 


Henry Stanley. 





Oliver Stanley. 
-OC). Alanson Burr. 
-58. Edwin Tanner. 

M. S. Kogeii^. 
-61. Jlasifmgs E. Drake. 
-6.'i. Nathan IJrowu. 

Orrin F. Gilbert. 
-66. William Johnson. 
-6S. Homer Cathcart. 

Samuel Bingham. 
-71. Jitckson Fox. 
-74. Hiram A. (iilbert. 
-76. Oeurjjc A. Hutchinson. 
-78. Edwin A. Russell. 

Edwin It. Footc. 



* Unable to attend mcetiog of the Board, and Moses Camp w:is 
ii[ipointed, October 12th. 

I Removed to Flint, and Charles N. Beecher appointt^l to fill the 
vacancy. 

J Removed from the town, and Mo.«es Camp ajijiointed to fill the 
vacancy, October 2Uth. 

^ Resigned November 3d, and Hiram Brown appointed to lill the 
vacancy. 

42 



JITSTICES OP THE PEACE. 



1838. 


Jeremy Hitchcock (1 yr.). 


1855. 


Ileirry D. Hunt (v.). 




Charles N. Beccher (2 yrs.). 


1856. 


Wright J. llorton. 




Albert H. Hart (3 years). 


1857- 


58. No record. 




Asa Spencer (4 years). 


1859. 


Sherman .Stanley. 


1839. 


Jeremy Hitchcock (f. t.)|| 


1800. 


Stillwell Burroughs (f. t.) 




Albert II. Hart (v.)t 




Charles P. Smith (v.). 


1840. 


Charles N. Beccher (f. t.). 


1801. 


Calvin W. Wisncr (f. t.). 




Reuben Fish (v.). 




Talman T. Slafter (v.). 


1841. 


Albert H. Hart. 


1862- 


60. No record. 


1842. 


Hiram Brown. 


IS07. 


Job Nichols (f. t.). 


1843. 


Ogden ('lark. 




Charles P. Smith (v.). 


1844. 


Daniel II. Seeley (f. t.). 


1808. 


Charles A. Kelly. 




Charles N. Beccher (v.). 


1869. 


No record. 


1845. 


Albert 11. Hart. 


1870. 


Ephraim Allen. 


1846. 


John Martin. 


1871. 


Job Nichols. 


1847. 


l>avid Brown. 


1872. 


William M. Wright. 


1848. 


Richard Rich. 


1873. 


Marvin L. Seeley. 


1849. 


Frederick AValkcr (f. t.). 


1874. 


Abram (leveland. 




Josiah W. Begole(v.). 


1875. 


Henry D. Hunt. 


1850. 


Lyman (i. Buckingham. 


1870. 


William M. Wright (f. t.) 


1851. 


David Brown. 




Charles P. Smith (v.). 


1852. 


Josiah W. Begole. 


1877. 


Ilcnry C. Ayers. 


1853. 


.Tohu Inirie. 


1878. 


Hastings E. Drake. 


1854. 


Rodman W. Albro. 


1S79. 


Hiram U. Bardwcll. 


1855. 


David Brown (f. t.). 







roi.i,E(;Toits. 
1838-39. L. G. Buckingham. | 1840-41. Albert T. Stevens. 



IIKJIIW.VY COMMISSIONERS, 



1838. 



Sherman Stanley. 
Bushiicll Andrews. 
Alanson Dickinson. 

1839. Sherman Stanley. 
Bushnell Andrews. 
Humphrey Hunt. 

1840. Slicrman Stanley. 
Nelson H. Chittenden. 
Alanson Dickinson. 

1841. Benjamin F. Robinson, 
Manley Miles. 
Nelson H. Chittenden. 

1812-43. Manley Miles. 
Abram Bodine. 
Richanl Johnson. 

1844. Henry D. Hunt. 
Richar<l .luhnson. 
Daniel Foote. 

1845. David M. Seymour. 
John Hall. 
Alanson Dickinson, 

1840. David Brown. 
John E. Upton. 



1838. Addison Stewart. 
Daniel Curtis. 
Albert 11. Hart, 

1839. Addison Stewart. 
Juba Barrows. 
Albert II. Hart, 
.I(din Martin. 
Moses Camp. 
Russel S. Parker. 
Albert II. Hart. 
Lyman G. Buckingham. 
Cyrenus Lake. 
Lyman G. Buckingham. 
Carlos B. Seeley. 

1843. David Brown. 



1840. 



1841. 



184 



1840. David M. Seymour. 

1847. Nelson Gee (3 years). 
John Daly (2 years). 
Timothy Boies {I year). 

1848. Carlos B. Seeley. 

1849. .Joseph W. Metcalf. 

1850. Joseph 1). Morehouse. 

1851. Daniel Rich. 

1852. Reuben MoCicory. 

1853. Sherman Stanley (f. t.). 
Nelson Gee (v.), 

1854. AValter Knickerbocker. 

1855. Edwin Taylor. 
1856-69. No record. 

1870. Henry Knickerbocker. 

1871. Wright J. llorton. 

1872. Nathan Brown. 

1873. Jackson Fox. 

1874. Simon King. 

1875. Jackson Fox. 
1876-78. Charles (!. Walker. 
1879. Chandler II. Rockwood. 



1843. Carlos B. Seeley. 

1844. Edward T.aylor. 
Carlos B. Seeley. 

1845. William Sisson. 
Proctor Williams. 

1846. Nelson Gee, 
Josiah W. Begole. 

1847. Lyman G. Buckingham. 
Sherman Stanley. 

1848. Patrick Daly. 
John E. Upton. 

1849. David Brown. 
John E. Ujiton. 

1850. David Brown. 
Albert U. Hart, 



Full term. 



% Vacancy. 



330 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



OVEnSEERS OF THE POOR. 



183S. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1S44. 
1845. 
1846. 

1838- 
1840. 
1S41. 
1S42. 

1843. 

1844. 
1S45. 

1846. 

1847. 

1848. 
1849. 
1850- 

1852. 

1853. 
1854. 
1853. 

1856. 



John Martin. 
Peabody Pratt. 
Jeremy Hitchcock. 
Eli$ba Curtis. 
Kcubcn Fish. 
Alauson Dickinson. 
Reuben Wetliurell. 
Reuben Fish. 
Alanson Dickinson. 
Cyrenus Lake. 
Peter Snyder. 
Lyman G. Ruckingham. 
John E. Ujiton. 
Benjamin F. Robinson. 
Reuben Fish. 
Richard Joliuson. 
Chauncey Wisncr. 



1846. Richard Johnson. 

1847. Chauncey Wisner. 
Josiah W. licgole. 

1848. Russell S. Parker. 
Bavid Brown. 

1849-50. Josiah W. Bcgolc. 
Timothy Poise. 

1851. Josiah W. P.egole. 
John Imrie. 

1852. Daniel Curtis. 
Luther tiilbcrt. 

1853. Richard Rich. 
David M. Seymour. 

1854. John Woolfitt. 
Richard Rich. 

1855. Albert AVisncr. 
Luther Gilbert. 



SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 



•39. Addison Stewart. 

Juba Harrows. 

Isaac N. Robinson. 

Aloses Camp. 

Josiah W. IJcgole. 

Henry Cadwell. 

Aloses Camp. 

AVilliam Cbauiberlin. 

Josiah W. Pegolc. 

Ellsworth AValkley. 

Addison Stewart. 

Josiah "W. Begolo. 

Almon B. Pratt (2 years). 

Albert 11. llart (1 year). 

Addison Stewart. 

Frederick Stanley (f. t.). 

Moses Camp (v.). 

Ogden Clark (f. t.). 

Ellsworth Walkley (v.). 

Ellsworth Walkley (f. t.). 

Daniel Foote (v.). 

William Chaniberlin. 

Manley Miles, Jr. 
51. William Chambcrlin. 

Almon B. Pratt (f. t.). 

I. N. C. Miles (v.). 

Patrick Daly. 

Robert Johnson. 

Almon 1!. Pratt (f. t.). 

William Chambcrlin. 

William Chambcrlin. 



1857. 


T. W. Lamphierd. 


1858. 


M. F. Baldwin. 


1859. 


E. W. Gilbert. 


1860. 


M. F. Baldwin. 


1861. 


C. Norwood Van Wormcr 


1862. 


Stephen Burroughs. 


1863. 


W. 11. Troop. 




A. B. Pralt. 




Still well Burroughs. 


1864. 


C. N. Van Wormcr. 




Philo M. Begolo. 


1865. 


E. W. Gilbert. 




Wright J. Ilorton. 




Alexander R. Bray. 


1S6C. 


T. W. Lamphierd. 




Hamilton St:inley. 


1867- 


68. No record. 


1869. 


J. W. Birdsall. 




C. H. Pcnoyer. 


1870. 


B. Edward Fay (f. t.). 




James F. Hall (v.). 


1871. 


Ilirain H. Bardwell (f. t.) 




William B. Wcthcrell (r.) 


1872. 


Daniel 11. Seeley. 


1873. 


Hiram H. Burdwell (f. t.) 


1873- 


74. Darwin B. Foster (v 




and f. t.). 


1875. 


Charles G. Wcslover. 


1870. 


Henry B. Dillcr. 


1877- 


79, Charles Q. Westovcr. 



1875-76. Hiram H. Bardwell 
1877-78. John A. Chapell. 



SCHOOL Sl'PEnlSTENDENTS. 

1879. Byron S. Jcnning 



DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 



1871. Roswcll C. Burroughs. 

1872. William Algate. 

1873. William L. Palmer. 
1874-75. Ralph M. Stimpson. 



1876-77. Charles P. Smith. 

1878. Charles G. Walker. 

1879. Chandler II. Rockwood. 



CONSTABLES.* 

Lyman G. Buckingham, 1838 to '44, *46 to "48 ; Frederick Walker, G. 
L.Jones, 1838; Albert T. Stevens, 1838-40, '42, '45 ; John AVool- 
fitt, Samuel Clark, Jr., 1839; Charles R. Cooley, 1840; Asahel 
Simons, 1840, '45, '48, '50-52; Joseph Simons, 1S4I ; Ezra Ste- 
vens, 1841-42; Humphrey Hunt, 1841 to '44; William M. Glover, 
1843; Daniel Foote, 1843-44; T. Allen Walkley, 1844-46; Jc- 

« For the years 1857-58, '60, '62 to '67 inclusive, and '09, there arc 
no records of the constables elected. For the years 1856, '61, and '68 
there is a partial record. 



romo Clark, 1845-46; Joscphus Stanley, 1846 ; Edward Hughes, 
J. P. Welherell, 1847; Gibbons Wentworlh, 1847-48: Ezra G. 
Wisner, 1848-49; Henry Stanley, Lorenzo Gere, 1849; William 
S. Rogers, 1849-51: Stillman Stanley, Isaac N. C. Miles, 1850; 
Robert Johnson, 1851; Uiram A. Gilbert. 1851, '56; Hiram 
Cogswell, Joseph W. Mctcalf, 1852; Daniel C. Crandall, 1852, 
'59, '68, '70 ; Oliver Stanley, .Tohn Perry, John Hughes, 1853; 
Porter Colton, 185.'i-54; Alanson Burr, James Guhau, Edmund 
.lohnson, 1854; Andrew Rhykard, N:ithan Brown, 1855; Orson 
Bingham, 1855, '75 ; Joseph 1). Morehouse, 1855-59 ; Orson Jen- 
nings, 1856 ; .Jerome M. Lanijtman, 1859 ; tieorge A. Hutchinson, 
1859-79; Marshall F. Dunn, J. A. Peck, Ansel D. Seeley, 1861 ; 
Charles B. Wethcrcll, 1868; Chauncey M. Braddock, 1868-74; 
Jackson Fo.\, 1870-71; Simeon H, Church, 1870-72; John A, 
Edwards, 1870-71, '73, '75 to 79; Horace J. Stevens, 1871, '76 
to 79; Charles H. Hosier, Martin Richmond, 1872; William B. 
Wctherell, 1872-73; Joseph Worden, Alexander Ferguson, 1873; 
James H. Bement, Austin Stevens, 1874; George Crow, 1874- 
75 ; William D. Bird, 1875; Stephen Olcn, 1876-78: William H. 
Allen, 1876-77 ; Edwin L. Foote, 1878-79. 

The town lia.s repeatedly voted on the question of licen- 
sini^ the sale of liquor, and uniformly ajjjaiiist thus legalizinj^ 
the traffic. Some of the votes have been ;is follows : In 
184G, for licen.se, 2; against license, 3G ; in 1847, for li- 
cense, 2; against license, 45; iu 1850, for license, 17; 
against license, 66. 

June 20, 1853, at a special meeting to vote on the ques- 
tion of adopting the prohibitory law, the vote for its adop- 
tion was 110, and the vote against it but 51. 

The population in 1874 was 1550, divided as follows: 
Males under five years, 121 ; from five to twenty-one 
years, 88 ; from twenty-one to forty-five years, 241 ; from 
forty-five to seventy-five years, 149 ; from seventy-five to 
ninety years, 5 ; from ninety to one hundred years, 1. Fe- 
niiiles under five years, 105; from five to eighteen years, 
111 ; from eighteen to forty years, 200 ; from forty to sev- 
enty-five years, 159 ; from seventy-five years upwards, 3. 
Total males, 781 ; total females, 709. These were classified 
according to their condition iu life as single, 855 ; married, 
652 ; widowed and divorced, 43. 

From the census tables we glean the following facts : 
The area of taxable lands is 22,304 acres, 11,4464 acres 
of which arc improved lands. The railroad right of way 
and land occupied by their buildings amounts to 120 acres. 
There are 264 farms, averaging 78.79 acres each. 

The products for the year 1 873 were as follows : Wheat, 
36,071 bushels; corn, 24,025 buslicls ; all other grains, 
40,005 bushels ; potatoes, 16,632 bushels ; hay, 2200 tons ; 
cider, 269 barrels; wool, 14,292 pounds; pork, 35,973 
pounds; cheese, 100 pounds; butter, 54,732 pounds; 
maple-sugar, 1600 pounds. 

It thus ranked as the fifth town in the county in the 
quantity of wheat produced, si.\th in com and cider, 
second in potatoes, and seventh in hay and butter. 

Its orchards covered 479 iicres, and produced 9289 bushels 
of apples. 

The number of head of stock kept that year was as fol- 
lows : Horses, 437 ; mules, 4 ; work-oxen, 58 ; milch-cows, 
511 ; other neat-cattle, 032; swine, 565; sheep, 2530. 

The town has two villages. The largest is Mount Mor- 
ris, an incorporated village, first platted in 1862, lying partly 
in the town whoso name it bears, and partly in this town. 
A full history of this vilhige accompanies the history of the 



GENESEE TOWiVSIlIP. 



331 



town of Miniiit Morris, to wliich we refer tlic reader for 
further information. 

Tlic other village, named Genesee, but in local parlance 
known as Gencseevillo, lies on sections 10 and 11, a few 
rods north of their southern boundaries. It jva.s plaited 
Nov. 19, 1856, by Reuben McCrecry and Simon King, the 
plat being recorded in the register's office on the 20th. At 
that time it was a mere rudiment of a village, with three 
or four dwellings and the saw- and grist-mills. The first 
store was built a few years after by Nathaniel Blaek- 
mer, and is still standing on the north side of the street 
running along the railroad, being now used as a dwelling. 
Mr. Blackmer was succeeded in the business by Martin W. 
Lake, of Flint. Another store was brought from the north 
part of the same sections in 1872, and was occupied by 
its present owner, Horace Clapp. A third store w;1s built 
by George Crow, in 1872, on the cast side of the road. It 
is now occufiicd as a dwelling. The hotel was built by 
Wra. K. Alexander in the summer of 1872, and was subse- 
quently sold by him to its present owner, Mrs. Hubbard. 

At the present time the village consists of a Iiotcl, a 
grist-mill, a store, two blacksmith-shops, a wagon-shop, a 
cooper-shop, and about fifteen dwellings. Its population is 
about 100. 

The post-office was established as early as 1859. The 
firet postmaster remembered by our informant was Martin 
W. Lake. His successors were William M. Rogers, Charles 
G. Walker, Mosher Hovey, John R. Begel, and the present 
incumbent, Martin Richmond, appointed in 1872. 

The town has not been entirely unknown outside of its 
own limits, as it has been honored abroad in the person of 
the following of its citizens: Reuben McCrcoYy, County 
Treasurer in 1852 and 1854, and Sheriff in 18-U) and 
1848; Chandler H. Rockwood, Representative in 18GG ; 
and I'hilo D. Phillips, Sheriff in 187G and 1878. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The first religious services held in this town were in the 
Coldwatcr settlement. Among the earliest were MethoJist 
meetings, held in 1S3G at the house of Lewis Buckingham, 
which were addres.sed by Rev. William Brockway, a mis- 
sionary and Indian agent, who, traveling along the route 
between Detroit and Saginaw, sometimes stopped there to 
break the Bread of Life to the small band of Christian 
bretlircn who so eagerly greeted his coming. 

Elder Gambell, of Grand Blanc, a minister of the Bap- 
tist denomination, also held occasional services as early as 
1834 and '35, generally at John Pratt's house. 

The pioneers had come here bringing their religion with 
them, and as soon as possible they prepared to organize 
themselves into a church society. The result of their 
movement was the formation of the 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CnCRCII OF FLINT. 
It was organized on the third day of May, 18."J4, by 
Rev. Jlr. McEwin, of Detroit, either at the house of John 
Pratt or Isaac N. Robinson, with the following members: 
Lewis Buckingham and wife, Isaac N. Robinson and wife, 
Luman Beach and wife, John Pratt and wife, and Almira 
Bacon. 



John Pratt, Isaac N. Robinson, and Lewis Buckingham 
were chosen and ordained as elders of the church, and 
John Pratt and Isaac N. Robinson were chosen aud or- 
dained to the office of deacons. 

They adopted the covenant and articles of faith in the 
usual manner. One article took very advanced ground in 
favor of total abstinence, which, at that early day, was 
quite remarkable, ;is the temperance sentiment of the time 
did not usually reach so far. It read as follows : 

"Art. .1. Wc bulirvc that tho nianuracturc and vcndinj^ ami upe of 
all intaxic.iting liquors, cxcej)t for medical and manufai-turing pur- 
jioscs, is morally wrong, and coosenucntly do agree to abstain there- 
from." 

The society erected a church edifice either in the sum- 
mer of 1834 or that of 1835. It was a comfortable frame 
building, about 30 by 40 feet in size. It was never painted, 
but remained in use until about 1855, when it was sold to 
Mr. Freeman, moved some forty or fifty rods north from its 
former .site, and converted into a dwelling. The site was 
donated either by John Pratt or Daniel Curtis (it being a 
part of the Curtis farm), and, when the church was re- 
moved from it, reverted to its former owner. 

During the twenty-one years that had elapsed from the 
time of its organization the meetings were regularly sus- 
tained. When no pastor or minister was at hand to occupy 
the pulpit, sermons would be read by some of the members. 
Isaac N. Robinson was genei'ally the reader, but sometimes 
John Pratt or Nelson H. Chittenden would officiate. The 
Sabbath-school, too, was kept up throughout the year. It 
was organized before the church was formed, with Isaac N. 
Robinson as its superintendent, a position in which he re- 
mained for a period of ton years. 

lu 1855, owing to the removal of a large number of its 
members, the society was broken up. 

The following ministers acted as pastors : Revs. John 
Dudley, N. Cobb, Cyrus II. Baldwin, John Beach, E. T. 
Branch, and O. Parker, an evangelist. 

THE FIRST CONaREGATIONAL CHURCII OP GENESEE. 

In the month of February, 1837, Rev. John Beach, of 
Flint, came to this town and organized a church at the 
house of Jeremy Hitchcock. Bradford P. Foster, Albert 
T. Stevens, and John E. Upton were chasen as the first 
deacons. The original members were Jeremy Hitchcock 
and wife, B. P. Foster and wife, and Albert T. Stevens. 

In the summer of 1840 a church site was given by John 
E. Upton, and a small frame church was built. It was about 
20 by 30 feet in size, and stood on the southwest corner of 
section 3. It was used until about the year 18511, when a 
larger building was demanded to accommodate the growing 
congregation, and for the convenience of the majority of the 
mcTubers it was decided to change its location. The old 
church was therefore sold, and a new one built on the 
southwest corner of section 9, where Sherman Stanley gave 
one acre of ground for a site. The new church w;us built 
in the summer of 1S57, at a cost of about SI700. Its size 
is 3G by 50 feet, and it will comfortably seat about three hun- 
dred people. The building was put up under contract by 
Levi IMcCarn, and he, having some trouble about getting 
his pay, retained [lossession nearly two years before the 



332 



niSTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



society settled his claim and had the building formally 
dedicated. 

The society was incorporated Feb. 24, 1844, at a meet- 
iiiii; whose officers were llcv. John Beach, Moderator, and 
John E. Upton, Clerk. The following officers were elected : 
Daniel II. Seeley, John E. Upton, Ezra Martin, Trustees; 
Josiah W. Begole, Clerk. 

In addition to the deacons first chosen, Josiah W. Begole, 
Crawford Barkiey, and Ciiarles G. Westover have been or- 
dained to that office. The two last named are the present 
deacons of the church. 

The church has been served by a multiplicity of pastors. 
The names of those who preached in the old church, as near 
as we can ascertain, were Revs. John Beach, John Dudley, 
Sanborn, Copeland, Branch, and McDowell. In the new 
church. Revs. A. B. Pratt, Leroy Warren, Wm. Birdsall, 
John Rose, • • Borden, Enoch Atkins, Charles Thomp- 
son, J. P. Sanderson, and James Halliday. 

The highest membership was reached in 1S5G, when the 
society numbered 73. During the pastorate of Rev. A. B. 
Pratt, who was very strict in his views regarding discipline, 
there was quite a falling off, and the church has never fully 
recovered from its effects. The present number of mem- 
bers is about 30. A revival of more than usual interest 
occurred under the preaching of Rev. William Birdsall in 
the winter of 18G7-G8, at Avhich 34 persons were con- 
verted. 

The present officers are W. F. Stevens, John Sharr, 
Crawford Barkiey, Trustees ; W. F. Stevens, Society Clerk 
and Treasurer ; Charles G. Westover, Church Clerk. 

The Sabbath-school was organized in the old church, and 
had about 10 or 15 scholars. Daniel Rich was the first 
superintendent. His successors have been J. W. Begole, 
Bradford Goodale, A. B. Pratt, J. B. Jlorehouse, Lewis 
Cornwell, Philo M. Begole, Henry D. Hunt, Charles G. 
Westover, and W. F. Stevens. The school now numbers 
about GO members. Sumner A. Mills is the superintend- 
ent, and Irving Bray the secretary and treasurer. 

The history of those churches whose site is included in 
the corporate limits of the village of Mount Morris will be 
found in the historical sketch relating to the latter in 
Mount Morris township. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HENRY B. DILLER. 

This gentleman, one of the prominent farmers and 
honored citizens of Genesee, was born in Clarence, Erie Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 15, 1840. He was the eldest sou of Abram 
and Catharine (Drudge) Diller, who had a family of five 
children. The elder Diller was a farmer by occupation, 
and was born in Clarence, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1815. In 18G4 
the family came to Genesee, where the elder Diller resided 
until his death. He was a man highly esteemed by all 
who knew him for his industry and integrity. Henry B. 
received an academical education, and has always followed 
the calling of a farmer, in which he has been highly suc- 



cessful. In 1877 he was elected supervisor, which office 
he has since filled with fidelity to the trust reposed in him, 
with credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his fellow- 
townsmen. 

In 18G5 he married Lydia Strickler, of his native town, 
by whom he has had six children. Both lie and bis wife 
arc prominent members of the Baptist Church and liberal 
supporters of religious interests. Altogether, Mr. Diller is 
one of those kind. Christian gentlemen, whose identification 
with any community is always productive of good. 



GEO. W. HOVEY 



was born in Owego, N. Y., Jan. 19, 1815. He was the 
son ofLorenzo and Anna (Hinman) Hovey, who had a 
fiimily of nine children, — five boys and four girls. The elder 
Hovey was a farmer and miller by occupation. He died 
in Mount Morris, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1845, in the 
seventy-first year of his age. 

The early life of Mr. Hovey was devoid of incidents. The 
family were in limited circumstances, and his advantages for 
an education were meagre. He started out in life as a farm- 
hand. In 1843 he moved to Michigan, with his family 
and his household goods loaded in a wagon drawn by a 
pair of horses. From Buffalo tliey came up the lake to 
Detroit, and from thence directly to Flint, where Mr. Hovey 
disposed of his team, wagon and horses, to George M. 
Dewey, for eighty acres of land, where he now resides. 
After paying for the recording of the deed, he had just 
thirty cents left. Soon after his settlement in Genesee, 
Mr. Hovey erected a saw-mill and commenced the manu- 
facture of lumber, in which business he was successfully 
engaged until 1875. In connection with his lumbering 
interests, he carried on his farm. To his original purchase 
he has since added two hundred and forty acres. 

On the 13th of December, 1838, Mr. Hovey was mar- 
ried, Miss Lucinda Snyder, of Mount Morris, Livingston 
Co., N. Y., becoming his life companion. Five children 
have been born to them, viz. : William (the eldest, died 
INIarch 29, 1871), Martha S., Charles M., Emily C, and 
Fred. A. Mr. Hovey has been a successful business man, 
and has attained an enviable position among his fellow-men. 



SIMON KING 



was born April 24, 1802. He was the son of Simon 
King, who was a native of Connecticut. The elder King 
was a farmer by occupation, and died when our subject was 
a child. Simon, Jr., spent his early life in the town of 
Wheatland, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he resided until 
1849. He then came to Michigan and settled in Pulaski, 
Jackson Co., Mich., where he remained four years, when 
he gave the property to his sons, Simon and Hiram, and 
came to Genesee to engage in the manufacture of lumber 
and flour in company with Reuben McCreery. This busi- 
ness he carried on extensively until 18G1, since which time 
ho has been engaged in farming. Mr. King has been twice 
married, — first to Isabel, daughter of Joseph and Martha 
McCreery. By this uiiiun there were born to them ^ix chil- 





MRS. SIMON KING 



SIMON KING. 





MRS G.W. HOVEY. 



G.W. HOVEY. 





HENRT KNICKERBOCKER. 



MRS. HENRY KNICKERBOCKER. 



HENRY KNICKERB(X'KER. 



Henry Knickerbocker was born in Pine Plains, 
Dutchess Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, 1815. He was the 
son of Andrus and Margaret (Heisrodt) Knicker- 
bocker, who had a famiiy of eleven children, — five 
boys and six girls. Tlie elder Knickerbocker was 
a native of Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was born 
in 1792. He followed the calling of a farmer. He 
served in the war of 1812 as a private soldier. After 
the war lie returned to the form, and in 1825 re- 
moved with his family to Genesee County, where 
he died in 1873, in the eighty-second year of his 
age. 

Henry lived at home until he was twenty years of 
age, and pursued different avocations up to the time 
of coming to Michigan, in 1840. He fii-st located in 
the town of Thetford, where he remained until 
1867, when he moved on to the farm now owned 
by his sou, Andrus H. Mr. Knickerbocker M'as 
married to Miss Sarah Morrow, by whom he had 



two children, — Andrus H. and Maggie M. The 
former was born in Thetford, Oct. 3, 1848 ; the 
latter, Oct. 3, 1846. Mrs. Knickerbocker was born 
Dec. 21, 1814, at Moravia, Cayuga Co., N. Y. She 
came to Flint in 1834. Henry Knickerbocker and 
his wife are both deceased. 

Mr. Knickerbocker was emphatically a self-made 
man, and possessed many, if not all, the requisites of 
a successful business man. He was industrious, en- 
ergetic, shrewd, and ])ossessed of keen j^crception. 
On coming to Genesee he first hired out as a farm- 
hand ; he worked in this capacity eighteen months, 
and with the proceeds bought his first farm — one 
hundred and twenty acres — in Thetford. Success 
attended his efforts, and he became one of the promi- 
nent wealthy farmers of the county. We present to 
our readers his portrait, as also that of his wife, who 
was all that is expressed in the terms amiable and 



intelligent. 



GENESEE TOWxNSniP. 



333 



dfon, — two sons and four d;iiij;liters. In 18(14, Mrs. King 
died, and in 18G7 lie married Mrs. Wiilinda Bodine. Mr. 
King lias been a successful business man, and has endeared 
himself to a large circle of friends and relations. 



JOHN WOOLFITT 

was born in the city of Lincoln, England, on the 24th 
day of May, 1804. He was the son of John and Mary 
Woolfitt, who had a family of ten children. The elder 
Woolfitt was a laboring man, industrious, energetic, and a 
devout member of the Episcojial Church. He died at an 
advanced age. As soon as our subject was old enough to 
work he was hired to a farmer, which occupation he followed 
for fifteen years. In 1834 he, in company with llichard 
Johnson, sailed from Hull, England, for America. After 
a tedious voyage of seven weeks he arrived safely in (Que- 
bec, from whence he went by water to Detroit, where he 
arrived July 4th of that year. From Detroit he went to 
Pontiac, where he shortly after engaged his services to John 
Pratt to work on the Saginaw turnpike. In the fiiU of that 
year he took up the land where he now resides, and on which 
he has since lived. The following May his house was 
burned, and he was obliged to work out to redeem his loss. 
After five years of hard labor and privation he felt the need 
of some one to share his joys and sorrows ; he accordingly 
married Miss Jane M. Allen, of Flint, in July, 1839. 
They have been blessed with nine children, — sis girls and 
three boys. Mrs. Woolfitt was born in the province of On- 
tario, town of Craraah, July 8, 1819. She was left an 
orphan at the age of nine, and at the age of thirteen came 
to Jlichigan with Mr. Isuiah Merriman, by whom she was 
adopted. 

WALTER KNICKERBOCKER 

was born in Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 8, 
1824. On attaining hia majority, he started in life as a 
farm-laborer. In 1815 he came to Michigan, and took up 
one hundred and twenty acres of land in the town of Tliet- 
ford. He lived in Thetford until 1852, wlien he disposed 
of his property there, and came to Genesee, where he now 
resides. Mr. Knickerbocker has been twice married, — 
first, to Miss Caroline Morrow : she died in 1854, and in 
1855 he married Miss Mary Abrauis, of Genesee. She was 
born in Lansingburgh, N. Y., Jan. 23, 1838; her parents 
came to Genesee at a very early day. By his first wife 
Mr. Knickerbocker had two children, James L. and Charles 
S. By his second wife he had ten children, viz. : George E., 
William, Esther (deceased), Jennie G., JIartlia C., Julia, 
Mary, Anna, Walter, and Herman II. Mr. Knickerbocker 
is one of those vigorous, iron-willed men who attain suc- 
cess in every department of life despite of all obstacles. 
His success is an evidence of what can be accomplished by 
industry, economy, and good executive ability. 



early settlers of the town of Thetford, and came to Jlich- 
igan with liis family in 183(i, since which time the family 
have been prominently identified with the history of Gene- 
see and Thetford. The life of Mr. Clapp has been com- 
paratively uneventful, and marked by few incidents save 
such as occur in the lives of most farmers. He is the 
architect of his own fortune, and his fine farm (a view of 
we present on another page) is the result of his own energy 
and industry. He has well and honorably earned the 
position he occupies, — that of one of the most prominent 
and successful farmers of the county. Mr. Clapp has been 
married four times, — first, to ISIiss Cornelia Ann Stevens, 
daughter of A. T. Stevens, of Genesee, one of the town's 
first settlers. Mr. Clapp is a man of decided opinions and 
tastes, liberal in all matters, public-spirited to a fault, gen- 
erous to the extreme, and well worthy of the prominent 
position he holds in the town of Genesee. 



WHITMAN F. CLAPP. 

This gentleman, one of the prominent farmers and a 
pioneer settler of Genesee, was horn in the State of New 
York in 1821. His father, Beiiuni Clapp, was one oi' the 



HIRAM H. BARDWELL. 

Genesee County is noted for the proficiency and high 
standard of its medical men, and none occupy a more de- 
servedly popular position than Dr. Hiram H. Bardwcll, 
of Mount Morris. A successful practice, extending over a 
period of fifteen years, has fully demonstrated his general 
worth and assigned him a conspicuous position in the his- 
tory of the medical profession of the county. Hiram H., 
son of Joel and Harriet Bardwcll, was born in the town of 
Burton, Genesee Co., Mich., April 2, 1839. He spent his 
boyhood days upon his father's flirm, sharing the priva- 
tions and hardshi2)s of a pioneer family. He received a 
good common-school education and acquired the trades of 
wheelwright and carpenter and joiner, which occupations 
he followed until he was twenty-two years of age, when he 
enlisted in Company K, 23d Michigan Infantry, as a pri- 
vate. He was soon detailed for the medical department, in 
connection with the hospitals ; he served in this capacity 
during the war, and at its close returned home and went to 
the State Medical College, at Ann Arbor. He first estab- 
lished himself in the practice of his profession at Genesee- 
ville, where he remained about three years, in which time 
he built up an extensive practice. He then went to the 
" Rush Medical College," at Chicago, where he graduated 
with honors in 18(58. On his return to Genesee County 
he established himself at Mount Morris, where he has since 
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He 
has been eminently successful. 

In 1859, Dr. Bardwcll married Miss Jemima E., daugh- 
ter of Lsaac P. and JMiranda W. Allen, of the township of 
Burton, who were prominent among the pioneers of that 
town. The doctor has taken a deep interest in educational 
matters, and has identified himself prominently with the 
best interests of the village, of which he has several times 
been prcsidiiit. Dr. Bardwcll is a gentleman well and 
favorably known and very highly esteemed. He possesses 
the necessary qualifications of a plij'sician other than knowl- 
edge, — geniality of disposition and firmness blended with 
kindness and compassion. In his domestic relations he is 
kind and affectionate, a good husband, father, and friend, 
and in every sense a worthy citizen. 



GAINES. 



The township of Gaines lies on the western border of 
Gonosec County, and is bounded north by Clayton, east 
by Mundy, south by Argentine, and west by Shiawassee 
County. It includes township 6 north, in range 5 east, as 
located on the United States survey. Its surface is gen- 
erally very level, and was originally covered with a dense 
growth of heavy timber. In places slight undulations are 
met with, but nothing rising to the dignity of hills. The 
soil is very good, and adapted to the growth of all grains 
raised in this region. The township has a large acreage of 
timber, and its development has been perhaps less rapid 
than that of most of the other townships in the county. 
That its resources are abundant, however, is evident from 
the fine improvements in its older settled portions. It has 
no streams of consequence, a branch of Swartz Creek, in 
the northern part, being the principal one. Along the 
banks of the latter, in early years, were extensive groves of 
maple, and a trail reached from Flint, which was used by 
the Indians, who manufactured here large quantities of 
maple-sugar. A small amount is made each year at the 
present time, but the ancient trail has disappeared, and the 
dusky people who threaded it forty years ago and more 
have sought homes more suited to them, or been laid to 
rest beside their fathers, and entered upon the happier hunt- 
ing-grounds of which they dreamed. 

The following is a list of the entries of land in the town- 
ship, as shown by the land-ofEce records : 

Section 1. 

Acres. 

William Tliompsnn, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, \SX6 IGI) 

Daniel Miller, liivins-ston Co., N. Y., June, ISIili 47.46 

Elijah Bisiiup, Jr., Chautauqua Co., N. Y.. June, IS'iG 177.40 

Chai-les Ileal, (tcnesce Co., Jlich., June, lS;iO 47.46 

Ilugh Birckhcad, BaUimore, Md., July, 1836 240 

Section 2. 

Philander McLean, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1S36 93.91 

" " '■ " " 94.23 

Seth Hathaway, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 SO 

Marvin Williams, " " November, 1S3S 40 

Ebenezer Morse, " *' January, 1S46 40 

Calvin Morse, " " February, 1S46 40 

Thomas M. Bowles, " " March, 1S46 40 

Willard Eddy, " " September, 18 16 40 

Henry King, " " May, 1819 40 

Swamp lands 120 

Skction 3. 

Chaunccy Edson, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Juno, 1836 95.49 

Adam Miller, Oakland Co., Mich., August, 1836 9.i.59 

Paul llildrcth, Worcester, Mass., September, 1836 160 

Simon Law, (ieuesce Co., N. Y., March, 1S37 40 

Peter Acer, " " November, 1849 40 

E. B. Dewey, " " July, 1851 40 

Charles C. Decker, Genesee Co., N. \'., October, 1848 40 

Swamp lauds 160 

Skction 4. 

David Smith, Ontario Co., N. Y., August. 1836 03.50 

Charles B. Hatch, Macomb Co., Mich., August, 1836 91. IS 

Paul llildrcth, Worcester, Mass., September, 1836 Kill 

334 



Acres. 

John Warriner, New York City, November, 1S36 160 

Nathan llublee, (icnesce Co., Mich., March, 1837 80 

Lambert Acer, Cayuga Co., N. Y., October, 1850 40 

Swamp land 40 

Suction 5. 

Joseph Terkcs, Wayne Co., Mich., March, 1S36 320 

Wm. and B. B. Morris, O.akland Co., Mich.. July, 18:'.6 80 

David Johnson, land-warrant. .January, 18511 133,47 

Abraham B. Knight, land-warrant, October, 1852 46.33 

46.34 

George Crocker, Genesee Co., Mich., July, 1S53 40 

Section 6. 

William Yerkes, O.aldand Co., Mich., February, 1836 160 

AVm. and B. B. Morris. Oakland Co., Mich., July, 1836 SO 

Charles Kcckinson, t n ^ ■ ri -\t tr « . loit^ t- , ^m 

,,, , o „ , ' J Ontario Co., N. Y., August, 1S36 71.72 

Charles S. Boughton, J > > o > 

Hiraui Sibley, Monroe Co., "S.Y., August, 1836 348.85 

Section 7. 

Jacob L. Woodruff, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1836 160 

Perry Gardner, Oakland Co., Mich., May, 1837 80 

Clarinda Gardner, " •" May, 1837 67.20 

Charles R. Yerkes, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1844 40 

Swamp lands 270.24 

Section 8. 

Joseph Yerkes, AYayne Co., Mich., March, 1S36 240 

" " " " 80 

John Cook and L. G. Gordon, Wayne Co., Mich., July, 1S36. 160 
Wm. and B. B. Morris, Oakland Co., Mich., July, 1836 100 

Section 9. 

William Thomp.'on, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 1836 210 

Paul llildrcth, Worcester, Mass., September, 1836 80 

Benjamin Tounly, land-warrant, January, 1852 40 

Shalmuhnuhguhum, Genesee Co., Mich., January, IS54 40 

Swamp lands 240 

Section 10. 

Sylvanus Hour, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 160 

Paul llildrcth, Worcester, Mass., " " 160 

Shawwannaquawum, Genesee Co., Mich., April, 1847 40 

Ma.shaquit, ^ 

Sawgoossway, >■ Genesee Co., Mich., February, 1850 40 

AVaulitshewunt, J 

Henry Willcox, " " January, 1851 10 

" " " " November, 1853 40 

Swamp lands 160 

Section 11. 

Hugh Birckhcad, B.aUimore, Md., July, 1836 320 

Henry Willoox, Genesee Co., Mich., April, 1S4B 40 

Rufus Case, " " " July, 1819 40 

Henry Willcox, " " " October, 1848 40 

Henry King, " " " May, 1849 40 

Erastus P. Hodge, " " " October, 1853 40 

Henry Willcox, " " " November, 1853 40 

Swamp land 80 

Section 12. 

AVilliam Thompson, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 1836 160 

Hugh Birckhcad, Baltimore. Md., July, 1836 160 

Jacob L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1836 320 

Section 13. 

Maxwell Thorapsm, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 1S36 100 

Hugh Birckhcad, Baltimore, M.L.July, 1836 320 

Elijah Kent, Wayne Co., N. Y., September, 183(1 160 




m^- 



Residence of William 



CjENLSEE G£NES££ LOfM 



.;?l 




Residence OF PUTNAM BURTON ,■ G>aine.s Genesee Co.Mich. 



GAINES TOWNSHIP. 



335 



Section 14. 

Acres. 

Miixwcll Thonipsiin. Ontario Co., N. V., Miiv, IR.'ifi 80 

Charles 8|inii;ue. limciinc Co., N. Y., May, ]»:i6 320 

James Turner, New London, Conn., June, IHJifj SO 

Ilialey & Kiireboval, UuiteJ !^tates, June, 1830 100 

Section 15. 

Kphraim Fletcher, Orleans Co., N. Y., June, IS.'iG 100 

Jared Turner, New London, Conn., June, 1836 320 

Jacob L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1830 lUO 

Section 17. 

John L. Eastman, Seneca Co., N.Y'.. April, 1830 IfiO 

AVilliiiin li. Young, Genesee Co.. Mich., June, 1836 100 

William Lnnglcy, Wayne Co., N. Y'., June, 1830 100 

Ilealuy A Kurcbeval, United States, June, 1830 100 

Section 18. 

William Thompson, Seneca Co., N. Y., April, 1830 320 

Cook & Oordon, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1830 131.50 

Paul llildrcth, Worcester, Mass., September, 1836 100 

Section 19. 

William Thorapfon, Seneca Co., N. Y'., April, 1830 100 

William Hay, Wayne Co., Mich., April, 1830 110.10 

Don C. Cooper, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1830 1011 

Wosly Stoddard, Genesee Co., N. Y'., June, 1830 MO. 76 

Section 20. 

William Thompson, Seneca Co., N. Y'., April, 1836 100 

Orrin Uose. Herkimer Co., N. Y., June, 1830 100 

liarzillai Waldron, Oakland Co., Mich., September, 1830 80 

Alorgan lialdwiu, Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1836 210 

Section 21. 

John Carroll, Seneca Co., N. Y., Juno. 1830 100 

Marcus S. Marsh, Ontario Co., N. Y., June, 1836 160 

Elihu Morse, Jr., " " " " " 160 

Ilealey & Kurcbeval, I'nitcd States, June, 1836 100 

Section 22. 

John Turner, New London Co., Conn., June, 1836 80 

320 

Willard Osgood, Oneida Co., N. Y'., June. 1830 80 

Eben 15. Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1830 80 

Elijah Kent, Wayne Co., N. Y'., September, 1830 80 

Section 23. 

Maxwell Thompson, Ontario Co., N. Y., May, 1836 100 

Ward Gazlay, Orleans Co., N. Y., June, 1836 100 

Wardiiaz-lay, Jr., " " " " •' 80 

John Turner, New London Co., Conn., June, 1830 240 

Section 24. 

John Demott. Seneca Co., N. Y'., April, 1836 320 

Maxwell Thompson, Ontario Co., N. Y'., May, 1830 100 

Isaac E. Krisbee, Hartford, Conn., June, 1830 .* 40 

Eben B. Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y'., July, 1830 120 

Section 25. 

Abijah IS. Dunlap, Seneca Co., N. Y'., April, 1836 SO 

Charles Smith, Genesee Co.. N. Y'., April, 1830 160 

jMciU-nry, Kurcbeval, itc, I'nitcd States, May, 1830 80 

James li. Thomjtson, Seneca Co., N. Y., June, 1830 320 

Section 26. 
McHcnry, Kurcbeval, Healey & Smith, United States, May, 

1836 .'.. 320 

Eben 15. .Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y'., July, 1830 320 

Suction 27. 

Mcllenry, Kurcbeval, etc., United State.i. May, 1830 320 

Samuel Nash, Niagara Co., N. Y., June, 1836 100 

John Myors, Cayuga Co., N. Y., June, 1830 100 

Section 28. 

Wm. H. II. Shildon, Oakland Co., Mich.. April, 1830 SO 

Hiram S. Hanker, Seneca Co., N. Y., June, 1830 100 

Jo.»iah Wilson, " " " " " 160 

Lyman Turner, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

George Dunlap, Seneca Co., N. Y., June, 1836 100 

Section 29. 

James Edwards, Albany City, N. Y'., Juno, 1836 100 

Healey .1 Kurcbeval, I'nited Slates, June. 1830 100 

Abil Aplin, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1830 SO 

John Turner, New London, Conn., June, 1830 SO 

Eben 15. Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1830 100 



Section 30. 

Acres. 

Isaac E. Frisbec, Hartford Co., Conn., June, 1836 307.32 

Orrin Rose, Herkimer Co., N. Y'., June, 1830 100 

Eben 15, Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y., July, 1830 147.10 

Section 31. 

Martin M. Toms, Oakland Co., Mich., April. 1830 147.08 

Isaiie E. Frisbee, Hartford, Conn., June, 1S30 100 

Horace I'armelee, Clermont, N. Y., July, 1830 100 

Robert Covell, Jr,, Tioga Co., N. Y., July, 1836 148.76 

Section 32. 

James Edwards, Albany City, N. Y'., June, 1836 80 

Joseph S. Wbiteomb, Orleans Co., N. Y., June, 1836 120 

Eraslus T. Hatch, Madison Co., N. Y., June, 1836 240 

James liogert, OrauEC Co., N. Y., July, 1836 80 

Nelson liosworth, Worcester, Mass., September, 1836 120 

Section 33. 

Hartford Cargill, Oakland Co., Mich., April, 1836 160 

Algernon S. lloUisler, Oakland Co., Mich., Ajiril, 1830 80 

Miles V. Rood, Genesee Co.. N. Y., June, 1830 200 

Erastus T. Hatch, Madison Co., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

Charles J. Woolson, Clermont, N. II., July, 1830 80 

William Durfec, Newport Co., K. I., February, 1837 40 

Section 34. 

Isaac E. Fri.ibec, Hartford Co., Conn., June, 1836 160 

Charles J. Woolson, Clermont, N. II. .July, 1830 240 

James Wadsworth, Livingston Co., N. Y'., July. 1.S36 100 

Hartford Cargill, Oakland Co., Mich., A]iril, 1.S36 40 

William Duifcc, Newport Co., R. I., February, 1837 40 

Section 35. 

Amos Jones, Oakland Co., Mich., June, 1836 100 

James Wadsworth, Livingston Co:, N. Y., July, 1836 160 

George Van Valkonburgli, Oakland Co., Mich., February, 1837 80 

" " " " April, 1837 40 

Henry V. Main, Gonesco Co., Mich., February, 1854 80 

tSwanip lanrls 80 

Not entered 40 

Section 36. 

John Turner, New London Co., Conn., June, 1836 80 

Eben 15. Morehouse, Otsego Co., N. Y'., July, 1830 320 

Abijiih I!. Dunlap, Seneca Co., N. Y., April. 1830 80 

Thomas Evans, Wayne County, Mich., April, 1830 SO 

In the northern part of the townshij) is the extensive 
and well-ordered stock-farm belonging to the Crapos, of 
Flint, and which is one of the most important of the kind 
in the State. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The first settler in what is now the town.ship of Gaines 
was Hartford Cargill, who moved in from Bloomfield, 
Oakland Co., in 1836, and located on the farm now 
owned by Mr. Ycrkes, on section 33. Of Mr. Cargill 
very little can now be learned, as none of his family live 
in the township. It is related that in 1839 he built a 
frame barn, and went as far as Linden for help to raise it. 
In 1810 he built a new hou.se on his place, the carpcntcr- 
work being done by Abel D. Hunt, Jr., of Linden, then 
but twenty-two years of age. 

JOphraim Fletcher, from the State of New York, settled 
in 183(), in tlie locality known as "Fletcher's Corners," 
and on the opposite (west) side of the road from his pres- 
ent residence. The first town-meeting for the towiKship of 
Gaines was held at his house iu 1842, and Mr. Fletcher 
was chosen town.ship treasurer. 

William Gazlay settled half a mile south of Fletcher's 
Corners, in 1840, on the place now owned by Mr. Lowther. 

Of the Indians who formerly occupied this region, but 
few are left. Three families arc living in Gaines, and all 
have small farms. These are Wahanoss and two sons of 



336 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Chief Fisher, — Joseph and Madison. Tlie land of the 
former lies south of the Crapo stock-ftirni, and the Fishers 
live still farther south. Occa.sionally an Indian family 
comes to the township and stays a short time, visiting with 
those mentioned, but the latter are the only permanent 
residents who are representatives of the red race. 

Edward S. Dart, now living east of Fletcher's Corners, 
is the son of Joshua Dart, who settled, on the place now 
owned by the former, in September, 1839. He, with an- 
other son, Martin Dart, purchased 80 acres from James 
Turner, who had entered from government, but made no 
improvements. Martin Dart had a three-fourths interest 
in the place, and for him E. S. Dart cleared twenty acres, 
afterwards buying it. Another son, George Dart, had 
come in the fall of 1838, and purchased a quarter-section 
of Turner, located a mile north of Fletcher's Corners. 
Part of a tract of land at the cornel's which JMartin Dart 
purchased of James Turner is now owned by ]<]phraim 
Fletcher, and part by J. T. Williams. Mr. Dart is now a 
resident of California, and his father is deceased. The only 
member of the family now living in the township is Ed- 
ward 8. Dart, who was one of the many to .suffer from the 
effects of the great civil war of 1861-65. He was a 
member of Col. Fenton's Eighth Michigan Infantry, and 
during his term of service lost his left leg at James Island, 
South Carolina. 

When the Darts moved in, a man named James Wil- 
liams lived opposite the western part of the place, upon 
which Edward S. Dart now resides. 

Philander McLain, from the town of Fleming, Cayuga 
Co., N. Y., came to Michigan in June, 183G, and pur- 
chased the farm on section 2, in Gaines, where he now re- 
sides. In the summer of 1838 he moved his fiimily to 
Oakland Co., Mich., where they remained until December 
of the same year, when they moved into the house he had 
made ready for them. Mr. McLaiu thinks the only set- 
tlers in town at that time were Hartford Cargill, the 
Fletchers, and the Darts, but, as the Dart family did not 
move in until the following year, Cargill and Fletcher were 
all. It is said that at the first town-meeting in Mundy 
(which then included Gaines), in April, 1837, but eighteen 
votes were c;ist, and of these only three were from the 
portion of which Gaines was afterwards formed. Mr. 
McLain mentions the fact that Joshua Dart, being the old- 
est man in the township ut the time of its separate organi- 
zation, was given the privilege of naming it, and did so, 
after an acquaintance of his, — General Gaines. 

James Van Vleet, now of the city of Flint, came from 
luiniulus, Seneca Co., N. Y., to Michigan, in April, 1844, 
to examine land he had previously purchased in Gaines. 
He returned for his fitmily, and soon settled with them on 
section 21, where he still owns a farm. He has land also 
on sections 22, 27, and 28. He purchased from second 
hands, but no improvements had been made upon the place, 
and at that time no road had been laid or cut near it. 
The nearest improvement was then on Hartford Cargill's 
place, one mile south. 

Since he fii-st came to the county, I^Ir. Van Vleet has 
continuously held office of some kind. While residing in 
Gaines he was its supervisor for eighteen yeare, and from 



1SC5 to 1869 held the position of representative from the 
First Legislative District of Genesee County. In January, 
1869, he removed to Flint, and since then has been for 
four years county treasurer and three j'ears a deputy in 
the same office, and is now serving on the fourth year as 
supervisor of the Third Ward of Flint. 

Putnam Barton, now living on section 5, in Gaines, 
came from Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., to Michigan, in the 
fall of 1831, with his father, Jacob Burton, who settled in 
Lyons township, Oakland Co., and is now a resident of 
Ingham County. Putnam Burton came to Gaines in the 
fall of 1850, having purchased his land in May preceding. 
No improvements had even at that late day been made 
upon the place, and the only road was where the bushes 
had been cut away to enable teams to get through the 
woods. Mr. B. built a log house near the site of his 
present frame house, and lived in it a year and a half 
alone, raising 12 acres of wheat during the time. Before 
the brush was burned on his place he set out the present 
fine orchard west of his house, consisting of 126 trees. 
Of this orchard he is justly proud, as it has proved an 
excellent producer and a con.siderable .source of profit. 

The following is a list of the tax-payers in Gaines for the 
year 1844, as taken from the assessment roll of that year. 
It was not so arranged that the re.-^idents could be selected 
with certainty, and the entire list is therefore given : 



Allen. James P. 
Alpiii, Abel. 
Buitletl, Eiiu<tus II. 
Blaekburn, Juhn. 
Boobc, Oonslantino. 
Boers, Walter B. 
Bowles, Josiah W. 
Bishop, Elisha. 
Burkbead, Henry. 
Bulilwin, Morgan 

(of Munily). 
Banker, Hiram S. 
Bryant, .Tumcs. 
Boswortb, Nelson. 
Cargill. Hartford. 
Cargill, Nathan. 
Cook & Gordon, 
Cooper, Dan C. 
Carroll, John. 
Carroll, Robert. 
Becker, Aaron. 
Dickson, John M. 
Dart, Martin. 
Dart, Joshua. 
Davis, Marvin. 
Dart, liuey M. 
Dart, Edward S. 
Dickcrson, Charles F. 
Dunlap, John. 
Dunlap, Elijah. 
Dutfee, William. 
Edtion, Chauneey. 
Eastman, John L. 
Edsun. James. 
Fletcher, Ephraim. 
Frisbie, J. E. 
Gazlay, William, 
iirogory, David. 
Ganlncr. Clarindiu 
Gardner, Berry. 
Gazlay, Miles. 
Oazlay, Ward. 



Hathaway, Seth. 
Hihlreth, Paul. 
Hatch, Charles B. 
Howe, Sylvanus. 
Hay, William. 
Hatch, Erastus T. 
Joslin, Moses A. 
Joslin, Charles W. 
Jones, Amos. 
Kent, Elijah. 
Law, Samuel. 
Larzalejir, Jacob L. 
I.angley, William. 
McLain, Philander. 
Martin, Elisha. 
Morris, William A B. B. 
McHcnry and others. 
Morse, E., Jr. 
Marsh, M. F. 
Morehouse, E. B. 
Myers, Jidin. 
Nash, S. 

Pnrmeleo, Moses. 
Kood, Miles V. 
Rood, Carlton A. 
Kood, John. 
Boot, Erastus. 
Boot, John W. 
Rublco, Nathan. 
Hose, Orrin. 
Stedman, S. P. 
Smith, David. 
Sibley, Hiram. 
Sprague, Charles. 
Stoddard, Mores. 
Stood, William 0. 
Thomas, Ji)Seph P. 
Tomlinson, David. 
Thompson, William. 
Thompson, Ma.xwoll. 
Turner, James. 
Turner, John. 



GAINES TOWN.SIILR 



337 



Turner, Lyman. 

Whcolcr, William. 
Williams, Marvin. 
AVilcox, FrcJerick. 
AVal.liEi, B. 
Warner, Thomas. 
Wilson, Josiah. 



Wliitt'ombo, Jofcph S. 
Wilson, Charier. 
Wadijwurth, .Jaincs. 
Ycrkv^. .lunathan. 
Young, William B. 
Ycrkc?, Jopcph. 
Yerkes, William. 



It will be seen from this list, which includes both resi- 
dents and non-residents, thiit the population of Gaines, in 
1844, was very small as con)pared with the present. For 
the sake of comparison the following items from the State 
census of 1874 are inserted, as pertaining to this town- 
ship: 

Population (lAd males, dCU remalcs) 1,4(10 

Number of acres taxable land 22,\f\0 

** ** improved land 6;4;i"J 

" " land exempt from taxation 114 

Value of samr, with improvements $ft,47-'> 

Number of acres in school-house ^ites fj 

" ** church and parsonage siles.... 2 

" " burvin;; grounds 2 

" " railroad right of way imd 

depot grounds 40 

" farms in township 2f»0 

'* of acres in farms 10, DM* 

" " wheat raised in 1874 1,701 

" " •* " 1873 1,424 

** " corn " " 44:t 

" bushels wheat " " l.Sfio7 

" " corn *' " 12,672 

" " all other grain raised in 187;J 25,r»15 

" ** potatoes *' " .7,SyO 

" tons hay cut in 1873 1,47(1 

" pounds wool sheared in 1873 8,7i*8 

" ** pork marketed " 2y,;i!)0 

" " butter made " 33,0()a 

" barrels cider made " 17(1 

" pounds maple-sugar made in 1874 5,9^0 

'* acres in orchards ** 415 

" bushels apples raised in 1872 10,265 

« " " ** 1873 7,220 

Value of fruit and garden vegctablcH, 1S72 SJ.IOfi 

" " " " 1873 $3,fil2 

Number horse?, 1 year old and over, 1874 443 

*' work-osen yi 

'• milch-cows 555 

** neat cattle, I year old and over, other 

than oxen and cows 443 

" swine over H months old 744 

" slieep over 6 months old 2,350 

" sheep sheared in 1873 2,302 

Number saw-mills in township. 1874 1 

Number persons employed in same 10 

Amount of capital invested $8,0011 

Number of feet of lumber sawed 500,000 

Value of products $4,000 

Number plauing-mills 1 

Persons employed 4 

Capital invested $15,000 

Value of products $500 

Stave-, heading-, and barrel-factory 1 

Persons employed 25 

Capital invohted $12,000 

Value of products $8,000 

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION— FIRST TOAVN-MEET- 
ING— CIVIL LIST. 

On the 16lh of February, 1842, it was enacted by the 
Senate and House of lleprescntatives of the State of Mich- 
igan, " Tliat all that portion of the county of Genesee 
designated as township number (* north, of range number 
5 cast, be set off and organized into a separate township by 
the name of Gaines, and the first township-meeting therein 
be held at the house of Ephraim Fletcher, in said township." 

From tlie records of the township ia made the following 
extract descriptive of its first election : 

"At a Township Meting held April 4, 1X42, at the hous of 
Ephraim Fletcher, in pursuant to an Act of the Legeslature setting 
off and organizing into a separate Township all that tract of Country 
known and described in the United States Sur\'cy as Township No. 
six (G) north, of Rang No. fire (5) cast, into a separate Townebip by 

43 



the name of (iiiiiies, — Win, GaHley* wim choHcn Moderator, — and ad- 
journed to meat at the Suliool-liouwe fuurthwith. 

" Met pursuant lo adjournment. 

*' Made cdiois of Wni. li. Young, KrciJcrick Wilcox, Martin Dart, 
nnl Walter It. Hearst an a lioard of Inppe'^tors, and JaineA P. Allen, 
Clark. The Board being flworn, it was Voted, To have Ai'HCFi'ori'; 
Vvted, To have two Ctjn-ttablea for the year ensuing, and no more; 
Vutcff, Tliat this Hoard, for the time being, shall receive no fees. 

*' The |ioIe8 bein,; open, an i ballot (jiven for tho.-e olficcra required 
t;) be cho.'en by billot; Ovi-rseers of highways chosen; Vutud, To 
Cunvaec; Vnlvd, T\i:it no Hoars shall be alowed to run at large be- 
tween the moun'.hs of May and December, on |»ain of y//*/_y mi/* jhic 
awl all (liimai/c ; YttUil, To rais the Sum of eighty dollars for contin- 
gent Township e.xpences for the year ensuing." 

At this elcclioii 21 votes were polled and the following 
officers clio.seii, viz.: Sujiorvi.sor, Win. 15. Youiij;; Town- 
ship Clerk, Martin Durt ; Treasurer, Ephraim Fletcher; 
School Inspectors, Martin Dart, Marvin Williams, Walter 
15. Becr.s; Director.-s of the Poor, IMartin Dart, Ephraim 
Fletcher; Commis.sioitors of Highways, James V. Allert, 
Lyman Perkins, William Gazlay ; Justices of the Peace, 
Jami\s P. Allen, Philander Mcliain, Walter B. Beers, 
Frederick Wilcox ; Constables, Eli.siia Martin, Lanman 
Davis; Overseers of Highways, Wm. B. Young, Jonathan 
Yerkcs, Marvin Williams, William Gazlay, Walter B. Beers, 
John U<jod, Hartford Carj,'!!!, Fred. Wilcox, Elijah Lyman. 

The justices elected drew lots for the respective terms, 
the result being as follows: Walter B. Beers, one year; 
Philander McLain, two years; Frederick Wilcox, three 
years ; James P. Allen, four years. 

"At a meeting of the Assessors and Township Clerk of the Town- 
ship of (jaincs, County of (icnesce, and State of Michigan, held at 
the school-house by E. Fletcher's on the I'Jth day of May, I8'12, to 
review tlie Assessment roll, the /oicttiiiy persons were selected to nurce 
as grand Petty ./inert for the year ensuing : 

"Names of Orand Jurors: William liazlay, Walter B. Beers, Phi- 
lander McLain. Names of Petty Jurors: Marvin Williams, John 
Hood, E<lward S. Dart."}: 

A special meeting was held in July, 1842, and Edward 
S. Dart and William Smalley elected constables in place of 
Elisha Martin and Lanman Davis. The last-named person 
had left the State. 

The following is a list of the officers of the township of 
Gaines from 1843 to 1879, inclusive: 

SUPERVISOaS. 



184;)-41. William H. Young. 
184i. Martin l)utt. 
IStfi. Sedgwick P. Stedman. 
1847-.01. James Van VIeet. 
1852. Sedgwick P. Stedman. 
185.'i-58. James Van Vleet. 
IS.i'J. Thurston Simmons. 
IHOO-OI. (Jeorge H. Ilunyan. 
1862-68. James Van VIcct. 

TOWNSHIP 

1843. Martin Dart. 

1844. William Wheeler. 

1845. Sedgwick P. Stedman. 
1840-4'J. B. C. Covert. 
1850-51. S. P. Stedman. 
1852. B. C. Covert. 
185.3. llayncs B. Krcwson. 
1854. Hartford Cargill. 
1855-50. Daniel T. Ward. 
1857-58. Haynes B. Krcwson. 



18C'J. Zenas A. (iage. 
1870. John M. Clark. 
1871-72. Henry F. Bush. 

1873. Zenas A. (jage. 

1874. Henry F. Bush. 

1875. Zenas A. Gage. 
1876-77. Thurston Simmons. 
1878-79. Samuel C. Goodyear. 



CLERKS. 

1859. J. B. Randolph. 

1860. James Van Vleet. 

1861. Charles H. Currie. 

1862. David P. Cargill. 

1863. JefTcraon U. Downer. 

1864. Zenas A. Gage. 
1865-71. George B. Ilunyan. 
1872. A. B. Van Vleet. 
1873-79. George B. Kunyan. 



Gazlay. 



■f Beers. 



X Town Records. 



338 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



TREASURERS. 



1843. Epiiraiui Fletcher. 
1844-45. Sedgwick P. Stedinim. 
1846-52. Kphniim Fletcher. 
185.'5-54. .John Bliickburn. 
1S55-56. Williuiu Martin. 
1857-58. Ephniim Fletcher. 
1859. John liluckburn. 
ISGU. John Car|)<nter. 



lSGI-63. Irii J. Chatfield. 
1864-70. Edward S. Dart. 
1871-72. Ira T. Gilbert. 
1873. George C. Holmes. 
1874-75. Charles Mol.ain. 
1876-78. Henry E. Giddings, 
1879. Horace W. Gilbert. 





JUSTICES OF 


THE 


PEACE. 


1843. 


Walter B. Beers. 


1862. 


Ira T. Gilbert. 




Martin Dart. 


1863. 


James Van \'leet. 


1844. 


Philander Mcl.ain. 


1801. 


Daniel Brown. 


1845. 


William Wheeler. 


1865. 


G. B. llunyan. 


1846. 


B. C. Covert. 




Ira J. Chatfield. 




S. P. Stedman. 


1800. 


Jacob W. Rail. 


1847. 


James Van VIcct. 




John Young. 


1848. 


William Wheeler. 


1867. 


James Van Vlcet. 


1849. 


Joseph Yerkes. 




IraT. Gilbert. 


1850. 


S. P. Stedman. 


1868. 


Constantino Bccbo 




B. C. Covert. 


1869. 


G. B. Kunyan. 


1851. 


Henry D. Howes. 




J. W. Rail. 




James Van Vleet. 




James Lawthcr, 


1852. 


S. P. Stedman. 


1870. 


J. W. Hall. 




William Wheeler. 




J. J. Gordcn. 


1853. 


H. B. Krewson. 


1871. 


Harrison P. Doan. 




Jesse N. Doan. 




Daniel Brown. 


1854. 


B. C. Covert. 


1872. 


I)aniel Brown. 




William Wheeler. 


1873 


William Proper. 


1855 


Jacob W. Hall. 


1874 


Ira T. Gilbert. 




James Van Vlcet. 


1875 


Vieorgo A. Evans, 


1856 


Daniel Brown. 


1876 


Daniel Brown. 


1857 


Jacob W. Hall. 


1877 


G. B. Uunyan. 


1858 


Thurston Simmons. 




C. M. Miller. 


1859 


James Van VIect. 


1878 


Ira r. Gilbert. 




George E. Houghton. 




Wm. H. Borst. 


1860 


Daniel Brown. 


1879 


Wm. H. Borst. 


1861 


George B. llunyan. 

ASSE 


3S0RS 


John Donaldson. 



1845. William Wheeler. 

James Van ^'lect. 
1840. Wm. E. Y'oung. 

James Van A'leet. 

1847. S. P. Stedman. 
Wm. B. Young. 

1848. Wm. B. Y'oung. 



COMMISSIONERS 



1843. 



David P. Cargill.* 
Martin Dart. 
Aaron Decker. 
1844. Charles Joslin. 

Ephraim Fletcher. 
Walter B. Beers. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 
Haynes B. Krewson. 
Philander McLain. 
Constantino Beobe. 
F. Wilcox. 

Sedgwick P. Stedman. 
S. P. Stedman. 
Charles Joslin. 
William Wheeler. 
C. Beebe. 
W. B. Beers. 
C. W. Joslin. 
William Sutton. 
W. B. Beers. 



1845. 



1846. 



1847. 



1848. 



1849. 



1848. H. B. Krewson. 

1849. Wm. B. Young. 
Nathan Cargill. 

1850. AVm. B. Young. 
S. P. Stedman. 

1852. Isaac G. Soulc. • 
11. B. Krewson. 

OF HIGHWAYS. 

1850. Jesse Welch. 

1851. Isaac N. Tcwksbury. 

1852. Henry Howes. 
Jesse Braford. 

1853. John Knight. 
Silas Simonson. 
Jesse Doan. 

1854. H. B. Krewson. 
Constantine Beebe. 

1855. C. C. Decker. 

1856. George II. Lyon. 

1857. Constantino Beebe. 

1858. Edward S. Dart. 
Isaac A. Worden. 

1859. Ira T. Cilbert. 

1860. Thurston Simmons. 

1861. Wm. B. Young. 
Nelson Proper. 

1862. Joshua L. Wilcox. 

1863. Nelson Proper. 



1804. D. Brown. 

1805. Peter Acre. 
1860. Nelson Proper. 

1867. A. 11. Whitniorc. 
Jacob Westrieh. 

1868. Morgan Webster. 
1809. James Lawthcr. 

1870. Seth Terry. 

1871. F. M. Oliver. 



1871. Charles Borst. 

1872. Wm. H. Crane. 
Wm. D. Bailey. 

1873. Georgo L. Undorhill. 

1874. Marcus F. Storrs. 

1875. William H. Crane. 
1870. Charles McLain. 
1877-78. William 1). Bailey. 
1879. John Goodyear. 



TOWNSHIP DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 



1872. John N. Clark. 

1873. Sidney S. Lee. 

1874. Daniel Brown. 

1875. George P. Perkins. 



1876. John N. Clark (2 years). 

1878. Franklin Borst (2 years), 

1879. John N. Clark (v.). 



TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

1875. James Lawthcr. I 1878. Doverc Hall. 

1876-77. William M. Brown. ' 1879. George F. Brown. 



SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 



1843. 

1844. 
1845. 
1840. 

1847. 
1848. 

1849. 

1850. 

1851. 
1852. 
1853. 

1854. 

1855. 

1856. 



1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1840. 
1847. 
1848- 
1850. 



W. B. Beers. 


1857. 


David P. Cargill.f 


1858. 


W. B. B<ers. 


1859. 


William Wheeler. 


1800. 


H. B. Krewson. 


1861. 


James Van Vleet. 


1802. 


Haynes B. Krewson. 


1863. 


H. B. Krewson. 


1864. 


James Van Vleet. 


1865. 


H. B. Krewson. 


1860. 


Nathan Cargill. 


1807. 


James Van Vleet. 


1808- 


H. B. Krowson. 


1870. 


Haynes B.^Krowson. 




William Wheeler. 


1871. 


H. B. Krewson. 


1872. 


James Van Vleet. 




Isaac G. Soule. 


1873. 


William Wheeler. 


1874. 


J. W. Rail. 


1875. 


IraT. Gilbert. 


1870- 


J. W. Rail. 


1878. 


George H. Lyon. 


1879. 



OVERSEERS 

David Tomlinson. 
AVm. (lazlay. 
Erastus Root. 
AVilliam (jazlay. 
Aaron Decker. 
E. S. Dart. 
Wm. Gazlay. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 
Wm. Gazlay. 
Erastus Root. 
49. AVm. Gazlay. 

C. AVhito. 
S. P. Stedman. 
B. C. Covert. 



Isaac A. AVorden. 

Nelson Moaker. 

Amos Stark. 

Ira J. Chatfield. 

Amos Stark. 

Ira J. Chatfield. 

Frank A. Smith. 

St. Clair Hamlin. 

James M. AVilson. 

St. Clair Hamlin. 

Charles McLain. 
-09. Bela Cogshall, Jr. 

Bela Cog,«hall. 

G. P. Power. 

St. Clair Hamlin. 

George F. Aldrich. 

John Proper. 

Hiram D. Soule. 

Samuel C. Goodyear. 

John Chapell. 
-77. Charles M. Miller. 

George F. Brown. 

Albert A'an Vleet. 



OF THE POOR. 

1852. Wm. Gazlay. 
Marvin Davis. 

1853. William Coy. 
AVilliam Gazlay. 

1854. Wni. Wheeler. 
Hartford Cargill. 

1860. Philander McLain. 
James A' an Vleet. 

1857. Peter Acre. 
Edward S. Dart. 

1858. James A'an A'leet. 
Peter Acre. 

1859. Philander McLain. 
Aaron U. Whitmoro. 



* Dart resigned and Cargill removed, and William Wheeler and 
Edward S. Dart were appointed in their jdaces. 



1843. Edward S. Dart. 

D. P. Cargill. 
Constantine Beebe. 
Aaron Decker. 

1844. Charles Jaslin. 

E. S. Dart. 
Erastus Root. 
Carlton Reed. 



CONSTABLES. 

1845. C. Van Vleet. 
Ed. Van Vleet. 
H. B. Krewson. 
Aaron Decker. 

1846. John Rood. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 
AVm. Gazlay. 
AVilliam B. Young. 



t These failed to qualify, and at a special meeting W. B. Beers and 
Philander McLain were elected to fill vacancy. 



GAIiNES TOWNSHIP. 



339 



1847. II. B. Krewson. 1802. 
C. Van Vlect. 
Juha Blackburn. 

1848. Erastus P. Hodge. 
John Wood. 1863. 
William B. Young. 
Ilayncs B. Krewson. 

1S49. John Wood. 

Charles White. 1864. 

1850. E. Fletclicr. 
E. P. Hodge. 
Joseph Ycrkcs. 
Jc^se Braford. 1865. 

1851. E. Fletcher. 
Jesse Braford. 

1852. Robert C. Covert. 
Ephraim Fletcher. 1866. 
Jesse Braford. 
Erastus P. Hodge. 

1853. E. P. Hodge. 
C. C. Decker. 1867. 
John Blackburn. 
William W. Fay. 

1854. Stephen Brown. 
Putnam Burton. 1868. 
Jesse Braford. 
Christopher C. Decker. 

1855. Wells B. Miller. 
E. M. Bailey. 1869. 

1856. E. M. Bailey. 
Solomon Henrj'. 
Peter Acre. 
Albert Simonson. 1870. 

1857. Thomas Cowan. 
Stephen Brown. 
Samuel A. Sunderland. 
E. S. Dart. 1871. 

1858. Nelson Jlcaker. 
Stephen Brown. 
S. A. ^Juthcrland. 
E. M. Bailey. 1872. 

1859. Stephen Brown. 
E. S. Dart. 

'Jacob Westrich. 
Ilayncs B. Krewson. 1873. 

1860. Cyrus C. Atherton. 
John Carpenter. 
IraT. Gilbert. 
Jo8C|ih Hershcy. 1874, 

1861. George Lefever. 
John Covert. 
Solouiou Henry. 
Stephen Brown. ' 1875 



Jacob Strein. 
Spencer Miner. 
Hiram V. Weeder.* 
Oi'son Joslin. 
Henry C. Parks. 
Frank A. Smith. 
Paul Davidson. 
Philauder Decker. 
Stephen Brown. 
C. Hamlin. 
George I>efevcr. 
William Fletcher. 
S. Brown. 
John J. Strein. 
Orson B. Joslin. 
Jacob Wc-^trich. 
S. Brown. 
E. S. Dart. 
H. C. Park. 
Solomon Henry. 
George W. Simonson. 
Alfred J. Skinner. 
Orson B. Joslin. 
Stephen Brown. 
Albert J. Potter. 
Morgan AVebster. 
Wm. Evans. 
Charles H. Davis. 
E. S. Dart. 
Dewitt C. Mapes. 
T. Doloharty. 
Wm. Evans. 
Elias M. Jackson. 
Wm. Evans. 
William Wray, 
Adolphus Perry. 
Harvey L. Tibbils. 
Wm. Newton. 
Klani Bailey. 
William D. Brown. 
John Goodyear. 
H. L. Tibbils. 
William Newton. 
Elam liailey. 
Charles Vcrkes. 
John S. Smith. 
Wm. D. Brown. 
H. h. Tibbils. 
Elias Jackpon. 
Robert Carter. 
W^m. D. Bailey. 
Frank Myers. 
Leonard Sprague. 



1875. Frank Myers. 

II. L. Tibbils. 

Wm. Evans. 
1870. H. L. Bugartis. 

Jcronio Clark. 

Artemas R. Commins.f 

Lewis B. Hopkins. 
1877. D. C. Mapes. 

Jerome Clark. 

Edmund Clark. 



1877. L. B. Hopkins. 

1878. John liecbc. 
Frank Myers. 
John McSorley. 
Eugene Fox. 

1879. John Beebe. 
John McSorley, 
Jerome Clark. 
Frank Whitmorc. 



SCHOOLS, EARLY AND PRESENT. 
Owing to the fact tliat this township wa.s less rapidly 
filled up with settlers than the others, schools were not 
taught nor districts organized until a comparatively late 
day. The earliest record of the formation of a school dis- 
trict after the separate organization of the township is in 
the spring of 1842. From the school record the following 
extracts are made : 

"At a meeting of the board of School Inspectors of the township 
of GatiHf County of (jencseo and State of MkhaguHj the Following- 
named persons w»9 ejcamiufed as Candidates for teaching primary 
school and found Compitent, and certificates given them, viz.: phito- 
mi'ln Dnnning and Lois Lcaeh. 
"G.vi.vs, July the 10, A.D. 1843. 

"M.vnrix D.inr, 
** Clerk uf thf School Ittapectora" 

Samuel C. Stiles given certificate, Nov. 30, 1844. Other 
early teacher.s were Zuleima Austin, Sarah Ilallock, Nancy 
Bowles, Mary Ann Howes, Loui.sa Vosburgh, Mary Vos- 
burgh, Julia Slaglit, Miss Greattrack,]; Hannah Williams, 
Ira Williams, and others. 

About 1845 the settlers living in the Van Vlect and 
Cargill neighborhood hired a teacher, and had a school 
kept on the Cargill place. A daughter of Mr. C. was pos- 
sibly the teacher ; Miss Mary Vosburgh taught here after 
the district was organized. 

District Number 9, including the village of Gaines, was 
organized in 1858, and a frame 8cliool-hou.se was built in 
1859, the .same which Ls a part of the house now iu use. 
The school has two departments and a large attendance. 
The various schools of the township exhibited the following 
condition Sept. 1, 1878, as shown by the report of the 
township school inspectors at that date : Ilcceipts for the 
year, 82G30.33 ; amount on hand Sept. 1, 1878, $200.48; 
expenditures for year, less amount on hand, $2429.85. 





'^1 


M 


ti 


n 


.<i 


s> 


^ 










DlSTEICIS. 


fli 


T 
s 

a 


a 

c 
« 

1 




II 


a 





NUMDEU OF 


Teachebs. 


Teach Eiu 


' Waoes. 




a>* 


*i 


g 


El's 




a 


^ 


























SB 


= ,« 


Frame. 


fi 




Male. 


Female. 


Male. 


Female. 


No. 2 


47 
65 
25 
65 
60 


37 
55 
34 
55 
64 


1 
4 
5 
6 
6 


160 
158 
160 
157 
160 




50 
80 
44 
50 
70 


$500 
400 
600 

1000 
600 


1 
1 

"i 


1 
1 
2 
1 
2 


$100 
140 

120 


$48 
72 

104 
48 

142 


" 3 


" 4 


" 6 


" 1? 


" 7* 

" 9j> 


90 

137 

48 


99 

i'i 


4 
"9 


165 
200 
130 




60 


350 


1 




296 




100 
60 


500 
500 


2 


3 
3 


483 


215.80 
85 


" 10^ 



* Resigned, and Stephen Brown appointi'il. 

X This uaino appears as " Miss (Jruat Track" on the record. 



f Hcxigncd, niid K. M. Jacksuu aj)poiiited in his place. 
'6 Fractional districts. 



340 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The attendance in district No. 9 was not given on tlie 
report, but in June, 1879, it was about 100. 

VILLAGE or GAINES. 

On the 4th of July, 185G, the first passenger-train over 
this portion of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway passed 
over the site ofihe village, then in the midst of the forest. 
This train ran as far west as Owasso, and, in November 
following, the track was extended, and trains ran to St. 
John. The first building erected here was the railway- 
depot. James B. Simonson, now a prominent bunker of 
Holly, Oakland Co., was the first station-agent. He held 
the position a short time, and was succeeded by George 
B. Runyan, who resigned in 1859, at which time a tele- 
graph-office was established, and Mr. Runyan was fearful 
he could not learn the latter business. 

The first house in the village was erected by Thurston 
Simmons, who had come from Livingston County. Mr. 
Simmons moved with his mother and brothers from Marion, 
Wayne Co., N. Y., to Oakland Co., Mich., in 1833, after 
the death of his father. After one j'ear he returned to 
Now York, and when but nineteen years of age was 
married. In November, 1840, he started for Conway, Liv- 
ingston Co., Mich., where he subsequently settled on a farm 
of 40 acres. Had borrowed money to enable him to get 
there, and when it was gone borrowed more of another 
friend. He stopped a few months at Pontiac on the way, 
and earned enough to pay what he had last borrowed. In 
March, 1841, he reached his place in Livingston County, 
without a cent in his pocket, and his wife had but one 
calico dress, orange and blue. He cleared a small space, 
built a log cabin, and began life in the wilderness. Both 
he and his young wife were filled with ambitious desires, 
and the cloud of adversity in time passed by. Mr. Sim- 
mons bought a cow, paying for it by laboring nineteen days, 
and split IGUO rails for a pair of calves, intending to raise 
them for a team. Hauled pork to Pontiac, selling it at a 
dollar and a half per hundredweight, and receiving " store- 
pay." Calico was then worth two shillings a yard. In the 
spring of 1850, Mr. Simmons went to California, but sick- 
ness obliged him to return in January, 1851. He finally 
sold his farm in Livingston County, and in 1856 removed 
to Gaines, where he built the first house, as mentioned. In 
a part of this building he placed a stock of merchandise 
valued at about $250, and started the first store in the 
place. The woods were so dense that the depot, only fif- 
teen rods away, could not be seen from his house. When 
he first started in business here, it is related that he was 
induced to deal in liquor, and after much coaxing bought 
half a barrel of whisky, of which he sold a small part and 
poured the rest on the ground, and since then that article 
has not been enumerated in his stock. 

George B. Runyan, a native of Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., 
and one of a family of twelve children, came with his wife 
and one child to Michigan, in September, 1839, and located 
in Kensington, Oakland Co., early in October. In June, 
1841, he removed to section 24, in the town of Vernon, 
Shiawassee Co., and in his own house opened what he .says 
was the first tailor-shop in that county. In April, 1848, 
he removed to Byron, in the same county, where he con- 



tinued to work at liis trade for several years. When the 
railroad was built and a village was started at Gaines, he 
purchased a lot, cleared it up ready to build on, and in No- 
vember, 185G, moved his family here, following the next 
month himself The only buildings then standing in the 
village were the store, dwelling, and tavern of Tiiurston 
Simmons (keeping boarders in the same hou.se where he 
lived and had his store), which stood next north of the store 
now occupied by James A. Perkins, the latter built by 
Silas Simonson, who owned a farm nearby, the depot, and 
a small dwelling occupied by C. C. Athcrton, who still re- 
sides in the village. 

About 1857, Mr. Runyan was appointed agent for the 
American Express Company, which established an office 
here, and, with the exception of one year, when the Mer- 
chants' Union Company had the line, he has held it until 
the present time. During the year mentioned Thurston 
Simmons was the agent. 

Thurston Simmons kept the first " public-house" in the 
village, although from necessity, and not as a special calling. 
The first regular hotel was kept by Mr. Westrich, in a 
building now standing opposite Mr. Simmons' store, on the 
west side of the street. H. L. Tibbils also kept a hotel a 
short time opposite the depot. The present " Larned 
House" was built by Peter Van Ness in 1SG4 or '65. The 
northern portion was used as a store, and the balance as a 
hotel. Van Ness kept it until 1871, and since that time it 
has had several proprietors, and been known at different 
times as the " Gordon House," " Orth House," and " Rob- 
erts House." It is the only hotel now in the place, and is 
managed by Horace J. learned, of Fenton, who became pro- 
prietor early in the summer of 1879. 

POST-OFFICE. 

The first post-office in the township of Gaines was ostab- 
lishcd in October, 1852, east of the village site, on the farm 
of Bergen C. Covert, who received the appointment of post- 
master. He was from Seneca Co., N. Y., and held the of- 
fice, which was called Gaines, as long as it existed. After 
the one at the village was established, Mr. Covert was wont 
to carry the mail from here to his own office in his hat. 

The advent of a railway rendered it necessary to have an 
office at the village, and accordingly " Gaines Station Post- 
Office" was established in November, 1856, with George 
B. Runyan as postmaster. He held until 1861, when 
Thurston Simmons succeeded him. Under President 
Johnson, Runyan was reappointed, and when Grant was 
elected the position was again given to Mr. Simmons, who 
was succeeded in the spring of 1879 by Harry S. Cook, the 
present incumbent. 

The original plat of Gaines village was laid out by Henry 
N. Walker, and acknowledged May 10, 1859. Additions 
have since been made, as follows : William Walker's plan, 
Oct. 11, 1871, on the northeast quarter of section 5; 
Walker's roplat of outlets 11 and 12, Feb. 25, 1873. The 
Gaines cemetery was laid out May 24, 1870. 

The village was incorporated in 1875, the following 
being a part of the act incorporating it : 

"Art. I, Sec. 1. The Pajjile of the Stale of Michujan enact, That 
all that certain tract of land situated in the county of Genesee and 



GAINES TOWNSHIP. 



341 



state of Michignn, being in township number six (6) north, of range 
number five (5) east, anJ described as follows, to wit: licing south- 
cast quarter of section thirty-one (31), and west half of southwest 
quarter of section thirly-two (32), is hereby constituted a village cor- 
porate, known and designated as the Village of Oaines." 

It was directed in the act that the first election for vil- 
lage officers be held at the hotel of William Koberts, in 
said village, on the first Monday in March, 1875. The 
election was, however, held April 12, 1875, and the fol- 
lowing officers chosen, viz. : President, James A. Perkins ; 
Clerk, George B. Kunyan ; Marshal, Wallace Bowers ; 
Treasurer, Thurston Simmons ; As.scssor, William Roper ; 
Trustees for one year, Orson W. Tock, William Myers, 
Frederick M. Oliver ; for two years, William Williams, 
Smith M. Cogsliall, Reed Larue. 

The officers for the succeeding years have been the 
following : 

1876. — President, James A. Perkins; Clerk, Friend D. 
Simmons (resigned, and E. M. Roberts appointed, who in 
turn resigned, and G. B. Runyan was appointed) ; Mar- 
shal, Jacob Croop ; Assessor, George B. Runyan ; Treas- 
urer, Thurston Simmons ; Trustees, two years, Orson W. 
Tock, William Myers, William Ireland. 

1877.— President, Frederick M. Oliver ; Clerk, G. B. 
Runyan ; Treasurer, Henry F. Bush ; Assessor, George B. 
Runyan ; Marshal, Artemas 11. Commins ; Trustees, two 
years, Robert Carter, William Williams, George Still. 

1878.— President, William Roper; Clerk, Smith M. 
Cogsliall ; Treasurer, Henry F. Bush ; Assessor, Smith M. 
Cogshall ; Marshal, John W. Beebe ; Trustees, two years, 
Joseph Fowler, William Ireland, William Myers. 

1879. — President, William Roper; Clerk, Eugene E. 
Pratt; Treasurer, Henry F. Bush; Assessor, Eugene E. 
Pratt; Marshal, E. M. Jackson; Trustees, two years and 
two for vacancy, Wallace Simonson, Thomas Vandenburgh, 
James L. Middlesworth, William H. Brooks, Charles Davis. 
In the .spring of 1879 the village contained sixty-eight 
voters, six stores of various descriptions, a school-house, 
two restaurants, one hotel, two churches, three millinery- 
shops, three blacksmith-shops, two shoe .shops, three wagon- 
shops, one harness-shop, some extensive charcoal-kilns, 
owned by Smith & Brainard, a stave-factory, two grain- 
elevators, and three physicians. A steam saw-mill and a 
broom-handle factory have been recently in operation, but 
at present are idle. 

The first physician who located here was probably Dr. 
Harris, now of Linden, who stayed but a short time. The 
first permanent one was Dr. Bela Cogshall, now of Flint, 
son of a proiuinent lawyer of the same name living at 
Holly. Dr. Cogshall established the first drug-store here, 
in company with Charles Hood. Both these men were 
from Oakland County. The present physicians of the place 
arc Drs. G. E. Waters, Joseph Marshall, and Isaac Parks, 
the latter a practitioner of the homueopathic school. 

The Masonic order has twice established a lodge here, 



the Odd-Fellows once, and others at different times, but no 
secret orders at present have lodges in the place. 

James A. Perkins, originally from Utica, Oneida Co., 
N. Y., went from there to Canada in 1845, and at Kingston 
built a large saw-mill. From that place he removed to Brant- 
ford, the burial-place of the famous Indian chieftain, Joseph 
Brant, or Thayeiidancga, whose remains INIr. Perkins aided 
in removing to a new sepulchre. After a residence of twelve 
years at Biantford, Mr. Perkins came to Detroit, and thence 
in 1863 to Gaines, at which latter place he built a steam 
saw-mill, which was subse(]uently burned. He also built 
the stave-ftctory now owned by Henry F. Bush, to whom 
he sold. About 1868 he purchased the store he at present 
owns, and since then has been engaged in the mercantile 
business. 

Henry F. Bush is a native of Deerfield, Livingston Co., 
Mich, (born in 1837). During the famous excitement over 
gold discoveries in California he went to that land of prom- 
ise, and was quite successful in his efforts to accumulate 
wealth. In 1863 he returned to Michigan, and entered the 
photographic business at Battle Creek. He afterwards built 
the Ionia Stave-works, and in the fall of 1868 came to 
Gaines and purchased the stave-factory of James A. Per- 
kins, which he still continues to operate. In 1875 he built 

his elevator. 

KELIGIOUS. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GAINES VILLAGE. 

In 1858 or 1859 a Methodist Episcopal class was organ- 
ized here, being supplied with preaching from the Byron 
circuit, to which it belonged. The class consisted of about 
a dozen members. One of the first preachers who held .ser- 
vices here, and po.ssibly the first, was Rev. Mr. Prindle, now 
superannuated. The present frame church was built in 
1869, during the pastorate of Rev. Orlando Sanborn, and 
while the charge was yet a part of the Byron circuit. 
Gaines circuit was organized in the fall of 1869 or 1870. 
The more recent pastors have been Revs. D. B. Millar, Wil- 
liam Bird.sall, Mr. Lanning (now of Byron), and the present 
incumbent. Rev. John Wesley. The latter has charge of 
classes at Durand and the " Hough School-house," both in 
Shiawassee County. The membership of the church at 
Gaines is in the neighborhood of 60. 

THE KOMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 
in the village was built about 1871, and is a part of the 
charge of Rev. Father Williaiu Kilroy, of Fenton. 

To those who have furnished data for the foregoing sketch 
of the township of Gaines thanks are hereby tendered, with 
the assurance that their aid is highly appreciated. Among 
them are Philander McLain, Putnam Burton, Edward S. 
Dart, the family of Ephraim Fletcher, G. B. Runyan, Thurs- 
ton Simmons, James A. Perkins, and numerous others. 

Some account of the village of Swartz Creek will be 
found in the Clayton township history, to which the reader 
is referred. 



B U R.T O N. 



This is an interior township, and is designated by the 
United States survey as township No. 7 north, of range 
No. 7 east. It lies directly east of the city of Flint, which 
includes within its corporate limits the whole of section 18, 
and portions of sections 6, 7, 17, and 19 of the Congres- 
sional township. On the north, oast, south, and west are 
the respective townships of Genesee, Davison, Grand Blanc, 
and Flint. 

Its surface is comparatively level, yet .sufficiently elevated 
above the bed of its water-courses to afford good surface- 
drainage. It was heavily timbered, originally, with fine 
forests of beech, maple, red and black oak, basswood, and 
other varieties of deciduous trees. Upon sections 5, G, 1!), 
and 20 was found considerable pine, while sections 27 and 
34 were what was termed by the original settlers " staddle 
lands." 

The Flint, Thread, and Kearsley Rivers are tlie principal 
water-courses. The former flows in a southwesterly course 
across the northwest corner of the township ; the latter runs 
in a northwesterly direction across the northeast corner of 
the same ; while Thread River enters the town from the 
south, and, flowing in a general northwest course, leaves 
the township near the centre of the west border. 

Thread River mill-pond, formed by a dam across the 
river, lies mainly within section 20, and embraces an area 
of about 140 acres. 

The soil consists of an admixture of sand and clay loam, 
alternating with a dark vegetable mould, and in its general 
characteristics the same as predominates in all diift-forma- 
tions. It is highly productive, and, with careful cultivation, 
yields handsome returns to the husbandman. 

The people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
Their farms are under a good state of cultivation, and neat 
farm-houses and substantial outbuildings abound. 

The population in 1874 was 1260. 

LAND ENTRIES. 

The first entry for land in this township was made by 
Rufus W. Stevens, March 10, 1829. His purchase con- 
sisted of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 19. 
Daniel Le Roy and Elisha Beach purchased 93 acres of 
section 18, March 3, 1830. Their purchase included all 
that remained of that section outside of the reservation. 
Levi Gilkey took up a portion of section 7, May 11, 1831. 
Peter Stiles, of Monroe Co., N. Y., purchased 120 acres 
of section 32, June 13, 1834. The next was Reuben Tup- 
per, from Genesee Co., N. Y., who entered the east half 
of the southeast quarter of section 19, the west half of 
the northwest quarter of section 29, and the east half of 
the northeast quarter of section 30, Aug. 29, 1834. Other 
early entries were made by Samuel S. Todd on section 6, 
342 



Sept. 27, 1834, Levi Walker, June 24, 1835, and by 
Adonijah, Shubael, and Perus Atherton, and Pliny A. 
Skinner, July 10, 1835. 

The following list of names embraces those who pur- 
chased of the general government, and whose lands were 
situated in this towniship : 

1836,* section 1 : A. JIcArthur, A. D. Fraser, Chauncey 
Hurlbut, Enoch Jones, Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1836, section 2: • BIcArthur, Fraser & Hurlbut, 

Lewis Goddard, William Shaver, Ogden M. Willey, Henry 
and Van Rensselaer Hawkins. 

1836, section 3: James Barns, Ogden M. Willey, Jacob 
Eldridge, Moses W. Scott, H. and V. R. Hawkins. 

1836, section 4 : Enoch Jones, William Tilton, Jacob 
Plass, Daniel Powell, Simeon M. Johnson, Edwin P. Hoyt. 

1835, section 5 : Benjamin Pearson, John Cliflbrd, Levi 
Walker, Thomas Dole, Nathaniel Curtis, Shubael Ather- 
ton, Adonijah Atherton, Samuel Stewart. 

1834, section 6: Samuel S. Todd, Levi Walker, Eliza- 
beth Smith. 

1831, section 7 : Levi Gilkey. 

1835, section 8 : Ephraim S. Walker, Levi Walker, 
Trumbull Carey. 

1836, section 9 : Charles B. Hubbell, Joseph Thompson, 
Enos Talmadge, Lyman Sherwood, Samuel L. Fuller, Jona- 
than E. Robinson. 

1836, section 10 : Enos Talmadge, Lyman Sherwood, 
Charles B. Hubbell, Joseph Thompson, Edward Eldridge, 
Peter V. Moore, Seymour Bough ton. 

1836, section 1 1 : Philo Fairchild, Ralph Lester, Hiram 
Bellows, Ira Bellows. 

1836, section 12: Enoch Jones, Thomas L. L. Brent, 
Oliver E. Maltby, Amon W. Langdon, Joseph Thompson, 
Hanford Lyon, Ellen Jane Voorheis. 

1836, section 13 : William Ware, Seymour Boughton, 
Orson Beebe, Heman Ferris, Calvin Cartwriglit, Harris 
Hibbard. 

1836, section 14 : Franklin Clark, Calvin Rose, George 
Chandler, Ellen J. Voorheis, Anthony W. Martin. 

1835, section 15 : Zenas Goulding, Thomas L. L. Brent, 
Enos Talmadge, Lyman Sherwood, Charles B. Hubbell, 
Joseph Thompson, Seymour Boughton. 

Section 16: School-lands. 

1834, section 17 : Nathaniel Nelson, Jesse Whitcomb, 
Henry A. Brewster, James W. Cronk, Frederick W. 
Brewster. 

1830, section 18 : Daniel Le Roy, Elisha Beach. 

1829, section 19: John A. Hoyes, Rufus W. Stevens, 

* The figures show the year the first purchase was made upon each 

section. 







n 



33 

in 



33 




'«£ 




BURTON TOWNSHIP. 



313 



March 10, 1829, Olmsted Clianiborlin, and Gideon 0. 
Wliittemore, Augustus C. Stevens, lleuben Tupper, Elijah 
Smith, James Heed, James W. Cronk, Henry Dwiglit, 
Mark H. Sibley, Reuben H. Tupper, Mark H. Sibley. 

1835, section 20 : John L. Oage, Orlando Murray, 
Albert G. Gage, Frederick Bulil, Eliza Alexander, James 
C. Deloug. 

1835, section 21 : John L. Gage, Porus Atherton, Shu- 
bael Atherton, Adonijah Atherton, Jonathan Harrington. 

1835, .section 22: Shubael Atherton, Jauics Ingalls, 
Elihu Atherton, Thomas L. L. Brent, Jacob Alexander, 
Asahel Robinson, Joseph Thompson, Hanl'ord Lyon. 

1836, section 23: Daniel Hiller, William D. Chambers, 
Joseph Thompson, Hanford Lyon, Elihu Atherton, Sey- 
mour Broughton. 

1836, section 24 : Daniel B. Dye, Nathan Lamson, James 
N. Smith, George A. Neal, Silas 0. Long, Bradford Knapp. 

1836, section 25 : James Wliyte, Aniasa Short, Daniel 
Estcs, Nathan Lamson, Peter Jay, Charles P. Day, Brad- 
ford Knapp. 

1836, section 26: Henry Schram, Ira Donelson, John 
Hiller, Jr., Chauncey Baker, Adonijah Atherton. 

1835, section 27: Nathaniel Curtis, James Ingalls, Bar- 
nabus Norton, Tunis Cole, Timothy B. Tucker, Ira Donel- 
son, Pliny Curtis. • 

1835, section 28: Pliny A. Skinner, Nathaniel Curtis, 
Sidney S. Hosmer, James M. Heath, George Bcckwith. 

1834, section 29: Reuben Tupper, Andrew Cox, Cephas 
Carpenter, Nathaniel B. Overton, James M. Heath, Ste- 
phen Ilill. 

1834, section 30 : Reuben Tupper, John A. Iloyes, 
Jesse Chapman, Horace Blacknier, Thomas B. Worden, 
Henry Dwiglit, Rexford Wittuni, Origen D. Richardson. 

1835, section 31 : Ebenezer Bishop, Ira Donelson, Joseph 
M. Irish, Joel Bardwell, Jr., James Jones, Samuel C. Stiles, 
Abel S. Donelson, Origen D. Richardson. • 

1834, section 32: Peter Stiles, Tracy AV. Burbank, 
Isaac N. Stage, Henry Dwight, Joseph Gamball, William 
Churchill. 

1834, section 33: John HoUister, William Churchill, 
Lot Clark, Stephen Warren, Warren Annable. 

1834, section 34 : Uriah Short, Oliver Short, Colonel T. 
Gorton, Benjamin Bullock. 

1830, section 35: Josiah W. Alexander, Charles B. 
Ilubbcll, Joseph Thomp.son. 

1830, section 36: Levi M. Fox, Mark M. Jerome, Alvah 
Bishop, Deborah Ewer, Adoniram Dan, Col. T. Gorton. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

Levi Gilkey, one of the very earliest pioneers in the vicin- 
ity of the city of Flint, came from Genesee Co., N. Y., and 
on the 11th day of May, 1831, purchased of the general 
government 68 i acres, described as " being the fractional 
part of section 7," or all that part remaining of said scclioa 
outside of the reservation. His location was on and near 
the mouth of the small stream which still bears his name. 
He became a resident soon after the date of his land-entry, 
thereby becoming the first settler in the surveyed township 
outside of the city limits. Very little is known, or can be 
learned, concerning the history of Mr. Gilkey. It transpires. 



however, that he became involved in many law-disputes, 
and remained hero but a very few years ; doubtless he left 
the country, as many have since done, and will yet do, in 
disgust. 

Reuben Tupper, brother of a numerous family of the name, 
who settled at an early period in Grand Blanc, was the next 
settler in the town.ship. He also came from Greene Co., 
N. Y., and purchased lands situated upon sections 19, 29, 
and 30. Aug. 29, 1834, during the fall of the same year, 
he located upon the Saginaw road, section 19, whore he 
erected a small log house, which stood nearly opposite the 
present residence of Jlr. Ball. 

About 1830, Shubael Atherton came from Henderson, 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., and settled in Pontiac. In 1833 he 
was joined by his brother Perus, a soldier of 1812. The 
brothers continued their residence in Oakland County until 
the fall of 1835, when, having purchased lands of the gov- 
ernment situated in this township, they began preparations 
for a removal to their new homes. At the time last men- 
tioned, Perus Atherton and Pliny A. Skinner — the latter 
of whom had also purchased land at the same date as the 
Athcrtons — came on from Pontiac, and found Reuben 
Tupper settled, as before stated. They began their labors 
by cutting out a road sufficient for the passage of a team 
and wagon, commencing at the point where the railroad 
crosses the old Saginaw turnpike, thence due east along the 
section lines to Thread River, or the proposed " Atherton 
settlement." This was the first road opened in the town- 
ship other than the Saginaw road. The two pioneers then 
constructed two log houses, one for each of them, and after 
their completion a third one was erected for Shubael Ather- 
ton. 

The families of Skinner and Perus Atherton were settled 
in November ; Shubael Atherton joined them a few weeks 
later. These three families pa.ssed the winter alone in the 
wilderness, and formed the nucleus of what was destined to 
be a thriving settlement of thirty families ere the lapse ot 
the ensuing twelve months. 

Henry Schram was born in Schenectady, N. Y., and with 
his father's family settled in Jefferson County, of the same 
State, at an early period. In September, 1835, he left 
Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and arrived in the "Atherton 
settlement" October 3d. He was accompanied by his wife, 
a daughter of Nathaniel Curtis. His first work was to build 
a log house for the reception of Curtis' family. He pur- 
chased the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20 
of the government, March 10, 1836, and 80 additional acres 
on the same section May 26th of the same year. His father, 
John Schram, and brothers Isaac, William, Truman, James, 
George, David, and one si.stcr, Mary Jane, became settlers 
in the township in the spring of 1836. 

In May, 1830, Capt. Nathaniel Curtis (a soldier of 
1812), Adonijah Atherton (brother of Shubael aud Perus), 
Asahel Robinson, Elisha Salisbury, all with families, and 
Harmon Clark (a young man employed by Capt. Curtis), 
came from Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and, after a journey 
of fourteen days, arrived in the settlement during the same 
month. 

Barnabus Norton, James Ingalls, Joseph Chambers and 
sons, also from Jefferson Co., N. Y., became settlers soon 



344 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



after. It is related that William and Jeremy Chambers 
walked the entire distance from Joffersoc Co., N. Y., to 
their place of settlement in Michiu;an. 

John Hiller, from Ogdeu, Monroe Co., N. Y., purchased 
320 acres upon sections 23 and 26 in June, 1836, and set- 
tled upon his purchase in September following. His present 
residence was the first framed house erected in the eastern 
part of the township; it was built in 1S43, and his barn, 
the second framed one, in 1842. 

Among others who settled in 1836 and early in 1837 
were William Tilton, Thomas Bownes, William Bendle, 
Benjamin Boomer, Horace Boomer, Clark Boomer, Cephas 
Carpenter, Tunis Cole, Adouiram Dan. Daniel Estes, Col. 
T. Gorton, John L. Gage, Ovid Hemphill. Harris Hibbard, 
Charles Johnson, John McCormick, Samuel McCormick, 
Benjamin F. Olmsted, Walter Rail, William Rail, Thomas 
Sweet, Ephraim Walker, and Jesse Whitcomb. 

The following-named settlers purchased lands of the 
general government, and located in the township at an 
early day ; Jacob Eldridge, Edward Eldridge, from Liv- 
ingston Co., X. Y. ; John Clifford, from Genesee Co., 
N. Y. ; Levi Walker, from Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; Ben- 
jamin Pearson, Samuel S. Todd, Zenas Goulding, Charles 
P. Day, Nathaniel B. Overton, Jesse Chapman, and Joel 
Bardwell, Jr., from Oakland Co., Mich. ; Jonathan Har- 
rington and Albert G. Gage, from Ontario Co., N. Y. ; 
Daniel Hiller, Ira Donelson, Timothy B. Tucker, Peter 
Stiles, Samuel C. Stiles, and Abel S. Donelson, from Mon- 
roe Co., N. Y. ; George Beckwith, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; 
Warren Annable, Oliver Short, and a lanre family of sons, 
from Otsego Co., N. Y. ; Nathan Lamson and Mark M. 
Jerome, from Jefferson Co., N. Y. ; and Andrew Cos, from 
Montgomery Co., N. Y. 

A majority of the early settlers of Burton, or, as it was 
then known, Flint township, came from the towns of Adams 
and Henderson, Jefferson Co., N. Y., and their location was 
known for many years as the " Atherton settlement." 

Here they cle;ired up the forests, built themselves houses, 
established a school and a church, and laid the foundation 
of a thriving Christian community. Of those who came 
among them and settled here during the fourth decade of the 
present century, none became better known in the county and 
State, and in later years in many of the Eastern, Middle, and 
Western States, than Rev. Oi'son Parker, the evangelist. 

Mr. Parker was the grandson of a veteran of the Revo- 
lutionary war, and was born near where the city of Law- 
rence, Mass., now stands, in 1800. In 1814 he went to 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., where his father had removed with 
his family in 1811. They settled in the town of Henderson, 
not far from Henderson Harbor, Lake Ontario. In 1821 
he began the study of law with the late Judge Thomas C. 
Chittenden. " He eventually became the law p.artner of 
Mr. Chittenden, and continued to practice with m;u-ked 
success until an event occun-ed which completely changed 
the whole course of his life, and led to results in after-years 
which far exceeded in their importance the most brilliant 
successes which he could possibly hope to gain in the profes- 
sion of law."* 

^ Extravt from a biographical sketch of his life. 



He Was married in 1827 to Miss Celestine Gridley. 
One boy was born to them, who lived but three months. 
A year and a half after their marriage the young wife died. 
He then began a careful study of the Bible. The effect 
produced upon his mind by the loss of his wife and child, 
and his strong desire to fulfill his promise to her to meet 
her in heaven, made his heart peculiarly susceptible to re- 
ligious influences, and during a revival in Adams, under the 
ministrations of Rev. Jedediah Burchard, he became con- 
verted. He then gave up the practice of law, and entered 
the Auburn (^N. Y.) Theological Seminary. After a year's 
study he returned to Adams, was examined and licensed to 
preach by the Black River Association. In 1832 he mar- 
ried Diana Eleanor, a daughter of Adonijah Atherton, of 
Hendtyson, N. Y. The same year he was called by the 
Presbyterian Church of Belleville, N. Y., where he con- 
tinued one year. He was then employed by the Black 
River Association to hold protracted meetings in the 
churches within thtir limits. He was called to Cassville, 
N. Y., in 1834, remaining two years. From there he went 
to Ohio, held revival meetings all through the Western Re- 
serve, and for a few months supplied the pulpit in Painesville. 

In August, 1837, he came from Ohio with his family, 
consisting of his wife and three young children. With a 
single horse and buggy, he brought his family from Detroit 
— to which place they had come from Sandusky — to his 
father-in-law's house, in the wilds of Northern Michigan. 
At that time, the country north of Detroit was spareely 
settled ; only here and there was a little clearing in the 
forest, where some sturdy pioneer had begun to hew out a 
home for himself and family. There was no public con- 
veyance. The road was a mere trail through the woods, 
almost impassiible except in the driest part of the season. 
Leaving his family at the home of Mr. Atherton, he began 
a mission, which ended only with his life, March 14, 1876. 
His first work in the Slate w;is in the village of Flint, then 
a place of a dozen or twenty houses. The first communion 
was administered by Mr. Piirker, in the fall of 1837, the 
congregation meeting in the unfinished loft of a store. At 
an early period he purchased the fine farm in Burton at 
present occupied by his widow. This place, and Flint, with 
the exception of a few years spent elsewhere, have been the 
residence of the family since 1844. Mr. Parker labored 
incessantly in promoting revivals. His seasons of work 
were usually from about the first of September till the last 
of April or May. His field extended i'rom JIassachusetts 
to Iowa, from Canada to Maryland. He died at Havana, 
N. Y., of paralysis, while in the midst of his labors. He 
died, as he wished to die, with the harness on. During the 
last months of his lile he wrote a work, entitled " The Fire 
and the Hammer, or Revivals, and how to Promote them," 
which was' published soon after his death. 

The first years were trying ones to the people in the 
Atherton settlement. The removal from New York to 
Michigan and the purchase of their lands had, in most 
instances, exhausted their all. For a ye;ir or two many of 
them worked for the Atherton brothers, Capt. Curtis, and 
Pliny A. Skinner, who, at this time, were considered fore- 
handed. Soon their resources were gone, ejten up ; poor 
crops followed an unfavorable season, and all were poor in 




n 



BURTON TOWNSHIP. 



345 



common. Destitution and privations existed upon all sides ; 
women nurtured amid the comforts and luxuries of their 
Eastern homes wept and prayed alternately, as their vision 
took in the waste of forests and the few acres of cleared, 
yet stumpy land, which environed their rude cahins. 

But the hond of common suffering more firmly knit the 
ties of friendship and nei<;hborly affection. With strong 
arms aud undaunted hearts, the men whose names are 
menticmed in this chapter finally wrought from the frown- 
ing wilderness a competence, and many of them arc to-day, 
with their children, enjoying the fruits of an honorable, 
industrious life in one of the most fertile regions of the 
State of Michigan. 

The resident tas-pa3xrs in 1844 were, 



Allen, Isaac P. 
Alger, Georf^c, 
Annabel, AVurren. 
Allen, James. 
Allen, Jiisun. 
AIe,\ani.ler, W'illiiun E. 
Atherton, Shubael. 
Atherton, Elihu N. 
Atherton, Adonijuh. 
Atherton, Perus. 
Alexander, John F. 
IJrown, Chauncey. 
liowns, Thomas. 
TJowns, John. 
Ilentley, Jauics. 
iJentley, Henry. 
Ilentley, Seymour. 
iJcndle, AVilliam. 
Best, Uiehard. 
liarber, Elisha M. 
IJoomcr, Benjamin. 
Boomer, Horace. 
Boomer, Clark. 
Beasley, Jesse J. 
Brown, Isaac. 
Brown, David E. 
Bingham, Lorenzo. 
Barkham, Joseph. 
Crnper, Albertus. 
Cole, Tuni?. 
Clark, Harmon. 
Curtis, Crandall N. 
Cox, Audrc\v. 
Carpenter, Cephas, 
Chamber:*, William D. 
Curti?, Charles G. 
Chambers, Joseph. 
Chambers, Enoch N. 
Cliambcrs, Jeremy K. 
Curtis, Nathaniel. 
Chase, Ira. 
Curtis, Asahel. 
Calvin, Handall. 
Dclbridge, John. 
Dan, Adoniram. 
Donclson, Horace L. 
Donelson, Abel S. 
Day, Charles P. 
Estes, Daniel. 
Estes, David. 
Field, Bethucl. 
Fortoi), James, 
(jriswuld, John C. 
ti recr, James. 
Norton, Col. T. 
(lage, John L. 
liiller, J^ihn. 

44 



Hemj.hill, Ovid. 
Hall, Trurniin. 
Hall, Wilhird. 
Hibbard, IIarri.-=. 
Ingalls, James. 
Johnson, ('harlcs. 
Judd, Asahel. 
Judd, Henry. 
Jurome, Mark M. 
Jerome, Nathaniel C. 
Knowlton, Abraham. 
Lamson, Nathan. 
McCormiek, John. 
MeCorniiek, Samuel. 
Ncidhammer, Jno. F, 
Norton, Barnabas. 
Norton, Nelson. 
Olmsted, Benjamin F. 
Parker, Orson. 
Peck, Jc?se P. 
Parrish, Jasper. 
Pierce, Cak-b. 
Pierce, Silas K. 
Preston, Daniel. 
Plass, Jacob. 
Rail, Walter. 
Kail, William. 
Ball, Benjamin. 
Kobinson, Asahel. 
Itobinson, Isaac N. 
Seymour, Burr. 
Short, Uriah. 
Short, Amasa. 
Short, Augustus. 
Short, Charles. 
Short, Albert. 
Short, Dclos. 
Schram, Truman. 
Smith, David. 
Skinner, James M. 
Stone, Salmon. 
Schram, John I. 
Schram, Henry. 
Skinner, Pliny A. 
Sweet, Thomas. 
Tilton, William. 
Tupper, Reuben. 
Thompson, Francis D. 
Vodden, Henry. 
Wliittlesey, William. 
Whittlesey, Harlow. 
Walker, Ephraim S. 
Wliiteomb, Jea.-fe. 
Webster, Steward H. 
Wukott, Jno. J. 
Wittuiii, Rexfurd. 
Wittum, Sylvester. 



CIVIL HISTORY. 

Burton township, originally a part of Grand Blanc, be- 
came a portion of Flint in I83G. 

In 1830, sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 
15, IG, and 17, by an act of the State Legislature, became 
the south part of the now obsolete township of Kearslei/. 
By the same authority, these sections were reannexcd to 
Flint, March 7, 1843. 

The Board of Supervisors of Genesee County, by pre- 
amble and resolutions, of date Oct. 12, 1855, resolved as 
follows : 

" \\lnn-rnn, ApplJcalion has Vjoon made, according to law, to divide 
the township of Flint into two townships; and whereas, the township 
of Flint includes two surveyed townships, excejit that part included 
in the city of Flint. 

"Therefore, resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of the county of 
Genesee : 

"Section 1. That all that part of the township of Flint inrludcd 
in township No. 7 north, of range No. 7 east, be, and the same is 
hereby, set off and orji;ani/.ed into a separate township by the name of 
Burton; and the firnt township meeting for the election of oHicers 
shall be held on the first Monday of April, 1S56, at the Atherton 
school-house in said township; and that Harlow Whittlesey, Henry 
D. Frost, and Kelson Norton, be, and they are hereby, appointed to 
preside at such meeting, apjjoint a clerk, open and keep the polls, 
and exercise the same powers as inspectors of elections at any town- 
ship meeting; and that Harlow AVhittlcsey be, and he is hereby, 
apjjointed to post up notices, according to law, of the time and place 
of such meeting, in the newly organized township of Burton." 

By sections 2 and 3 of the same resolution, township 
No. 7 north, of range C east (Flint), was organized into a 
separate township by the name of Garland. These sec- 
tions were amended at a session of the board of super- 
visors, held Feb. 5, 185G, and the name of Flint substi- 
tuted in the place of Garland. 

FIRST TOWNSHIP-MEETING. 

At the first township-meeting of the town of Burton, 
held o!i the 7ih day of April, 185G, Henry D. Frost, Nel- 
son Norton, and Charles G. Curtis served as inspectors of 
election, and Henry D. Frost as chairman of the board. 
Tlie whole number of votes given the candidates for tlie 
office of supervisor was 159, of which Harlow Whittlesey 
received 103, and John L. Gage, 56. The following- 
named officers were elected at this meeting: Harlow Whit- 
tlesey, Supervisor ; Daniel E. Salisbury, Township Clerk ; 
Robert Chambers, Treasurer ; Henry D. Frost, School In- 
spector ; Jacob M. Eldridgc, Talman Frost, Nelson Norton, 
Joel Bardwell, Justices of the Peace; Enoch M. Chambers, 
Abalino Babcock, Harrison G. Conger, Highway Commis- 
sioners ; Ira Chase, Salmon Stone, Directors of the Poor ; 
Edward Eldridge, Lorenzo T. Frost, Charles Pettis, Perry 
Judd, Constables, Overseers of Highways: District 1, 
William Van Buren ; 2, Francis Hitchcock; 3, James 
Bigelow ; 4, Jacob I'lass ; 5, Richard Bush ; 6, Joseph W. 
Metealf; 7, Salmon Stone; 8, John F. Alexander; D, Caleb 
Gillett; 10, Daniel Jeffers ; 11, Ambrose Jones; 12, Wil- 
liam L. Van Tuylc; 13, Perus Atherton; 14, Henry 
F. Franklin; 15, John O'Conor; IG, David Smith; 17, 
Joel Bardwell; 18, Asa Wolverton ; 19, Ira Chase ; 20, 
Wallace W. Gorton; 21, Rufus Chase; 22, Henry F. 
Hill. 



34G 



HISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The fullowing is a list of the principal township officers 
from 1856 to 1878, inclusive: 



1856. 
1857. 
1858. 
]S59. 
1860. 
1801. 
1SG2. 
18G:j. 
1864. 
1865. 
1866. 
1867. 
1868. 
1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 
1878. 



Supervisors. Township Clerks, 

Uarlow Whittlesey. D. B. Salisbury. 



David Sell ram. 



Samuel K. Alherton. George M. Curtis. 
** " Jesse J. Ucasley, 



Andrew J. Crnnk. 



Johu C. Wolvcrton. 



Treasurers. 
Kobert Chambers. 
" " Gust. A. Atherton. 

Dewilt Parker. David A. Salisbury. 

Samuel K. Atherton. Wm. J. Montgomery. 
II it It ti 

" " Oscar M. Cole. 

'* " David Schram. 



Charles G. Curtis. 
Romain Putnam. 
Walter Phillips. 
Jesse J. Beasley. 
George M. Curtis, 
.lohn Webber. 
Elbert T. Pettis. 
John C. Wolverton. 
No record. 
Fred. W. Fuller. 
Andrew J. Cronk. 
Harvey Noble. 
a it 

Daniel R. Pratt. 
Thomas Cakcr. 



Ilirnm Bidleman. 
Jesse J. Leasley. 
Lewis lliUcr. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 



Talmon Frost, William Hammond, Joel Bardwell, 1857 ; Nelson Nor- 
ton, Robert Chambers, 1858; William Bcndlc, 1859; Joshua 
Vose, James Forton, 1860; Robert Chambers, Albert Short, 
1861 ; Abalino Babcock, Robert Chambers, 1862; James Forton, 
1863; Talmon Frost, 186t; Robert Chambers, 1865; Peter A. 
Montgomery, 1866 ; John Webber, 1867 ; Charles G. Curtis, 1868 ! 
Robert Chambers, 1869; Peter A. Montgomery, Adelbert C. 
Schram, 187(); David Schram, Nathan Lauipson, Abalino Bab- 
cock, 1871; no record for 1872; Harrison G. Conger, (ieorge R. 
Howe, 1873; John D. Joslin, Samuel R. Atherton, 1875; George 
R. Howe, Samuel R. Atherton, 1876; Harrison G. Conger, Har- 
vey Noble, 1877; John AVcbber, 1878. 

HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 

KnOL-h N. Chambers, Abalino Babcock, Harrison (J. Conger, 1S56; 
Henry Schram, 1857; Enoch N. Chambers, 1858; Harrison G. 
Conger, 1859; Henry Schram, 1860; Robert Chambers, 1S6I; 
Harrison G. Conger, 1862; Henry Schram, 1863; Uriah Pratt, 
1864; Robert Chambers, 1865; Henry Schram, 1866; James R. 
Bigelow, 1867; Harris Hibbard, Allen B. Jones, 1868; Charles 
G. Curtis, 1869; Harrison G. Conger, 1870; Robert Chambers, 
Henry Schram, 1871; no record, 1872; Isaiio Johnson, 1873; 
Robert Chambers, 1874; Henry Schram, Robert Chambers, 1875; 
Henry Schram, 1876-77; William Murrill, 1878; Henry L. 
Franklin, Drain Commissioner, 1878. 

SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

Henry D. Frost, 1856-57; David Schram, 1858; Henry D. Frost, 
1859 ; H. H. Schram, 1860 ; Henry D. Frost, Charles A. Crapser, 
1861; Walter Phillips, 1862; Henry D. Frost, 1863; Adelbert 
C. Schram, 1864; George M. Curtis, 1865; Adelbert C. Schram, 
1866; George M. Curtis, 1SG7; Adelbert C. Schram, 1868; John 
C. Wolverton, 1860; Adelbert C. Schram, 1870; John C. Wolver- 
ton, 1871 ; Henry D. Frost, Thomas H. Baker, 1873; no record 
for 1872; Thomas H. Baker, 1871 ; Henry D. Frost, 1875; Sam- 
uel R. Atherton, 1876; Adelbert C. Schram, 1877; Theophilus 
Harrington, 1878 ; Robert F. Baker, Town School Superintendent, 
1878. 

CONSTABLES. 

Edward Eldridge, Lorenzo T. Frost, Charles Pettie, Perry Judd, 

.1856; Harrison G. Conger, Albertus Crapser, Charles Pettis, 

Lorenzo T. Frost, 1857; John Covert, Henry F. Hill, David R. 

Smith, John McAllister, 1858; John C. Covert, Rufus Chase, 

Lorenzo T. Frost, Russel J. Enos, 1S59; Norman F. Decker, 



Abalino Babcock, John Webb, Jonathan Cuen, 1860; Abalino 
Babcock, Jesse J. Beasley. Caleb Gillctt, Edward Eldridge, 1861 ; 
Jesse J. Beasley, Caleb (Jillett, Rufus Chase, Erastus K. Carrier, 
1862; Rufus Chase, John Webber, Jesse J. Beasley, John E. 
Covert, 1863; Erastus K. Carrier, Jesse J. Beasley, Romaine 
Putnam, Palmer A. Green, 1864; Jesse J. Beasley, Nelson Nor- 
ton, John E. Covert, Erastus K. Carrier, 1865; Henry D. Frost, 
Thomas C. Bush, George S. Lum, Jesse J. Beasley, 1866; Thomas 
C. Bush, Henry Enos, Adelbert C. Schram, George S. Lum, 1867; 
Thomas C. Bush, Jesse J. Beasley, Milo Goodrich, Edwin Van 
Tuyl, 1868; Andrew D. Holford, Alexander O'Rourke, George 
H. Robinson, Daniel Gillett, 1869; Harrison Parker, Daniel 
tiillett, Amos Crapser, Alfred S. Skinner, 1870: James Monti- 
more, Robert W. Day, Ale.\ander O'Rourke, 1871; no record 
for 1872; Amos S. Crapser, Hiram W. Biddlcman, Alexander 
O'Rourke, John AVebber, 1873; Alexander O'Rourke, James 
Pierce, Leonidas H. Green, Thomas C. Bush, 1874 ; James Pierce, 
Alexander O'Rourke, Adelbert C. Schram, John Perry, 1875; 
Alex. O'Rourke, Elbert T. Rettis, .Tames Pierce, George H. Rob- 
inson, 1876; James Pierce, Alex. O'Rourke, Daniel Gillett, Wm. 
W. Merrill, 1877; Anson Parks, Danvers W. Farrar, Thomas 
Bush, 1878. 

SCHOOL.S. 

The first school-house was built in the Atherton district 
in the summer of 1836, and the fir.st school was taught by 
Miss Betsey Atherton, daughter of Adonijah. She was a 
most estimable young lady, and her death, which occurred 
a few months later, was the first in the settlement. 

From 1836 until 1850 the schools and school-reports arc 
so interwoven with those of Flint township, of which this 
then formed a part, that no intelligible data can be gathered 
as to the condition of early schools. 

The following statistics are taken from the school inspec- 
tor's report for the year ending Sept. 2, 1 878 : 

Number of whole districts, 4 ; fractional districts, 4. 
Children of school age in the township, 328 ; attending 
school during the year, 249. Frame school-houses, 8. 
Seating capacity of school-houses, 437. Yalue of school 
property, $4850. Male teachers employed during the year, 
2 ; female teachers, 15. Months taught by male teachers, 
5| ; by female teachers, 55 J. Paid male teachers, $67.75 ; 
female tcacher.s, §1)42 ; total, $1009.75. 

Receipts. — From moneys on hand, Sept. 3, 1877, two- 
mill tax, primary-school fund, tuition of non-resident 
scholars, district taxes for all purposes, and raised from all 
other sources, $1832.09. 

Expenditures. — Teachers' wages, $1009.75; for building, 
repairs, and all other purpo.ses, $644.04 ; amount on hand, 
Sept. 2, 1878, $178.30; total, $1832.09. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
During the year 1836 some thirty families settled in the 
township. A m;ijority of them were, or became soon after, 
members of the Baptist and Congregational societies. 
Shubael Atherton was a deacon of the Baptist Church. 
His brother, Adonijah, was a deacon of the Congregational 
Church. The first religious meeting in the township was 
held in Shubael Atherton's dwelling-house, some time 
during the summer of 1836. The following winter a re- 
vival took place. Meetings were held in the school-house. 
Baptists, Congregationalists, and Methodists joined in the 
services, and, as a result of these meetings, except one 
family, every man, woman, and child of the thirty families 
was converted and baptized. 




Residence of ROBERT CHAMBERS, Burton, Genesee CcMich. 



UUUTON TOWNSlllR 



347 



BURTON METHODIST EPISCOPAI, CUUKCII. 

Tliia soL''u't_v was oriranizod in Doconilu'r, IS.'tS. IJov. 
Mr. lliizon ami Mr. Wliitiicy wimv t-aily iircafliers. Tlu'ir 
first meetings were hold in tlio AtluTtoii scluml lioiise. 
Duriiiij; llio winter of ISIiS-oi) tliey held nieetiiins in llar- 
uion Clark's loj; lumse, and eoiitinued tluni there for about 
two years. The Cole scliool-house was then oeeupied as a 
place of worship, and still later the Punel.son sehoolhoiise. 

The nienihers lit' the tirst elass were John lliller and wile, 
I'liny A. Skinner and wile, Tunis Cole and wife, John 
Sehram and wile. Ilarnioii Clark and wife joined soon 
after. Tliis class was kept up with iiidiflereiit success until 
the spring of 184(!, when a second class was formed in the 
township, called the Southeast Methodist Episcopal Class 
in liurton. This latter class was composed of tlie follow- 
ing original niemliers, viz. : Tra Luni, Catherine Luin, Da- 
vid Estes, Klijah Estes, John Stephens, Jr., (ieorgo Alger, 
Mark M. Jerome, Daniel Estes, and Mariam Estes. IVtcr 
A. Montgomery and his wile, Matilda, joined a few weeks 
later. Those remaining in the old organization then united 
with the new one. 

The first meetings were held in the dwelling hoiises of 
Ira Lum and V. A. Montgomery, al\erwards at the Donel- 
son school-house, where they were continued until the 
completion of their present church edifice in 1858-5!). It 
cost SI 400, and has sittings for 175 people. 

Among the tir.st preachers were Kevs. Mr. Hell, Whit- 
more, and Seth Head. Other pastors settled as follows : 
Wm. Blades, 1851; George Bradley, 1852; S. P. Lee, 
1852; G. N. Belknap, 1853; I. P. Cawthorne, 1S5I ; H. 

C. Crane, 1855; A. Allen, 1857; Fra/.er, 1858; 

Joseph S. Sutton, 18C0 ; J. W. Cripjien, IStil ; 8. T. Seel- 
ye, ISC.:!; J. W. Crippen, ISlM ; T. J. Jo.slin, 18(;5 ; 
A. C. Shaw, ISCt!; C. Mo.sher, ISCu , 0. Wliitlemore, 
1868; II. N. Brown, 1871; E. Westlake, 1872; II. W. 
Hicks, 1873; John Hamilton, 187(i ; Rodney Gage, pres- 
ent pastor, 1878. George Howe, superintendent of Sab- 
bath-school. 

THE UAl'TIST CHURCH ol' i:.\ST I'l.INT. 
On the 25lh of March, 1812, a meeting of llio.se favor- 
able to the organization of a Bajitist society in the " Ather- 
ton settlement" was held at the house of Shubael Atherlon. 
At this meeting Elder Chase presided as chairman, and 
Elihu N. Atlierton served as clerk. Committi^es were ap- 
pointed to visit brethren and sisters, and to prepare articles 
of faith and covenant. The meeting was then adjourned 
for two weeks, and again was adjourned from time to time, 
on account of the " bad going," until April 28, 1842, when, 
at a meeting held in the school-house, presided over by 
Rev. Jo.seph Gambell, chairman, and Shubael Atherlon, 
clerk, articles of faith and covenant were adopted. It was 
further resolved " that this church be known as the Baptist 
Church of East Flint, and that the churches of Grand 
Blanc, Highland, and Poiitiae, and the churches presided 
over by Elders Grow and Barnes, bo invited to meet us in 
council on the last Wednesday in May next at ten o'clock 
in the forenoon. ' Shubael .Vtherton was then ehn-ted dea- 
con, James M. Skinner clerk, and Perns Atherlon and Ovid 
Hemphill a standing committee of the church. The original 



members were 111 in number, as follows : Shubael Atherlon, 
Randall Colvin, Perns .\lberlon, Ovid Hemphill, James 
M. Skinner, Klilui N. Atherlon, Adin \, Allen, Henry Col- 
vin, Franklin Alexander, I. Childs Atherlon, Sarah Ather- 
lon, Lucy Alhertoii, Eunice Skinner, ('ynlhia Skinner, 
Su.san Colvin, Flizabetli Read, Deborah \. Sweet, Sarah 
Gambell, and Philiiida Cbamliers. 

This small ehureb then went forward, and eonlinucd in 
an active state of exi.stencc nntil January, 1854, when, at a 
special meeting, it was resolved '' that we deem it a <luty 
we owe to God and our fellow-men, and the best interests 
of the Redeemer's kingdom, to di.ssolve this elnueh by 
voting all the members in good standing letters of dismis- 
sion and recomniendaliori, and that the following pei^sons 
have letters, to wit : VMvv Wm. 11. Fuller and wife. Elder 
Stillmaii, T. Grow and wife. Perns Atherlon ami wife, Philo 
Mincer and wife, 1. C. Atherlon and wife, Siimuel U. Atlier- 
ton, Sarah Atlierton, Ovid Hemphill, Elizabeth Read, David 
Smith, Sarah Smith, Tjoui.xa Van Wornier, Sally Overton, 
Will. 1). Chambers and wife, Mary Alexander, Isaac Allen 
and wife, Tirzali .Vllen, Thomas Sweet and wife, and Cei)lias 
Carpenter; and that if any brethren or sisters have been 
overlooked, the clerk be instructed to give such letters." A 
large portion ol" those just mentioned then joined the I'Miiit 
and Grand Blanc Baptist churches. 

During the continuance of this society 88 members were 
admitted, and a parsoiiagi^ was erected on Deacon Shubael 
Atherloii's farm. The meetings were held in llu! .school- 
house Usually, ihongli very fre(|Uontly in Deacon Alberlon's 
house. Their liisl pastor, Rev. Joseph Gambell, continued 
with tliein iiiilil October, 1815. Rev. S. Barnes commenced 
his labors Nov. 1, 184G, and remained until August, 1849. 
Rev. Stillman T. Grow then siijiplied until the coming of 
Rev. William II. Fuller, Jan. 1, lS50,wlio remained until 
the disbandment of the society, in 1854. Rev. Israel C. 
Atlierton, son of Shubael, one of the constituent members 
<if this church, became a Baptist minister, and at different 
periods was jiastor of the Novi, Grand Blanc, and Atlas 

churches. 

CONGREOATIONAIi CHURCHES. 

The Second Congregational Church of Flint, situated in 
the " Atherlon settlement," was formed in the school-house 
ill the same settlement, Sept. 19, 1839. Rev. Orson Parker 
and Barnabas Norton presided at the first meeling, and 
Asaliel Robinson, Asaliel Curtis, and Henry Sehram were 
elected trustees. 

This society was reorganized as the First Congregational 
Society of Burton, Feb. 2, 1859, and among the prominent 
members were Asaliel Robin.son, Ira Cha.sc, Talman Frost, 
Henry Sehram, Henian Robinson, C. G. Curtis, II. D. 
Frost, and David A. Salisbury. The trustees then elected 
were Heniau Robinson, Henry Sehram, and Ira Chase. 
This society still exists, and is connected with the Grand 
Blanc Church, services being held at either place alternately. 

MI'.TIlOIlI.ST Ki'isrorAi, ciiiiRru. 
A society of this ileiioniinalioii was lornied ami incorpo- 
rated in the soutlieasterii part of the townshi|), Pec. 28, 
1854. Present : Rev. John W. Courtliorne, Ira liuni, Peter 
A. Montgomery, Rufus Chii.se, Delos Short, Uri Pratt, Isaac 



348 



IlISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Jennings, David Estcs, and Lorenzo Stevens. A church 
edifice has since been erected, and the society is in an appa- 
rently flourisliing condition. 

PROTESTANT JIKTHODIST CHURCH. 

This society was formed in 1813 by the Rev. Lorenzo 
Warren, at tlie Ilorton sehool-liouse, in Atlns townsliip, 
tlie first members being Harmon Clark, Harris Ilibbard, 
and Phoebe Siirryhine. Among other early members were 
Warren Annable and wife, Samuel Day, and John Anna- 
blc. A church edifice was built in the southeast part of 
tliis township some ten years ago. Present membership 
about 80 ; Uov. 3Ir. Wright pastor. 

Other data were respectfully requested from oflicial mem- 
bers of the churches last mentioned, but they failed to 
furnish thorn. 

Our thanks arc due to Messrs. Henry Schram, Samuel R. 
Atherton, Pliny A. Skinner, John lliller, Peter A. Mont- 
gomery, Daniel Estes, Harmon Clark, Perus Atherton, Mrs. 
Diana K. Parker, and many others, for valuable information 
and courteous treatment. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



THE ATHERTON FAMILY. 

Nearly a century and a half ago, there came to the .shores 
of America, in company with a small colony of people who 
had left England to seek homes for themselves in the wilds 
of the New World, a man named Atherton, who was the first 
of that name in this country, and the ancestor of numerous 
descendants, among whom are the members of the Atherton 
family of Genesee County, to whom this biographical sketch 
has especial reference. Neither the Christian name of this 
ancestor nor anything of his history is known, except that 
he settled among the hills of Massachusetts, and at his 
death (the date of which is not recorded) he left a son 
named Shubael Atherton, who at the breaking out of the 
" old French-and-Indian war," in 1755, was a farmer at 
Greenfield, in that State. The settlers in that exposed re- 
gion at that time lived in such constant dread of the in- 
cursions of the savages, that the words of Scripture (Nehe- 
miah iv., 17, 18), might well be applied to their condition : 
" They which builded on the wall, and they that bare bur- 
dens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands 
wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a 
weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded 
by his side, and so builded." And so it was with the farmers 
of the Connecticut River Valley at that time. They worked 
in their fields in companies, leaving their loaded rifles in 
charge of one of their number, who acted as sentinel, to 
give timely alarm in case of the sudden appearance of 
danger. But upon one such occasion, when Shubael 
Atherton was working with the others in a field of corn, 
the red foe crept upon them unawares, notwithstanding 
their precautions, and he, with some of the others, was 
killed and scalped. 



He left one son to perpetuate the family name. This son 
(born in Hampshire Co., Mass., Aug. G, 1750) was named 
Adonijah, and became a farmer, as his father had been. He 
married Temperance, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth 
Worthington, and from this marriage there were born five 
sons and si.\ daughters. Of the .sons, two died in childhood ; 
the three who survived were named, respectively, Adonijah, 
Shubael, and Perus. During their childhood their parents 
removed to Shelburne, Franklin Co., Mass., where the 
family all became inured to the hardships of the life of the 
New England farmer. 

As the sons approached the years of maturity they saw 
that the farm was too narrow for all, and that some of them 
must eventually seek other homes. As the patents had 
become advanced in years, the eldest .son, Adonijah, had 
very naturally a.ssumed the head of affairs on the farm, and 
it was mutually understood that the second son, Shubael, 
should leave the homestead and try his fortunes in the new 
country lying farther west. So, in the year 1808, at the age 
of twenty years, he left the home of his childhood, with little 
or no capital save an honest purpose, agood name, and the ben- 
ediction of his fond. Christian parents, and, facing westward 
with a stout heart, found himself in due time near the shore 
of Lake Ontario, in Jefferson Co., N. Y. (then regarded as 
the " far West"), where he located a tract of land in the 
town of Henderson, near Henderson Harbor. Here he ap- 
plied himself with untiring perseverance to the task of 
clearing the farm which he designed for his future home, 
and had so far progressed by the autumn of 1810 that he 
returned to Massachusetts for a wife. On the 10th of Oc- 
tober, in that year, he was married in Shelburne, to Miss 
Clarissa Cliilds, a young lady of his own age, with whom 
he had been acquainted from childhood. The newly-mar- 
ried pair set out in a lumber-wagon to make the trip of two 
hundred and fifty miles to their future home in the wilds 
of Northern New York, where they arrived safely, and com- 
menced life in an humble, earnest way, and where, not long 
after, the eldest and youngest brothers, Adonijah and Perus, 
with their aged parents and surviving sisters, joined them, 
all settling in the town of Henderson. 

Adonijah Atherton had married, in Shelburne, Miss 
Esther Long, daughter of Dr. John Long ; and the younger 
brother, Perus, married, subsequent to his removal to Hen- 
derson, a young lady named Lucy Bogle, of that place. 
The younger (and now the only surviving) sister and her 
husband, Mr. Jonathan Cole, — whose united ages number 
one hundred and sixty-six years, — are still residents and 
prominent members of society in Henderson, retaining and 
occupying the same farm upon which they eommeneed life 
sixty years ago. 

Adonijah Atherton, Sr. (son of that Shubael who was 
killed by the Indians at Greenfield, Mass., and father of 
the family who are here especially mentioned), died at Hen- 
derson, on the homestead, — then occupied by his son Adon- 
ijah, — Sept. 17, 1822, at the age of seventy-two years. 
His widow, the honored mother of the family, passed her 
later years with her daughter, Mrs. Cole, and died June 
24, 1844, aged eighty-eight years. 

The three adult sons of this venerable coujile all pro- 
fessed their faith in Christ in early manhood, and became 



f5$ 





J.C. Atherton. 



p. Atherton. 





MRS. S.R. ATHERTON 



S.R. ATHERTON 



BURTON TOWNSHIP 



349 



eiuinentlj useful in their pruclical Jcvotioii to the interests 
of Christianity. Adonijah beeame a member and deacon 
of the Presbyterian Church ; Shubael and Pcrus were 
chosen to tlie same office in the Baptist Ciiurch, with 
which they had become identified as members ; and these 
positions of trust and confidence tliey ever continued to fill 
with fidelity. All of these three brothers were also en- 
jiaged in the military service of their country during the 
" last war with England," serving with credit in the ope- 
rations at Sacketl's Harbor and other point.s. Perus, the 
youngest, now aged eiglity-four years, is among the few 
honored survivors of that memorable war. 

The household of Shubael Atherton was early invaded 
by death ; and by the month of October, ISIS, he had 
followed to the grave the partner of his youth, and four 
beloved children. In the following year, 1819, he was 
again married at Shelburne, Mass., to a sister of his first 
wife, Jliss Sarah Childs, who became a mother to liis 
daughter Clarissa, then eight years old, and the only sur- 
vivor of his five children. This child afterwards became 
the wife of Jacob Wilkinson, of Vernon, Shia\vas.sco Co., 
Mich., where she spent many years of usefulness, and died 
a sincere Christian, Oct. 30, 1865, aged fifty-four years. 
The first child of Shubael and Sarah Atherton was a son, 
Israel Childs Atherton, born Sept. 7, 1823. 

In 1825, Shubael Atherton, with his wife and two 
children, and his nephew, Pliny A. Skinner (who had 
made his home with his uncle, after the death of his 
mother, Mrs. Dr. Skinner), left New York, and emigrated 
to Michigan to settle on a farm which he had acquired by 
exchange. This new homo (where the family arrived May 
9, 1825) was in the " Donelson neighborhood," in the east- 
ern edge of the present town of Waterford, Oakland Co., 
and about two miles west of Pontiac. When the township 
was organized the name Waterford was given to it at Mr. 
Atherton's suggestion, on account of the numerous beau- 
tiful lakes within its borders. During their eleven years' 
residence in Oakland County, Mr. and Mrs. Atherton were 
members of the church in Pontiac, and fully identified 
with its interests and Christian work. Two other children 
were born to them there, viz., Sarah, born Oct. 31, 1829, 
died May 20, 1834, and Samuel 'llufus, born May 10, 
1832; the last-named being now the onlj' surviving mem- 
ber of the family. 

In 1836, Mr. Atherton caught the then prevailing fever 
which was setting a strong tide of emigration towards the 
new lands of Genesee County, and he concluded to leave 
his fine farm in Oakland to seek a newer country. So, in 
company with his brother Perus (who had emigrated from 
New York and settled in Waterford some two years prior 
to this), he started out on a prospecting tour. The two 
soon found them.sclvcs in the town of Vernon, Shiawassee 
Co., where their nephew, Pliny A. Skinner, had then just 
commenced clearing a tract which he had selected. They, 
however, concluded to look further, and I\Ir. Skinner, being 
desirous of remaining with his uncles, dropped his a.\e and 
accompanied them. The three then took an Indian trail, 
and soon found themselves at Flint River village, where the 
land-office had then just been established. After exploring 
the Flint River region for a few day.<, and being much 



pleased with its appearance, each one finally located for him- 
self a tract of government land on the Thread River in the 
present town of Burton. The two brothers then returned 
to Waterford to secure the crops, which Shubael had not 
included in the sale of his farm, and which would all be re- 
quired for the support of the families and their stock in Gen- 
esee County during the succeeding winter. About this time 
the eldest brother, Adonijah, arrived in Michigan from the 
State of New York ; he also being on a prospecting tour to 
find a Western home for his family. Upon examining the 
lands in Genesee, he too became greatly pleased with the 
prospect, and decided to remove and settle with bis brothers, 
provided he could obtain a farm on the Thread River, but 
was not disposed to content himself with a location away 
from it. His two brothers and Mr. Skinner had taken all 
the eligible lands in their immediate vicinity on that beauti- 
ful stream, but to remove the difficulty Shubael Atherton 
gave up one-half his claim on the west (supplying himself 
by additional purchase on the east), and so made a place 
for Adonijah on the stream, between his two brothers. 
Thus these four men formed " the Atherton settlement," a 
name which it has borne for more than forty years, and 
which it will bear for many a year to come. 

After about twelve years of happiness and prosperity 
upon his new farm, Adonijah Atherton followed to the 
grave the wife of his youth, who had been for many years 
the light of his home, and a devoted Christian mother to 
his children. Her death occurred Sept. 4, 1848. Some 
three or four years later he married Eliziibeth Phelps, a 
maiden lady in middle life, who was constantly devoted to 
the promotion of his happiness and comfort during the 
remnant of his declining years. Becoming unable, by 
reason of increasing ago, to continue the management of 
his affairs, he finally sold his farm, and removed to a home 
which he had purcha.sed in the city of Flint, and there he 
died Aug. 20, 1853, at the age of seventy years. A few 
years after his death his widow removed to West Lebanon, 
N. II., her former home, and there closed her peaceful and 
eminently useful life. 

For nearly thirteen years after his firet settlement on the 
wooded banks of the Thread River was Shubael Atherton, 
the scciind brother, permitted to live in his prosperous and 
truly Christian home. In all these years '• the names of 
Uncle Shubael and Aunt Sally Atherton were among the 
most familiar household words with all cla.sscs and condi- 
tions of people, old and young, regardless of distance or ter- 
ritorial lines. Always identified with every enterprise that 
promoted the industrial, moral, and religious interests of the 
community, his homo became both the asylum and the 
chapel. His confidence and coun.sel were constantly sought, 
and both were the spontaneous outgrowth of his generous 
nature." But his years of pioneering foil had told upon 
his naturally vigorous constitution, and at last, early in the 
year 1849, he was prostrated by an attack of inflammation 
of the lungs, from which he never recovered. " He readily 
acccijted the fact that his earthly work was done, and but 
little time was required to jilacc his business matters in 
.satisfactory form, when, releasing himself from all anxiety, 
he calmly entertained the prosjicct of his dissolution as a 
most welcome theme, and became wholly absorbed in the 



350 



UISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICIIIGAx\. 



unveiled view of the wondrous work of redemption. In 
the morning of March 6, 1849, he bade liis friends a cheer- 
ful farewell as the welcome message came and released his 
willing spirit." The farm was sold by mutual consent of 
the family, in 1854, and in November of that year Mrs. 
Sally Athcrton, widow of Shubael, set out with her young- 
est son to visit the home of her childhood in Sliclburne, 
ISFass., which she had not scon since she left it, a bride, 
thirty-five years before. On her arrival the first place she 
vi-sitcd was the old cemetery, where she knew there were more 
of her old acquaintances than she would find in the homes of 
the livin'j;. But the emotions awakened by the thronging 
memories of the place proved too much for her strength, and 
almost immediately afterwards it became apparent that she 
had returned only to die in her childhood's home. A brain 
fever set in, which a week later resulted fatally, and Dec. 
1, 1854, this Christian mother passed to her heavenly 
reward. 

Perus Athcrton, the youngest of the three brothers, 
lived on his Thread River farm until well advanced in 
years and enfeebled in health, when he sold this property, 
and purchased a home in the city of Flint, where he re- 
moved with his wife, and where, within convenient distance 
of their place of religious worship, they anticipated an en- 
joyment more precious to them than they could ever ex- 
perience from increase of worldly goods. And these hopes 
were being realized when, in the morning of Aug. 26, 
1872, the last summons came to Mrs. Athcrton, and she 
passed away, at the age of seventy-six 'years ; fifty-six of 
which had been spent with the companion whom she left 
behind, and who now, at the ago of eighty-four years, 
waits patiently his appointed time, ever firm and joyful in 
(he Christian faith. 

The children of the three Atherton families, at the time 
of their settlement on the Thread Kiver, were thirteen in 
number, varying in age from young men and women ap- 
proaching maturity to infants of three years. The children 
of Adonijah were then four sons, Elihu, Orville, Fisher, 
and Dudley ; and three daughters, Eleanor, Orteutia, and 
Betsey. An elder son, John, had died before, young in 
years but rich in Christian faith. The elder daughter, 
Eleanor, had previously married the Rev. Orson Parker, 
who subsequently purchased and improved the Parker 
homestead in the Athcrton settlement. Oiville, Fisher, 
and Betsey, all exemplary Christians, died in middle life. 
The daughter, Ortentia, som3 years later married Isaac N. 
Robinson, and they are now living in the city of Flint. 
The elder son, Elihu, married and remained for several 
years in Genesee County, but afterwards moved with his 
family to the north part of the State of Ohio, where he was 
a prominent agriculturist. Later, he moved farther west, 
and remained until about two years ago, when failing 
health and advancing years admonished him to return to 
his friends in the East, and he is now a welcome and hon- 
ored inmate of the home of his son, Fisher Atherton, in 
the city of Buffalo. Dudley Atherton, the youngest of his 
father's family, married, at the age of thirty, Miss Maria 
Bigelow, a teacher of experience. They have been exten- 
sive travelers through the Western States and Territories to 
the .shores of the Pacific. 



The fiimily of Perus Athcrton, at the time of his settle- 
ment in Genesee County, consisted of two sons, Gustavus 
and Shubael, and two daughters, Emily and Lucretia, — all 
being at that time in the golden years of childhood. The 
eldest son married Miss Sallie Filkins, and remained with 
his parents until the homestead was sold, when lie pur- 
chased and removed to his present home in Burton. The 
second son, Shubael, purchased, about 1850, a farm adjoin- 
ing his father's, — the same which is now owned by S. R. 
Atherton, — and to this he soon after brought his newly- 
married wife. Miss JMaria Chambers. Their married life 
was a happy but a short one, as he died Dec. 25, 1854. 
His sister Emily married Gary Chambers, and is now living 
a widow. The daughter, Lucretia, died at the age of eigh- 
teen years, a sincere Christian. 

The children of Shubael Atherton were Lsrael C, born 
in Henderson, N. Y., and Samuel R., born in Oakland Co., 
Mich., as before mentioned. The elder (u.sually known 
among his friends and acquaintances as Childs Atherton) 
was married to Miss Susan C. Colvin, and they, with the 
widow and younger son of Shubael Atherton, remained on 
the homestead after the death of the latter, until the sale of 
the property in 1854. Then he (Israel C. Atherton), with 
his wife and two children, — Sarah and Alberta, — removed 
to Novi, in Oakland Count}-. They afterwards returned to 
Genesee County, where he died in 1874. An obituary 
notice, written by a friend soon after, giving a truthful 
account of his life and death, and paying a just tribute to 
his many virtues, is here given : 

'^Bicd, at liis rcsideiico in the tnwnsliiji of Atl;u^, Gcnescc Co., 
Micli , of cousuiui>tion, on the mornin;^ of July 4, 1874, Uuv. I. C, 
Athcrton, after a lingering illness of many mouths. 

" The deceased was tifty years of age, and a son of Deacon Shubael 
Atherton, well known among the early pioneers and standard-bearers 
of this county. At the early .and tender age of tiftcen years he made 
a j)ublic profession of his love to Christ, ant furnished unmistakable 
evidence that the bright morning of his Christian life had dawned, 
lie at once exhibited more than ordinary interest in the spiritual 
welfare of others, laboring intently in private and in public. He 
was wont to tender enc^iuragcuicnt and render re.al service in the 
maintenance of a young people's prayer-uiecting ; and not unfre- 
quontly was the solicitude and anxiety of his parents aroused on his 
account, as he lingered long and earnest in his sacred retreat, bearing 
in his arms of faith and prayer the ease of some friend or acquaint- 
ance, pleading earnestly lor their salvation. Such places about the 
jjarental home were made peculiarly siicred, and often have we re- 
mained spell-boun 1 while being deterrcJ from our course on hearing 
these sweet words of prayer. In the moan time he united wirli the 
Baptist Church, of which he has since remained nn earnest and faith- 
ful member; and by his even nni consistent life, morally and re- 
ligiously, he soon .secured fur himself a large circle of friends, both in 
and out of the church, liarly in his Christian life was the gospel 
ministry inipres8c<l upon his mind; yet his timid nature led him to 
entertain such impressions quite unfavorably. 

*' At the age of twenty-one he married, and with his wife remained 
u]ion Ihc home-farm in the town of Burton, assisting in its manage- 
ment as far as his already frail health would permit. Four years 
later his loved and honored father died, after a brief illness, leaving 
a most sad and irreparable blank in the household. Consequently the 
main burden of management and care was transferred unexpectedly 
to the son's hands. And although his life was being made eminently 
useful, yet again and agiiin was the duty of preaching the gospel of 
Christ to a perishing world iinj)ressed with redoubled force upon bis 
mind. And not until the homestead had passed to other hands, and 
ho had removed with his family to the town of Novi, Oakland Co., 
and had buried a fond Chrisfian mother (whose sainted remains rest 
quietly among the New England hills of her native town), did be re- 



BURTON TOWNSHIP. 



351 



spond to the Jivino f;ill iin<l become willing to say, * Here am T, tieml 

Htf.' 

" In entering upon his new work at this point in life, lie went, as 
it were, direct, yet tremblingly, from the pluw to the pulpit, feeling 
that his only reliance and hope of success was in a life n/ifnhnrttl and 
sheltered by the Cross of Christ. He wa.s afterwards calleci to ordina- 
tion by the church in Grand Blanc, which he was tlien serving. 

"In reviewing his pastoral work in different localities, which has 
been somewhat familiar to us, we feel justified in remarking that the 
game has been made quite acceptable, and characterized by many evi- 
dent tokens of the Divine favor. 

" While visiting his sick-room from time to time, and enjoying the 
privilege of administering to some extent to liis wants, wo were led to 
place a much liigher estimate upon the real worth of Christianity. 

'* And if we were to indulge in the envy of a real good, we would 
desire first of all that the infiucnce of his life and the spirit of his 
prayers, together with his parting bles-ing, might live with us while 
we live, and that our last end might be like his. 

" In view of a Christian life consummated in a triumphant death, 
may we not exclaim, * To live is Christ, to die is gain' ? He leaves a 
wife, son, and daughter, also a largo circle of friends, to mourn his 
loss; but well may we regard our loss as his untold gain, and rejoice 
in the fact that an additional beacou-light beckons heavenward." 

Tlie younger son, Samut'l II. Atlifitoii, who was picseiit 
witli his mother in Ma.s.sachu.setta at the time of her death, 
in 1854, returned soon after to Genesee County, and in De- 
cember, 1855, was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. 
Lloyd, with whom he couimciiced life on a farm which he 
had then recently purcha.scd in the townsliip of Burton, 
and the same on which ho still resides, the only survivor of 
his father's family. Ho is one of the most exemplary and 
respected citizens of Genesee County, and is now filling the 
office of county treasurer, to which he was elected in 187(5, 
and re-elected in 1878. 

The records do not show that this Jiimily have ever 
been specially characterized for extensive accumulations of 
wealth, neither as personal actors in the busy whirl of po- 
litical strife ; but rather that .sterling worth and integrity 
of character have been among the more prominent features 
marking their career. 



PLINY ATHERTON SKINNER 

was among the earliest settlers in the town of Benton, and 
the first in the locality known as the Atherton settlement. 
He commenced his pioneer life in this town on section 28, 
in July, 1835. To get his first log house rai.scd, he was 
forced to get help from Flint, — Mr. Cronk, Kufus Stevens, 
and Oliver Wesson among others assisting him on that oc- 
ca.sion. 

He was born in the town of Ilcndcrfon, Jefferson Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 30, 1808, and went with liis parents to the 
Genesee country at an early age. 

Ilis father, Elias, was a native of Shelburne, Mass., and 
married Miss Abigail Atherton, a sister of Shubael Atherton, 
Kubsef|uently of this town, by whom he had two children, — 
Eunice and Pliny A. After liis removal to Western New 
York, Elias continued to reside in Genesee, Livingston Co., 
until liis wife's death, in 1822, when he returned to Jeffer- 
son County, and died there some twenty years later. He 
was a jihysician, and cariicd the reputation ol' being a very 
successful and skillful practitioner. His daughter Kunice 
uianied Kli Lloyd, in Jefferson County, and about ihirly 
years :tgo rmigratcd to Ohio, whcii' the family sillied at 



Bradner, Wood Co., their present residence. She has si.x 
children, — Elias, Dwight, Albert, Dewitt, llattie, and Mary. 
Dewitt is now living in Burton, and Mrs. Mary Atherton 
(wife of S. 11. Atherton) in Flint, in this county. 

After the death of his mother, Pliny A. went to live 
with his uncle, Shubael Atherton, in Jefferson County, and 
remained with him until ho was twenty-one, coming to this 
State with him, and living in Pontiac. 

For the four years succeeding his arrival at man's estate 
he was variously employed in farm-work, surveying, and in 
improving some land which he had purchased with his 
earnings. April 14, 1833, he espoused Delia Alvord, of 
Pontiac, a daughter of Thaddeus Alvord, formerly of Lock- 
port, Niagara Co., N. Y., and commenced housekeeping on 
his one-hundred-and-twetity-acrc farm in Pontiac. Two 
years later he sold his place to a Mr. Wilder, and not long 
after purchased in Burton, where his uncle, Shubael Ather- 
ton, also located. He pufchasod of the government the 
northeast (juarter of .section 28, and Mr. Atherton the 
southeast quarter of section 21. Here he and his wife 
began tlieir pioneer life in the woods, suffering the hard- 
ships and privations usual to the lot of first settlers in a 
timbered country, and laid the foundations for a pleasant 
home and a comfortable competence. Mr. Skinner has 
cleared, mostly with his own hands, about one hundred 
acres, and has brought his place into a fine state of cultiva- 
tion. 

About a year previous to his leaving Pontiac ho expe- 
rienced religion, and united with the Methodist ('hurch, of 
which denomination he has since been a faithful and zealous 
member. He was largely instrumental in the establishing 
and sustaining of the Burton church, of which he was 
cla.ss-lcader for several ye-irs after its organization. In 
March, 1879, he left his farm and moved into the city of 
Flint, at the same time tran.sferring his member.ship to the 
First Methodist Episcopal, or " Brick," Church in that city. 
Having now reached the declining side of the hill of life, 
he has retired from active business pursuits, and while, with 
his faithful anil worthy companion, awaiting the summons 
to his eternal home, can look back with proud satisfaction 
upon a life well spent, — its labor well performed, and its 
duties faithfully discharged. 

Ilis children are two in number, — Martha Jane, born 
May 24, 1 8:!li, and Alfred L., born Aug. 25, 1848. Martha 
J. is married to Morris J. Putnam, and lives in the cily of 
Flint. Alfred L. married Ettie Ketchum, of Newfaiic, 
Niagara Co., N. Y., and lives on the homestead in Burton. 



DANIKL W. RICHARDS. 

William Richards, the father of Daniel W., was a native 
of Massachusetts, born in the neigliborhood of Boston. 
lie was married at about twenty years of age to Dolly 
Thayer, a young lady of about his own age, who was a 
member of the Christian Church, and had already developed 
marked ability as a speaker and exhorter. They lived in a 
number of dillercnt places in Massachusetts, and finally re- 
moved to the town of Parish, 0.swcgo Co., N. Y., where 
Mr. Richards worked at his trade of cliith-dre.ssing for about 



352 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



four years, when he bought and located upon a farm. Sev- 
eral years hitcr he traded liis thirty acres of improved land 
for one hundred and sixty acres in the town of Scioto, Shia- 
wassee Co., Mich. He emigrated in the early fall of 1844, 
and arrived at his land only to find it in possessiun of another 
man, who refused to leave it. It was then ascertained that 
the title held by the person with whom he had traded was 
only a tas-title, and eventually proved utterly worthless. 
Having no place to go into, Mr. Richards obtained permis- 
sion to move into a vacant school-house, where the family 
tried to make themselves comfortable. Soon after, his son, 
Daniel W., was taken sick, and before he was sufficiently 
recovered to allow of his removal three months had elapsed. 
They then moved in with the family of John Cross, and 
lived with them a year and a half, during which time they 
all had a serious time with the fever and ague, then very 
prevalent there. They then moved four miles west of 
Laing.sburg, on the Pontiac and Grand River road, where 
they kept tavern for two years, their nearest neighbors being 
a mile and a half distant. For two years they had several 
Indian neighbors, which suited the boys, who learned many 
tricks of woodcraft, and joined heartily in the sports of their 
dusky companions, whose language they also acquired to a 
considerable extent. From there tliey moved to Independ- 
ence, Oakland Co., and bought forty acres of land, at least 
lialf of which was swamp, and sold cheap on that account. 
Four years later they formed the acquaintance of James 
Allen, who owned eighty acres in the town of Burton, and 
who desired to dispose of it, because of its low situation 
and the execrable roads loading to it. Mr. Richards was 
desirous to get more land, in order to furnish home-work fur 
his sons, one of whom had been compelled to work out; 
both parties being of a willing mind, a trade was speedily 
effected. 

They moved on to this place — the north half of the nortli- 
west quarter of section 24 — in 1852, and continued to re- 
side there until they purchased forty acres on section 23, 
upon which he located, leaving his son Henry on the old 
farm. Two years after, Mr. Richards and his wife removed 
to Holly, where she is still living, and where he died about 
nine years since. Their lives have both been exemplary 
ones, and their care and guiding example is well shown in 
the characters of their somewhat numerous family of chil- 
dren. Mrs. Richards continued to employ her talent as a 
preacher of the gospel until the infirmities of age prohibited 
the labor it involved. 

Their children were Minerva, Mary, Melzer, Lucy, Dolly, 
Abigail, Daniel W., Henry, CLloe, Nancy A., and two others 
who died in infancy. Melzer remained in New York when 
his parents came to Michigan ; entered the Union service as 
a captain, served faithfully, and was promoted to major ; was 
mortally wounded in a skirmish during Leo's retreat from 
Richmond to Appomattox. Dolly also died in New Y'ork, 
and Abigail in Michigan. Of the others, Mrs. Minerva 
Edick lives in Parish, Jefferson Co., N. Y. ; Mrs. Mary 
Norton, at Bridgeport, Mich. ; Henry, at Midland City, 
Mich. ; Mrs. Lucy Johnson, Mrs. Ciiloe Burgess, Mrs. 
Nancy A. Hill, and Daniel W., in Burton. 

Henry mai-riod Harriet Bentley, and lived on the home- 
stead until September, 1873, when he sold it and removed 



to Midland City. He has proved himself a worthy scion 
of the religious and temperate stock from which he sprang, 
and possesses in a high degree the confidence and esteem of 
his large circle of acquaintances. 

Daniel W., who was born at Amherst, Mass., July 14, 
1829, had saved up some money, which he had earned by 
hunting, trapping, and tanning deer-skins while living at 
home, with which small capital, at the age of twenty-three 
years, he began life on his own responsibility. He pur- 
chased of Martin Rose the southeast quarter of section 14 
in Burton, and let his brother-in-law, Simeon Burgess, have 
the west half of it. Oct. 9, 1853, he was married to Jliss 
Sarah Vodden, daughter of Henry and Mary (Delbridge) 
Voddcn, natives of England, but residents of Batavia, N. Y., 
where she was born April 19, 1837. They came to Jlieh- 
igan, and settled on the west half of the northwest quarter 
of section 14 in Burton, in 1844. Her father lived there 
until 18G1, when he died. Her mother now resides in 
Flint. From this union have sprang eight children, whose 
names and dates of birth were as follows : Effie, April 3, 
1856 ; Cora, Oct. 19, 1858 ; Susan, Feb. 19, 1861 ; Phoebe, 
April 2, 1804 ; Eben, Dec. 13, 1SG6 ; Mary, July 4, 18G9, 
died when two years old ; Bertha, Aug. 22, 1874 ; Daniel, 
W., Jr., June 24, 1876. 

During his life in Burton, D. W. Richards has devoted 
his energies to the improvement and tilling of the farm, 
which he has enlarged to two hundred acres, and brought 
to a fine degree of cultivation. For a time he paid partic- 
ular attention to the raising of sheep, but on account of the 
low price of wool he changed to a dairy business, which 
finally culminated in cheese-making and the building of a 
cheese-factory in 1875. During the eight years that ho 
has engaged in cheese-making he has been a successful 
exhibitor of cheese at the Genesee County fairs, invariably 
carrying off the first premium. Mr. Richards is in no 
sense a politician, and has escaped the cares of office thereby. 
Being more than usually interested in the temperance re- 
form (having given up the use of tobacco, tea, and coffee 
seventeen years ago), he has engaged in the Red-Ribbon 
movement, and in July, 1879, was a delegate to the Mass 
Temperance Convention held at Lansing. Being descended 
from parentsof strong religious predilections, he is naturally 
of a religious turn of mind, but his conservative character 
prevents him becoming in any sense bigoted in his religious 
views. Believing that there should be but one universal 
Church of Christ, he has held aloof from every sect, aiming 
to live an exemplary life, and thereby exemplify the beauty 
and truth of his Master's gospel. 



IRA CHASE. 

This gentleman was born in the town of Parrish, Oneida 
Co., N. Y., Sept. 9, 1805. He was an only child, and, his 
father dying when he was but nine months old, lived with 
his maternal grandfather until he was about nine years old, 
when his mother married a Mr. Curtis. He made his home 
with them until he reached his majority, when he leased 
his step-father's farm. Some years later, desiring an edu- 
cation, he attended the Belleville Academy. While pur- 
suing his studies his health failed liini, and he took a trip 



BURTON TOWNSHIP. 



353 



to the coast of Labrador, by whidi he was so much benefited 
as to be able, upon his return, to resume his studies at the 
academy. In 1835 (October 10th) he married Mrs. Sarah 
M. Beebe, and, three years later, they came West and set- 
tled in the Atherton settlement, in the town of Burton, 
where they have since resided. They have had three chil- 



dren, Charle-s, George A., and Edward R., none of whom 
are now livinsz;. The youn<;est son, Edward 11., served four 
years in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting as a private in 
August, 18fil, and risini; to the rank of captain. Upon 
his return from the army he entered Oberlin College, where 
he remained one year, when he went to the Theological 





IRA CHASE. 



MK.S. IRA CHASE. 



Seminary, in Chicago, where he pursued hi.s studies for 
two years more. At the close of his course of study he 
received a call to the pastorate of a church in Clyde, Ohio, 
which he accepted, and served till the time of his death, 
three years later. 

Mrs. Chase has two children by her former marriage, 



one of whom resides at Swartz Creek, in the town of Flint, 
and the other lives in the State of California. 

For upwards of forty years Ira Chase has been a deacon 
in the Congregational Church ; he has always been a most 
liberal and zealous supporter of the Church, and an ex- 
emplary Christian. 



JOHN C. WOLVERTON. 
The Wolverton family in America sprang from a good 
old Quaker of that name, who emigrated from p]ngland 
with Fenn's colony, and settled where the city of Philadel- 
phia now stands. After a few generations the family began 
to spread abroad, some going to Canada and others to the 
Stjite of New York. Among tlie latter, or among their im- 
nn'iliate descendants, was Asher V. Wolverton, grandfather 
to the subject of this sketch. He was educated as a ph3'si- 
cian, and served as surgeon in the American army during 
the war of 1812, at the close of which he settled in Tioga 
Co., N. Y., and from there moved to Rochester, N. Y., 
where lie practiced Uis profession very successfully for many 
years until his death, which occurred some thirty years ago. 
His wife survived him about two years. They had .seven 
children, — Dennis, Stephen, Orpha, Tlumiits, Samatitha, 
Asher, and Almira. Thomas died at Enterprise, Miss. ; 
Stephen, in Little Falls, N. Y. ; and Samantha, in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. The others are living, — Dennis, in Grand 
Blanc ; Orpha Wolcott, in Batavia, N. Y. ; A.sher, a phy- 
sician, at Enterprise, Miss. ; Almira Van Zandt, at Roch- 
ester, N. Y. 
45 



Dennis, the father of John C, was born about 1809-10, 
and at the age of twenty-one was married to Susan Dun- 
ham, a daughter of William and Isabel Dunham, who were 
refugees from Canada during the war of 1812. They after- 
wards removed to West Bloom6eld, Ontario Co., N. Y., and 
there spent the remainder of their lives. After his (Den- 
nis') marriage, which occurred in Saratoga County, ho re- 
moved to Tioga County, and from thence to Rochester in 
1844. He lived there nine yeai-s, when he came to Mich- 
igan and settled on the north part of section 4 in the 
town of Grand Blanc, where he still resides. He lost his 
wife by a very ]iainful accident. On the evening of Dec. 
22, 1873, her clothes caught fire from a caeidle while per- 
forming some household duty, and she was fatally burned. 
She lingered in an unconscious state until about five o'clock 
the next morning, when death relieved her sufferings. 
Their family consisted of eleven children, — Margaretta; 
Jane Eliza, born June 19, 1836; William C, born Aug. 
5, 1838 ; John C, born July 22, 1840 ; Joseph M. ; Sarah 
S.,born in October, 1844 ; A.sher; Thomas 0., born in Jan- 
uary, 1 848 ; Susan G., born in October, 1 850 ; Orpha Isabel ; 
and Asher (2d). Margaretta, Joseph M., Orpha I., and the 



354 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



two Ashers all died in childhood of the same disease, — 
scarlet fever. Mrs. Jane E. Dayton and Mrs. Susan G. 
Jenny live in Flint; William C. is practicing law at Mus- 
kegon ; Thomas 0. lives with his father on the homestead 
in Grand Blanc, and John C. and Sarah S. reside in Bur- 
ton. 

John C. Wolverton lived with his parents until he was 
nearly of age, taking advantage of all his school opportuni- 
ties, and thus secured a good education. In 1861, while 
attending school at Ann Arbor, he was aroused by the echoes 
of the first guns fired upon the flag at Sumter ; he left the 
school and, June 12th, enlisted in the Fenton Light Guard, 
under command of Capt. William M. Fenton. He was, 
with his company, mustered iilto the 7th Regiment and 
transferred to the 8th, of which Fenton was made colonel. 
He served with the regiment until April, 1862, when he 
was transferred to the Signal Corps, with which he served 
until October, 1865, when ho was mustered out as a second 
lieutenant, the commission having been issued to him the 
previous April. During the siege of Fort Sumter, and the 
other forts about Charleston, he was constantly called upon 
to serve in dangerous positions, and acquitted himself with 
such credit as to win encomiums from his superiors in ot£ce. 
He was thrice wouuded, — first, at Bluifton, S. C, where he 



received two buckshot in his leg ; second, at Black Creek, 
Fla., where he received a carbine-bullet in his neck ; and 
third, at St. Mary's Ford, near Olustee, where, while riding 
at full speed, his horee was shot under him and, falling, 
threw him against a tree with such violence as to break 
his arm. At the time of Gen. Sherman's arrival at the sea- 
coast, Mr. Wolverton was sergeant in charge of the signal- 
station, and conducted the correspondence that resulted. 
He now has in his possession a treasured memento and val- 
uable relic in the shape of the flag with which the first dis- 
patch was- signaled to the victorious army and its gallant 
commander. 

Returning to Grand Blanc, he purchased a small farm in 
Burton, on section 32, to which he has made additions until 
he now owns one hundred and fifty acres. He was married 
Nov. 21, 1867, to Miss Frances E. Mason, daughter of 
Daniel and Anna M. (Best) Mason, of the town of Mundy, 
by whom he has two children, — Irving Mason, born Jan. 
29, 1869, and Charles Howard, born July 1, 1871. 

In his political belief he holds to the principles of the 
Republican party, but has not been noted for his activity as 
a politician. He has held the offices of superintendent of 
schools, treasurer, and supervisor of his town. 




RESIDENCE OF MICHAEL DONAH 00, CLAYTON. GCMESEEl C°,MiCH 



CLAYTON. 



Clayton includes the division of land known on the 
United States survey as township 7 north, in range 5 east, 
of the principal meridian of Michigan. It was set oflF from 
Flushing, of which it had previously comprised a part, and 
organized as a separate township, by an act of the Michigan 
Legislature approved March 25, 1846. It lies in the cen- 
tre of the western tier of townships in the county of Gen- 
esee, and, with the exception of a few slight undulations, is 
generally level. The soil is of the nature peculiar to this 
part of Michigan, and from the appearance of the farms and 
their improvements — Clayton is exclusively an agricultural 
township — the inference is that its fertility is beyond ques- 
tion. Originally the township was covered with a dense 
forest, where the nightly howl of the wolf resounded ; 
where the lithe panther often lurked ; where beare found 
safe retreats; where the pride of the forest — the deer — had 
his home; and where the red man was the only human 
being who trod its mazes, " ambushed his foe, and stalked 
his game." A more herculean task than that of clearing 
away this sturdy greenwood, and preparing the pleasant 
farms which to-day dot the surface, can scarcely be im- 
agined. It was only the indomitable will and perseverance 
of the pioneers, coupled with their ability to undergo a long 
and severe toil, with all its attendant hardships, that accom- 
plished the mighty work. That it was accomplished is the 
pride of the actors in the scenes, and the history of its ac- 
complishment it is the purpose of these pages to relate, — 
the story having been learned from the lips of those who, 
axe in hand and rifle on shoulder, marched conquering 
through the wilderness. 

But very few of the first settlers of Clayton are at present 
residing within its limits, and at this day it will be ac- 
knowledged impossible to garner so great a store of fact and 
incident as might have been done before so many of the 
earlier arrivals had fallen into their last long sleep or re- 
moved to more remote localities. It was very seldom the 
case that a person who settled early in any part of the coun- 
try kept any account of his life at the time, or of arrivals 
of others who became his neighbors, and in the absence of 
all facts except those that memory recalls the supply is 
very meagre. Yet the record that is here presented will, it 
is hoped, be accepted as the best which could be compiled 
at so late a time, and credit will surely be given for the 
comparatively large amount which has been gathered. 

LAND ENTKIKS. 

It is believed an excellent plan to present a record of the 
land entries in the township complete, and the list is sub- 
joined. From the books it appears that no entries were 
made in what is now Clayton earlier than the month of 
January, 1836, wheu Robert Mathers, of Wayne Co., 



Mich., located the northeast part of the northeast fractional 
quarter of section 1, — a trifle over 51 acres. Cornelius 
Pierson, from the same county, entered 120 acres on the 
same section in February, 1836, and Thomas L. L. Brent, 
of Virginia, purchased on this and other sections in March 
of the same year. Brent afterwards settled in the northern 
part of Flushing township, and is well remembered by 
many now living in the county. Particular mention of him 
and his operations will be found in the history of the 
township of Flushing. 

The following is a list of land entries in this township, 
as shown by the records Of the land-oflice : 

Section 1. 

Acres. 

Robert Mathers, Wayne Co., Mich., January, IS^d 51.58 

Ciirnelius Pierson, •' " " February, 18;16 1211 

Thomas L. L. Brent, State of Virginia, March, 18:iB a:i.4l 

Ilcaley A Kurcheval, United States, June, 18S6 120 

Philander L. Luce, Erie Co., N. y., " " «» 

Ellsworth Willi.., " " " " " 51.68 

Groevcnor Willis, ** " " " " 8(1 

Patrick Bradley, Monroe Co., N. Y., May, 1S36 St) 

Section 2. 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, March, IS.ie 90.46 

Hcaley & Kurcheval, United States, June, ISSB 2511.63 

Truman Luce, Eric Co., N. Y., June, ISSli HiO 

Nathan Willis, " " IBO 

Section 3. 

Thomas L. L. Brent, Virginia, March, 1836 186.28 

Janus Norton, Erie Co., N. Y., June, 183G 80 

Hcaley & Kurcheval, United States, June, 1836 240 

Warren Luce, Erie Co., N. Y., Juno, 1836 80 

William L. Cole, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Section 4. 

Walter Norton, Erie Co., N. Y., June, 1836 169.87 

Hcaley & Kurcheval, United States, .June, 1836 485.37 

Section 5. 

John C. Clement, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July, 1836 320 

Joseph Lyims, " " " October, 1836 811 

John Welch, " ' IB3.18 

Thomas S. Canfield, Orleans Co., N. Y., December, 18:>4 82.83 

Section 6. 

John C. Clement, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July, 1836 160 

Chcsley Blake and Alvin Hanmer, Michigan, July, 1836 123. 88 

Jacob L. Larialear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1836 300.92 

Section 7. 

R. J. S. Page, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Kuberl R. Howell, Wayne Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Hugh (Juieiian. Genesee Co., Mich., September, 1830 121.61 

George L. Martin, Monroe Co., N. Y., October, 1830 IB" 

Alonzu Torrcy, Gencsco Co., Mich., March, 1854 123.67 

Section 8. 

John C. Clement, Tompkins Co., N. Y., July, 1S36 320 

Robert Patrick, (ienesce Co., Mich., August. 1836 40 

Benjamin S. Glover, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 40 

John A. lloycs, " " " " " 80 

Darius A. Ogden, Yates Co., N. Y., Scntember, 1836 160 

355 



356 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Suction f. 

Acres. 

James E. Brown, Erie Co., N. Y., .luno, ISHR 80 

William Lockyer, Genesee Co., Mirh., August, IK:i(t ,S0 

E. Cnsh ami II. Wriglit, Ueiiesec Co., Mich., Augu.si, 18;if>... KJO 

Jacul) L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., Scj)Lcmber, 1S;;(> 100 

Herman Van Vechten, tienesce Co., Mich., " " 160 

Section 10. 

Healey & Kurcheval, United States, June, IS-SB 320 

Arthur Davi?, Oakland Co., Mich., July, IfCiB 120 

Nick C. llayward. New York City, Sijitember, ls:i6 80 

John D.tyton, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 18.'ifi 80 

Robert Patrick, Genesee Co., Mich,, December, 1831) 4U 

Section 11. 

Ilealey & Kurchoval, United States, June, 18.?fi 100 

Solomon .Stone, Erie Co., N. Y., July, l.s:->0 SO 

James W. Armstrong, Erie Co., N. Y., July, 18311 80 

Lorenzo ClitTord, Washtenaw Co., Micli., June, 1831) 120 

John (irimfield, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 40 

John Dayton, " " " " " 160 

Section 12. 

Leonard Cutler, Genesee Co., N. Y., June, 18.16 320 

Albert llosmer, " " " •• " 1 HO 

Patrick Bradley, iMonroc Co., N. Y. May, " 120 

James W. Crouk, Genesee Co., N.Y., August, *' 40 

Section 13* 

John Algoe, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1S36 80 

Auiasa Whitney, Jctlerson Co., N. Y., July, 1836 2)0 

Hiram Sibley, Moniou Co., N. Y., August! 1836 160 

John S. Woodward, Monroe Co., N. Y., September, IS36 160 

Section 14. 

Richard P. Hubbard, fienesee Co., Mich., September, 1836 160 

Andrew C. Wickham, Monroe ** ^* *' ** SO 

Marvin B. Persons, Genesee " ** " ** 40 

Gideon Lee, New York City, December, 1836 160 

William Rider, Ontario Co., N. Y., July, 1837 200 

Section 15. 

John Dayton, Wayne Co., Mich., September, 1836 SO 

A. 11. Oiven, (iene.<ee Co., N. Y., " •' 160 

Binjauiin Kaiisom, Genesee Co., N. Y., Sc]i(cmber, 1836 160 

Marvin B. Persons, *' *' ** '• " KiO 

Ardin Persons, " " " " " 80 

Section 17. 

Harris Newton, Rutland Co., Vt., November, 1836 80 

Edward G. Faile, New York City, " " 160 

Mortimer Wadhams, Monroe Co., N. Y., March, 1836 SO 

Emerson Ewell, Genesee Co., N. Y., May, 1836 320 

Section 18. 

Sherman Stevens, Oakland Co., Mich., October, 1836 160 

John McNeil, Boston, Mass-, Deccmljcr, 1836 811 

Charlis C Jlascall, Genesee Co., Mich., December, 1836 60.79 

" " " March, 1837 46.74 

Richard Rich, Wayne Co., Mich., June, 1837 SO 

D. P. Ahord, Livingston Co., N. Y., December. 1837 80 

Jacob L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1838 80 

Section 19. 

John Conlin, Schenectady Co., N. Y., September, 1836 160 

Sherman Stevens. Oakland Co , Mich., October, 1836 160 

John Willing, Gcncseu Co., Mich., November, 1836 40 

Daniel Harding, •' •' " " •' 152.77 

Samuel liurd, " " ** ** " 99.52 

Sections 20 and 21. 
Z. D. Bassett and M. Cobb, Barnstable Co., Mass., June, 1836..1280 

Section 22. 

Benjamin Ransom, Genesee Co., N. Y., September, 1836 80 

Gideon Lee, New York City, Ueeember, 1836 160 

John Noble, land-warrant, May, 1851 160 

llo.'^ca Braford, '* •• ** " 160 

Charles Shoup," " Eebruary, 1853 40 

•' " " " " 40 

Section 23. 

Jacob L. Woodruff, Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1836 160 

Gideon Lee, New York City, December, 1836 320 

John Le Valley, Orleans Co., N. Y., October, 1853 80 

Sheldon Stewart, Genesee Co., Mich., November, 1854 81) 



Section 24. 

Acres. 

David J. Boyd, New York City, June, 1836 320 

Amasa Whitney, Jellerson Co., N.Y., July, 1S36 160 

Robert F. Stage, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 160 

Section 25. 

David J. Boyd, New York City, June, 1836 320 

Ephraim S. Johnson, New York City, August, 1836 81) 

Ira D. Wright, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Emir Woodin, Jefferson Co., N. Y., " " ..160 

Section 26. 

Emir Woodin, Jefferson Co., N. Y., August, 1836 160 

Peter A. Palmer, Genesee Co., N. Y., •' " 160 

Gilbert Stevenson, Genesee Co., Mich., " '* 40 

Jacob L. Woodruff, Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1836 80 

Darius A. Ogden, Yates Co., N. Y., " " 120 

John Le Valley, Orleans Co., N. Y., October, 1853 80 

Section 27. 

Jacob L. Woodruff, Ontario Co., N. Y., September, 1836 240 

(Jeorge Dunsmore, Washtenaw Co., Mich., iSIay, 1837 200 

Win. IJunsmore, Jr., " " " May and July, 1837 120 

Zerah Stcdmau, Genesee Co., Mich., October, 1851 40 

II. M. Henderson, land-warrant, June, 1852 40 

Section 28. 

E. Cash and II. Wright, Genesee Co., N. Y., August. 1836 160 

Jacob L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1836 160 

C. C. Hutchinson, Genesee Co., N. Y., " " 80 

Isaac Whitcomb, Trumbull Co., Ohio, January, 1837 160 

Joseph C. Bailey, Lansing, Mich., July, 1853 40 

Nancy M. McCarthy, Genesee Co., Mich., May, 1849 40 

Section 29. 

Jacob L. Larzalear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1836 320 

Patrick Conlin. Oneida Co.. N. Y., " " SO 

Richard P. Hubbard, Genesee Co., Mich., " " 160 

James Lewis, land-warrant, June, 1852 80 

Section 30. 

Jacob L. Larz.alear, Seneca Co., N. Y., September, 1836 316.4S 

Patrick Conlin. Oneida Co., N. Y., " " 411 

Barnard Leonard, ' " " 120 

Barnard Leonard, Genesee Co., Mich., " " 40 

Sedgwick Stodman, " " " February, 1840 3S.34 

Loren Perkins, ** " " January, 1852 40 

Michael Donahoo, " " " November, 1854 38.36 

Section 31. 

Hiram Sibley, Monroe Co., N. Y., August, 1836 319.12 

Charh-s V. Dickinson and Charles S. Houghton, Monroe Co., 

N. Y., August, 1836 317.28 

Suction 32. 

Hiram Sibley, Monroe Co., N. Y., August, 1836 320 

Socrates Smith, '* *' ** " " 160 

Aaron B. Ryno, Lucas Co., Ohio, Septomber, 1836 StI 

Charles Osborn, Genesee Co., Mich., March, 1849 II) 

George Crocker, " " *' May, 1853 40 

Section 33. 

Hiram Sibley, Monroe Co., N. Y., August, 1836 80 

Socrates Smi'th, ' " " 80 

E. Cash and 11. Wright, Genesee Co., N. Y., August, 1836 160 

Catharine Ryno, Lucas Co., Ohio, September, 1836 160 

Aaron B. Ryno, " " " *' 160 

Section 34. 

Hardin Bigelow, Monroe Co., N. Y., June, 1836 2IH) 

Robert F. Stage, Genesee Co, Mich., August, 1836 1611 

Socrates Smith, Monroe Co., N. Y., '' *' 2S0 

Section 35. 

Adam Miller, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 160 

Ezekiel B. Denison, Living^^ton Cii., N. Y., June, 1836 80 

William Burdle, Genesee Co.. Mich.. June, 1836 160 

Hiram Sibley, Monroe Co., N. Y.. August, 1836 80 

C. T. Dickerson and C. S, Boughton, Monroe Co., N. Y., 

August, 1836 SO 

Peter A, Palmer, Genesee Co., N. Y., August, 1836 SO 

Section 36. 

Juba Burrows, Wayne Co., Mich., May, 1836 SO 

Daniel Miller, Livingston Co., N. Y., June, 1836 SI) 

Elijah Bishop. Jr., Chautau<|ua Co., N. Y.. June, 1S36 160 

James Blake, Huron Co., Ohio, Juno, 1836 8ll 

Gilbert G. Townsend. Livingston Co., Mich., July, 1S36 80 

James McAllister, Genesee Co., Mich., August, 1836 80 

Daniel Miller, Oakland l^o., Mich., " " 80 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 



357 



EARLY SETTLERS. 

The locality known as the " Miller settlement" was the 
first in what now constitutes Clayton townsliip to receive 
the attention of settlers. In June, 183G, Adam Miller, 
from Livingston Co., N. Y. (from Germany in 171)5), 
made a trip here and entered land, returning to New York 
for his family, bringing them back in August following. 
There was then" not a person living on the route between 
their land and Flint, and part of Mr. Miller's family re- 
mained in the latter place until some time in September, or 
a sufficient time to allow him and his sons to prepare a 
shanty for their reception. This was erected very nearly 
where the Methodist church now stands, on section 35, 
and the next season a log house of fair dimensions was 
built a short distance farther west. Mr. Miller was ac- 
companied from New York by his wife and three sons, — 
Joseph, David A., and Enos M. Two other sons, Peter 
and Daniel, followed in the fall of 1837, and all but two of 
the sons located land for themselves, partly in Clayton, and 
panly in Gaines, living, however, in the former. Of the 
Miller family, one son, Enos M. Miller, lives in the town- 
ship, and two daughters are yet in the county, — Mrs. John 
llartsock in Clayton, and Mrs. Rev. J. C. McAllister in 
Flint. Ilev. Daniel Miller, an early local preacher in the 
Methodist denomination in the vicinity of the settlement, 
is now a resident of the town of Glen Arbor, Leelanau Co., 
Mich., where he was sent on missionary services. 

Adam Miller was the first settler in the township of 
Clayton. From Flint he chopped a road through to his 
place over nearly the route which afterwards became the 
" Miller Road." In the spring of 1837 he sowed probably 
the first grain in the township, — spring wheat, oafs, etc. 
His death occurred in March, 1841. His son, Enos M. 
Miller, resides on a part of the old homestead. 

The second settler in this part of the township was John 
M. Nash, who located on the northeast ([uarter of section 
34 in February, 1837. He was also from the State of 
New York. 

John Hartsock, also from Livingston Co., N. Y., settled 
in tlie spring of 1837, soon after the arrival of Na.sh. 

Soth Sil.sby, Emir Woodin, and Seth Hathaway all set- 
tled in the same neighborhood in the fall of 1837, and a 
man named Finch had previously — in 1836 or 1837 — lo- 
cated in the northeast part of town. A son of the latter 
was the _/?(•«< lohite child born in the township. A son was 
born a few months later — in the fall of 1837 — in the family 
of Thomas Nash. 

Sedgwick P. Stcdnian, an early settler in the township, 
left Canada during the famous Patriot war excitement, 
1837-38, and during his residence here held the office of 
justice of the peace. He is now living in the township of 
Argentine. 

The firet road in the Miller settlement neighborhood 
was the one now extending from the asylum at Flint out 
through the former place, where it becomes a townsliiji line 
road between Clayton and Gaines. It is known as the 
" Miller Road." 

James Ottaway and Joseph Burbridgc, from England, 
settled near the centre of the township in 1837, and Mr. 
Rurbridge still resides upon the place he then loeati^d. In 



1839, Mr. Ottaway 's brothers, Stephen and George Ottaway, 
direct from England, settled in the township with their 
families, and another brother — John — followed with his 
family in the sunnner of IStO. Stephen Ottaway was the 
father of the present town clerk. James Ottaway was un- 
married at the time of his settlement. These four brothers 
are all decea.sod ; the widows of Stephen and George are 
yet living in the township. 

In the northwest part of the town is what is known as the 
'' Lyons settlement." Four brothers, William, Isaac, Daniel 
B., and Abram H. Lyons (latter died in 1877), in company 
with Jacob H. Coddington and John C. Clement, came 
from Tompkins Co., N. Y., to Flint, Mich., in August, 
183G, and in the winter of 1839, Isaac Lyons, Coddington, 
and Clement moved into the township of Clayton, and set- 
tled in the locality bearing the name mentioned. Mr. Lyons 
still lives on the old place, Mr. Coddington at Flushing, 
and Mr. Clement is dead ; his widow resides in Flint. The 
two younger Lyons brothers, D. B. and A. H. Lyons, were 
not married when they came to the county. The former * 
is now engaged in mercantile pursuits at Flint. 

When Isaac Lyons moved into this township his nearest 
neighbor on the east was Robert H. Wallace, distant four 
miles, and the latter is yet living in the township with his 
son, Theron Wallace, who came with him. James llosie 
lived a little farther away, in Flushing. James E. Brown 
moved into Clayton in 1840, and was also east of Lyons. 
He was one of the most prominent men in town, and held 
the office of supervisor for many years. 

Isaac Lyons, Sr., the father of the brothers named, pur- 
chased ten eiglity-acre lots in Clayton from the government. 
He and bis wile both died in Flint. His son, Isaac Lyons, 
Esq., now of Clayton, helped build the first bridge across 
Swartz Creek, in 183G, within the limits of what is now 
Flint City. This w;is on the A.sylum, or Miller, road. 
When, in 1838, Isaac Lyons, with his brothers-in-law, — 
Coddington and Clement, — came into Clayton to build 
their log houses, they were three days on the way, having 
to cut their road. The pine timber necessary for their u.se 
they procured from a pine grove in what is now the Fourth 
Ward of Flint. 

Isaac Lyons helped also to build the old " Genesee 
House," in Flint, for Thomas J. Drake, on what is now 
Detroit Street, in that city. 

Mr. Lyons built a log blacksmith shop on the corner of 
his place in Clayton, where his present frame shop stands, 
and, especially on stormy days, had all the business in the 
blaeksmithing line that he could attend to. This was the 
only shop of the kind within a large radius, none being 
then in existence even at Flu.shing. Mr. Lyons thinks the 
first blaeksmithing at the latter place was done by himself, 
about 1812, he being employed in repairing mill-irons, etc., 
in Seymour's mill. Pine-trees near by were cut down and 
their tops I'nade into charcoal, which was used in the forge. 
Mr. Lyons has held the office of justice of the peace since 
the organization of the township of Clayton, in 184G. 

Albert Granger, William Goyer, and Richard C. Goyer 
all settled in the township about 184(1-42. R. C. Goyer 



•This gentleman leaves olV the liiuil letter as above, writing his 
name T^vmi. 



358 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



married a sister of Mr. Granger, and the latter married a 
sister of Isaac Lyons, Esq., who is now deceased. These 
tlircc men were sailors, and for several seasons after moving 
there followed their calling on the Western lakes. R. C. 
Goyer is now in Flushing, and William resides in Flint. 

James W. Cronk was one of the early settlers of the town- 
ship also. lie was a good surveyor, and aided many of the 
settlers in locating their land. He and his son, Norton 
Cronk, entered the service during the Mexican war, and 
the elder died in Mexico. Ilis fatlier, Col. James Cronk, 
located land on the east side of the turnpike, in what is 
now Flint City. He held a colonel's commission in the 
war of 1812, whence his title. 

E. W. Fenner and James Glass, living east of Lyons 
Corners, are among the later arrivals in the township. 

South of the Miller settlement, in the township of Gaines, 
maple timber grew in abundance along the branch of Swartz 
Creek, which flows through that locality, and the Indians 
congregated there annually for the purpose of making maple- 
sugar. A well-worn trail extended from Flint, but went no 
farther than the ".sugar camp." This trail the Millers fol- 
lowed when they came into the township. Maple-sugar is 
made in the neighborhood yet to a small extent. 

" Erin's green isle" sent a number of her sons to become 
residents of Clayton, and several are yet living in the town- 
ship. The first of this nationality to settle here were Ber- 
nard Lennon and Patrick Conlen, who left Ireland about 
1833-84 and emigrated to the United States. They 6rst 
lived in the State of New York, afterwards in Ohio, and 
about 1838-40 moved to Clayton. Mr. Conlen still lives 
where he settled at that time. Mr. Lennon is deceased, and 
his family has removed from the township. A nephew, Peter 
Lennon, Clayton's present supervisor, lives next south of 
his uncle's former home. Mes.srs. Conlen and Lennon both 
married sisters of Michael Donahoo, now living in town, 
the former before leaving Ireland, and the latter after. 

Michael Donahoo, Esq., from the North of Ireland, came 
to America in 1845, and proceeded at once to Genesee 
Co., Mich., whither those mentioned and others had pre- 
ceded him, and in September of that year purchased land in 
Clayton, opposite his present residence, afterwards buying 
the site of the latter. The property had been originally 
located by Daniel Harding, but he had made no improve- 
ments upon it. It passed through several other hands before 
it was purchased by Jlr. Donahoo, who made the first im- 
provements. He built a log house on the north side of the 
road (not amounting to much as a road then) ; the old struc- 
ture has totally disappeared. His present frame residence is 
on the south side. Mr. Donahoo's mother, who lefl Ireland 
with him, died on the passage across the ocean. His wife 
also accompanied him, they having no children at that time. 
His two brothers, John and Peter Donahoo, came at the 
same time, and purchased land in the vicinity. Both are 
since decejised. 

Bernard Traynor, who married a sister of Mr. Donahoo, 
came with the latter and located east of him, in the same 
neighborhood. He is now deceased. Ilis sons, Paul and 
IMicliael Traynor, are both residents of the township. 

Three brntbers, William, Peter, and John Carton, settled 
about 1842 in the northern part of the township, and of 



these John Carton is the only one yet living here. He 
resides on the same farm where he then settled. Peter 
Carton is dead and William went to California, since when 
nothing lias been heard from him, and he is also supposed 
to be dead. 

Patrick Bradley located four miles east of Lyons Cor- 
ners at an early day. He is also deceased, but has children 
residing in the county. 

"Squire" Donahoo has been favored with numerous offices 
by the citizens of Clayton, and for nearly twenty years has 
been a magistrate. When he came to the township ho 
thinks there was but one team of horses in it, except a span 
of ponies owned by Daniel Miller, although several owned 
one horse. For teaming oxen were used universally. No 
road extended nearer than three miles away from Mr. Dona- 
hoo's place, other than where the underbrush had been 
trimmed down, and in a dark night it was necessary to feel 
the way to avoid losing the track. 

Settlers could get very little for their produce, and never 
were paid in money except at Detroit, and even at the latter 
place they were obliged to take half in store pay. Butter 
was there worth sixpence per pound. At Flint, which 
was the nearest market, it was utterly impossible to get 
money, and bartering was the only system of trade. Settlers 
often carried grists to mill on their backs and returned the 
same way, and as the woods abounded with wolves these 
journeys were seldom pleasant, although it is not known 
that a single person ever lost his life in an encounter with 
these animals, or ever suffered more severely from them 
than the loss of .some of his stock. 

Peter Lennon'pSr., the father of the present supervisor, 
emigrated from the North of Ireland to the United States in 
1837, and settled in Luzerne Co., Pa., where he lived until 
1853, when he removed to Clayton, and located on land 
now owned by his son, Peter Lennon. He died in 1861. 
The son served four years in the 5th Michigan Infantry, 
during the war of the Rebellion, holding a captain's com- 
mission. His regiment was in the Army of the Potomac. 
Since the war he has lived but three yeai-s in Clayton, having 
been in business in Flint. During the three, years, how- 
ever, he has served one term as treasurer, and is now in 
his second year as supervisor of the township. 

The following is a list of the resident tax-payers iu what 
is now Clayton in 1844, according to the returns for that 
year for the township of Flushing, which then iucluded 
Clayton : 



Brothcrton. Harry. 
BraJley, Patrick. 
Burbridge, Joseph. 
Brown, Jauies E. 
Brolbcrlon, Emery. 
Ballantine, ,Iolin. 
Clemeni, Wright N. 
Cronk, James W. 
Cronk, Waller. 
Cronk, Porter. 
Calkins, Caleb. 
Chnpin, Ttioma^. 
Carton, AVilliani. 
Clement, Jolin C. 
Conteu. Piitriek. 
CoJdington, .lacoV) II. 
Ellsworth, Arthur L. 



Fenner, A. II. 
Fleteher, Sherman. 
Finch, Henry F. 
Fenner, Ihvuiel M. 
Glass, Bartholomew. 
GooJrieh, James. 
Ghiss, John. 
Ooyer, Richard C. 
tJoyer, William. 
Howes, William. 
Howes, Caleb II. 
Ilartsock, John. 
Henry, Silus. 
Jaeo.x, David. 
Kent. William K. 
Lyons, Isaac. 
Lyons, Ann. 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 



351) 



Lyons, Abrnin. 
Lynns, ]>:inicl B. 
Lyons, William. 
Lcnnon. Bernard. 
Miller, Enos M. 
Miller, Peter. 
Miller, Dnniel. 
Miller, David. 
Morrish, Thomas. 
McAllister, James. 
Mile.s, James. 
Marshall, George. 
Miirshall, William. 
N:ish, John M. 
Newal, Minor. 
Ncwal, William D. 
Nilcs, Alanson. 
Ottawa, .Stephen. 
Ottawa, George. 
Ottawa, James. 



Ottawa, John. 
Person, John. 
Piper, William. 
ParscU, Henry. 
Porter, Joseph. 
Perkins, Peter. 
Parker, Hiram. 
Pealiody, Austin. 
Patrick, Robert. 
Penoyer, James. 
Perkins, Lyman. 
Pond, Alfred. 
Richardson, Alfred. 
.'Jlowcll, Daniel W. 
Silsby, Seth. 
St. John, Alanson. 
Sharp, .John. 
Wiekham, Samuel. 
Walhiee, Thcron. 
Wood, E. 



It is possible that in this list are a few names which 
should be credited to what i.s now Flu.shing, as the old 
record from wliich they are taken is in such shape that it 
is nearly impossible to determine the location of all. 

CEMETEUIES. 

The township contains two cemeteries, one at Swartz 
Creek (Miller settlement), and the other near the Lyons 
settlement, in the northwe.st part of town. Possibly the 
first death in the township was that of a child in the family 
of Seth Hathaway, which occurred about 1838. The first 
adult who died (Miller settlement neighborhood) was a man 
named Wheaton. The two cemeteries in town each con- 
tain about an acre of land. That at Swartz Creek was 
originally taken from the Miller property, and the persons 
who died, as above, were buried in it before tlie ground was 
laid out for cemetery purposes. It was given to the town- 
ship by Adam Miller, and in it rest the remains of the fol- 
lowing early settlers, together with a few Indian children 
and one or two Indian adults : 

Caleb H. Howes, died Feb. 5, 187.3, aged seveuty-nine years. 
Ailam Miller, died March 11, 1841, aged seventy-one years. 
Margaret, his wife, died Nov. 4, 1864, aged eighty-six years. 
Jacob Kail, died Dec. 26, 1878, aged sixty-five years. 
Peter Miller, died April 26, 1859, aged forty-five years. 
Joseph Miller, died Sept. 23, 1858, aged forty-two years. 
Stiles Ryno, died Dec. 22, 1861, aged sixty-one years. 
Hosea Bradford and wife, who lived in town a short time at an 
early date; also Elisba Martin and wife, who were old settlers. 

TOWNSHIP OKGANIZATION AND CIVIL LIST. 

When the petition for organizing a new township from 
the part of Flushing now comprising Clayton was sent to 
the Legislature no name was .sent with it, and that of 
Clayton was given it by that body. The following arc the 
proceedings of the first town-meeting, as shown by the 
records : 

" In pursuance of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Michi- 
gan, passed March — , 1846, organizing the township of Clayton, the 
first annual township-meeting was held at the school-house in Dist. 
No. 6, on the 6th day of April, 1846, in compliance with the provis- 
ions of said act. Present, Thomas Chapin, Justice of the Peace. 
The meeting then proceeded to elect Alfred Pond, Caleb Calkins, 
Isaac Lyons, and Caleb H. Howes, Inspectors of Election, and Alan- 
son Nilea, Clerk. After the Board of Inspectors was respectively 
8wi>rn, they then proceeded to receive votes for township ofticers." 



The subject of license was also voted upon, 30 ballots 
being cast for it, and 21 against. The following were the 
oflBcers chosen, viz. : Supervisor, Alfred Pond ; Town Clerk, 
Francis Brotherton ; Treasurer, Tlieron Wallace ; Justices 
of the Peace, Seth Newell, Isaac Lyons, Caleb Calkins; 
Assessors, Harry Brotherton, Seth Silsby ; Commissioners 
of Highways, Richard C. Goyer, John C. Clement, John 
M. Nash ; In.spectors of Schools, Alanson Niles, Alfred 
Pond ; Directors of the Poor, Alex. H. Fenner, Barnard 
Carpenter; Constables, John M. Nash, Silas Henry, Elba- 
nan W. Fenner ; Overseers of Highways, Alfred llichard- 
son, Wright N. Clement, Albert Granger, Alexander H. 
Fenner, William Piper, Bernard Lennon, John M. Nash, 
Morgan D. Chapman, Abram Knight, David Felt. 

At the meeting in 1847 it was " Voted, To raise a tax of 
ten dollars for the purpose of erecting a bridge across the 
Michfcgdi/ich Creek, on the northea.st quarter of section 17, 
in town 7 north, of range 5 east." 

The following list comprises the township officers from 
1847 to 1879, inclusive: 

1847. — Supervisor, Alfred Pond; Town Clerk, Alexan- 
der H. Fenner ; Justices of the Peace, Isaac Lyons, Jacob 
W. Rail ; Treasurer, Silas Henry ; Commissioners of High- 
ways, Theron Wallace, Richard C. Goyer, Jacob H. Cod- 
diiigton ; School Inspector, Alfred Pond ; Directors of the 
Poor, David Felt, Caleb H. Howes; Constables, Fisher J. 
Griswold, Seth Silsby, John M. Nash, Albert Granger. 

1848.— Supervi-sor, John C. Clement;* Town Clerk, 
Alexander H. Fenner; Treasurer, Silas Henry; Justice of 
Peace, Caleb Calkins ; Assessors, Harry Brotherton, Seth 
Silsby; Coninii-ssioner of Highways, Jacob W. Rail; School 
Inspector, Austin Peabody ; Directors of the Poor, John 
C. Clement, David Felt ; Constables, Silas Henry, William 
Goyer, John M. Nash. 

1849. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, 
Alexander H. Fenner ; Treasurer, Harry Brotherton ; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Caleb H. Howes; Assessors, Barnard 
Carpenter, Sedgwick P. Stcdraan ; Commissioners of High- 
ways, Harry Brotherton, Eiuir Wooden ; School Inspector, 
Alfred Pond ; Directors of the Poor, James E. Brown, 
Harry Brotherton ; Constables, F. J. Griswold, Solomon T. 
Granger, John J. Van Vcchten. 

1850. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, Ilos- 
well Hilton ; Treasurer, Harry Brotherton ; Justice of the 
Peace, Alfred Pond; Commissioner of Highways, Thcron 
Wallace ; Assessors, A. H. Fenner, William Howes ; School 
Inspector, Caleb II. Howes; Overseers of the Poor, Caleb 
Calkins, Alex. II. Fenner; Constables, William Goyer, 
Fisher J. Griswold, Albert Granger, Solomon T. Granger. 

1851. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, Al- 
fred Pond ; Treasurer, Harry Brotherton ; Justice of the 
Peace, Isaac Lyons ; Commissioner of Highways, Caleb H. 
Howes ; School Inspector, Caleb Calkins ; Overseers of the 
Poor, Roswell Hilton, Daniel Miller; Constables, Solomon 
T. Granger, William (ioyer, Abram B. Knight, John 
Meaker. 

1852. — Supervisor, Seth Newell ; Town Clerk, Joel 
Draper ; Treasurer, Roswell Hilton ; Justice of the Peace, 

• Rosignod, and Alfred Pond appointed to fill vacancy. 



360 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



William 3IcGliiifli}' ; Commissioners of Iligliways, Moi'- 
giin U. Chapman, George Ottaway ; School Inspector, Philo 
Newell ; Constables, Solomon T. Granger, Fisher J. Gris- 
wold, William V. Hilton, Milo Goodrich. 

1853. — Supervisor, Seth Newell; Town Clerk, Peter 
Miller; Treasurer, Benjamin Rail, Jr.; Justice of the 
Peace, Sedgwick P. Stedman ; Commissioner of High- 
ways, George Ottaway; School Inspector, Andrew M. Felt; 
Overseers of the Poor, Emir Wooden, David Felt; Con- 
stables, Francis Brewer, Milo Goodrich, F. J. Griswold, 
Jacob W. Rail. 

1854. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 
Sedgwick P. Stedman ; Treasurer, Benjamin Rail, Jr. ; 
Justice of the Peace, Caleb Calkins ; Coinmi.ssioner of 
Highways, Jasper Taft ; School Inspector, Cyrus Peabody ; 
Overseers of the Poor, Stiles Ryno, William Goyer; Con- 
stables, John Meaker, George Perkins, Solomon T. Gran- 
ger, Fi^her J. Griswold. 

1855. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, An- 
drew M. Felt ; Treasurer, Benjamin Rail, Jr. ; Justice of 
the Peace, Isaac Lyons; Commissioner of Highways, Mi- 
chael Donahoo ; School Inspector, Caleb Calkins ; Overseers 
of the Poor, Caleb Calkins, Cyrus Peabody ; Constables, 
Horatio W. Felt, Joel Draper, James Liwis, Solomon T. 
Granger. 

185G. — Supervisor, Sedgwick P. Stedman; Town Clerk, 
Caleb H. Howes; Treasurer, Eiios M. Miller; Justice of 
the Peace, Solomon T. Granger ; Commissioner of High- 
ways, Isaac Lyons ; School Inspector, Jacob A. Goodwin ; 
Overseers of the Poor, Caleb Calkins, John B. Passmore ; 
Constables, Edmund Calkins, Emmet Todd, James Lewis, 
Michael Dimahoo. 

1857. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, Wil- 
liam Wheeler; Treasurer, Enos M. Miller; Justices of 
the Peace, S. P. Stedman, David A. Miller; Commissioner 
of Highways, Benjamin Rail; School Inspector, Charles P. 
Nash; Overseers of the Poor, H. D. Howes, Caleb Calkins; 
Con.stables, Edmund Calkins, Solomon T. Granger, Chris- 
topher Downey, A. D. Miller. 

1858. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, Wil- 
liam Wheeler ; Treasurer, E. M. Miller; Justices of the 
Peace, Alfred Pond, William Wheeler, Caleb H. Howes ; 
Commissioner of Highways, Dan. W. Stowell ; School In- 
spectors, Jacob Goodwin, Orville Green ; Overseers of the 
Poor, C. Downey, John B. Passmore ; Constables, E. 
Calkins, James Goodrich, Elias Whitmore, Oliver H. 
Granger. 

1859. — Supervisor, Alfred Pond ; Town Clerk, James 
E. Brown ; Treasurer, Enos M. IMiller ; Justice of the 
Peace, Isaac Lyons ; Commissioner of Highways, Isaac 
Lyons ; School Inspector, Orville Green ; Overseers of the 
Poor, Hiram Goodwin, William Howes ; Constables, James 
Goodrich, Seth Silsby, Benjamin Rail, James E. Brown. 

1860. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 
Andrew M. Felt; Treasurer, Sedgwick P. Stedman; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Michael Donahoo; Commissioner of 
Highways, Michael Donahoo ; School Inspector, Alfred 
Pond ; Constables, Emmet Todd, Eli Bai-nhart, Solomon 
T. Granger, Seth T. Wheeler. 

18G1. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 



Andrew M. Felt; Trea.surer, William Wheeler; Commis- 
sioner of Highways, William Morrish ; School Inspector, 
Seth S. Wheeler; Justice of the Peace, William Wheeler; 
Constables, Oscar H. Shattuck, Emmet Todd, William L. 
McGlinchy, John J. Gordon. 

1862. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, A. 
M. Felt ; Treasurer, William Wheeler ; Justice of the 
Peace, Edmund Calkins; Commissioner of Highways, John 
J. Gordon ; School Inspector, Alfred Pond ; Constables, 
Daniel Calkins, Charles H. Goyer, John J. Gordon, Robert 
McGlinchy. 

1863. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, A. 
M. Felt ; Treasurer, William Wheeler ; Justice of the 
Peace, Isaac Lyons; Commissioner of Highways, Michael 
Donahoo ; School Inspector, Robert C. Passmore ; Consta- 
bles, William L. McGlinchy, James Glass, John J. Gor- 
don, James E. Ottaway. 

1864. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, A. 
M. Felt; Treasurer, William Wheeler; Justice of the 
Peace, Michael Donahoo; Commissioner of Highways, 
William Morrish ; School Inspectors, James Glass, Philip 
Crotsley ; Constables, Robert McGlinchy, Seth Silsby, 
James W. Brown, Orlando W. Parscll. 

1865. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, A. 
M. Felt; Treasurer, Michael Donahoo; Justice of the 
Peace, Philip H. Crotsley; Commissioner of Highways, 
John J. Gordon ; School Inspector, John Passmore ; Con- 
stables, Solomon T. Granger, Robert McGlinchy, John J. 
Gordon, James W. Brown. 

1866. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, Theron Wallace ; Justices 
of the Peace, Alfred Pond, Peter Gordon ; Commissioner 
of Highways, E. W. Fenner ; School Inspector, James 
Glass; Constables, Robert McGlinchy, John J. Gordon, 
Michael Traynor, Daniel E. Calkins. 

1867. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, Theron Wallace ; Justices of 
the Peace, Isaac Lyons, Benjamin Ingalls ; Commissioners 
of Highways, Michael Donahoo, Daniel Calkins ; School 
Inspector, John Passmore ; Constables, John Burleson, 
Michael Traynor, Robert McClinchy, James W. Brown. 

1868. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, William Morrish : Justice 
of the Peace, Michael Donahoo ; Commissioner of High- 
ways, Benjamin Ingalls; School Inspector, Philip Crotsley; 
Constables, John Burleson, Walter F. Granger, George 
Evans, R. McGlinchy. 

1869. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, William Morrish ; Justice 
of the Peao3, George A. Evais; Commissioner of High- 
ways, E W. Fenner; School Inspectors, John Passmore, 
John Noble ; Constables, Robert McGlinchy, John W. 
Hartsock, Thomas Mundy, W. F. Granger. 

1870. — Supervisor, James E. Brown ; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway; Treasurer, Michael Donahoo; Justice 
of the Peace, Alfred Pond ; Commissioner of Highways, 
Willis Nichols; School Inspector, James Glass; Constables, 
Robert McGlinchy, Daniel W. Fuller, Walter F. Granger, 
John W. Hartsock. 

1871. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 



3G1 



Jauies E. Ottaway; Treasurer, Michael Donahoo; Justices 
of (lie Peace, Isaac Lyons, (,'liarles II. Ciiapiiiaii ; Coiiiuiis- 
sioiicr of Highways, William Morrish ; School Inspector, 
John Passmorc ; Drain Comiuissioner, Isaac Lyons ; Con- 
stables, John Noble, Robert McGlinohy, Luther 0. Joues, 
Daniel W. Fuller. 

1872. — Supervisor, James E. Brown; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, Michael Donahoo ; Justice 
of the Peace, Miciiael Donahoo; Commissioner of High- 
ways, E. W. Fenner ; School Inspector, John Noble; 
Drain Com'r, Isaac Lyons ; Constables, Robert McGlinchy, 
John W. Hartsock, Aaron Crowder, Walter F. Gi'anger. 

1873. — Supervisor, James Glass; Town Clerk, James E. 
Ottaway ; Treasurer, Michael Donahoo ; Justice of the Peace, 
Charles H. Chapman ; Commissioner of Highways. Henry 

D. Howes ; School Inspector, George E. Houghton ; Di'ain 
Commissioner, Isaac Lyons; Constables, Robert McGlinchy, 
C. C. Decker, Benjamin Ingalls, John Conlen. 

1874. — Supervisor, James Glass; Town Clerk, James E. 
Ottaway ; Treasurer, William Morrish ; .Justice of the Peace, 
Jacob Messick; Commissioners of Highways, William Mor- 
rish, Josiah Rock ; School Inspector, John Passmore; Drain 
Cummis.sioner, Michael Donahoo; Constables, Luther 0. 
Jones, llob't McGlinchy, M. Donahoo, Jr., J. W. Hartsock. 

1875. — Supervisor, George E. Houghton ; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway; Treasurer, Charles H. Cha|)man ; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Isaac Lyons; Commissioner of llighwa3's, 
William Morrish ; Township Superintendent of Schools, 
Noi'man A. Beecher ; School Inspector, John Passmoi'e ; 
Drain Com'r, M. Donahoo ; Constables, Rob't McClinchy, 
C. H. Lyons, Hamilton Bogardus, Michael Donahoo, Jr. 

1876. — Supervisor, George E. Houghton ; Town Clerk, 
James E. Ottaway ; Treasurer, Charles II. Chapman ; Jus- 
tice of the Peace, Michael Donahoo ; Commissioner of High- 
ways, William Moi'rish ; Township Superintendent of 
Schools, Norman A. Beecher; School Inspector, John Pass- 
more ; Drain Com'r (two years), C. C. Decker ; Constables, 
C. L. Lyons, M. Donahoo, Jr., Wm. Stone, C. C. Decker. 

1877. — Supervisor, George E. Houghton ; Town Clerk, 
Edwin il. Goodwin ; Treasurer, Peter Lennon ; Justice of 
the Peace, George A. Evans ; Commissioner of Highways, 

E. W. Fenner ; Township Superintendent of Schools, John 
Passmore ; School Inspector, Henry D. Howes ; Constables, 
Nelson Burleson, John A. McCrea, Charles L. Lyons, 
Darwin A. Countryman. 



1878. — Supervisor, Peter Lennon ; Town Clerk, James 
E. Ottaway (did not accept, and Herbert Anthony was 
appointed) ; Tieasuror, Isa;ic Lyons; .Justice of the Peace, 
Theron Wallace; Commissioner of Highways, John T. 
Parker ; Township Superintendent of Schools, John Piiss- 
more ; School Inspector, William Stone ; Drain Commis- 
sioner (two years), M. Donahoo; Con.stablos, C. L. Lyons, 
Charles L. Countryman, Willis S. Nichols, Hiram Morrish. 

1879.— Supervi.sor, Peter Lennon ; Town Clerk, .James 
E. Ottaway; Treasurer, Sylvenas Graves; Justices of the 
Peace, Isaac Lyons, Sr., Paul Countryman ; Commissioner 
of Highways, John F. Parker; Township Superintendent 
of Schools, Heni-y R. Kclliout; School Inspector, William 
Stone ; Constables, Charles L. Lyons, Charles L. Country- 
man, James H. Moores, Edward Redman. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school in the township was very likely taught 
in the Miller settlement. In the spring of 1888 a log 
school-house was built acro.ss the line in Gaines, and a 
term of school taught that season by a Miss Watkins, of 
Mundy. This building was used but one year. In 183'J a 
frame school-house was erected on the north side of the line, 
where the store of the Messrs. Miller now stands (southca.st 
corner section 35, in Clayton). The present frame building 
used for school-purposes is on the Gaines side of the line. 

About 184-1 a log school-house was built on the corner of 
Isaac Lyons' land, where the present house in District No. 8 
stands. The first school in it was a winter term, taught by 
Miss Angeline Smith, now the wife of Robert C. Ransom, 
of Flushing. There were then few children of school-age 
in the neighborhood. Mr. Lyons had but one, yet his 
tuition was $3.75, even though the wages paid the teachers 
were low. The district then contained sixteen sections. 

In the Donahoo neighborhood there was no school until 
1854. In April of that year a log school-house was built 
on Barnard Lennon's land, and a summer term taught in it 
by Miss Electa Perkins. The first year the school was car- 
ried on by the aid of rate bills, afterwards partly with public 
money. The district (No. 2) was organized April 22, 1854, 
with Michael Donahoo as director. The present fi-amc 
school-building in this district stands 200 rods east of the 
site of the original log building. 

The following is the report of the schools of Clayton 
township for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878 : 



DlSTItKTS. 


Cliildrrn lu ench Die- 
Irict from Five to 
Twenty Yenra. 


a 

■n 

s 
•o 

Sfe 

a 
o 

5 


1 

a 

ti 

a 
o 
'A 


"3 S3 

111 

III 


•-1 

K to 
S5 


o 

1 


u 

a, 

z 

o 
o 

3 


NUMBKlt 01 


Tkacukrs. 


Tbacued: 


' Waues. 


Frame. 


Hitlo. 


Female. 


Male. 


Fcmnlo. 

■ 


No. 

u 
It 
u 
tt 
(t 

U 


1 


48 
48 
61 
35 
52 
44 
2U 
57 
30 


60 
43 
57 
23 
4U 
36 
22 
69 
28 


"i 
2 


140 

1411 
1611 
Mil 
100 
140 
147 
110 
Mil 


1 


65 

60 
50 
.'.0 
40 

no 

35 
60 
60 


$1100 
800 
800 
100 
500 
300 
500 
1000 
700 


1 

1 

"i 
1 

1 
1 

"i 


1 
1 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 


$100 
87.50 


$30 
42 

156 
27 
40 
30 
35 

132 
30 


2 


3 .... 


5» 


105 

120 

100 

80 


6 

8 


9 

I2» 


13 _ 


100 



• Fractional diatiicLi. 



46 



362 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Total receipts for year ending as above, S2514.34; 
amount on liaiiil Sept. 2, 1878, $G21.45 ; total expendi- 
tures, less amount on hand, $1892.89. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH, SWARTZ 
CREEK. 

As early as the fall of 1837 regular preaching was held 
here by this denouiiiiation, Rev. Mr. Whitney, then sta- 
tioned at Flint, filling the appointment. A Methodist 
class was organized at the same time, and meetings were 
for a number of years held in the school-house. Finally, 
in the spring of 185G, the present frame church was built 
ou land taken from the Miller property. Daniel Miller, 
now of Leelanau County, was one of the early pillars of 
the church. The society has at present a very fair mem- 
bership, and is in good condition. The pastor at this time 
(July, 1879) is Rev. Joel B. Goss. 

SWARTZ CREEK POST-OFFICE (HAMILTON 
STATION). 

During the infancy of the settlement people coming here 
from the direction of Flint .spoke of going '' up the Swartz," 
and in time the small stream flowing near became known as 
Swartz Creek, though only a branch of the main stream. 
A mail-route was finally established, extending from Flint 
through to HartwoUville, on the Grand River road, in 
Shiawassee County, via Vernon and old Sliiawasseetown. 
This was probably in the fall of 1842. An office was at 
the same time establi-shed at the Miller settlement, and 
named Swartz Creek. Arthur L. Ellsworth received the 
first appointment as postmaster, and after discharging the 
duties of the office about one year he moved away. Mail 
was then carried on horseback. Ellsworth's successor was 
Peter Miller, who held the office about eight years. Henry 
Snyder was next appointed, then Caleb H. Howes, and 
about the close of the war of the Rebellion, Enos M. Mil- 
ler was placed in charge, and still continues in that capacity. 

As early as 1842, Miller & Rail sold the first goods in 
the place. They were the proprietors of an asliery, and 
carried on a large business. Goods were given in exchange 
for ashes, and were also sold to others needing them. This 
industry is numbered among the things of the past, although 
while in operation it proved lucrative. Three or four years 
before the railway was completed through the place a store 
was built, and a stock of merchandise opened by William 
M. Thurber, of Flint. This was afterwards burned. It 
stood on the Gaines side of the line. A short time pre- 
vious to the completion of the road (now known as the 
Chicago and Northeastern Railway) a small grocery was 
started by a man named Wright, but was not long continued. 

The village now contains four stores, a flour- and feed- 
mill, one hotel, a meat-market, a shoe-shop, three blacksmith- 
and wagon-shops, one harness-shop, three millinery-estab- 
lishments, and one physician (Dr. Gordon). The hotel 
mentioned is on the Gaines side, and is called the " Bristol 
House." It was built by Ephraim Fletcher, in the summer 
of 1877, and is a large frame structure. 

The railway was completed and began operations in 
October, 1876. The station was named Hamilton, in 
honor of William Hamilton, of Flint, one of the directors 



of the company. As the names of tlie station and post^ 
office are different, much trouble is caused in shipping 
goods, and also in mail connections, as another place called 
Hamilton exists in the State. Efforts have been made to 
secure a change in the name of the station, but thus far 
unsuccessfully. 

On the 17th of March, 1877, a village-plat was laid out 
on the northeast fractional quarter of the northeast frac- 
tional quarter of section 2, in the township of Gaines, and 
given the name of Swartz Creek, to correspond with the 
post-office. Two lots had been previously sold, — one to 
Benjamin Ingalls, and the other to Charles H. Evans, and, 
in con.se(|uence, their names appear with that of Julia 
Miller (widow of Peter Miller) as village proprietors, al- 
though they owned but the two lots. The plat was laid on 
a portion of Mr. Miller's estate, and has been built upon to 
some extent. Jlost of the business of the village is, how- 
ever, in Clayton township, where a few lots have been sold 
to individuals, while as yet no regular plat has been made 
and recorded. The post-office and most of the stores are 
on the north side, and in both towuships are elcgible sites 
for building. 

SOCIETIES AND ORDERS. 

LIBERTY ORANGE, NO. 255, PATRONS OF HDSBANDRY, 

was organized under dispensation, Feb. 26, 1874, and 
chartered July 7, 1874. Its first Master was F. F. Kel- 
licut. The present membership is about 45. The build- 
ing in which the post-office and Miller's store are located is 
the properly of the Grange, whose room is in the second 
story. The officers for 1879 are: Master, E. J. Goodwin ; 
Overseer, W. M. Morris; Secy., W. L. Jliller; Chaplain, 
Joseph Remington ; Lecturer, William Holden ; Treas., 
E. Calkin. 

GOOD-WILL LODGE, NO. 309, I. O. 0. P., 

was chartered Feb. 5, 1878, with the following members, 
viz. : Edward S. Dart, William E. Short, George Jeffere, 
John McSorley, and William D. Bailey. Its present mem- 
bership is about 35, and its officers are : Noble Grand, 
John Ford ; Vice-Grand, Henry Kellicut ; Secy., Paul 
Countryman ; Permanent Secy., D. A. Countryman ; Treas., 
John C. Smith. The Lodge holds its meetings in the 
Grange Hall. 

PEARLY FOUNTAIN LODGE, NO. GO, I. 0. G. T., 

was chartered Feb. 27, 1878, with 16 members. Darwin 
A. Countryman was the first executive officer. The present 
membership is about 30, and the officers are the following: 
AVorthy Chief Templar, D. A. Countryman ; Worthy Vice- 
Templar, Mi-s. D. A. Countryman ; Secy., John Moorhouse ; 
Financial Secy., Andrew Barlow ; Treas., Mrs. Paul Coun- 
tryman. The lodge-room is also in Grange Hall. 

MYRTLE LODGE, NO. 1415, KNIGHTS OF HONOR, SWARTZ 
CREEK, 

was organized Feb. 22, 1879, with 24 members. The 
membership is the same at present. The organization 
meets in Grange Hall. Its officers are: Past Dictator, G. 
G.Gordon; Dictator, W. L. Miller; Vice-Dictator, Johu 




CALEB CALKINS. 




MRS. CAROLINE CALKINS. 



CALEB CALKINS. 



This estimable gentleiiiun, born in New Hampshire, Nov. 26, 1S04, 
was descended from a good old Welsh family, whose representative 
came to this country many generations ago. His father, also named 
Caleb, who died in April, 1S04, at the age of forty-five years, was one 
of a family of seven brothers, all the rest of whom lived to a good old 
age, — from seventy to one hundred and four years. His mother's 
maiden name was Hannah Barber. 

At the age of twenty years he took unto himself a wife in the 
person of Miss Caroline Piper, who was born in the State of Con- 
necticut, June 12, 1804. She was a daughter of Samuel and Betsey 
(Lucas) Piper. Her father was of German descent, and served in 
the American army during the war of 1812. Ho was four times 
married. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1795, was Betsey 
Lucas, who bore him five children, — Betsey, Olive, Dimmis, Mercy, 
and Caroline. She died in June, 1805, and a year later he took a 
second wife, whose name was Annie Coville. By her he became the 
father of nine other children, who were named, respectively, Polly, 
Nelson, Matilda, Maletta, Ann, Eliza, William, Fanny, and George. 
{This youngest son enlisted in the Union army, and was captured by 
the rebels, incarcerated in Libby prison, and died from the starvation 
and inhumanity to which he was subjected.) In 1837, having again 
become a widower, he married for his third wife a lady of the name 
of Thayer. The last marriage occurred in 1854, after he had passed 
the eightieth anniversary of his birth. The name borne by this 
fourth wife was Farr. His death occurred in August, 1860, he being 
then upwards of eighty-six years old. 

Caleb Calkins and Caroline Piper were married in the '* Green 
Mountain" State, on the 22d day of February, 1825. The following 
spring they gathered together the household goods and removed to 
the famous Genesee country, in Western New York, where they 
started a home in the town of AVheatland, Monroe Co. From there 
they moved to Oakfield, N. Y., where Mr. Calkins and his brother 
Daniel had purchased a farm in the then wilderness, which was 
overrun by the wolves and Indians. He subsequently sold his interest 
in that place and bought on the West openings. His next move was 
to start out with his father-in-law to look at the lands of Michigan. 
They came to Calhoun County, traveling on foot, and selling pins, 
needles, and notions by the way to pay their expenses. He had pre- 
viously sold his farm on the openings, and now bought a farm in 
Michigan. He subsequently sold it, however, and bought another in 
the town of Alabama, Genesee Co., N. Y., where he resided several 
years. In 1840 he traded that place with his brother Daniel, taking 
in exchange one hundred and sixty acres in the town of Clayton, 
seven miles -west of Flint. Having examined his latest acquisition, 
and let to Samuel Wickham the job of clearing two acres, sowing it 
to wheat, and harvesting the crop, he then returned to New York. 
In 1841 ho sent his household goods by team to Buffalo, and shipped 
them on a lake craft to Detroit, and then, with his family in an emi- 
grant wagon drawn by a good pair of horses, started to found a home 



in Miehigiin. He crossed the Niagara at Lewiston, traveled through 
t'anada, crossed the Detroit River at Detroit, and arrived at his new 
home in October. They were accompanied by Mr. Calkins' sister, 
Mrs. Sherman Fletcher, whose husband had preceded the rest of the 
party by a'couple of weeks for the purpose of having a house ready 
for their joint occupancy before the party arrived. In this intention, 
however, he failed, and the families temporarily moved in with 
Samuel Wickham, remaining there some eight or ten days before 
Fletcher's house was ready. Both families lived in the Fletcher 
house for three weeks. Mr. Calkins traded his team of horses with 
Jarvis Bailey, getting a team of oxen, a cow, a hog. and lumber for 
his house in exchange. At the expiration of the three weeks his 
own house was ready and the family moved in. 

There are many interesting incidents connected with their pioneer 
experiences, some of which we briefly mention. In the winter follow- 
ing their arrival (1841-42) fodder for the cattle could not be obtained, 
and as a consequence they were forced to live upon " browse," or the 
tender twigs of trees that were felled for that purpose. In January, 
1843, the family were out of flour and had no money. As an ex- 
pedient, Mr. Calkins purchased a load of lumber (giving his note in 
payment), hired a man to draw it to Milford, and traded it for two 
barrels of flour of very poor quality — about what would now be 
classed as " No. 1 middlings." To settle the note forty bushels of 
wheat was given the next harvest. In 1848 he sent his eldest son to 
Pontiac with a load of wheat, and he brought back a load of apples, 
which were the first brought into Clayton. 

Mr. Calkins was fond of hunting, and very proficient in the use of 
the rifle; both his own and his ncighboi-s' tables were well supplied 
with venison furnished by his skill. He built the first framed barn 
in Clayton, and also the first school-house. The *' raisings" were 
attended by every man in Clayton, and some from Flushing and 
Flint. For several years Mr. Calkins worked among the neighbors 
at shoemaking, coo2>ering. and carpenter and joiner work. 

In his lifetime he was honored by his fellow-citizens by being 
called to ofiice, serving as school inspector and justice of the peace, 
demonstrating in each position his ability and probity of character. 
Both he and his wife were honored members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, lived consistent and exemplary Christian lives, and 
passed from earth secure in their faith in Christ, and the loving re- 
gards of their friends and acquaintances. Mr. Cnlkins died Aug. 5, 
1860, and his wife Nov. 12, 1863. 

Mr. Calkins had a family of thirteen children, of whom six still 
survive. Their names and residences are as follows: Edmund, 
Daniel, Elijah, and Elisha Calkins, of Clayton : Mrs. A. M. Felt, of 
Mount Morris; James H. Calkins, of Owasso. Of the deceased, Edmoud, 
Rosina, and Matilda died young in the State of New York; Edwin, 
and Caroline, wife of William Morrish, in this town; Dimmis, wife 
of Thomas Morrish, in Flint; and John W., a soldier in Co. H, 4th 
Michigan Cavalry, in August, 1864, at Cartersville, Ga. 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 



3G3 



Ford ; Assistant Dictator, Charles L. Countryman ; Re- 
porter, Charles McLain ; Financial Reporter, M. S. 
Osjrood ; Treas., Benjamin Injialls ; Chaplain, F. W. 
Fuller ; Guide, George Jeffers ; Guardian, John C. Smith ; 
Sentinel, J. L. Goodrich. 

SWARTZ CREEK LADlKs' LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. 

The idea of forming an association of this nature in the 
village was first conceived and mentioned by Mrs. Benja- 
min Ingalls, and to lior and Mrs. D. K. Salisbury is due the 
praise for carrying out the plan. The society was organ- 
ized iu May and June, 1877, with about 30 members. The 
plan of the work is somewhat different at present, sub.scrip- 
tions being taken. The number of volumes in the library 
in the middle of June, 1879, was 181. These are princi- 
pally works of fiction, although a considerable number of 
religious and other volumes are included. The society- 
room is in Grange Hall. The present officers are : Presi- 
dent, Mrs. J. C. Parsons; Vice-President, Mre. Charles 
Crapser ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. D. K. Salisbury ; Cor- 
responding Secretary, Mrs. Jenny Hill ; Treasurer, Mrs. 
Davison ; Librarian, Mrs. Ingalls. The society is not yet 
incorporated. 

Among tho.se who have kindly furnished information in 
this township, and to whom thanks are therefore due and 
hereby tendered, are Enos M. Miller, Lsaac Lyons, Esq., 
Jacob Coddington (of Flushing), James E. Ottaway, John 
Carton, Michael Doiiahoo, E.-^q., Peter Lennon, and numer- 
ous others, whom tiiere is not space to meution. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PAUL E. TRAYNOR. 

Bernard Traynor was born at Cootehill, County Cavan, 
Ireland, in ISIO. He lived at home with bis parents, who 
were farmers, until about 1830, when he married Ellen 
Donahoo, and commenced farming on his own account. 
In 1844, in hopes of being able to better his condition, he 
joined the tide of emigrants then crossing the ocean to 
found new homes and build up futures in the country 
whose name had become to them the synonym of hope and 
promise, and, with his wife and three children, landed in 
New York in due time. 

Some years previous his brothers-in-law, Bernard Lennon 
and Patrick Conlen, had come to America, and had finally 
settled in Clayton. They had written back glowing reports 
regarding the cheap lands and rich soil there so abundant, 
and Lennon, to encourage bis brother-in-law to come, had 
promised to give him forty acres of land. Upon his arrival 
in Clayton he at once moved on to this land, — the north- 
west quarter of the northeast (|uarter of section 30, — and 
began improving it, in the mean time, also, working out at 
day labor to support his family. He arrived in July, just 
at harvest-time, and worked during that sea.son on the Card 
fiirm, in Sliiawa.ssee County, six tniles from bis home, walk- 
ing back and forth each day, and receiving two bushels of 
wheat for each day's labor. 

By his industrious habits and energetic efforts, actuated 



by a laudable ambition to become "forehanded" in the 
world, be not only cleared and improved the forty acres he 
originally owned, but also about two hundred and forty 
acres more which he was able to add to it. His wife died 
in 1847, and he survived her .-ome twentj'-eight years, 
living a widower till bis death, which occurred May 13, 
1875, from consumption. 

His children were I'aul K., Edward, Susan, Michael, and 
Mary A., all of whom live in Clayton, Paul E. and Michael 
occupying each a part of the homestead. 

Paul E. Traynor was born in Ireland, Aug. 15, 1830, 
and lived with bis parents until the winter of lH()2-63, 
when, in February, he eidisted as a private in Company II, 
23d Michigan Infantry, and went forth to fight the battles 
of his adopted country against the hosts of its rebellious 
citizens. He participated in the battles of Nelson, Crab 
Orchard, Stone Uiver, and llesaca, in the latter engagement 
receiving an injury in his right side from being struck by 
a spent .shell, which sent him to the hospital and kept him 
there until he was discharged, in June, 1805. Since bis 
return he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in this 
town, where he has one hundred and sixty acres on sec- 
tion 20. 



PETER LENNON. 



It is not always the oldest citizens of a town who are the 
most intimately connected with its development and prog- 
ress. In this case we write of a man who, though yet 
young in point of years, has demonstrated his ability and 
made bis mark in the world. Ho springs from the hardy 
race of Irish farmers who have done so much towards de- 
veloping the resources of this country. His father, Peter 
Lennon, was born in Belle Bay, County Monahan, Ireland, 
in 1814. He was a son of Edward Lennon. In 1833 he 
was married to Margaret Bowen, and, three years after, 
came to this country. He settled in Wayne Co., Pa., and 
from that time until 1853 was engaged as a contractor in 
constructing railroads, mostly in that State. From there 
he came to this town (Clayton), where his brother Bernard 
had long resided, and, purchasing the southwest (piarter of 
the northwest quarter of section 3(t, commenced the business 
of farming, which he carried on, with painstaking industry, 
until bis death, which occurred Jan. 10, 1801. His wife 
died July 7, 1859. 

Their family consisted of a son and a daughter, — Peter, 
born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 3, 1839, and Anna J., born 
Jan. 18, 1843. Anna J. is a school-teacher, and still 
makes this town her place of residence. Peter came to 
Michigan with his parents when he was fourteen years of 
age, and lived at homo until be was twenty-two, attending 
the common schools as opportunity occurred, and, by appli- 
cation and a natural aptitude for ac([uiring knowledge, ob- 
tained a good, ])ractical English education. At that time 
the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion aroused his 
patriotism, leading to his enrollment, Aug. 7, 1801, as a 
private in Company D, 5th Michigan Infantry, in which 
be served four years, rc-cidisting on the 25th of December, 
1803; he w;is mustered out July 27, 1805. Entering 
the service as a private, he rose through all the grades to 



364 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



captain, receiving a commission as such a short time before 
being mustered out. He was in the Army of the Potomac, 
and participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Seven 
Days' Fight before Richmond, Harrison's Landing, second 
Bull llun, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, at 
New York during the draft riots, Bristoe Station, Wilder- 
ness, the siege of Petersburg, and numerous lesser engage- 
ments. He was severely wounded in the head at Williams- 
burg, received a slight wound in the right leg at Gettysburg, 
and a more severe one through the calf of the same leg at 
the Wilderness. 

After the battle of Chancellorsville he was, with several 
others of his brigade, decorated with the " Kearney Cross" 
for meritorious conduct on the field. This honor was con- 
ferred by General Order No. 48, issued May 16, 1863, by 
D. B. Birney, brigadier-general, commanding 1st Division, 
3d Corps, Army of the Potomac, which was Kearney's old 
division. Oct. 27, 1864, he was taken prisoner at the 
battle of Hatch's Run, and after being confined in Libby 
prison one week was taken to the prison-pen at Salis- 
bury, N. C, where he was subjected to the usual inhu- 
manity exhibited towards Union prisoners by the rebels, 
until, on the 4th day of January, 1865, he, with fourteen 
others, eluded the guard and made his escape. In com- 
pany with one other, he continued his efforts to reach the 
Union lines, and after traveling about four hundred miles 
across the country, mostly in the night-time, finally found 
assistance and protection with the Union troops at Straw- 
berry Plains, near Knoxville, in East Tennessee, where they 
arrived Feb. 7, 1865. Rejoining his regiment, he took 
part in the closing campaign of the Rebellion, and was 
present at Lee's surrender. This record of a gallant .soldier 
is one of which any one might well be proud, and Mr. 
Lennon, though in no spirit of boasting, refers to it with 
pardonable pride. 

For six years after his return home he served as a mem- 
ber of the Flint Union Blues. 

Upon his return he accepted the position of superintend- 
ent of the Flint River Boom Company, which he filled for 
nine years, when he moved on to his farm in Clayton. He 
now owns five hundred acres, and is engaged in agriculture, 
making something of a specialty of wheat-growing. 

He is well known as a War Democrat, and has no sym- 
pathy with the present tendency of the party in the direc- 
tion of States' Rights. He has held the office of treasurer 
and supervisor of the town, as will be seen by reference to 
the history of Clayton township in this work. 

Jan. 9, 1872, he was wedded to Miss Susan Traynor, of 
Clayton. Their eliildron have been four in number, — Peter, 
born Oct. 6, 1872, died Oct. 14, 1872 ; Wilbur James, 
born Sept. 16, 1874; Mary Ellen, born July 9, 1876; 
Peter Bernard, born Aug. 7, 1878. 



He remained with his parents, as.sisting in the work on 
the farm, until he reached the age of twenty-three years, 
when he conceived the idea of emigrating to America, to 
make his fortune in the land of liberty. Taking passage 
for New York on the sailing ship " William Cooper," he, 
after an uneventful voyage, reached the modern Gotham, 
and remained there two years before coming West. In the 
fall of 1851 he came to Flint, and went to work on the 
farm of Allen Walkley, with whom he remained nearly four 
years. In the time that thus intervened he purchased the 
western half of the northeast quarter of section 29, in 
Clayton. Soon after his marriage he moved on to this 
place and began to improve it, and by his energy and good 
management, backed by a vast amount of hard labor, he 
has increased its size to three hundred and forty acres, 
nearly half of which is under cultivation, and has been 
cleared mainly by the work of his own hands. 

He was married, in December, 1853, to Margaret Red- 
mond, of Flint, who was the daughter of James and Bridget 
Redmond, of County Wexford, Ireland. They have had 
nine children, as follows: James, born Aug. 24, 1855; 
Anna, burn July 25, 1857 ; Kittie, born March 16,1859; 
Bridget, born July 25, 1861 ; Mary, born Sept. 30, 1863 ; 
Michael, born May 5, 1865; John, born Sept. 10, 1866; 
Sarah, born Aug. 30, 1867 ; and Julia, born Nov. 6, 1870. 
Mary died Aug. 30, 1868, John died in infancy, and the 
rest are at present living in Clayton. 



MICHAEL McENRUE. 
This prominent farmer of the township of Clayton, who 
has done so much towards developing the town, was born 
in County Cavan, Ireland, in the month of October, 1826. 
His parents were farmers, and bore the names of Owen and 
Catharine (McCabe) McEnrue. 



JAMES PENOYER. 

Descended from a French family, wlio.se representative or 
representatives came across the sea many generations ago, 
and settled in some part of New England, the present 
generation of Penoyers have no means of tracing their 
direct genealogy for more than three generations in the 
past. 

James Penoyer, grandfather of the present person of 
that name, was a resident of Lee, Mass., for many years, 
and from there moved to Onondaga Co., N. Y., in the early 
days of the settlement of that section of the country. His 
home was in the town of Fabius, where he and his wife 
died at a ripe old age. Their children were named Reuben, 
David, Jacob, Truman, Silas, Zina, and Doty. They all 
lived and died in Onondaga County, with the exception of 
the youngest son. Doty, who served in tlie war of 1812 as 
drum-major, afterwards enlisted in the regular army, served 
several years in the West, and died somewhere in the Yel- 
'lowstone country. 

Jacob was the father of the subject of our memoir. He 
was married in Massachusetts (probably at Lee) to a Miss 
Crocker, by whom he became the father of five children, 
named, respectively, Sally, Mercy, David, Josiah, and Zina. 
His first wife dying, he subsequently married Lucy St. 
John, who bore him four other children, — Anna, James, 
Julia, and Abigail. His wife died June 22, 1828, aged 
fifty years, and two years later he was called from earth, 
his death occurring July 13, 1830, at the age of fifty-six 
years. Of his children but five are now living. Their 
names and residences are : Mrs. Mercy Fairchilds, Cortland, 



CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 



365 



N. Y. ; Mrs. Zina Woodroe, Pekin, 111. ; Mrs. Anna Ing- 
ham, Flushinsi;, Midi. ; Miss Julia Barnes, Clay, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y. ; and James Penoycr, of Clayton. 

James Penoyer was born in the town of Fabius, Onon- 
daga Co., N. Y., Oct. 1, 1812, and spent his boyhood and 
early youth at home, attending the common schools some 
portion of the time. After his mother's death, at the age 
of fifteen years, he was apprenticed to Marovia Marsh, of 
Pompey Hill, to learn the trade of a hatter. Four years 
later his brother Josiah, who was a hatter doing business at 
TuUy Corners, purchased his time, and with him he fin- 
ished his term of apprcntice.ship. In June, 1834, he left 
his brother's employ, and came West as far as Medina Co., 
Ohio, where he stopped and went to farming, part of the 
time on some laud of his own. In December, 183G, he 
came to this county and commenced work for his brotlicr 
David, of Flushing, who was clearing fifty acres of land 
on what is known as the Mclutyre farm for Thomas L. L. 
Brent. About a year later he purchased one hundred and 
seventy acres of land, — ninety acres being on section 3, in 
Clayton, and eighty acres on section 34, in Flushing. He 
continued in his brother's employ most of the time until 
the .summer of 1838, when he returned to Ohio* and June 
11th was married to Miss Nancy M. Freeman, of Westfield, 
Medina Co., who was born at Truxton, Cortland Co., N. Y., 
Dec. 29, 1817. She was a daughter of Rufus and Clarissa 
(St. John") Freeman, of that place. 

The Freeman family were Vermonters, Rufus' father 
being one of the earliest settlers in that State. They came 
from Truxton to Westfield in the spring of 1825, and were 
among the earliest settlers there. Rufus bought in all three 
hundred acres of land, which he owned at the time of his 
death. He was a Baptist preacher as well as a farmer, and 
served as pastor of a number of churches while living in 
Ohio, renting his farm when lie was not situated so as to 
manage it himself. He died in Westfield, March 8, 1875, 
having survived his wife nearly twenty-one years. 

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Penoyer came to 
Michigan, but did not occupy their farm until Oct. 31 
1869, living meantime in Flushing. Then, to enable Mr. 
I'enoyer to work during the winter at clearing his land, 
they moved across the river, before the fall rains had swelled 
it enough to prevent its being forded, and commenced life 
in a rude, unfinished log ealiin, which had been constructed 
amid the towering oaks, eight of which stood within arm's 
length of its walls. Here they encountered, defied, and 
triumphed over all the trials that their situation entailed 
upon them. Their first crop of wheat, which proniiscHl 
finely, was destroyed by a sharj) fiost in the month of June, 
and for a year or two flour was a scarce article in their 
household. Its lack was made up by an abundant supply of 
potatoes, milk, and meat, — the latter consisting of pork and 
wild game, — and was not so .serious an affliction as it would 
otherwise have been. These hard.ships, their disagreeable 
features having been softened to the memory by the lapse of 
time, are now remembered as interesting reminiscences, and 
are a source of honorable pride and satisfaction, as evincing 
the courage and fortitude that enabled the pioneer to conquer 
them. 

Fifteen years ago they exchanged farms with Thomas J. 



Packard, and removed from Flushing to Clayton, taking up 
their residence on the northeast <(uarter of section 5, where 
their pleasant and attractive home is still maintained. 
Their lives have been quiet and retired, filled with the 
pleasures incident to industrious home-life rather than 
those of social and public life ; and now, surrounded by 
family, friends, and the comforts of competence, they 
calmly await the passing of the years till, like well-ripened 
sheaves, they shall be gathered into the garner of the Lord. 
Both have long been members of the Baptist Church in 
Flushing, and have exemplified by their practice the princi- 
ples they profess. 

Their cliildien, four in number, are all living. Their 
names are Luia Clari.ssa, born May 25, 1839, married A. 
S. Partridge, and lives in Flushing ; Rufus James, born 
Aug. 14, 1842, now living in Colorado; Hiram Fluyd, 
born July 11, 1849, residing in Flushing; and Byruu 
Lewis, boru March 8, 1855, living in Clayton. 



ISAAC LYONS. 
The Lyons family sprang from an Irish emigrant who 
settled in Connecticut many years ago. From that State 
the family migrated to Sussex Co., N. J., where Isaac 




IS.\AC LYONS. 

Lyons, Sr., was married to Polly Shepard, and afterwards 
removed to Ithaca, Toni]ikiiis Co., N. Y , where they lived 
a long time and had a numerous family of children. Their 
names were William, Jacob, Squire, Joseph, Maria, Eliza, 
Isaac, Daniel B., Abrani H., Mary, and Ann. .lacob, S<|uire, 
.Joseph, and Mary died in Nmv York, Abiam H. in Flint, 
Mrs. Maria Coddington in Flushing, and Mrs. Ann Granger 
in Clayton. The other four are still living, — William in 
Detroit, Mrs. Eliza Clement and Daniel B. in Flint, and 
Isaac in Clayton. 

In the fall of 183G, Lsaac Lyons, Sr., with his wife and 
most of his family, came to Michigan and stopped in Flint. 
He purcha.sed ten eighty-acre lots on sections 5, G, and 8, 
in Clayton, for the occupancy of his children. They 
moved on to the land.s in the fall of 1838 and spring of 



366 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1839. He and his wife, however, continued to reside in 
Flint till their deaths, — she dying in 1842, and he some 
years later. 

Isaac Lyons, Jr., was horn in Ithaca, N. Y., Jan. 29, 
1816. In May, 1836, he married Caroline Livingston, a 
daughter of John and Lena ( Cole) Livingston, of Hector, 
in the adjoining county of Schuyler. John Livingston was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and Lena Cole of New Jersey. 
He died in Schuyler County, and his wife is still living 
there, with a son, at the great age of ninety-three years. 

Isaac was a blacksmith by trade, and after his marriage 
came to Michigan with his parents, and built the second 
blacksmith-shop in Flint, where he worked for a couple of 
years before settling on his land, which was the east half of 
the southeast quarter of section 5, in Clayton. From that 
time on he has continued to reside on the place, working a 
good share of the time at his trade, having succeeded in 
getting most of his land cleared by exchanging shop-work 
for chopping with his neighbors, and has increased the size 
of his farm by purchasing the west half of the quarter-sec- 
tion. A strong Democrat in his political belief, he has 
never missed but one election since he became a voter, and, 
being in sympathy with the political majority in his town, 
has often been elected to office. He has held the offices of 
highway commissioner, drain commissioner, and town treas- 
urer. He was elected a justice of the peace at the first 
town-meeting held in Clayton, and is still holding that 
office, having served continuously for upwards of thirty- 
seven years. 

His family consists of five sons, — John, born Jan. 19, 
1839 ; Smith, born Aug. IS, 1841 ; Isaac, Jr., born Oct. 
10, 1846; Andrew J., born July 12, 1849 ; and Charles 
L., born Sept. 1, 1853. John died March 27, 1849, and 
Andrew J., Aug. 18, 1S50. The others are living in 
Clayton. 



MICHAEL DONAHOO. 

In the town of Amgeslin, County Cavan, Ireland, lived 
an Irish farmer by the name of Michael Donahoo, who had 
wooed, won, and married a blooming lassie of the neigh- 
borhood, by the name of Mary Coyle. From this union 
sprang a numerous family of children, one of whom, bear- 
ing his father's name, is the subject of this sketch. Their 
names and births were as follows : Ann, ISOG ; John, 1808 ; 
Mary, 1810; Ellen, 1812; Michael, 1818; Rose. 1820; 
Bridget (died in childhood) ; and Peter, 1830. Ann mar- 



ried Patrick Conley ; Mary married Bernard Lennon ; and 
both came to this country in 1832, and settled in Clayton 
in 1838. Ellen married Bernard Traynor, and in 1845, in 
company with others, came to America. 

Michael, Sr., died in Ireland, April 1, 1839. His son 
Michael married in April, 1845, his bride being Miss Ann 
McGrath, a daughter of Nicholas and Rose (Conoley) 
McGrath, of Cootehill, County Cavan. The 8th of May fol- 
lowing, they, in company with his mother, his brothers 
John and Peter, his sister Ellen and her husband, set sail 
for New York. On the voyage, his mother, whose health 
had been quite poor for some time, succumbed to the hai'd- 
ships of the voyage, and died at sea a few days before the 
vessel reached its destination. The rest of the party came 
directly to Clayton, where Michael purchased of a Mr. 
Giffisrd the west half of the southwest quarter of section 
19, and set about building up a home for himself and 
family. 

From that time on he has remained a substantial and 
respected citizen of the town, and one of its most success- 
ful farmers. His farm has been enlarged to one hundred 
and sixty acres, and is in an excellent condition, the result 
of thorough cultivation and careful judgment. With his 
own hands he has cleared about one hundred acres of his 
own, besides clearing considerable for others in the vicinity. 
He has recently erected a commodious and comfortable 
residence, where he and his wife dispense their hospitality 
in that generous, free-hearted, kindly way that has ren- 
dered " Irish hospitality" proverbial the world over. 

Always connected with the Roman Catholic Church, he 
has, since his residence here, and .since its organization, been 
a worthy member of the church at Flint. In politics he 
has ever been a Democrat, and has held the offices of high- 
way and drain commissioner, town treasurer, and justice of 
the peace. In the last-named office he has now served 
upwards of nineteen years. 

His children have been ten in number, — Mary, born Feb. 
14, 1846 ; Rose, born March 24, 1847 ; John, born May 
27, 1849; Sarah, born Aug. 21, 1851 ; Anna, born June 
3, 1853; Michael, born March 24, 1855 ; Ella, born Oct. 
21, 1857 ; William (1st), born September, 1859 ; William 
(2d), born Aug. 24, 1861 ; and Ida, born Aug. 14, 1868. 
John died April 1, 1865, and William (1st) died Nov. 23, 
1861. Mary married Michael Nolan, and now lives in 
Grand Blanc ; Anna married Thomas Burns, and lives in 
the adjoining town of Gaines. All of the other children 
are residents of Clayton. 



V I E N I^^A. 



This township, which is desii^nated by the ori<riiial sur- 
vey as towiitihij) number 9, of range number G east, is 
situated upon the north border of the county, west of the 
centre. It is bounded on the north by Saginaw County, 
and on the east, south, and west by the respective town- 
ships of Thctford, Mount Morris, and Montrose, in Genesee 
County. 

Its surfiice may be described in general terms as an ele- 
vated plain, cut by the rather deep ravines formed by its 
water-courses. On several sections to the immediate west 
and southwest of Clio village pine originally predominated. 
The remainder of the township was covered principally with 
heavy forests of deciduous trees, common to this portion of 
the State. 

Brent's and Pine Run are the principal water-courses. 
These streams flow towards the northwest, and ultimately 
empty their waters into Flint River. They have rendered 
service in former years to assist in sawing into merchanta- 
ble lumber the valuable pines which once swayed their 
towering tops over a large portion of the township, and the 
latter stream does duty at the present time in propelling 
the machinery of the grist-mill in Clio. The people are 
chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, the staple products 
being wheat, corn, and live-stock. Since the disappearance 
of the pine forests and lumbering interest the attention of 
the inhabitants has been more exclusively devoted to agri- 
culture. The soil, though light and sandy in those portions 
once denominated " pineries," is well adapted to wheat and 
other cereals. The whole township is being rapidly devel- 
oped into good farming-lands, and a corresponding increase 
in wealth and population is the result. 

According to .statistics of the State of Michigan pub- 
lished in 1874, this, in area, is the largest townsiiip in the 
county, and contains 23,119 acres. It now has a voting 
population of 500, and an approximate total population of 
2000. 

riONfiKll SETTLEMENTS. 

The first settler in this township, Charles McLean, was 
formerly a resident of the State of New York, and emi- 
grated to the Tittabawassee River country, in Saginaw 
County, about the year 1826. There he remained until 
July, 1833, when, having purchased of the government 
the northwest one-fourth of the northwest one-fourth of 
section 24, — a tract on the line of the old Saginaw Road, 
and the site of the pres(.'nt small village of Pine Run, — 
he soon after erected a strong, though rude, log cabin, be- 
came a resident during the fall of the same year, and long 
before he was joined by others than his own family and 
hired assistant-s had opened his hou.se to the public as a 
hostelry and place of eutertaiumeul fur those who journeyed 



over the then widely-known route to Saginaw. A single 
man, by the name of Sylvester Vibbard, canie here with 
Mr. McLean, and in August, 1833, purchased the west one- 
half of the southwest one-fourth of section 13, — a tract 
lying adjoining and directly north of McLean's purcha.se, 
and now owned by Charles L. Cole, Esq. When Mr. Mc- 
Lean first established his tavern, it was the only public-house 
on the route between Flint River village and Saginaw. At 
an early date he built the first framed hou.se in the town- 
ship. Its site was nearly opposite the present village 
school-house. In this house was kept the post-ofiSce for all 
the region lying between Flint and Saginaw. The office 
was established about 1836 or 1837, Charles McLean post- 
master. Here also was held the first township election, in 
the spring of 1837. 

During the year 1835, Hiram Benjamin, from Pontiac, 
Josiah C. Winters, and Humphrey McLean, a brother of 
Charles, became residents of the little settlement since 
known as Pine Run. Mr. Benjamin was a cabinetmaker 
by trade, and at a period shortly following his settlement 
here opened a small store or trading-post. The goods were 
brought from Pontiac at the time of his settlement, and 
when they were sold out his stock was never replenished. 
He was the first town.ship clerk of Vienna, in 1837, a ter- 
ritory which then comprised the present townships of 
Vienna, Tlietford, and Montrose. To him is also ascribed 
the honor of being the sire of the first child born in the 
new settlement, — a daughter, — which event occurred early 
in 1836. 

In 1836 the settlement was still further increased in 
numbers by the arrival of George Sparks, Waterman W. 
Neff", Clark Abbey, George Huyck, Theodore P. Dean, from 
Saginaw County, who built the first saw-mill * in the town- 
ship, in 1838, Reuben J. Warner, and his son, Daniel P. 
Warner. 

Prominent among the settlers of 1837 was Russell G. 
Hurd. He, with a family consisting of Nelson, Calista, 
Eliza, Hiram, George, Franklin, and Sawyer, came from 
Pike, Wyoming Co. (then Allegany Co.), N. Y., and ar- 
rived in Vienna in February. Their route led them 
through Canada, crossing the waters which divide the 
homes of the free from Victoria's dominions at Port Huron. 
The stock brought in con.si»tcd of two yoke of oxen, two 
cows, and a team of horses, — tlie first horses owned in the 
township. A log house Wiis ha.stily erected upon the prem- 
ises now owned by one of the sons. Sawyer Hurd, and 
occupied before its completion. During the following 
summer provisions and produce were procured in Pontine, 
for which they paid $20 per ton for hay, for wheat $2, po- 



* This mill was crirL'Icil on the silt' iif llie iireiicut giist-iiiill in Clio 
villjige. 

367 



368 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tiitoes $1, and oats T^ cts. per bushel ; for pork 25 cts. per 
pound. Mr. Nelson Ilurd rciueuibers the I'act that sonic 
one of tlie family was kept upon the road going to and 
reliiniin;; from Thread Mills and Pontiae the greater por- 
tion of the fust six months to obtain and bring in the 
necessary family supplies. 

Jlr. Ilurd, about the year 1840, erected a frame build- 
ing which was occupied by him as a store. He also estab- 
lislicd an ashery, whereby the early settlers were enabled to 
exchange ashes for dry-goods. In 1855, assisted by his 
sons, he built a saw-niill, which was situated one and one- 
lialf miles west of Clio. The following year a grist-mill — 
the first in the township — was put into operation. This is 
the mill now located at Pine llun. Mr. Ilurd succeeded 
Mr. McLean as postmaster, and was in various other capaci- 
ties prominently identified with the best interests of his 
township. 

The mails at an early day were taken on horseback. 
The route extended from Flint to Saginaw, and scnii- 
weckly trips were made. Tim Wallen and Nelson Ilurd 
were early mail-carriers. No bridge spanned Cass River 
then, and very IVecjuently the carriers found it necessary to 
swim their horses. After the completion of the plank 
road, about 185(), Messrs. Boss & Petty ran a daily line 
of stage-coaches over the route for the carrying of mails 
and passengers. 

Among other settlers of 1837 were William Ilotchkiss, 
from Niagara Co., N. Y., who enjoyed the distinction of 
being the first supervisor of the township ; Lsaiah Merri- 
nian, one of the first justices of the peace ; Edward May- 
bee, the first collector ; Christopher Hughes, who now 
resides in the village of Mount Morris; William Sissins, 
and Joshua Pattee, the latter from Monroe Co., N. Y. Mr. 
Pattee settled in East Bloomfield, Oakland Co., in 1820, 
and remained there till the date of his settlement in this 
township. His land, situated upon section 85, was pur- 
chased of the government in December, 1835, being the 
first tract entered upon that section. He served as justice 
of the peace for many years. His son, L. W. Pattee, who 
was born in Vienna in December, 1838, still resides on 
the homestead. 

In 183S, George T. Bingham, Samuel Rone, John 11. 
Whittemore, tavern-keeper at Pine Run, Orniond Booth 
and Joel, his brother, Marcus Goodrich, Nalium N. Wilson, 
the surveyor, Lemuel Johnson, John Jackson, Charles 
Montle, a son-in-law of Charles l\lcLean, Justin S. W. 
Porter, and Nicholas Sigsby became residents in the town- 
ship. 

Mr. Rone had been a soldier in the war of 1S12, was 
severely wounded in the battle of Black Rock, and in rec- 
ognition of his services was early granted a pension. The 
only United States pensioners residing in the county of 
Genesee, June 1, IS U), were Ri^uben Robinson, aged eighty- 
two yeare, living with J. N. Riibinsdn, township not stated, 
and Samuel Rone, of Vienna, aged Ht'ty-two years. 

Daniel N. Montague, a native of Hadley, Mass., settled 
in Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., in 1834, and removed from 
thence to his present premi.ses in this township in the spring 
of 1839. He represented his county in the lower hou.sc of 
the State Legislature in 1855, and has most worthily filled 



many other official positions in the gift of an appreciative 
public. 

Capt. Robert L. Ilurd, a native of Connecticut, a gallant 
soldier of the Revolutionary struggle with Great Britain, 
and the father of Russiill G. Ilurd, became a resident in 
1846. He died Aug. 27, 1S5(), aged ninety-four years. 

The resident tax-payers in 1 844,* alphabetically arranged, 
with the sections upon which they paid taxes, were as 
follows : 



Benjamin, Iliram, 23. 
Boiison, }Icnry, 26, 
lio;:;uc, Almond, 22. 
liini;hiun,(icorgcT.,26. 
lioutli, Oimontl, 23. 
Ituirbo, Anson, 23. 
Itlackmcr, UonHscIaor, 1-1. 
Conrnil, William C, 4, H. 
Colby, Ziicliariali J., 33, 31. 
Dean, TheoJoie 1'., 11, 23. 
Ensign, S. W. (Montrose), 22. 
Fainuul, Ira T., 22, .!!. 
(ioodrieh, Marcus, 22. 
IlinUle.v, Harry G., U, 26, 29. 
llur.l, Uusscll G., 13, 14,22, 20. 
Iluyek, (ieorgo, 20. 
Hughes, t'hristopher, 25. 
Heath, Urial, 23, 27. 
Johnson, Lemuel, 22. 
Jackson, John, 30. 
Montague, iJaniel N., 36. 
Mctealf, Josoiih W., 33. 



McLean, Ilumjihrey, 13, 
Montlo, Charles C, 1. 13. 
Neli; Waterman W., 25, 26. 
Pat lee, Josliua, 25. 
Phillips, Jacob, 13, 24, 26. 
Porter, Justin S. W., 20. 
Pigshy, Nicholas, 35. 
S|iarks. George, 24, 25. 
Travis, Kii-hanl (Montrose), 23. 
Taylor, John, 24. 
Taylor, Richard, 23, 24. 
Van Patten, John, 14, 24. 
Wright, William, 20, 27. 
Wright, John C, 27. 
Wright, Joshua, 20. 
Willis, Hiram, 21. 
Wooinit, Thomas, 30. 
Williams, Pavid, 1. 
Warner, Reuben J., 1.3. 
Warner, l)nnicl P., 13. 
Wilco.\, George (Montrose), 23, 



Grovencr Vinton, one of the early pioneers in the nortliern 
part of Genesee County, and a resident of the village of 
Mount Morris at the present time, came from Avon, Liv- 
ingston Co., N. Y., in January, 1830, and settled on theTit- 
tabawassee, four mil(« from the present city of Saginaw. 
Having, in 1835, purchased lands of the government, situ- 
ated in the present townships of Vienna and Tlietfi)rd, he 
removed to the latter township in February of the same 
year, and immediately began the improvement of his pur- 
chase. He was located in the vicinity of what was soon 
afterwards known as the Pine Run settlement, and found 
that Charles McLean and Vibbard were the only ones who 
had preceded him as settlers. Mr. Vinton was present at 
the first township election in Vienna, and was elected high- 
way commissioner and fence-viewer. Upon the erection of 
Thetford as a separate township, in 1842, he became a citizen 
of the latter. In 1844 he removed across the road, and again 
became a resident of Vienna, where he continued until 1875. 
Since the last-mentioned date the village of Mount Morris 
has been his place of residence. Mr. Vinton is a remark- 
ably well-preserved man, physically and mentally. The 
long years of an active, arduous pioneer life, with all ila 
attendant privations, for a period of nearly a half-century, 
rest lightly upon a head scarcely yet sprinkled with the 
frosts of old age. His voice is full and resonant. He 
speaks promptly and decisively, and his recollections of 
events connected with the early .settlement of Genesee 
County are most vivid and interesting. Surrounded by the 
comforts and luxuries which a long life of industry, true 
economy, and sobriety so surely brings, he bids fair to 



The townshi|i then ineluJeil \ieniui, and Montrose. 



VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 



309 



remain conspicuously as one of the loved and respected 
landmarks of the past for many years to come. 

Seth N. Heden, one of Michigan's pioneers, — although a 
resident of this township only since 1866, — came, with his 
father's family, from Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., and settled 
in Iladley, Lapeer Co., Mich., in 1836. His grandfather, 
William Beden, a native of Massachusetts, joined the 
Continental army immediately after the battle of Lexing- 
ton, and remained in the service until the close of the war. 
Smithfiold Beden, son of William, was the first white 
child born in Smlllij'uld, — now the town of Fairfield, Vt., 
— in 1789, and to the newly-born Vermonter was granted 
forty acres of land by a unanimous vote of the people. 
During the war of 1812, the veteran of the llevolution, 
with Ills son Smiihfield, served with credit with the New 
York State forces. Smithfield, with a wife and family of 
seven children, settled, as before stated, in Lapeer County, 
in 1836. Seth, the sixth child and third son of Smithfield, 
served with the 4lh Michigan Cavalry* during the war of 
the Ilcbellion. During the latter part of the war he was 
detailed on special service as topographical engineer on the 
staff of Gen. Wilson, the cavalry leader. 

LAND ENTRIES. 

The first entry for lands in this township occurred in 
June, 1830, when David A. llhodes, from Steuben Co., 
N. Y., purchased the east half of the southeast quarter of 
section 14. The next tracts were entered by Charles Mc- 
Lean and Sylvester Vibbard, both from Saginaw Co., Plich. 
Mr. McLean purchased the northwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 24 in July, 1833, while Vibbard 
bought the west half of the southwest quarter of section 13 
in August of the same year. 

Harry G. Hinckley, also from Saginaw County, entered 
the first land upon section 25 in October, 1834. 

During the year 1835, Grovcncr Vinton, Humphrey Mc- 
Lean, Joshua Pattcc, and others, became purchasers from 
the general government. 

The following is a transcript from the land-office records, 
so far as showing the names of those who purchased from 
the government at the rate of $1.25 per acre. The figures 
denoting years .show the date of the first purchase upon 
each section : 

1836, .section 1 : Whitney and Crawford, Daniel 11. Priii- 
dlc, William Ilotchkiss, David Adams, Charles Bunn, 
Charles Grunewold, Francis Jacobs, John Cook. 

1836, section 2 : Richard Vi. Dibble, John Simpson, 
Hugh Birckhcad, John Diamond. 

1835, section 3: Andrew Mack, Wni. Hotclikiss, David 
G. Hanmer, Richard E. Dibble. 

1836, section 4 : Herman Camp, Orrin Safford, Benja- 
min Pearson, II. ^I. lliiidcr.son. 

1836, section 5 : Jabez W. Throop, Hugh Birckhcad, 
William Newton, Hiram Boom. 

1830, section (i : Edward Otlcy, Jabcz W. Throop, 
Charles H. and Wm. T. Carroll, Waterman W. Neff, 
Hiram Boom. 

1836, section 7 : Edward Otlcy, George H. Howe, Rich- 

* A detachment uf this regiiuoDt capUirud .JulT Davis in petticoats. 
47 



ard B. Bailey, Jacob Duell, Miles Gillett, Francis Wiggins, 
Giles Bishop. 

1836, section 8: Jose]ih Lawrence, Adrian Abbott, 
George W. Howe, I. I. Ciuirrand ct Co., F. Buell, Hugh 
IJirckhead. 

1846, section 9 : John McNeil, Isaac Waterbury, Schuy- 
ler A. Stowell, Alexander Dibble. 

1835, .section 10: Sally P. Boguc, Ru.ssell liislmp, Her- 
man Camp, Henry M. Henderson, Isaac Waterbury. 

183(i, section 11 : A. D. Eraser, Alexander McArlhur, 
C. Hulburt, James Deuison, A. Ten Eyck, Ileiny A. 
Walker, Herman Camp, Hugh Birckhcad. 

18:i6, section 12: Herman C.unp, Hiigli Bireklic^ad, 
Charles J. Stcdman, George Sparks, Joseph D. Morehouse. 

1833, section 13 : Sylvester Vibbard, Russell G. Hurd, 
Clark Abbey, L-nmel I3,H>kwith, Nels.m Hurd, William W. 
Whitney, Eber Crawibrd, Reuben J. Warner, Parley Ewell, 
George Sparks. 

1830, section 14: D.ivid A. Rhodes, Isaiah Merriman, 
Miles Dornian, Harry G. IHnckley, Lewis Williams, George 
AV. William.s, Sewell Wesson, Susan Baxter, Royal H. 
Waller. 

1836, secticm 1.") : Daniel Goodwin, Edwin Rose, Her- 
man Camp, Hugh Birckhcad. 

1836, section 17: Joshua Howard, Sally Hunter, Jason 
Swift, John H. Norton, John W. Palmer, Peter Vedder, 
John K. Ivneeland, David Anderson. 

1837, section IS: Peter Sharp, Amelia Anderson, John 
^Velch, William Aylward, Amos G. Griffin, David Ander- 
son, Nelson Hurd, John Welch. 

1836, section li) : Thouuis L. L. Brent, Charles and .M- 
bcrt Draper, John II. Parmelee, Nahuiu N. Wilson, Wm. 
Aylward. 

1836, section 20: Thomas L. L. Brent, Levinus Mun- 
son, Jacob Huyck, Oscar F. North, John Curran, George 
and Henry Sparks. 

1836, .section 21 : Thomas L. L. Brent, Patrick Gribben, 
Consider Warner. 

1836, section 22: Edwin Rose, Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1835, .section 23: IIum])luey Mclioan, Theo. P. Dean, 
Charles McLean, Daniel Goodwin, Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1833, section 24 : Charles McLean, Humphrey McLean, 
Miles Dorman, Charles I). Hinckley, Gardner D. Williams, 
Benjamin Clapp, William Hotclikiss. 

1834, section 25: Harry G. Hinckley, Benjamin Pear- 
.son, Timothy G. Walling, Benjamin G. Parker, Clark 
Abbey, William Lund. 

1836, section 26 : Clark Abbey, Joseph McFarlen, John 
S. Boss, Rus-sell G. Hurd, Edward Maybee, C. J. Woodson, 
and R. Cooper. 

1836, section 27: James Stage, Robert Duff, Luther 
Pierce, Daniel James, Henry James. 

1836, .section 28: Thomas L. L. Brent, Johnston B. 
Clark, John Cooper, Allen Cooper, Wm. H. Parker. 

1830, section 29 : Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1836, section 30: Thomas L. L. Brent, Alfred Jones. 

1836, section 31 : David Pifford, Bouck, Gebherd, and 
Dictz, Enoch Sweet, I'cter Vcddcr. 

1836, section 32 : Thomas L, L. Brent, David Pifford, 
David E. Evans. 



370 



HISTORY OF GKNESEE COUNTY. MICHIGAN. 



18.3G, section 83: Thomas L. L. Brent, Samuel Rose, 
Thomas Utter, David Pifford, II. & V. 11. Hawkins. 

1836, section 34: Iloaley & Kirchcval, James Stage, 
Luther Pierce, David E. Evans. 

1835, section 35: Josliua Pattee, Jolin and Thomas 
Kennedy, David Pifford, Lyman and AUmson Piitchard. 

1S35, section 3G : Grovener Vinton, Beiijauiin Pearson, 
William Sissins, Alan.son Dickinson, James Ilosmcr. 

CIVIL UISTORV. 

Tiie State Legislature, by an act approved March II,. 
1837, enacted as follows: 

" All that portion of the county of Genesee designated 
in the United States survey as township 9, north of ranges 
5, 6, and 7 east, be, and the same is hereby, set off and or- 
ganized into a separate township, by the name of Vienna ; 
and the first township-meeting therein shall be held at the 
house of Charles McLean in said townsliip." 

Thetford was set off in 1842, and Montrose, as I'cicon- 
ac/uiciiik, in 1846. 

At the first election Thomas J. Drake, a lawyer from the 
village of Flint River, a.ssisted the electors with his pres- 
ence and advice. Until the election of Gen. Harrison, in 
1840, Vienna was usually counted upon as a Democratic 
stronghold. Its vote was thrown for the hero of Tippe- 
canoe, however, and from tliat time until the disbandment 
of the Whig organization, neither party was certain of a 
majority until the votes were counted. Since the Republi- 
cans rose to power, its vote has been cast, usually, for the 
latter party. 

FIRST TOWNSniP-ELECTION. 

At a meeting of the voters uf the toWM.ship of Vienna, 
held at the house of Charles McLean, on the first ^londay 
in April, 1837, convened for the purpose of electing town- 
ship officers, " It being the first meeting held in said 
towu.ship, and there being no persons in .said township au- 
thorized by law to act as inspectors of election, the voters 
present, by viva voce, elected William Ilotchkiss, Moderator, 
Hiram Benjamin, Grovener Vinton, Josiah C. Winters, In- 
spectors of Election, and Thomas J. Drake, Clerk." As a 
result of this meeting, the following-named persons were 
declared elected to the offices set opposite their respective 
names, viz. : William Ilotchkiss, Supervisor ; Hiram Ben- 
jamin, Town Clerk ; Clark Abbey, Isaac Van Tuyl, George 
Sparks, Assessors ; Edward Maybee, Collector ; Charles 
McLean, Theodore P. Dean, Directors of the Poor; Grove- 
ner Vinton, Hiram Benjamin, Waterman W. Neff, High- 
way Commissioners; Edward Maybee, Charles JIcLean, 
Constables; Russell G. Ilurd, William Ilotchkiss, I. Sler- 
riman, School Inspectors; Russell G. Hurd, Hiram Ben- 
jamin, George Sparks, Isaiah Merriman, Justices of the 
Peace; Grovener Vinton, Hiram Benjamin, Russell G. 
Hurd, Fence-Viewers; Charles McLean, Pouud-Mastcr; 
Russell G. Hurd, Overseer of Highways. 

" llcHohci!, Tliiit thirty ilullars bo raised for llio suiiport of the 
poor." 

At the gubernatorial election in 1830, William Wood- 
bridge received 15 votes, and Elon Farnsworth 18 votes. 



In 1860, Austin Blair received 159 votes, and John S. 
Barry 80 votes. 

The following is a list of the township officers from 1838 
to 1879, inclusive : 

1838. — Ru.ssell G. Hurd, Supervisor; Corydon E Fay, 
Town Clerk ; George Sparks, Isaiah Merriman, Joshua 
Pattee, Asses.sors ; Edward Maybee, Collector ; Charles 
McLean, Clark Abbey, Overseers of the Poor ; Hiram 
Benjamin, Grovener Vinton, Humphrey McLean, Highway 
Commissioners; Joshua Pattee, Justice of the Peace; 
Isaiah iMerrinian, Nahum N. Wilson, Russell G. Hurd, 
Inspectors of Common Schools; Edward Maybee, Hum- 
phrey McLean, Waterman AV. Neff, Constables; Charles 
McLean, Grovener Vinton, Clark Abbey, Fence- Viewers. 

1839. — Nahum N. ^Vilson, Supervisor; Rus.sell G. Hurd, 
Treasurer; Corydon E. Fay, Clerk ; Joshua Pattee, George 
Spai'ks, J. R. Whittemore, Assessors ; Humphrey JIcLean, 
Hiram Benjamin, Grovener Vinton, Highway Commis- 
sioners; Joel A. Booth, Collector; Russell G. Hurd, Na- 
hum N. Wilson, John R. Whittemore, School In.spectors ; 
Charles JIcLean, George J. Bingham, Directors of the 
Poor; James Goodrich, Joel A. Booth, Constables. 

1840. — Nahura N. Wilson, Supervisor and Treasurer; 
Corydon E. Fay, Clerk ; Reuben J. Warner, Justice of the 
Peace ; Benoni Clapp, John R. Whittemore, Leonard 
Bcckwith, As.scssors ; Albert Castle, Grovener Vinton, 
George T. Bingham, Highway Commissioners ; Humphrey 
McLean, Waterman W. Neff, Nelson S. Van Tuyl, Con- 
stables; Waterman W. Neff, Collector; George T. Bing- 
ham, Nahum N. Wilson, John R. Whittemore, School In- 
spectors ; Charles McLean, Joshua Pattee, Poor-Masters, 
Charles McLean, Waterman W. Neff, Thomas Aplin, 
Grovener Vinton, Ezra Martin, Overseers of Highways. 

1841. — George Sparks, Supervisor and Treasurer ; Be- 
noni Clapp, Russell G. Hurd, Hiram Benjamin, Assessors; 
D. Lyons, Joshua Pattee, Daniel N. Montague, Highway 
Commissioners ; Daniel N. Montague, Russell G. Hurd, 
Smith W. Porter, School Inspectors ; Isaac Van Tuyl, 
Justice of the Peace ; Corydon E. Fay, Clerk ; W. W. 
Boughton, Constable and Collector; Samuel Rone, Hiram 
Benjamin, Poor-JIasters ; Nelson S. Van Tuyl, 0. Booth, 
Humphrey McLean, Constables. 

1842. — Whole number of votes cast, 31. Nahum N. 
Wilson, Supervisor ; George Sparks, Treasurer ; George T. 
Bingham, Clerk ; Justin S. Porter, Joshua Pattee, Justices 
of the Peace ; Nahum N. Wilson, Joel A. Booth, David 
Lyons, Joshua Pattee, Assistant Assessors ; Reuben J. 
Warner, Justin S. Porter, David Lyons, Highway Com- 
missioners ; Dan. N. Montague, N. N. Wil.son, Justin S. Por- 
ter, School Inspectors ; Joshua Pattee, George Sparks, Poor- 
Masters; Humphrey McLean, George lluyck, Constables. 

1843.— Whole number of votes cast, 32. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supervisor; William Wright, Treasurer; Theo- 
dore P. Dean, Town Clerk; John C. Wright, Russell G. 
Hurd, Justices of the Peace ; Harry G. Hinckley, J. S. 
Porter, Laben Spencer, Highway Commissioners; Daniel 
N. Montague, Russell G. Hurd, School Inspectors; George 
T. Bingham, Hiram Benjamin, Assessors ; George Huyck, 
Samuel Puinc, Poor-Masters; Humphrey McLean, Nelson 
S. Hurd, Coii.stables. 



VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 



371 



18 14. — Wliole number of votes cast, 42. Jolin Taylor, 
Supervisor, unanimous vote; George T. Bingham, Town 
Clerk; George Sparks, Justice of the Peace; William 
Wright, Treasurer; Hiram Benjamin, Rensselaer Black- 
mcr, Joshua Patteo, Assessors ; Joseph W^. Metcalf, Reuben 
J. Warner, George W. Iluyek, Highway Commissioners; 
Nelson S. Hurd, Justice ; S. W. Porter, Mun.son A. Stan- 
ton, Constables; Russell G. Hurd, Harry G. Hinckley, 
School Inspectors; Daniel N. Montague, Tlieo. P. Dean, 
Poor-Masters. 

1845. — Whole number of votes cast, 45. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supervisor; William Wright, Treasurer; George 
T. Bingham, Town Clerk ; John Taylor, Justice of the 
Peace; Joshua Pattee, Leonard Beckwiih, As.sessors; 
Humphrey McLean, John Van Patten, Christopher Hughes, 
Highway Commissioners; Daniel N. Montague, John Phil- 
lips, School Inspectors; Anson H. Becbe, Hiiiiiiihrey ]\Ic- 
Lcan, Poor-Masters; Munson A. Stanton, Daniel P. War- 
ner, Hamilton Pattee, Constables. 

1840. — Whole number of votes cast, 63. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supervisor; John Taylor, Treasurer; George 
T. Bingham, Town Clerk; Joshua Pattee, Ju.stice of the 
Peace ; Ezra B. Sparks, School Inspector ; Samuel Hub- 
bard, Harry G. Hinckley, Assessor; Grovcner Vinton, 
Hiram Benjamin, Humphrey McLean, Highway Commis- 
sioners; Reuben J. Warner, Richard Taylor, Poor-JIasters ; 
Lorenzo B. Curtis, Jeremiah Hunter, Munson A. Stanton, 
Hamilton Pattee, Constables. 

1847. — Whole number of votes east, 57. Harry G. 
Hinckley, Supervisor, unanimously; William Bodino, Town 
Clerk; Isaac Van Tuyl, Treasurer; Truman Henick, Jus- 
tice of the Peace; John Van Patten, William Franklin, 
Uriah Heath, Highway Commissioners ; George T. Bing- 
ham, School Inspector ; Hamilton Pattee, Samuel Aplin, 
Ju.stin S. Porter, William Whitehouse, Constables; Grovc- 
nor Vinton, Poor-Master ; Wm. C. Conrad, 1, Daniel N. 
Montague, 2, Henry Plew, 3, Wm. H. Parker, 4, Overseers 
of Highways. 

1843. — Whole number of votes thrown, 72. Isaac Van 
Tuyl, Supervisor; George T. Bingham, Town Clerk ; Harry 
G. Hinckley, Trea-surcr; George Sparks, Justice of the 
Peace; Ezra B. Sparks, School Inspector; Justin S. W. 
Porter, Commissioner of Highways ; Daniel N. Montague, 
Joshua Pattee, Overseers of Poor; Munson N. Stanton, 
William Whitehouse, Hamilton I'attcc, Samuel Aplin, 
Constables. 

1849. — Whole number of votes thrown, G2. Daniel A. 
Montague, Supervisor ; William Bodine, Town Clerk ; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer; Alanson Dickin.son, Isaac 
Van Tuyl, Justices of the Peace; John I. Phillips, Russell 
G. Hurd, School Inspectors; Grovener Vinton, Highway 
Commissioner; Rensselaer Blackmer, Rus.scll G. Hurd, 
Poor-Masters; Samuel Aplin, Mun.son A. Stanton, Hamil- 
ton Pattee, Hiram Benjamin, Constables. 

1850. — Whole number of votes given, 50. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supcrvi-sor; John I. Phillips, Town Clerk; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer ; Benjamin Paine, John Taylor, 
William Bodine, Justices of the Peace ; Humphrey McLean, 
Highway Commissioner; Ira T. Farrand, School In.spcetor; 
Rensselaer Blackmer, Harry G. Hinckley, Poor-Masters; 



Samuel Aplin, Hiram Hurd, William Whitehouse, O.scar 
Bradley, Constables. 

1851. — Whole number of votes given. 88. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supervisor; John I. Phillips, Town Clerk; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer; Reuben M. Ford, Justice of 
the Peace ; George W. Iluyck, Poor-Master ; George T. 
Bingham, School Inspector ; Samuel Aplin, Hiram Hurd, 
William C. Conrad, William Blackmer, Constables. 

1852. — Whole number of votes given, 99. William Bo- 
dine, Supervisor; John I. Phillips, Town Clerk; Justin 
S. Porter, Treasurer; George Sparks, Samuel C. Munson, 
Justices of the Peace ; Ezra B. Sparks, School Inspector ; 
John Taylor, W. W. Neff, Commissioners of Highways; 
Renssela'ir Blackmer, Grovcnor Vinton, Poor-Masters ; 
Samuel Aplin, Isaac Iluyck, Theodore Abbey, Oscar Bo- 
dine, Constables. 

1853. — -Whole number of votes polled, 10 1. William 
Bodine, Supervisor ; Ezra B. Sparks, Town Clerk ; Justin 
S. Porter, Treasurer; Russell G. Hurd, Albert F. Young, 
Justices of the Peace ; George T. Bingham, School In- 
spector; Uriah Heath, Oscar Bradley, Highway Commis- 
sioners ; George Hart, R. Blackmer, I'oor-Masters ; Theo- 
dore B. Abbej', Isaac Iluyck, William Whitehouse, Hiram 
Hurd, Con.stables. 

1854.— Whole number of votes polled, 127. Albert P. 
Young, Supervisor ; Justin S. Porter, Treasurer ; Oscar 
Bradley, Justice of the Peace ; Ezra B. Sparks, Town 
Cleik ; David R. Hammontrec, Highway Commissioner; 
John I. Phillips, School Inspector ; Jacob Phillips, John 
Jackson, Poor-JI.tstors; William Whitehouse, Jacob Phil- 
lips, ^lortimer Bodine, William Gibson, Constables. 

1855. — Whole number of votes polled, 154. Daniel N. 
Montague, Supervisor ; Ezra B. Sparks, Town Clerk ; Jus- 
tin S. Porter, Treasurer; Jamas Bnidley, George T. Bing- 
ham, School In.spcctors ; Grovenor Vinton, Highway Com- 
missioner; Jacob Phillips, John Jackson, Poor-I^Listers; 
Richard Rone, David Iluyck, Jacob Phillips, Jo.shua Coon, 
Constables. 

185G. — Whole number of votes cast, ICl. George 
Sparks, Supervisor ; Ezra B. Sparks, Town-ship Clerk ; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer; Austin Griffes, Justice of the 
Peace; Wm. Whitehouse, Uriah Heath, Highway Commis- 
sioners; Austin Griffes, James A. Sheldon, Poor- .Ma.- tars; 
David S. Griffes, School Inspector; Justin S. Porter, Rich- 
ard Rone, Marlin R. Reed, Jacob Phillips, Jr., Constables. 

1857. — Whole number of votes polled, 171. George 
Sparks, Supervisor; George S. Warren, Town Clerk; Jus- 
tin S. Porter, Treasurer ; Nathan S. Rjed, Justice of the 
Peace; David R. Ilammontrce, Highway Commissioner; 
Ezra B. Sparks, School Inspector; Russell G. Hurd, Oscar 
Bradley, Poor-Ma.sters ; William Canfield, Aram Knajip, 
Justin S. Porter, Abram Rccd, Constables. 

1858. — Whole number of votes jiolled, 21(5. Charles 
L. Cole, Supervi-sor; Samuel Latlirop, Township Clerk; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer ; John Taylor, Ira S. Begolc, 
Justices of the Peace; Nelson F. Ganoung, Highway 
Commissioner ; Daniel N. Montague and Alanson Dickin- 
son, Directors of the Poor ; Daniel N. Montague, Myron 
G. Miller, As.ses.sors; William Canfield, Abraiu Reed, Jcjhn 
Ballard, Justin S. Porter, Constables. 



372 



HISTOEY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1859. — Whole number of votes polled, 195. Charles 
L. Cole, Supervisor: Benjamin F. Leland, Town Clerk; 
Justin S. Porter, Treasurer ; George R. Gould, Lovett W. 
Stanton, School Inspectors ; P]. 11. Frost, Alanson Dick- 
inson, Poor-Masters; Daniel J. Frazer, Milton B. Stage, 
Highway Commissioners ; George Sparks, George R. Gould, 
Justices of the Peace; Stephen H. Stanton, Justin S. 
Porter, Richard Rone, John Ballard, Constables. 

18G0. — Whole number of votes cast, 187. James Brad- 
ley, Supervisor ; Ezra B. Sparks, Township Clerk ; Justin 
S. Porter, Treasurer ; George Hart, Justice of the Peace ; 
William Whitehouse, Highway Commissioner; George R. 
Gould, School Inspector ; Justin S. Porter, William Can- 
field, Stephen H. Stanton, Jacob Phillips, Constables. 

1861. — Whole number of votes polled, 171. Anson 
Jackson, Supervisor; William ]\I. Canfiold, Treasurer; 
Ezra B. Sparks, Township Clerk ; Charles L. Cole, Lovett 
W. Stanton, Andrew J. Sumner, Justices of the Peace ; Da- 
rius Diamond, Highway Commissioner; Wm. J. Burnett, 
Chester M. Burk, School Inspectors; Stephen E. Webster, 
AVm. M. Canfield, Ira Delling, Orson J. Knapp, Constables. 

1862.— Whole number of votes polled, 200. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor; Garrett Post, Township Clerk; Wm. 
M. Canfield, Treasurer; John Jacobs, School Inspector; 
Benjamin F. Tinney, Highway Commissioner; John Van 
Patten, Justice of the Peace; Caleb W. Stearns, George 
Fairman, Orson J. Knapp, Darius Diamond, Constables. 

1863.— Whole number of votes polled, 198. Fletcher 
Linslcy, Supervisor; John Jacobs, Clerk ; William M. Can- 
field, Treasurer; Isaac Beenian, David S. Halsted, School 
Inspectors ; Daniel J. Frazer, Edmund S. Johnson, High- 
way Commissioners ; William Wadsworth, Justice of the 
Peace; Justus Beebe, Sylvester B. Bartholomew, John 
Sloan, Henry A. Tibbetts, Constables. 

1864. — Whole number of votes polled, 181. Fletcher 
Linsley, Supervisor ; John A. Jackson, Clerk ; William M. 
Canfield, Treasurer ; Philander B. Taylor, School Inspector ; 
Richard Rone, Highway Commissioner ; George Hart, 
Phineas Upham, Justices of the Peace ; Wm. H. Gillett, 
John Sloan, Duanc Reed, Philip Dovoe, Constables. 

1865. — Whole number of votes polled, 124. George 
Hart, Supervisor ; John A. Jackson, Township Clerk ; 
Sawyer Hurd, Treasurer ; David S. Halsted, School In- 
spector ; Sylvester B. Bartholomew, Robert Johnson, High- 
way Commissionei-s ; Charles L. Cole, James A. Sheldon, 
Justices of the Peace; Milton S. Benjamin, William M. 
Canfield, John Sloan, Andrew J. Sumner, Constables. 

1866. — Whole number of votes polled, 236. Charles L. 
Cole, Supervisor; Horace G. Webster, Township Clerk; 
David R. Hauimontree, Treasurer ; Hiram H. BloCullough, 
School Inspector; John Wallace, Justice of the Peace; 
Darius Diamond, Highway Commissioner ; Chester Wads- 
worth, Daniel P. Day, James Sissins, Jcseph Heath, Con- 
stables. 

1867.— Whole number of votes polled, 273. Charles L. 
Cole, Supervisor; Daniel E. Salisbury, Town.ship Clerk; 
David R. Hammontree, Treasurer ; David Franklin, High- 
way Commissioner; James A. Sheldon, Justice of the 
Peace; David S. Halsted, School Inspector; Elijah Heath, 
John Sloan, Samuel Rone, Hiram D. Cole, Constables. 



1868. — Whole number of votes polled, 333. Joseph 
Van Buskirk,* Supervisor ; Richard H. Halsted, Township 
Clerk ; David R. Hammontree, Treasurer ; Philander P. 
Taylor, Richard H. Halsted, School Inspectors ; Ebenezer 
Hill, Justice of the Peace; David P. Waldo, Highway 
Commissioner ; Darius Diamond, George Ladue, John Ben- 
jamin, Charles Parmlee, Constables. 

1869.- Whole number of votes polled, 270. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor; Hiram H. IMcCullough, Township 
Clerk ; Isaac W. Andrews, Treasurer ; Chas. L. Cole, Jus- 
tice of the Peace ; Richard H. Halsted, School Inspector ; 
Richard Rone, Highway Commissioner; Elijah Heath, 
Philip Devoe, Garrett Post, Charles Palmer, Constables. 

1870. — Whole number of votes polled, 326. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor ; William Reardon, Township Clerk ; 
Isaac W. Andrews, Treasurer; John Wallace, David S. 
Halsted, Justices of the Peace ; Mark D. Seeley, School 
Inspector; Richard Rone, Highway Commissioner ; Elijah 
Heath, Herrick C. Lefevre, Garrett Post, John Sloan, Con- 
stables. 

1871. — Whole number of votes polled, 363. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor; Charles B. Mann, Township Clerk; 
George L. Holmes, Treasurer; James A. Sheldon, Slark 
D. Seeley, Justices of the Peace ; Richard II. Halsted, 
School Inspector; Alanson L. Foster, Highway Commis- 
sioner; Seth N. Bedcn, Drain Commissioner; Amos 
Webster, G. N. Elwood, George Brown, Elijah Heath, 
Constables. 

1872. — Whole number of votes polled, 365. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor ; George L. Holmes, Treasurer ; Thomas 
Reardon, Township Clerk ; James L. Curry, John White, 
Justices of the Peace ; Mark D. Seeley, School Inspector ; 
Darius Diamond, Robert Johnson, Highway Commis- 
sioners ; Garrett Post, Julius C. Stocking, Philip Devoe, 
George L. Holmes, Constables. 

1873. — Whole number of votes polled, 315. Philo M. 
Begole, Supervisor; Darius Diamond, Treasurer; John K. 
Frost, Township Clerk ; Charles L. Cole, Justice of the 
Peace ; George Aplin, School Inspector ; George Palethorp, 
Highway Commissioner; Milton B. Stage, Drain Commis- 
sioner; Amos U. Webster, Garrett Post, George Berridge, 
Joseph Hempsted, Constables. 

1874. — Whole number of votes polled, 267. Philo M. 
Begole, Supervisor ; Darius Diamond, Treasurer ; S. Jerome 
Oliver, Township Clerk ; David S. Halsted, Justice of the 
Peace; John M. Sanborn, School Inspector; Catlin W. 
Munsell, Highway Commissioner; Robert Johnson, Drain 
Commissioner ; Jacob A. Springer, John White, Sidney W. 
Smith, Garrett Post, Constables. 

1875. — Whole number of votes polled, 328. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor ; Darius Diamond, Harold F. Congle- 
ton, Clerks; John K. Frost, Justice of the Peace; Sher- 
burne Gunn, School Inspector; Archibald D. Mctz, Super- 
intendent of Schools; George Palethorp, Highway Com- 
missioner ; Robert Johnson, Drain Commissioner ; Joseph 
Wilson, Sidney W. Smith, Hiram D. Cole, Jacob A. 
Springer, Constables. 

1876. — Whole number of votes polled, 375. Ezra B. 

« Resigne.l Dec. 17, ISOS. Charles L. Cole appointed to fill 

vacani^y. 



VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 



373 



Sparks, Supervisor ; Darius Diamond, Treasurer ; Charles 
Berridge, Township Clerk ; James L. Curry, George Hart, 
Justices of the Peace; John K. Frost, School Inspector; 
Archibald D. Motz, Superintendent of Schools; William 
S. Palcthorp, Highway Commissioner; David Franklin, 
Drain Commissioner ; William II. Baker, Jacob A. 
Springer, Crocker Williams, James Inkster, Constables. 

1877. — Whole number of votes polled, 429. Ezra B. 
Sparks, Supervisor ; Henry Herring, Treasurer ; Cluules 
Berridge, Township Clerk ; Charles L. Cole, Justice of the 
Peace; Sherburne Gunn, School Inspector; Archibald D. 
Metz, Superintendent of Schools; James Inkster, High- 
way Commissioner; Sidney W. Smith, Crocker Williams, 
Charles Woolson, Jacob A. Springer, Constables. 

1878. — Whole number of votes polled, 422. William 
H. Davis, Supervisor; Henry Herring, Treasurer; Charles 
Berridge, Township Clerk ; Benjamin Paine, Justice of the 
Peace; Sherburne Gunn, School Inspector; Archibald D. 
Metz; School Superintendent ; Howard M. Rice, Highway 
Commissioner ; Benjamin W. Tinney, Drain Commissioner ; 
Jacob A. Springer, Charles Woolson, Earl Ware, Crocker 
H. Williams, Constables. 

1879. — Whole number of votes polled, 474. William 
n. Davis, Supervisor ; Harold F. Congleton, Treasurer ; 
Charles Berridge, Town.ship Clerk ; George Hart, Justice 
of the Peace; John M. Sanborn, School Superintendent; 
Sherburne Gunn, School Inspector; William Wadsworlh, 
Highway Commis.-^ioner; Emnictt O. Knapp, Charles Wool- 
son, Earl Ware, Jacob A. Springer, Constables. 

VILLAGES. 

The villages of Vienna are Clio, Pine Run, and Far- 
randville. 

CLIO, 

the principal commercial centre, is situated upon the small 
stream known as Pine Run, and one mile east of the geo- 
graphical centre of the townslii|). It is also a station of 
some importance on the line of the Flint and Pi-re Mar- 
quette Railway, and contains two churches, — Congrega- 
tional and Protestant Methodist, — one hotel, five stores of 
general merchandise, two hardware-stores, three drug-and- 
grocery stores, two grocery-stores, one furniture-store, one 
liquor-store, a graded school, two grist-mills, one grain-ele- 
vator, one warehouse, a meat-market, saloons and restau- 
rants, several millinery-, dressmaking-, tailoring-, harness-, 
blacksmith-, wagon-, watch-repairing , boot- and shoe shops, 
and about 450 people. 

The medical profession is represented by Drs. Samuel 
Lathrop, W. II. Russell, and L. L. Fuller; the legal by 
Messrs. J. Z. Richards, and 11. Jones. Capt. James L. 
Curry, postmaster; C. C. Rice, express-agent ; John Cham- 
bers, station-agent. 

Tiieodore P. Dean began the firet iniprovcnicnt upon the 
village site in 18:!7 or 1838, when he erected his saw-mill. 
From that time until the building and completion of the 
Flint and Perc Marquette Railway, in 1801, its history 
was uneventful. Pine fiu'csts occupied a portion of its site, 
and hundreds of acres of the same valuabli; timber were 
slanilin;.' in its iinniediatc vicinity. l!nt llii' stupid cu- 



pidity which actuated one or two men in or near the old 
village of Pine Run, during the building of the railway, 
was Clio's opportunity, and this new avenue of commerce, 
which would have more fully developed and built up a neat 
little village already an important trading and manufactur- 
ing point, was diverted from its proposed route. Pine Run 
was given the go-by, and the station of Clio establislu^d in 
its stead. 

The prosperity of Clio was then assured. A village 
was platted, stores and manufacturing establishments 
sprang into existence, lumbering became an important in- 
terest, and the new village rapidly increased in numbers. 

In 1873 steps were taken to obtain a village charter. 
This was accomplished by an act approved Jlarch 13, 1873. 
The act of incorporation, together with the names of village 
officers from 1873 to 1879, inclusive, are herewith ap- 
pended. 

By Senate Bill No. 234, dated at Ltinsing, Jlich., March 

13, 1873, the people of the State of Jlichigan, represented 
in Senate and House of Representatives, enacted as follows : 

"Sec. 1. That all that tract of country situated in the 
township of Vienna, in the county of Genesee, in the 
State of Michigan, designated and described as the north- 
west quarter of the northwest quarter of section 23, and 
the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 

14, and the cast half of the southeast quarter of section 

15, and that part of the west half of the southeast quarter 
of section 15 lying south of Pine River Creek, and the 
north half of the northeast quarter of section 22, in town- 
ship 9 north, of range No. 6 east, be, and the same is hereby, 
constituted a town corporate, under tlie name of Clio." 

It was further declared that the inhabitants within the 
boundaries aforesaid be a corporation, by the corporate 
name of " The Village of Clio,'" and that the first meeting 
for the election of officers be held at the Clio Hotel, on 
the second Monday in April, 1873. The plat as described 
aforesaid has since been enlarged by Curry's and Sumner's 
additions, and now contains about 431) square acres. 

At the first charter election for the election of village 
officers, held on the 28th day of April, 1873, at the Clio 
House in said village, 74 votes were given to the candidates 
for the office of president, and the following officers de- 
clared elected : David S. Halsted, President ; Isaac K. Kel- 
sey, George L. Holmes, Jerome B. Garland, Trustees; 
Cluules B. Mann, Clerk ; William W. Blackney, -\ssessor ; 
Isaac M. Beeman, Treasurer; Sidney W. Smith, Marshal. 

1874. — Votes cast, 01. James L. Curry, President; 
George L. Holmes, Daniel Reid, Trustees; Jerome Oliver, 
Clerk ; I.saac M. Beeman, Treasurer ; George N. Elwood, 
Assessor; Sidney W. Smith, Marshal. 

1875.— Votes polled, 51. Julius F. H. Miller, Presi- 
dent; Isaac I\I. Reeman, Trustee; Henry Herring, Clerk; 
George B. Congleton, Treasurer ; George N. Elwood, As- 
sessor; Sidney W. Smith, Marshal. 

1870. — Whole nnmbi'r of vntes polled, 75. John While, 
President; Daniel Reid, Henry Herring, Trustees; H.uipM 
F. Congleton, Clerk ; George B. Congleton, Treasurer ; 
George N. Elwood, Assessor; William II. Baker, Marshal. 

1878.— Whole number of votes ca.st, 97. David S. Hal- 
sted, Prcsiiliiil ; Harold F. Congleton, Clerk ; George H. 



374 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Congleton, Treasurer ; Jerome B. Garland, Richard H. Hal- 
sted. Trustees ; Isaac K. Kclsey, Assessor ; Roland Frank- 
lin, Marshal. 

1878. — Whole number of votes polled, 94. Ansel C. 
Fuller, President; Harold F. Congleton, Clerk ; George B. 
Congleton, Treasurer; Henry Herring, Isaac K. Kelsey, 
Julius F. H. Miller, Trustees; Charles B. Mann, Assessor; 
Crocker Williams, Mar.shal. 

1879.— Whole number of votes polled, 82. Alden M. 
Varncy, President ; Archibald D. Mctz, Clerk ; George B. 
Congleton, Treasurer ; Charles Berridgc, Charles L. Can- 
field, Solomon J. Oliver, Trustees ; Charles B. Mann, As- 
sessor; William H. Ilerrington, Marshal. 

PINE RUN. 

The village of Pine Run, the site of the first settlement 
in the township, is situated upon the old Saginaw road, and 
one mile due east from the village of Clio. It contains the 
church edifices of the Congregational and Christian religious 
societies, two iron-foundries, one grist-mill, two hotels, two 
stores of general merchandise, one drug-store, one grocery- 
store, a post-office, and a population of about two hundred 
inhabitants. As previously mentioned, Charles Jl cLean 
Hiraiu Benjamin, Humphrey McLean, Sylvester Vibbard, 
Isaiah Merriuian, Theodore P. Dean, and John R. Whitte- 
inore were among the earliest settlers upon its site and in 
the immediate vicinity. Here was established the first post- 
ofiicc on the route between Flint and Saginaw, and from 
the date of the county organization until the commence- 
ment of Clio's history as a village, here was centred an 
important trade which extended into the townships of 
Montrose, Thctford, Mount IMorris, and Genesee. Eph- 
raim K. Frost, a native of New Hampshire, came from 
Atliol, JIass., and settled here in 1855. He has since been 
engaged in the boot and shoe trade and general merchan- 
dising. The merchants in business hero at the time of his 
arrival were Ezra B. Sparks, George Warren, and the 
brothers Oscar and James Bradley. Dr. Samuel Lathrop 
was the physician, — the first resident physician in the 
township. Garrett Post was the blacksmith, while Aram 
Knapp and A. F. Young presided over their respective 
places of entertainment for man and beast. The Congre- 
gational chui'ch edifice was then in course of construction 
by William Sheldon, and the Genesee and Saginaw plank 
road had just been completed. George C. Eeclcston, a 
native of Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y., came in as the 
first shoemaker the same year, — 1855. Abram Rcid's 
steam shingle-mill was also in operation. 

William Tinker and sou came from Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 
in December, 1865, and soon after established the present 
foundry and machine-shop. Their work consists in manu- 
facturing and repairing plows and other agricultural instru- 
ments. Previous to 1871 their attention was mainly devoted 
to the manufacture and repair of stationary engines. 

Peter Smart, who located in Pine Run in 18GG and fol- 
lowed the occupation of blacksmitlung, erected a small 
iron-foundry in 1875, and began the manufacture of east- 
iron plows, points, etc., and also docs a general repairing in 
iron-work. A steam grist-mill was erected by Duane Read 
in 1870. 



F.\RIl.\NDVILLE. 

The small village of Farrandville, which forms the 
northern apex of the triangle made by roads connecting 
it with Clio and Pine Run, is situated about one mile 
distant from the villages just mentioned. It contains the 
church edifice of the Free Methodists, and about fifteen 
dwellings. It was platted and receives its name from Ira 
T. Farrand, an early settler in its vicinity. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first board of school inspectors, composed of Messrs. 
Russell G. Hurd, Isaiah Merriman, and William Hotchkiss, 
met at the house of Charles McLean, May 10, 1837, and 
resolved as follows : " That the town should be divided into 
two school districts [the town then comprised the present 
towns of Montrose, Vienna, and Thetford], and all that 
part of the said town of Vienna lying north of sections 25, 
2G, 27, 28, 29, and 30, in surveyed town.ship 9 north, 
and ranges No. 5, 6, and 7 east, shall constitute and be de- 
nominated school district No. 1, and all that part remaining 
of said town, to wit, sections 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 
33, 31, 35, and 36, in said township 9, and ranges 5, G, 
and 7 east, shall i'orm a school district, to be desiguatod 
No. 2." 

A school-meeting was held in the house of Charles 
McLean on the 19th of the same month, when Russell G. 
Hurd was chosen Moderator; George Sparks, Assessor; 
and Hiram Benjamin, Director of Schools. 

On the 13th day of November, of the same year (1837), 
a meeting was held in the school-house* in district No. 1 , 
when it was voted to '' raise $500 for the purpose of build- 
i?ig a school-house and locating a site; to raise $5 for a 
library-case, and $10 for the pui-chase of books for said 
district ; also to raise $20 for repairing the school-house, 
and for fuel the ensuing winter, and the additional amount 
of $60 for the use of schools in said district the current 
year." 

In December, 1838, the boundaries of the school districts 
were changed as follows : " Resolved, That hereafter school 
district No. 1, in said township, shall contain the following 
territory, to wit, sections 11, 12, 13, 14, east half of 15, 
east half of 22, and the whole of 23, 24, and north half of 
northwest quarter of 26, in township 9 north, of range G 
east, also the west half of section 9, west half of section 
18, west half of 19, in township 9 north, of range 7 east. 
That school district No. 2 shall contain hereafter the fol- 
lowing extent of territory : Section 26, except the north 
half of the west quarter, all of sections 25, 35, 3G, in town- 
ship 9 north, of range G cast, and sections 30, 29, west 
half of 28, west half of 33, and all of sections 31 and 32, 
in township 9 north, of range 7 east." 

In March, 1840, district No. 3 was organized as follows ■ 
'• All that territory comprised in the south half of section 
10, southwest quarter of section 11, the whole of section 
15, west half and southeast quarter of section 14, whole of 

* This house was a frame structure. It was s:tuatc(l in the village 
of Pine Run, and i.5 now usotl as a blacksmith-shop. It was also the 
first fr.aujed building erected in the township, and in it the lion. 
Josiah W. Eegdo, now a prominent citizen of Flint, taught the lir.-t 
school, in the winter of 1S37-.1S. 



VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 



375 



22 and 23, south half of 27, whole of 2G, south half of 
24, north half of 25, whole of o5, south half of 34, east 
half and northeast quarter of 34, all in township 9 north, 
of range 7 cast, shall constitute district No. 3." 

The district organizations continued as in the foregoing 
until the formation of Thetford as a separate township, in 
1842. Since the latter event, and especially since the for- 
mation of Montrose, in 1840, many ciiangcs have been 
made in school-district boundaries. 

The amount of primary-school money apportioned to the 
town of Vienna and the territory at present known as Mont- 
rose township, in 1843, was 615.17. 

The first record made regarding the granting of certifi- 
cates to teachers shows that Miss Nancy McLean and Miss 
Melissa Pattee received certificates as qualified teachers. 
May G, 1843. Miss Elizabeth V. Stone was granted a 
certificate July 17th of the same year. 

The $15.17 before mentioned was apportioned as follows : 
To district No. 1, 22 schular.s, $8.14; No. 2, 19 scholars, 
S7.03. 

Otlier early teachers were licensed as follows : H. P. 
Ferris, Dec. 11, 1843 ; Clariiida Dean, May 4, 1844 ; Caro- 
line Johnson, July 31, 1814; JIartin Jliller, Feb. 14, 
1845 ; Darius 51. Kobinson, November, 1845 ; Misses Mary 
Ann Skinner, Sophia Wetherill, Catherine Bodine, Julia 
Ann Barnes, May, 1845 ; Maria A. Ilerrick, Thomas E. 
Young, December, 1845; Sarah Johnson, Clarissa John- 
son, Ezra B. Sparks, William H. Harrison, 1846 ; Caroline 
A. Johnson, Margaret Robinson, AVilliam T. Van Tuyl, 
Mary L. Rone, 1847 ; Amelia N. Fitch, Jlelissa Pattee, 
1848. 

From a report of the board of school inspectors for the 
month of May, 1847 (the first report after the separation 
of the township of Pewonogowink), it is found that the 
amount of money apportioned, and the number of schools 
in each district entitled to school-money, were as follows : 

Amount to he appoitioned $4-1.10 

To District No. ], 34 soliolttrs .•?III..S(I 

•' Fractional nistiict No. I, 33 " 11. lU 

" District No. 2, 23 " S.SMV 

" " " 3, 24 " 7.fi:i 

" " " 9, IS " 5.72 

Scbolars in township, — 139 $44. IG 

In comparison with ilic foregoing, the following statistics, 
taken from the report of the school inspectors for the year 
ending Sept. 2, 1878, are appended : Whole districts, C ; 
fractional districts, 5. Children of school age in the 
township, 847; attending school during the year, 511; 
number of School-houses in townshii), 11 ; frame houses, 11 ; 
seating capacity of school-houses, 737 ; value of school- 
property, 85950 ; graded schools, 2 ; male teachers em- 
ployed during the year, C ; female teachers, IC ; months 
taught by males, 33 ; months taught by females, 023 ; paid 
male teachers, §1252; paid female teachers, §1188; total, 
§2440. 

SECKET BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS. 

VIENNA LODGE, NO. 205, F. AND A. M. 

The first meeting, under a dispen-sation from the Grand 

Lodge, was held in Masonic Hall, in the village of i'ine 

llun, Oct. 23, 1800, and the following named oflHecrs ap- 



pointed : Russell Johnson, W. M. ; Joseph Van Buskirk, 
S. W. ; Livius Tcnny, J. W. ; Joseph Lonsby, Treas. ; 
John I. Phillips, Sec. ; Harmon Van Buskirk, S. D. ; David 
II. Hammontrce, J. D. ; William M. Rogers, Tyler. 

A charter was granted Jan. 9, 1867, when the before- 
mentioned board of officers were elected for the ensuing 
year. 

The office of Worthy Master has since been filled as 
follows: 18G8, Joseph Van Buskirk; 1869, Russell John- 
son ; 1870, Russell Johnson ; 1871, Harmon Van Buskirk ; 
1872, Russell Johnson ; 1873, John K. Frost ; 1874, John 
K. Frost; 1875, Harmon Van Buskirk; 1876, Roland 
Franklin; 1877, Roland Franklin; 1878, Rus.sell John- 
son ; 1879, Ru.ssell Johnson. 

The officers for 1879 arc as follows : Russell Johnson, 
W. M. ; Eiiphalet Ilartson, S. W. ; David L. Halsted, 
J. W. ; David R. Ilammontree, Treas. ; Harmon Van Bus- 
kirk, Sec.; Shannon Scott, S. D. ; Homer L. Johnson, 
J. D. ; George C. Ecclcston, Tyler. 

Present membership, 77. Regular communications are 
held at their hall in the village of Vienna, Pine Run P. 0., 
Tuesday evenings, on or before the full moon. 

VIENNA LODGE, NO. 191, I. O. O. F. 

This Lodge was instituted June 26, 1872, at Clio, Micli- 
igan, by acting M. W. G. M., F. H. Rankin. The follow- 
ing list embraces the names of the Lodge D. D. G. M.'s, 
N. G.'s, and secretaries, and the time served by them, from 
date of organization to the present: 

1872.— F. H. Rankin, D. D. G. M.; Roger Raihbone, 
N. G. ; W. W. Blackney, Sec. 

1873,— Charles L Cole, N. G. ; II. D. Cole, Soc. W. 
W. Blackney, N. G. ; J. D. Aken, See.; G. M. Key.s, 
D. D. G. M. 

1874.— Charles L. Cole, D. D. G. M. ; David Stroublc, 
N. G. ; II. D. Cole, Sec. H. D. Cole, N. G. ; C. L. Camp- 
bell, Sec. 

1875.— F. H. Rankin, D. D. G. M. ; E. B. Sparks, N. 
G. ; J. A. Springer, Sec. C. L. Campbell, N. G. ; H. D. 
Cole. Sec. 

1876.— C. L. Campbell, D. D. G. M. ; J. A. Springer, 
N. G. ; Charles Berridgc, Sec. Duane Osborn, N. G. ; 
J. C. Thompson, Sec. 

1877.— L. L. Fuller, D. D. G. M.; William White- 
house, N. G. ; A. T. Getchell, Sec. Shannon Scott, N. G. ; 
H. Van Buskirk, Sec. 

1878.— Charles L. Cole, D. D. G. JI.; E. O. Knapp, 
N. G. ; Wm. M. Patterson, Sec. S. B. Bartholomew, N. 
G. ; L. L. Fuller, Sec. 

1879.— J. A. Springer, D. D. G. 51.; C. H. Williams, 
N. G. ; W. A. Bates, Sec. 

Regular meetings are held in tlioir hall, now situated in 
the village of Pine Run, Wednesday evenings of each week. 
Present membership, 44. 

ASIARANTII LODGE, NO. GG, DAUOIITER-S OF REBECCA, 
was organized Sept. 9, 1875. The principal officers to the 
present time are as follows : 

1875.— H. D. Cole, N. G. ; Bethany JI. Sparks, V. G. ; 
Jennie C. Cole, See. 



376 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1876.— E. B. Spark.s, N. G. ; Anjenctt Scott, V. G. ; 
Jennie C. Cole, Sec. 

1877. — J. A. Springer, N. G. ; Martha A. Bartholomew, 
V. G. ; Anjenctt Scott, Sec. 

1878.— Martha A. Bartholomew, N. G. ; Harriet Miller, 
V. G. ; Anjcnett Scott, Sec. 

1879.— Harriet Miller, N. G. ; Sarah E. Fuller, V. G. ; 
Anjcnett Seott, Sec. Present membenshiji, 3G. 

CLIO LODGE, NO. 1382, K. OF O. 

This Lodge was instituted Jan. 27, 1879, wilh twenty 
charter members, by E. Newkirk, D. D. G. D. 

The officers are D. L. Halsted, Dictator ; H. Herring, 
Vice-Dictator; Charles Berridge, Asst. Dictator; L. L. 
Fuller, Past Dictator; C. B. Mann, Treas. ; Archibald D. 
Metz, Reporter ; S. J. Oliver, F. Reporter ; Crocker Wil- 
liams, Guide ; Edgar Webber, Sentinel ; Charles L. Can- 
field, Guard. 

Present membership, 23. Regular meetings are held in 
their lodge-room, Clio village, the second and fourth Mon- 
day evenings in each month. 

KELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 

As in many other localities, the Methodist Episcopal 
churchmen wore the first to inaugurate religious meetings 
here. Their circuit preachers visited the settlement of Pine 
Run as early as 183G, usually once in four weeks, and very 
frequently, when the road.s were impassable for horseback 
riding, they made the journey from Flint, Pontiac, and 
Saginaw on foot. That some of them were eccentric in 
manner, exacting, and rigid in their adherence to fixed 
rules, is fully proven by the following incident : Mr. D. N. 
Montague relates that in 1839 he attended a meeting held 
at the house of Corydou Fay. Due notice had been given, 
and a cordial invitation was extended to all in the neighbor- 
hood to attend. But when the audience had assembled, 
there were but eight persons, all told. The preacher — a 
Methodist divine — then arose and announced it as his rule 
not to preach unless nine or more were present. As the 
ninth listener was not forthcoming, the little gathering dis- 
persed, disappointed, perhaps, in their failure to hear the 
preached Word elucidated. 

During these early years people possessed of religious 
convictions assembled in their respective school-houses, 
and listened to the reading of sermons and portions of 
the Bible by one of their own number. Sabbath-schools 
were also hold during that season of the year when pupils 
could attend barefooted. 

In 1837 and 1838 a class in Methodism was formed in 
Pine Run. Among the members were Isaiah Merriman, 
the leader, women of the J\IcLean families, Theodore P. 
Dean, his mother and sisters, the Taylors and Van Pat- 
tens. But this society has been disbanded for many j'cars, 
and none exists in the township at present. 

Rev. Donald B. Campbell, Congrogationalist, became 
the first resident pastor in 1S5S. 

CONGREGATION.\L CHUltCHES. 

The Congregational Church of Vienna, whose house of 
wor.ship is .situated in I'ine Run, was organized in the early 



part of the year 1845 by Rev. Or.son Parker, an evan- 
gelist, and a resident of Burton township in this county. 
The original members were 22 in number, and George W. 
Huyck and George Sparks were chosen the first deacons. 
For a number of years the society had no preachers of its 
own denomination, although meetings were held nearly 
every Sabbath in the school-house, where circuit preachers 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church spoke, or a sermon was 
read by some one of the members. 

The first stated supply was Rev. E. T. Branch, who 
preached here part of the time during the years 1852 and 
1853. Revs. A. B. Pratt and McDowell also were here 
before the completion of the church edifice in 185G. The 
church was dedicated June 18, 1856, the dedicatory ser- 
mon being preached by Rev. Herbert Read, of the Ameri- 
can Home Mission Society. 

From May, 1858, until April, 18GI, Rev. D. B. Camp- 
bell was the pastor. He was followed by Rev. Jonas Den- 
ton, who administerod tj the spiritual wants of the society 
for the period of two years. Edwin Booth, a licentiate 
from Oberlin, Ohio, was here a few months in the winter 
of 18G4-65. In May, 1SG5, Rev. W. F. Rose came, and 
remained until October, 18G7. Those who succeeded him 
wore Rev. E. W. Borden, who came in July, 18G8, re- 
mained one year; Rev. W. I. Hunt, 1871; Rev. J. C. 
Thompson, June, 1874; Rev. M. Caldwell, 1875; Rev. 
Jared Warner, the last pastor of this society, preached one 
year, closing his labors in September. 1877. On the 12lh 
of November, 1877, the society voted to give each of its 
members letters of recommendation to unite with the 
Union Congregational Church of Vienna, and the old or- 
ganization was then disbanded. 

There is no definite record preserved of those who were 
received into the church from its first organization until 
the year 1859. From the latter date until its disband- 
ment in 1877, G5 were admitted. 

In August, 18G7, the Clio Congregational Society was 
organized and duly incorporated. The first board of trus- 
tees was composed of James L. Curry, Jo,seph Van Bus- 
kirk, Austin Griff'es, Hiram Benjamin, and William H. 
Dunn. 

This society went forward and erected the present church 
edifice in Clio, and continued as an iudeponJent church 
until the consolidation of the Vienna and Clio Congrega- 
tional Churches as the Union Congregational Society in 
1877. 

The pastors of the independent Clio Church were Revs. 
E. W. Bordeji, for two years from April 1, 1868 ; Ward I. 
Hunt, for two years from Nov. 1, 1871 ; William E. Cald- 
well, two years from Aug. 29, 1874; and J. Ilalliday, one 
year from Dec. 1, 187G. 

Doc. 10, 1877, the Union Congregational Society of 
Vienna was Ibruied by the consolidation of the Pino Run 
and Clio societies. The union organization began an exist- 
ence with 45 members, — IG males and 29 females, the males 
as follows: Seth N. Bedon, Charles Jlonlague, Daniel N. 
Montague, H. Hurd, Ezra B. Sparks, A. F. Nichols, J. B. 
Garland, Sr., Charles L. Cole, Sawyer Ilurd, James A. 
Sheldo!), C. C. Rice, J. F. Loomis, Stephen Griswold, Sher- 
burne Green, Milton B. Stage, and C. B. Mann. The fol- 





James l. Curry. 



MRS. James l. Curry. 




S^:^x:i,.-^^.,.xy^-^d^,:^^^^~i.> --rr-Tsr-:; ':-v.^r-^-v^'%-Ma'a^:^.>«: 



.:.ife1i*^: 



T "' ^:''^'^MMi!;:£ii;ii^M&-^^&SS^^l 



Residence of JAM ES L. CURRY, Clio, Mich. 



VIENNA TOWNSHIP. 



377 



lowing board of officers was then chosen : Daniel N. Jlon- 
tasue, President; Seth N. Heden, Secretary; James A. 
Slieldon, Treasurer; Sawyer Ilurd, M. B. Stage, Sherburne 
Green, Ezra B. Sparks, A. F. Nichols, and Charles Mon- 
tague, Trustees. 

Rev. John P. Sanderson became pastor of this society 
Dec. 30, 1877, and still contiTiues in the discharge of his 
ministerial labor here. Services are held ulteniatcly at Clio 
and Pine Hun. Flourishing Sunday-schools also exist at 
both places, their superintendents being Rev. J. P. Sander- 
son at Clio, and A. F. Nichols at Pine Run. Present mem- 
bership of society, 60. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF VIENNA. 

This church was organized about the year 18G4 by the 
Rev. Alanson Wilcox. The first series of meetings were 
lield in the church edifice of the Congregational society in 
Pine Run ; afterwards in the I'ine Run village school-bouse 
until IHG7, when their own house of worship was erected 
in the same village at a cost of $2000. It has sittings for 
about 300 people. 

Among tiie first members of this society were David 
Havens and wife, S. Gross and wife, William Canfield and 
wife, Philander Taylor and wife, John Taylor, Isaac An- 
drews and wife, Benjamin Drudge and wife, George C. 
Ecclcston and wife, Philip Devoe and wife, David R. Ilam- 
montreo and wife, William Whitebouso, David Franklin 
and wife, Mr. Hempsted and wife, Mr. Sherrick and wife, 
and others, enough to make 92 members in all. Revs. 
Smedmor, S. J. Smith, Elias Sias, Edwards, and Cornick 
have at various periods assumed the pastorate of this church. 
The pulpit is supplied at the present time by elders of the 
society. Present membership, 40. William Uuderhill, 
superintendent of Sunday-school. 

A Protestant Methodist Church exists at Clio, and a Free 
Methodist Church at Farrandville, but no data have been 
obtained, although the same were respectfully requested from 
official members of both organizations. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES L. CURRY, 

a resident of Clio, was born in Enfield, Tompkins Co., 
N. Y., Dec. 30, 1825. In 1847 he settled in Huron Co., 
Ohio, stopi)irig in New Haven and Greenwich, engaged 
in selling merchandise, and from 1853 to 1856 he lived at 
Clyde and Kenton, engaged on the Mad River and Lake 
Erie Railroad. From 185() to 1800 he resided in Mason 
Co., III., engaged in farming, and in grading two miles of 
the Illinois River Railroad. In the spring of 18G0 he re- 
moved to Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, and engaged in the 
drug business, which he sold out to enter the army. In 
August, 1851, he was commLssioned as first lieutenant in 
Company H, 2l8t Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after the 
battle of Stone River was C(m)mi.ssi()ned captain of Company 
A. He was with his regiment in all its cauijiaigiis in the 
Army of the Cumberland, until August, 1863, when he was 
48 



detailed for duty as provost-marshal at Cowan, Tenn. In 
December he joined his regiment, and commanded it at 
Chattanooga until March, 18G4, when, on his return from 
recruiting service with his regiment, which bad re-enlisted, 
he was stricken with disease, from which he never fully 
recovered. After a few months spent in hospital and on 
court-martial duty at Chattanooga, he rejoined his regiment, 
in front of Atlanta. In August, 1SG4, was mustered out 
at liick Skillet, Ga. 

In 18G5 he went to Clio, Mich., whither he moved 
his family in the summer of 18()G. During his residence 
at Clio he has been engaged in lumbering, as one of the 
firm of Campbell, Curry & Co. at Arbola as Curry & 
Brown, and at Midland as Curry & Merrick, at each of the 
places named owning mills. He was also one of the firm 
of Jennings, Ilalsted & Co., merchants, at Clio, whom he 
succeeded in business. In 1874, having lost several thou- 
sand dollars by parties in Toledo, and a valuable mill at 
Midland by fire, he retired from lumbering and turned his 
attention to farming and the duties of a justice of the 
peace. In 18()8 he was elected to the Legislature, and in 
1872 to the State Senate, but in 1874 declined a rcnomina- 
tion, on account of business cares. 

In 1850 ho married Sarah II., daughter of William 
Trenibley, of Ripley, Huron Co., Ohio., and has one son, 
Frank M., born at New Haven, Ohio, Sept. 3, 1851, and 
one daughter, born at Tontogany, Wood Co., Ohio, Oct. 14, 
18G5. 

He has traveled extensively in the States east of the 
Mississippi, and is veiy familiar with American history and 
biography. Liberal in bis opinions, public-spirited, and en- 
ergetic, he has been one of Clio's leading and enterprising 
citizens. In politics he is a Republican, and has always 
strictly adhered to the principles and interests of his party. 
His business and official positions have given him a large 
acquaintance with public men. At the present time he is 
postmaster of Clio, and at the same time carries on a farm 
adjoining the village. 



DAVID S. HALSTED 

was born Aug. 23, 1833, in Coxsackie, Greene Co., N. Y., 
where he resided until he was twelve years old, when his 
father moved to Cortland Co., N. Y., where he j)urcha.scd 
a small farm. There David grew to manhood, working on 
the farm and at the carpenter's trade sunimei-s, and attend- 
ing school winters. His father's early death left him to 
care for himself and to assist the family, he being the eldest 
child. Still be obtained at the district schools and the 
Cortland and Homer Academies an education which, 
enabled him to teach school and to become one of the ener- 
getic, enteri)rising bu.sincss men of Genesee County, where 
he settled in 1855. In the fall of 1854 he came to Poniiac, 
Mich., and taught school near there. The next .spring he 
located in Pine Run, where he remained until 18G7, when 
he commenced the mercantile business in Clio. Previous 
to this he taught school and worked at his trade, except two 
years, during which time ho was in the lumber business, also 
a partner of George S. Warren in a saw-mill. Tlic saw- 



378 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



mill proved to be anything but a success financially, and 
left Mr. Halsted to begin life anew. He again fell back on 
his trade and teaching, until, as above stated, he moved to 
Clio and engaged in the mercantile business, becoming a 
member of the firm of W. H. Jennings & Co. Since that 
time he has been in the mercantile business, the last eight 
years alone. In 1876 he bought at sheriff's sale what was 
known as the Mount Morri.s Saw and Patent Hoop Mill. 
This he has successfully managed, and is now doing an ex- 
tensive business in that line. As a business man Mr. Hal- 
sted is looked upon as one of the most enterprising and 



energetic iu his town, and as a citizen and neighbor respected 
and esteemed by all. 

On the 13th day of December, 1862, Mr. Halsted was 
married to Miss Lydia J. Van Buskirk ; .she was born in 
Smithfield, Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 31, 1846. There 
have been born to them three children, as follows : Jennie, 
born March 13, 1864; Albert K., born Feb. 13, 1867; 
and Harry, born Oct. 6, 1874, died Aug. 23, 1878. In 
politics Mr. Halsted is an ultra Ilepublican, though he has 
never sought nor cared for office. Has held minor offices 
iu his town, and was for scveu years postmaster at Clio. 





MILTON B. STAGE. 



MRS. MILTON B. STAGE. 



MILTON B. STAGE, 
the subject of this sketch, was born in the township of 
Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., May 4, 1825. His grand- 
father, Peter Stage, was one of the earliest settlers in Staf- 
ford (then known as the Holland Purchase), having settled 
there in the year 1800. The flxrm he bought was new, not 
a stick having been cut. Milton's father, James Stage, was 
born in New Jersey, on the 3d day of August, 1791. He 
served in the war of 1812, and was in the battles of Fort 
Erie and Lundy's Lane ; he was afterwards in the boat 
service, and carried supplies to the American forces at Fort 
Erie. In this service he endured hardships and privations, 
from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He 
married Miss Mary Butler. Joel Butler, Mr. Stage's 
grandfiither on his mother's side, was a sailor, and served 
through the war of the Revolution as a privateersman. 
The privateer in which he sailed was captured by a British 
man-of-war, and Mr. Butler, with the rest of the crew, was 
taken to England and confined in a prison-ship, where he, 
with others, suffered untold horrors. One of the mementos 
of Mr. Butler's seafaring life, a copy of the " Seaman's 
Daily Assistant," published in London in 1774, is now in 
the possession of Blr. Stage, and is a very interesting relic. 



The earlj' life of Milton B. Stage was passed in Genesee 
County, attending the district schools of his town, and sub- 
sequently the high-school at Leroy and the seminary at 
Lima, N. Y., which latter he attended three years, making 
the study of mathematics and engineering a specialty. After 
leaving school he worked on his father's farm three years, 
and afterwards was employed as civil engineer on different 
railroads. He worked two yeare on the Williamsport and 
Elmira Railroad, as surveyor and engineer, under Maj. 
William H. Morrell, chief engineer, closing his service as 
assistant engineer in charge of a party, and to the entire 
satisfaction of Maj. Morrell, who testified his approbation 
of his services in a commendatory letter to Mr. Stage. 

In 1854 he moved to the town of Vienna, in Genesee Co., 
Mich., and .settled on three hundred and twenty acres of land, 
part of sections 27 and 34, bought from the government by 
his father in 1836. The land was entirely new, and for a mile 
Mr. Stage had to cut his own road. In 1854 his father 
gave him a deed of the land, which he still owns, and which 
is iu a good state of cultivation, with fine buildings, etc. 
Mr. Stage has for many years been deputy surveyor, and 
iu the fall of 1878 was elected county surveyor, notwith- 
standing Genesee County is a strong Republican county, 



THETFORD TOWNSHIP. 



379 



while he is, and has always been, a Democrat. At different 
times he has held minor offices in his township. Mr. Stage 
has for forty years been gathering Indian relics, and has 
now a very fine collection. Oct. 30, 1845, he was mar- 
ried to Miss R. Dorothy Harper, daughter of John and 



Joan (Vernon) Harper, who was born Dec. 20, 1825, in 
Appledore, Devonshire, England. There have been born to 
them four children, as follows : Mary Ella, born Dec. 28, 
1849 ; Sarah L., born March C, 1852 ; Rosabelle M., born 
July 6, 1857 ; and Frank E., born March 12, 1859. 



THETFORD. 



This township, although still somewhat new, especially 
in the northern part, contains some of the choicest farming 
lands in Genesee County; and the beautiful scenery, the 
well-tilled fields, the majestic woods, and the fine dwell- 
ings and barns that denote the thrift and industry of its 
people, well repay tlie observant traveler for the trouble in- 
cidental to a trip through the town. 

Down to a period of time as late as the beginning of the 
year 1835 it had been a wilderness. The surveyors in the 
employ of the United States had passed through the track- 
less maze of its dense forests, recording their progress by, 
and leaving as tokens of their presence, the " blazes" on 
trees that marked the section-lines and corners. Some 
wandering, adventurous white hunter or trapper may have 
ca.sually passed through in pursuit of his perilous calling, 
but, aside from these persons, it is probable that, of human- 
kind, none save the moccasined foot of the Indian had 
trod the virgin soil or rustled the leaves with which the 
lofty trees had carpeted the earth beneath their spreading 
branches. 

These Indians belonged to the Chippewa nation, and 
were only transient inhabitants hero, they not having any 
village within the limit.s of this town. They came here to 
hunt and fish, though the latter sport was not as plentiful 
as the former on account of the lack of lakes and large 
streams. They had a well-defined trail, which started from 
the banks of the Flint River, in the present town of Rich- 
field, and ran in a direction a little west of north and in a 
nearly direct course to Tuscola, on the Cass River, and to 
Saginaw Bay, near the present site of Bay City. This trail 
entered Thctford not far from the southeast corner and fol- 
lowed the pine ridges passing through the present Richard 
Buell farm, and crossed the line into Tuscola County near 
the corner of sections 3 and 4. Along this trail the In- 
dians traveled for many years, sometimes in large parties 
and again singly or by twos and threes. They were gen- 
erally mounted on their hardy ponies, and in .sandy places 
the hoofs of these sturdy little animals had worn away the 
soil to the depth of a foot or more. These Indians re- 
mained here many years after the settlement of the country 
by the whites began, and the most amicable feelings ex- 
isted between the two races at all times. They had a 
favorite camping-place near the residence of Richard Huell, 



whore two or three families, more or less as the case might 
be, would come and stay for a few days at a time while they 
hunted the deer and other game with which the forest 
teemed. They were on especially friendly terms with the 
Buell family, for whom they had conceived a great liking 
when they first settled here, and with whom they often en- 
gaged in trade. Another of their favorite camping-grounds 
was on the banks of Butternut Creek, in the southeast 
corner of the town, near the present village of Whitesburg. 
In the work of cultivating the soil the farmer's plow fre- 
quently brings to the surface some relic of the aborigines, 
in the shape of flint arrow- or spear-heads, stone knives, 
pipes, or pieces of rude pottery. Frequently, too, the plow 
breaks into the shallow grave of some of these former 
dwellers, and turns their bones up to bleach in the sun, — 
to be destroyed by the chafing fingers of the storm and the 
ever-destructive touch of time. Do these senseless bones 
represent the once proud form of the haughty warrior who 
strode forth defiantly to battle with his equally haughty 
and courageous foe, and fell beneath his enemy's superior 
prowess? Do they speak to us of the ancient Indian 
brave or the decrepid squaw left alone to die or be dispatched 
by the tomahawk of some relative too impatient to await 
the slow marches of a natural dissolution of the vital 
forces ? Or do they tell of some gentle, soft-eyed, dark- 
skinned beauty of the forest, whose life-romance terminated 
in death by disease, accident, or at the hands of some jeal- 
ous suitor or envious rival ? Who shall draw aside the 
veil and reveal to us the mysterious past, describe the joys 
and sorrows, hopes and fears, loves and hates, virtues and 
vices, of the person whose bones are now insensible to the 
indignity ? — kicked thoughtlessly about by the feet of the 
indifferent or curious looker-on ? 

" simile of n (loiiarteil race, high-spirited and proud, 
Who loved to gnze on Nature's face, on tthining sun and cloud! 
WIki saw the uiighty hand of God in storms that swept the sky; 
In liglitninj;*s II:u*h, in tlunnlur's roll, in torrentj^ foaming high ! 
Looli not us with stony eyes, iudignant, fierce, and drciid ; 
Nor curse the hand that hath disturbed the slumbers of thy dead. 
TiMK, as the ages onward roll, grim retribution yields; 
Our bones, like yourn, shall Ho unmarked in future toilers' fields." 

One of the earliest settlers in this locality, Nahum N. 
Wil.-^on, wliilc working the place known as the Judge 



380 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Hotchkiss farm, in the present town of Vienna, plowed up 
a number of pieces of earthenware which were evidently 
portions of a large circular vessel resembling a potash-kettle. 
On some of the best preserved of these pieces could be 
traced the outlines of rudely-drawn pictures of deer, dogs, 
bears, horses, etc., which must have been scratched upon 
the plastic material with a pointed stick, or similar imple- 
ment, before the vessel was submitted to the influence of 
the intense heat necessary to harden and fit it for u.se. It 
is surmised, from the presence of so many fragments of 
different-shaped vessels found in that locality, that the In- 
dians — or possibly their predecessors as a race — had at that 
point a kiln where they manufactured such vessels and 
utensils as their rude housekeeping demanded. 

Early in the year 1835 the first ripples of the oncoming 
tide of immigration reached this town, and the land began 
to be taken up. During that and the two or three succeed- 
ing years a large share of the town was pui'chased from the 
government, and scattered settlements made in diiferent 
parts. A considerable portion of the land, especially that 
most thickly covered with pine, was taken up by speculators. 

The following list shows the names of all persons who 
entered lands in this town, with their residence (^when 
known), the number of acres purchased, the section on 
which it was located, and the date of entry. The names 
printed in italics are those of the actual settlers, though 
it was often the case that they did not take up their resi- 
dence here until several years after the entries were made. 
The first portion of the list comprises those who entered 
land on more than one section, classified thus for con- 
venience of reference and to economize space: 

Charles H. and William T. Carroll, of Livingston Co., 
N. Y., June 27, 28, and 21), 183G, 122G acres on sections 
4 and 5, being the entire sections, 307 acres on section 3, 
80 acres on section 6, 160 acres on section 7, 480 acres on 
section 8, 3G0 acres on section 9 ; Aug. 25, 1836, 80 acres 
on section 1, 160 acres on section 2, 138 acres on section 6, 
240 acres on section 11, 160 acres on section 12, and 160 
acres on section 14; total, 3551 acres. 

John Dunn, of Monroe Co., N. Y., June 28, 1836, 160 
acres on section 8 ; Nov. 28, 1836, 80 acres on section 24, 
and 160 acres on section 25 ; total, 400 acres. 

John P. Gale, of Livingston Co., N. Y., June 22, 1836, 
40 acres on section 9, and 160 acres on section 17 ; total, 
200 acres. 

Frederick B. Leonard, of Rensselaer Co., N. Y., July 9, 
1836, 160 acres on section 10, 160 acres on section 11, 
320 acres on section 14, 320 acres on section 15, 320 acres 
on section 22, 80 acres on section 23, 160 acres on section 
26, and 80 acres on section 27 ; total, 1600 acres. 

David Miller, of Ontario Co., N. Y., July 9, 1836, 160 
acres on section 10, 80 acres on section 15, 160 acres on 
section 22, 160 acres on section 23, 160 acres on section 
26, and 80 acres on sectif)n 34 ; total, 800 acres. 

Origen D. Richardson, of Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 19, 
1836, 80 acres on section 10, and 80 acres on section 11 ; 
total, 160 acres. 

Gi-urije Johnson, Aug. 12, 1852, 40 acres on section 10 ; 
Oct. 24, 1853, 40 acres on section 26; total, 80 acres. 

Joshua W. WatLMuian, of Dctiuit, July 14, 1853, 160 



acres on section 11, 40 acres on section 12; total, 200 
acres. 

Charles W. Schlosser, of this county, April 21, 1847, 40 
acres on section 13, 40 acres on section 24 ; Nov. 20, 1854, 
40 acres on section 13; total, 120 acres. 

Henry and Van Rcns.selaer Hawkins, of Genesee Co., 
N. 1'., April 22, 1837, 160 acres on section 14, 160 acres 
on section 23 ; total, 320 acres. 

Samuel Baldwin, of Monroe Co., N. Y,, June 28, 183G, 
160 acres on section 15, 320 acres on section 17, and 240 
acres on section 21 ; total, 720 acres. 

Gordon Baldwin, of Monroe Co., N. Y., June 28, 1836, 
160 acres on section 17, 240 acres on section 21, and 160 
acres on section 22 ; total, 560 acres. 

Hiram Benjamin, of this county, Sept. 24, 183G, 80 
acres on section 18, and 80 acres on section 30 ; total, 160 
acres. 

Charles M. Boutioell,* of Monroe Co., N. Y., Sept. 14, 
1836, 160 acres on section 19, 80 acres on section 29, and 
80 acres on section 30. 

Crawford Barldey, of Genesee Co., N. Y., May 27, 
1836, 80 acres on section 33 ; November 28th, 40 acres on 
section 21 ; total, 120 acres. 

Walter Knickerhocker, of this county, Oct. 27, 1845, 40 
acres on section 23 ; Aug. 12, 1846, 40 acres on section 
24; June 19, 1847, 40 acres on section 23; total, 120 
acres. 

L. G. Gordon and John Cook, of Detroit, Aug. 25, 1836, 
160 acres on section 25, and 160 acres on section 36 ; total, 
320 acres. 

Amasa Carrier, of Middlesex Co., Conn., June 16, 1836, 
80 acres on section 27, and 160 acres on section 28; total, 
240 acres. 

Cyrus Prentice, of Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836, 
80 acres on section 27, and 80 acres on section 28 ; total, 
160 acres. 

CAa??esJo/i)iso?!, of this county, Sept. 17, 183G, 80 acres 
on section 29, and 80 acres on section 32 ; total, 160 acres. 

Benjamin Pearson, of this county, Sept. 26, 1835, 114 
acres on section 31 ; June 6, 1836, 170 acres on section 
30 ; total, 284 acres. 

Richard H. Hall, of Trumbull Co., O., June 20, 1835, 
80 acres on section 31 ; June 20, 1836, SO acres on section 
30 ; total, 1 60 acres. 

Frederick St. John, of New York City, May 27, 1836, 
240 acres on section 33 ; June 9th, 320 acres on section 
32, 320 acres on section 34, and 160 acres on section 35 ; 
total, 1040 acres. 

Seth Miller, Jr., of Genesee Co., N. Y., Sept. 23, 1836, 
80 acres on section 33, and 80 acres on section 34 ; total, 
160 acres. 

Ira Davenport, of Steuben Co., N. Y., May 25, 183G, 
320 acres on section 35, and 320 acres on section 36 ; total, 
640 acres. 

The remaining entries, classified by sections, were as 
follows : 

Section 1 : Feb. 1, 1854, David Long, of this county, 
40 acres; November 11th, George H. Blanchard, of this 

^" Now spelled liuiitU'U. 







_:lfclSi*rf 




FARM AND RESIDENCE OF CHAS M l 





.Mrs Chas.M BounExu. 




lOUTTELL , THETFORD , MICH 



THKTFOllD TOWNSHIP. 



381 



county, 108 acres ; Robert Golden, this county, 151 acres ; 
November 22d, Zmhiclc Coolcy, this county, 80 acres; 
November 24th, Jaaih Johson, this county, 80 acres; De- 
cember 28th, Oscar M. Rohcrtx, tiiis county, 80 acres. 

Section 2: Aug. 11, 1853, Joseph Long, of Perry Co., 
Pa., 80 acres ; Nov. 8, 1854, Jului Jolmdu, of tliis county, 
60 acres ; November 1 Itii, Leonard Wightmau, this county, 
147 acres; December 4th, Juhii Austin, of Oai^land Co., 
Mich., 160 acres. 

Section 3: Nov. 10, 1836, William B. Middleton, of 
New York City, 160 acres; May 3, 1854, John Irvin, of 
this county, 08 acres ; November 11th, Abraham F. Conant, 
this county, 80 acres. 

Section 6 : July 9, 1836, Wm. W. Whitney and Eber 
Crawford, 75 acres; Jan. 9, 1851, Cornelius L. Ilussell 
and Seth McLean, of this county, 40 acres. On this sec- 
tion there were 120 acres of swamp land. 

Section 7: Nov. 11, 1854, JustiLs Stevens, of thiscounty, 
37 acres. On this section are 271 acres of swamp land. 

Section 9 : Jan. 16,1837, Vincent M. D. Hornell, of 
Steuben Co., N. Y., 160 acres; Sept. 27, 1851, Betsey 
Hinckley, 40 acres; April 20, 1853, Sidney B. Smith, of 
Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 40 acres. 

Section 10: May 23, 1851, Arad Way, 80 acres; Sept. 
27, Joseph S. Bartholomew, 40 acres ; Jan. 31, 1853, John 
Stiiniiard, 80 acres. 

Section 12: May 16, 1851, John O'Neil, 160 acres; 
May 18, 1852, diaries Benjamin, AQ acres; August Gth, 
Jacob Shn/cr, 80 acres; August 12th, JuJah Butler, 40 
acres; July 2, 1853, William S. Patrick, of this county, 
40 acres ; Oct. 17, 1853, and Nov. 11, 1S34, JJelos I. John- 
son, of Erie Co., N. Y., 80 acres. 

Section 13 : Oct. 29, 1845, John Schlosser, of this 
county, 80 acres ; June 26, 1849, Richard Case, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 160 acres; May 8, 1851, Patrick Welsh, 
160 acres; April 9, 1852, Samuel Graham , o? i\\\s county, 
40 acres ; Oct. 20, 1854, Nathan S. Johnson, of this 
county, 40 acres ; November 13th, David A. English, of Wal- 
worth Co., Wis., 80 acres. 

Section 14: April 22, 1837, Thaddeus C. Andrews, of 
Oakland Co., Mich., 160 acres. 

Section 15 : Dec. 14, 1852, Lebbcus D. Slannard, 40 
acres ; Dec. 1, 1854, Andrew C. Beckwith, of this county, 
40 acres. 

Section 18 : May 31, 1836, Leonard Beckwith, of Cuy- 
ahoga Co., Ohio, 76 acres; July 14th, John Henry, of 
Lenawee Co., Mich., SO acres; September 19th, Josiah W. 
Begole, of this county, 80 acres ; September 26th, Justus D. 
Jnyalls, of this county, 40 acres; Feb. 1, 1850, Riifus A. 
Leonard, of this county, 76 acres; Feb. 25, 1852, John 
Parshall, 40 acres. 

Section 19 : Juno 6, 183G, William Lund, of Wayne 
Co., Mich., 322 acres. 

Section 20 : June 25, 1836, Moscly Stoddard, of this 
county, 100 acres; Thomas Durfee, this county, 160 acres; 
April 27, 1H37, Abraiiam Botsford, this county, 16(( acres. 
On this .section there were 80 acres of swamp land. 

Section 21 : Nov. 12, ISi'.G, Peter llichanl.-ion, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., SO acres ; Nov. 11, 1854, Solomon John- 
son, of Geauga Co., Ohio, 40 acres. 



Section 23 : Dec. 2, 1839, Henry Knickcrboclcer, of this 
county, 120 acres; April 28, 1851, Andrus Kniclcerbocker, 
40 acres. 

Section 24 : Nov. 28, 1836, James S. Gordon, of Living- 
ston Co., N. Y., 160 acres; Grant Watkins, of this county, 
80 acres; Oct. 18, 1838, Thomas Wool/it, this county, 
40 acres; Feb. 22, 1841, Quartus W. Clapj), o( Genesee 
Co., N. Y., 40 acres; July 6, 1843, mtthan McComb, of 
this county, 80 acres ; Oct. 9, 1844, Ferry Kroll, this 
county, 8U acres. 

Section 25 : Sept. 26, 1838, Mrs. I'halle Richardson 
irfV/soH, of this county, 80 acres; October 4th, William Fay, 
of Liviug.ston Co., N. Y., 40 acres ; Oct. 19, 1839, Reuben 
Dye, of this county, 80 acres; Sept. 27, 1843, Franklin 
E. Dodge, of this county, 40 acres; June 12 and Sept. 
23, 1847, Silas II. Fayne, of this county, 80 acres. 

Section 26 : April 2, 1840, Alfred Judson, of Oakland 
Co, Mich., 40 acres; Aug. 9, 1842, William Oyden, of 
this county, 80 acres; William H. Clark, this county, 40 
acres ; Nov. 9, 1849, Ezra B. Sparks, this county, 40 
acres; Jan. 1, 1852, Joseph Williams, 40 acres; July 2, 
1853, Joseph Tinkham, of this county, 40 acres. 

Section 27 : Sept. 23, 1836, George Kellogg, of Genesee 
Co., N. Y., 160 acres ; Aug. 27, 1851, Samuel Dewitt, 160 
acres ; Nov. 1, 1852, Ellsworth Walkley, 40 acres ; Nov. 10, 
1853, Andrew 2\ Cowles, of this county, 40 acres. 

Section 28: July 9, 1830, Jane L. Nicholas, of Ontario 
Co., N. Y., 400 acres. 

Section 29 : Aug. 27, 1836, Isaac Van Tuyl,* of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 80 acres; Nelson S. Van Tuyl, same county, 
120 acres ; September 23d, Lewis Buckingham, of this 
county, 240 acres ; November 26tli, Jonathan P. Webster, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., 40 acres. 

Section 30 : Nov. 3, 1835, Corydon E. Fay, of this 
county, 100 acres. 

Section 31 : Jan. 2, 1835, Grovener Vinton, of Oakland 
Co., Mich., 109 acres ; June 4th, same party, 80 acres ; 
June 25th, Thomas M. Howell, of Canandaigua, Ontario 
Co., N. Y., 160 acres. 

Section 32 : Aug. 27, 1836, William L. Van Tuyl, of 
Oakland Co., Mich., 160 acres; John B.Watson, same 
county, SO acres. 

Section 33 : Sept. 14, 1836, Franklin Vinton, of Gene- 
see County, N. Y., 80 acres; September 15th, Timothy B. 
Tucker, of Oakland Co., Mich., 160 acres. 

Section 34 : Sept. 10, 1852, Bcnoni Clapp, of this county, 
40 acres; Sept. 30, 1853, George Bidwell, this county, 
40 acres; Nov. 17, 1854, Jesse W. Ilicics, this county, SO 
acres. 

Section 35: July 11, 1836, Hermon Camp, of Tompkins 
Co., N. Y., 1(!0 acres. 

Section 36: Feb. 27, 1837, Luther Bennett, of Wa.sh- 
tenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres; Oct. 5, \^\l,Argalns IL 
Mallhetvs, of this county, 40 acres ; Nov. 28, 1849, David 
Turel, this county, 40 acres. 

The following is the tax-roll of the resident tax-payers 
of Thetford in 1844: 



Siivlk'd iiI«o Van Ttiyle. 



382 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



„ .. . Amount 

Nnmos. Sections. Acres. ^^ j^^ 

Tlioiuas A|.Iin 18 lo6 $S.G5 

pMinnel .\|ilin Personal 10 

lliiliMnl Bucll 14 and 23.. 280 9.4B 

Crawforil Harklcy 21 and 33.. 120 5.90 

Williiim W. Boughton 29 80 2.S1 

TI/,iaI Boutwcll 30 80 3.39 

Charles jM. Boulwei: 19 160 5.74 

Jiisepli S. Bartholomew 32 40 1.07 

licnoiii Clap]) 34 and 35.. 120 9.54 

Ucia Chijip 35 40 1.34 

Quarlu.s \V. Clapp 24 40 2.09 

I'-ranklin E. Dodge 25 SO 2.13 

Henry Ferguson „ 20 40 1.19 

Corydon E. Fay 30 192 6.96 

J,.hn W.Johnson 18 and 20.. 120 4.95 

Hilton .Johnson 32 80 2.52 

Ihiny Knickerbocker 23 120 5.48 

Koljiit I.enzey Personal 69 

Ezra Martin 33 80 3.48 

llenrv Merrow 23 IGO 5.98 

Nathan McComb 24 SO 2..38 

AVilliam Ogden 2fi 80 2..38 

Silai Payne 25 80 2.38 

William Rice IS 41 2..32 

Paschal Richardson 25 and 26.. 160 10.22 

Elias Randall 24 40 1.62 

Simeon .^iuimons 35 79 4.13 

Grovener Vinton 31 263 15.65 

Isaac Van Tuyl 29 80 3.96 

" " (trustee) 10 and 32.. IBO 4.37 

Nelson S. Van Tuyl 29 and 32.. 200 6.S1 

David Williams 18 39 1.25 

Kahum N. Wilson 25 80 3.79 

It will be seen from this list tliat tlie first land taken up 
in this town was that entered by Grovener Vinton on the 
2d day of January, 1835. Mr. Vinton was also the first 
settler. He was a native of the State of New York, and 
lived in Avon, Livingston Co., when, in January, 1830, he 
determined on coming to Michigan to found a homo. At 
that time he was a youiig man in the prime of life, and 
well fitted by his powers of physical endurance, as well as 
by his high courage and indomitable spirit, for the life of the 
pioneer in this then new and densely-timbered country. He 
first settled in the Saginaw Valley, and engaged in farming. 
In the month of August, 1831, he was married to Miss 
Harriet Whitney, formerly of Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y. 
This wedding is believed to have been the first that took 
place among the settlers of the valley. From this time till 
he came to Thetford (then Vienna) he remained on liis 
Saginaw farm. Soon after purchasing his land here he 
began the work of removal, which was performed with an 
ox-teara and sled. They had to make four or five trips to 
get all their household goods and effects to their new loca- 
tion, and they commenced living in this town in February, 
1835. At this time they had one child, a daughter, named 
Sarah M., who came with them. She subsequently mar- 
ried Samuel J. Dickinson, and is now living at East Sag- 
inaw. 

Mr. Vinton had taken up 109 acres on section 31 in this 
town, and SO acres adjoining it on section 36 in the present 
town of Vienna. He built his first hou.se on the east side 
of the Saginaw turnpike, and about three-quarters of a 
mile north of the town's south line. It was a log house, 
some 20 by 24 feet, and 12 feet high at the eaves. The 
lumber used for flours, doors, window-frames, gables, etc., 
was brought from Benjamin Pearson's mill, on Kearsley 
Creek. With the help of one hired man ten acres of 
ground were cleared, and in the spring planted and sown to 
potatoes, corn, and oats, and in the fall two acres were sown 
to wheat. 



In the month of May following their second child was 
born. It was also a daughter, and received the name of 
Roxy Ann. She was the first child born in this town. 
She grew to womanhood here, attending the common 
schools, and finished her education at the high-school at 
East Siiginaw. In December, 1855, she married William 
S. Johnson, formerly of Geauga Co., Ohio, and has since 
resided in Thetford. At present they occupy a part of the 
old Vinton homestead. 

Mr. Vinton continued to improve his land, and found it 
to be one of the best in the fertile region in which it was 
located. He made it an exemplification of his thrift and 
industry, and brought it to a high state of cultivation. 
About the year 1851 he went largely into the dairy busi- 
ness, and manufactured large numbers of cheeses. This 
business he continued until about 1864. In 1855 he 
built a new residence on the opposite side of the Saginaw 
road, and by moving into that became a resident of the 
town of Vienna. 

Mrs. Vinton died June 24, 1874, and in the spring of 
the next year Mr. Vinton divided his largo fiirm among his 
children, purchased a small place in the village of Mount 
Morris, and removed there, where he is now living with his 
second wife, formerly Sirs. Orilla Newberry, of Tuscola 
County. His children, besides the two already mentioned, 
were Jennie L., Sylphiiiia, and Whitney G. The latter died 
when twenty-two years old. The others are married and 
still living, Mrs. Jennie L. Tyler at East Saginaw, and 
Mrs. Sylphinia Wellman in Flint. 

Mr. Vinton has always occupied a prominent and influ- 
ential position among his fellows, and has enjoyed their un- 
limited confidence and esteem. Having come here into a 
wilderness and lived to see the country develop into one 
of the loveliest agricultural regions of the State, he takes 
great interest and pride in recalling the many scenes of 
trial and hardship he has passed through, and the many 
interesting incidents and the great changes he has wit- 
nessed. To the historian he has been a willing and invalu- 
able assistance in the line of reminiscences connected with 
this vicinity. Still hale and hearty, he bids fair to live yet 
many years, and witness still many changes and much im- 
provement in the region with whose history his name is so 
intimately connected and interwoven. 

Mr. Vinton's was the only family in town until the fall 
of 1 S36, when Isaac and Nelson S. Van Tuyl came from 
Oakland County, and settled hero. They were formerly 
from Seneca Co., N. Y. Isaac brought a wife and two 
daughters with him and settled on section 29, building his 
log house near the middle of the south line of the section. 
Nel.son S., who was Isaac's son, had a wife and one or two 
small children. His house was a few rods west of the 
southeast corner of section 29. A year or two later another 
son, William L., came and settled on the west half of the 
southeast quarter of section 32. Of the Van Tuyls, none 
are now living in Thetford. They were good citizens, 
fitirly successful farmers, and rather prominent in the polit- 
ical affairs of the town. They were members of the Whig 
party, and all at some time held some of the town offices. 
About the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion they 
removed, Isaac and Nelson going to Shiawassee County and 



TIIETFORD TOWNSHIP. 



383 



William L. to the town of Burton, in this county. Isaac 
died a few years later, in his new home, and the other two 
are now living in Shiawassee County, William having re- 
moved there at a later date. 

The next settler was Corydon K. Fay, who was for several 
years one of the town's most prominent citizens. He came 
from Avon, Livini;ston Co., N. Y., and in the fall of 1837 
settled on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 
30 in Thetford. His house was about a quarter of a mile 
north of Vinton's. He was a young man when he first 
came West, and worked on a farm three miles north of 
Flint, for Benjamin Pearson, until he had saved up suffi- 
cient money to enable him to purchase this land. After 
purcha-sing his land he went to Toledo and lived a while 
before coming to settle on it. About this time he was 
married. He was a blacksmith by trade, and built a small 
log shop on the section corner, where he began working at 
his trade and taking pay for the work he did for his neigh- 
bors in clearing and breaking up his land. lu this way he 
succeeded in getting about sixty acres of his land cleared 
and brought under cultivation. He was the first black- 
smith iu this town, and at the time the only one in the 
region, and the settlers came from great distances to get 
their blacksniithing done at liis .shop. In 1850 travel on 
Saginaw turnpike began to assume proportions that called 
for houses of entertainment for travelers along its course, 
and Mr. Fay built a large frame house and opened the first 
inn kept in the town. It was called the Fay House, and 
was well known and held in good repute by the travelers 
theu thronging the roads leading to the pineries of Michi- 
gan. Mr. Fay continued to keep this hotel until the fall 
of 1855, when he traded it and his farm with William 
Green for his farm in the town of Bloomfield, Oakland Co., 
and removed to that place. He afterwards removed to and 
kept hotel in the village of Royal Oak, where lie died .some 
four or five years ago. Mr. Fay was a man of more than 
ordinary business ability, and might have risen to positions 
of trust and honor had it not been for his unfortunately 
being a victim to the habit of intemperance, which impaired 
his usefulness. As it was, he was one of the foremost citi- 
zens in conducting the business of the town, and held 
several town offices. 

During this same fall or the year following, Benoni Clapp, 
with a large family of boys, came from the town of Clar- 
ence, Erie Co., N. Y., and settled on the east half of the 
northea.st quarter of section 34. Coming to this town with 
but a small store of worldly goods, he was indebted to the 
goodwill of his neighbors in Genesee for a cow, which 
they generously presented him. By his untiring energy, 
industry, thrift, and good management he has succeeded in 
accumulating a handsome property, and in bringing up a 
family of children, who resemble him in point of energy 
and ability. He is emphatically one of the pioneers of the 
town, and well exemplifies the sturdy virtues of that class 
of our citizens who have developed this Western country. 
He lijLS served many years as commissioner of highways, 
and has proved himself a very efficient officer. He is still 
living on his farm with his son, Benoni, Jr. 

Quartus W . Clapp, now a resident of tlu; town of Forest, 
is a nephew of Benoni, and accouipauied his uncle when he 



came to this town. He commenced for him.self on section 
24, about 1842-43. He married Miss Nancy Begel, daugh- 
ter of Steplien Begel, of Forest. 

In May, 1837, Crawford Barkiey married Sarah C. 
Haynes and settled on the east half of the .southwest quar- 
ter of section 33. This first settlement in the State was 
in 1825, when he came with his jiarents from Montgomery, 
Orange Co., N. Y., and .settled in Oakland County, near 
Pontiac. For a while just previous to coming here he 
worked on the Territorial road through the Bean Creek 
Valley, in Hillsdale County, in the south part of this State. 
A sketch of his life is given in the chapter of biography 
appended to this sketch. 

Charles M. Bouttell came here from Monroe Co., N. Y., 
among the earlier settlers, and located on section 11), where 
he built his first hou.se, a few rods west of the quarter-po.st, 
on the east line of the section. His farm was one mile 
long and a quarter of a mile wide, lying on the east line of 
the section. His biography will be found eKsewhere. His 
brother, Uzial Boutwell,* settled here at a later date, and is 
still a resident of the town. 

Richard Buell, about the years 1839-40, settled on sec- 
tion 23, on the east half of the northwest quarter, which 
land he purchased of Henry and Van Ren.s.selaer Hawkiii.s. 
He was at that time living with his second wile, and brought 
six sons and three daughters with him. His land Wiis largely 
covered with pine timber, of which he cut and burned sev- 
eral acres, and commenced farming operations. The balance 
of the pine was cut and made into shingles by Jacob Smith 
& Co., who afterwards established a shingle-mill on section 
14. Mr. Buell lived to a good old age, and died while still 
a resident of the town, four or five years ago. 

At about the same time of Buell's coming, P^zra H. 
Martin settled on section 14, north of BucU's. He moved 
from there to the Taylor farm, in the west part of the town, 
and afterwards to Chagrin Falls. Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. 

Thomas Aplin, at about the same time, made a settlement 
on the east half of the southeast quarter of section 18. lie 
remained only a few years ; then removed to Flint, where 
he continued to reside till the time of his death. 

Leonard Beckwith also settled, at this lime, on the south- 
west fractional quarter of section 18. He lived here many 
years, and finally, about ten or twelve years ago, sold out 
and removed farther west, settling in Minnesota. 

William Rice came from Batavia, N. Y., at about the 
same time, and located on the east half of the northeast 
quarter of section 18. He removed to Flint some years 
later, and died there three or four years ago. 

William W. Boughton also came, about this time, and 
settled on the farm, on section 21), which is now occupied 
by his sons, W. O. and G. A. Boughton. lie died in this 
town some ten or twelve years since. 

Reuben J. Dye was another of these settlers. His farm 
was on section 25, and consisted of the west half of the 
northwest (piarter of that .section. He; sold out in IS 13 
to Pa.schal Richardson, and moved to the town of Flint, 
where he died three or four yciirs ago. 

Nahum N. Wilson, who is the oldest resident settler of 

* Spoiled also Boullell. 



384 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



the town, and lias always been amoiig its most prominent 
citizens, purchased 80 acres of land on section 25, in the 
early fall of 1838. He did not, however, live upon his 
place until about five years later. Previous to this time he 
had been engaged in a store near Flint, where considerable 
trading was done with the Indians. While engaged in this 
business he was adopted by the Copneconnick tribe, and 
given the name of Winnebidagayis, signifying " the rising 
sun." From that place Mr. Wilson moved on to the Judge 
Ilotehkiss farm, in Vienna, and worked it till he moved on 
to his own place in this town, in 1843. In July, 1840, he 
made the first improvement on his farm. Assisted by 
Humphrey McLean, Leonard Beckwith, and John Bart- 
lett, he chopped ten acres in a week's time. This was 
logged and burned the following April, and a crop of corn 
raised on it that yielded 300 bushels. On this farm Mr. 
Wilson has since resided, and has now one of the finest and 
pleasantcst places in the vicinity. In his biography a more 
detailed story of his life will be found. 

While living in Vienna, Mr. Wilson came from that 
place with Richard Andrews for the purpose of hoeing his 
corn, in which the weeds were getting too good a start to 
suit him. It was a hot Friday morning in July, and they 
expected to be able to finish the work in two days, and get 
back home on Saturday night. They worked along through 
the day until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when clouds 
began to form in the sky and the weather grew threateninar. 
As is usually the case just before a storm at that season, 
the air grew muggy and the heat very oppressive. The 
swarms of flics, gnats, and musquitoos also became very 
savjige in their attacks, and at last forced the men to retire 
from the field. Leaving Andi'cws at the rude shanty which 
afforded them shelter to cook some supper, Mr. Wilson 
took his gun and, followed by his dog, went out into the 
woods to try to get a shot at a deer. Before going far he 
saw a deer, shot at it, and succeeded in wounding it, but 
not severely enough to prevent its flight, followed by the 
dog. While Mr. Wilson was reloading he heard a sharp 
crackling in the bushes behind him, and turning about saw 
a large bear which was passing some six or eight rods dis- 
tant, and which seemed not to have discovered his presence. 
He made a noise to attract the bear's attention and hur- 
riedly finished reloading. The bear stopped to investigate 
the cause of the mysterious noise, but, having halted be- 
hind a tall oak-stub, did not oflFer a good shot. His hips 
wore, however, exposed, and after waiting a little without 
having any better chance for a shot, Mr. Wilson aimed at 
this exposed portion of the bear's body and fired. Bruin 
fell to the ground and made the woi ds resound with his 
cries of rage and pain, but while Mr. Wilson was reloading 
began a retreat into the forest. Thinking him badly 
wounded, and expecting to soon overtake and finish him, 
Mr. Wilson pressed on in pursuit. The chase proved a 
long one, and after following the bear till dark and getting 
two more shots at him he finally lost him just at dark in a 
large swamp. With the fall of night the storm broke and 
torrents of water came pouring down through the trees. 
After a few vain attempts to start a fiie Mr. Wilson shel- 
tered himself beneath the leaning trunk of a huge oak, 
and there spent the night, relieving the tedi(ms hours by 



walking back and forth between that and another tree, be- 
tween which the underbrush was less dense than on either 
side. In this manner he passed the night. With the first 
light of dawn he began his search for landmarks to deter- 
mine his whereabouts, and shortly found that he was near 
the northeast corner of the town of Forest. By aid of his 
pocket- com pass he took liis bearings, and fixing upon a 
course a little west of southwest began retracing his steps 
towards his clearing, which he reached about seven o'clock. 
He found Andrews and Reuben J. Dye (his neare-t neigh- 
bor) just ready to start out in search of him. The dog had 
returned to the cabin in the night covered with blood from 
the deer, which he had caught and partially eaten, and they 
thought Mr. Wilson had encountered and been killed by 
some ferocious beast of prey. 

Franklin E. Dodge aiid Daniel F. Bennett, in 1845, Na- 
poleon B. Fay, in 184G, and Amasa Carrier, in 1852, were 
among the most prominent of the later settlers. Biog- 
raphies of some of them accompany this work. 

The heavy growth of excellent pine timber that clothed 
the surface of a large portion of the town aiForded a lucra- 
tive business in preparing it for market, and necessitated 
the erection of a number of mills for the performance of 
that woi'k. The first of these mills was the one built 
about 1846, by Gordon & Cook, on Butternut Creek, on 
section 30. It was a water-mill, the creek at that point 
furnishing suflicient fall to. make it a desirable mill-seat. 
Some six years later, Richard Buell and his son Jay built a 
steam saw-mill, the first in the town,. about eighty rods 
north of the southeast corner of section 14. Three or four 
years later, Root, Anderson & Co. built a mill on section 13, 
nearly opposite the Buell mil!. A. N. Baird owned a mill 
which stood about a mile north of the centre of the town, 
and Capt. J. T. Baird owned another, still farther north, on 
section 3. There were two other mills devoted to the 
making of shingles, the one farthest north owned by Delos 
I. Johnson, the other by Jacob Smith & Bro. The busi- 
ness of lumbering in Thctford is now among the things 
that were, the pine lumber being nearly all used up, and 
what little remains is being worked into shingles by the 
mills now running in the town. The mill built by Root, 
Anderson & Co. was afterwards owned by Eben B. Parker, 
and was twice burned, and then, after being changed to a 
shingle-mill, was burned a third time. Mr. Parker tlun 
purchased the Buell mill, and shortly after that too was de- 
stroyed by fire. This was rebuilt as a shingle-mill, and is 
still in use. The Gordon & Cook mill was sold to Argalus 
S. Matthews about 1848, by him to Clark White, and by 
him to Henry Hollister. Since 1862 it has run down and 
the machinery has been removed. 

The first and only grist-mill in Thctford was built at 
Whitesburg, in 1852-53, by Isaac 0. Rogers. It was a 
water-mill and had two runs of stones. The water-power 
was supplemented by steam-power some three years ago, 
and the mill — now owned by Dodge & Schrocder — is doing 
a very good business. 

As before mentioned, the first crop of wheat was raised 
by Grovener Vintou and was harvested in the summer of 
1836. The first wheat sown in the east part of the town 
was put in by Reuben J. Dye. He had a four-acre lot pre- 



TIIETFORD TOWNSHIP. 



385 



pared, and wctit to Vienna for his seed. lie prnenred of 
N. N. Wilson sufficient seed of the best quality of red chaff 
bald wheat, — a variety which Mr. Wilson thinks identical 
with the jMesent widely-known and hiuhly-valued " Clanson" 
wheat, — and sowed his ground. Tiic wheat grew nicely 
and the next spiing gave promise of an excellent crop. 
Just as it had begun to head nicely a heavy rain came on, 
followed by a nipping frost that cut tiio wheat to the ground. 
In a few days a new growth sprang from the roots, and 
grew .so strong and thrifty that Mr. Dj-e congratulated him- 
self upon it and told his neighbors he would have a fine 
piece of wheat yet, in spite of the unsca.sonable cold. But 
as its growth was nearly finished, and he examined it more 
closely to find the incipient heads, he made the exasperating 
discovery that his wheat was nothing but chess, and went 
at work to cut and cure it for fodder. 

Among the earliest births in Thetford was that of John 
N. Wilson, a son of N. N. Wilson, who was born on 
the 10th of November, 1843. He grew to manhood in 
this town, and received his education in the common 
schools. He became a member of the Disciples, or Camp- 
bcllite Church, and was finally ordained as a preacher of 
that denomination, and is now preaching in llupert, Ben- 
nington Co., Vt. 

The first job of blacksmithing done in Thetford was per- 
formed by Corydon E. Fay, and consisted of making a 
plow-clevis out of the poles of two old axes. The clevis 
was made for Grovener Vinton, and was used by him for 
many years. 

It is not definitely known who was the fir.st person that 
died in tliis town. Among the earliest were those of Pha-be 
Clapp, a niece of Benorii Clapp, Sirs. Benoni Clapp, and 
Mr. Martin, father of Ezra H. Martin. All of these were 
buried in the Upton burying-ground in the town of Genesee. 

THE OUGANIZATION OF THE TOWN 
was brought about in accordance witli the wishes of its cit- 
izens during the meeting of the State Legislature in the 
winter of 1841-42. By that act the tract of land known 
in the records of the United States survey as township 9 
north, of range 7 east, was erected into a separate town 
under tlic name of Thetford, and the first town-mcetiu'r 
was appointed to be held at the schuol-house near Corydon 
E. Fay's. The name was taken from the town of Thetford, 
in Orange Co., Vt., and was selected by Nahura N. Wilson. 
The territory thus made a town lies on the north line of the 
county, in the second range of townships from the ca.stern 
boundary. It is bounded north by Arbela, a town of Tus- 
cola County, east by Forest, .south by Genesee, and west by 
Vienna, towns of this county. Its surface is lightly roll- 
ing. The south half of the town was originally heavily 
timbered with a variety of hard-wood trees, and its soil is 
composed of a rich clay loam very evenly distributed, easily 
worked, and very fertile. The north half of the town was 
covered with fine timber, generally of excellent quality and 
large size, interspersed with other kinds of forest trees. 
The soil in this part is lighter, composed mostly of .sandy 
loam, but is .still valuable for agricultural purposes. Un- 
derlying tlic surface soil in the southwest part of the town 
is a soft, blue clay of a putty-like consistency, which also 
49 



probably extends throughout the town, though perhaps at a 
greater depth below the surface. 

The only bodies of water in the town are Buell and Little 
Lakes in the northern part. The largest part of these is 
the fir.st named, which covers an area of about 100 acres. 
Its length is about one mile from east to west, and its av- 
erage width is from forty to fifty rods. It is irregular in 
form, surrounded by pine ridges and knolls, is (|uite deep, 
and has a generally muddy bottom. This lake lies par- 
tially in each of three sections, 2, 3, and 1 1 . Little Lake lies 
south from Buell Lake, and is wholly in section 11. It 
covers but a few acres, and in general character resembles 
the other one. Both these lakes empty their waters through 
" Perry Creek," which flows northward, and finally empties 
into the Cass River. 

The other streams of the town are Butternut Creek, 
which crosses section 36 in a southwesterly direction, and 
Clapp's Creek, which rises near the centre of the town, 
flows southeast, and empties into Butternut Creek. 

Taken as a whole, the town ranks well as to the produc- 
tiveness and value of its land with other towns in the 
county, and the south part is, especially, a fine farming 
country. 

The following statistics, taken from the report of the 
census of 1874, show what its productions for 1873 were: 
wheat, 21, 7.")9 bushels; corn, 18,272 bushels; other grain, 
32,499 bu.shels ; potatoes, 11,057 bushels; hay cut, 1591 
tons; wool sheared, 7182 pounds; pork raised, 32,297 
pounds ; cheese made, COO pounds ; butter made, 4l),33() 
pounds ; fruit dried, 2172 pounds ; cider m;ide, 8lj barrels ; 
maple-sugar made, 3345 pounds. 

The amount of live stock kept that year was as fol- 
lows: hor.ses, 380 ; mules, 2 ; working-oxen, 1 15 ; milch- 
cows, 4G4 ; other neat-cattle, 501; swine, 454; sheep, 
1081. 

It contains a total area of 21,383.82 acres, according to 
the figures of the United States survey, of which 471 acres 
were designated as swamp lands. The census re])orts 1 9,877 
acres of taxable land and 0710 acres of improved land ; 
also that this was divided into 220 farms, averaging 1^-^^is 
acres each. There were 252 acres of orchard, which pro- 
duced, in 1872, 7G22 bushels of apples. 

In 1850 the population of the town was only 303; in 
1860 it had risen to 934, and in 1870 to 1200, divided as 
1058 native born, 202 foreign born, and 3 colored. The 
census of 1874 reports a population of 1184, a loss of 70 
in four years, and classifies them as single, 002 ; married, 
489 ; widowed and divorced, 33 ; males under five years, 
95 ; from five to ten years, 00 ; from ten to twenty-one 
years, 157 ; from twenty-one to forty-five years, 204 ; from 
forty-five to seventy-five years, 112; from seventy-five to 
ninety years, 8 ; females under five years, 73 ; from five to 
ten years, 09; from ten to eighteen years, 102; from 
eighteen to forty years, 194 ; from forty to seventy-five 
years, 101 ; from seventy-five to ninety years, 3. 

Pursuant to the provisions of the act erecting the town, 
the first annual town-meeting was held at the Fay school- 
house on the first Monday in April following the pa.ssage 
of the act. The following account of the proceedings is 
taken from the town clerk's record : 



386 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



" At the first annual townsliip-nirctlng held in the township of 
Thetlbrd, this fourth iliiy of Ajiril, 1842, Isaac Van Tuyl was chosen 
chairman of said nauting, and Richard Bucll, Albert Castle, Grovcner 
Vinton, and Corydon E. Fay inspectors. Said board of inspectors 
appointed C. K. Fay as clerk. Said board being duly sworn by Isaac 
Van Tuyl, Esq., the inhabitants present proceeded to vote for the 
following ofliccrs." 

Tlicii follows a list of the officers to bo clioscn, and a 
statement of the numbjr of votes cast for each candidate 
for the several offices. From this we le.irii that there were 
23 votes cast. Isaac Van Tuyl, the Whig candidate for 
supervisor, received IS votes, and Bcnoni Clapp, his Demo- 
cratic competitor, received 5. Corydon E. Fay, for the 
office of town clerk received 22 votes, showinu; conclusively 
that he had scruples against voting for himself Tlie rest 
of the officers received about the same vote as did Van Tuyl 
for supervi.sor. 

The record then continues : 

** It was also resolved that tlic soutliwcst ijuartcr of said town shall 
constitute road district No. 1, and that llio northwest quarter of said 
town shall constitute road district No. 2, and the east half of said 
town shall constitute road district No. 'S. 

"Also voted, tliat all town olEccrs shall receive one dollar per day, 
for every day actually spent in town business. Also voted, to raise 
the sum of $125 for contingent expenses the current year. Also voted, 
to raise the sum of $.'i8 for the support of schools. Also voted, that 
the next annual township-meeting shall be held at the school-house 
near C. E. Fay's. Also voted $10 for books for the town elerk." 

The justices of the peace then drew lots to determine 
their respective terms of service, and then the meeting 
adjourned. 

The following list contains the names of all the town 
officers from 1842 to 1879, inclusive: 

CIVIL LIST OF THETFORD. 



SUPERVISORS. 



1842-4.S. Isaae Van Tuyl. 
1844-45. Corydon E. Fay.* 
1846-48. Daniel F. Bennett. 
1S49. Corydon E. Fay. 
1860. Nelson S. Van Tuyl. 

1851. Daniel F. Bennett. 

1852. Jose M. Riddle. 

1853. Daniel F. Bennett. 

1854. Nahuin N. Wilson. 
1855-56. John Brabazon. 



1857. Daniel F. Bennett. 
1858-60. John Brabazon. 
1801-64. Ithicl W. Wilber. 
1865-66. David Case. 
1867. Ithiel W. Wilber. 
1868-69. Isaac 0. Rogers. 
1870. Daniel F. Bennett. 
1871-78. Jacob W.White. 
1879. Daniel F. Bennett. 



* At the election of 1844 a Mr. Paschal Richardson was elected 
supervisor, and also school inspector. Mr. Richardson moved into 
the town and State in the month of October previous, but not at as 
early a day in the month as that on which the election occurred in 
April. From this arose a question regarding his eligibility, and the 
following formal protest was recorded, following the record of the 
proceedings of the meeting, viz. : 

" Isaac Van Tuyl objects to election of Supervisor and School In- 
spector Mr. Paschal Richardson, for the reason that he (Richardson) 
has not been in the State long enough to vote. 

"Isaac Van Tuyl, 

"Justice iif the Peace." 

Soon after this Richardson removed to Flint, and on the Sth of 
May following. Van Tuyl, who had held over pending the decision of 
the question, resigned his claims to the otBce, and the town board 
met and appointed Corydon E. Fay to fill the ofRcc for the unexpired 
term. 



TOWN CLERKS. 



1S42. 
1843- 
1845. 
1846. 
1817. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854- 



Corydon E. Fay. 
44. Nahum N. Wilson. 
Nelson S. Van Tuyl. 
Nahum N. Wilson. 
Wdliam L. Van Tuyl. 
Nahum N. Wilson. 
William L. Van Tuyl. 
Daniel F. Bennett. 
Nahum M. Wilson. 
John Taylor, Jr. 
Nahum N. AVilson. 
■55. N. S. Johnson. 



1856. Delos I. Johnson.f 
Daniel F. Bennett.}: 
1857-60. David Long. 
1861-64. Samuel Graham. 
1865-66. Jacob W. White. 
1S67. John Walter.^ 
1867-69. David Long.|| 
1870. Nahum N. Wilson. 
1871-73. Rodney Lyman. 
1874. John N. Wilson. 1[ 
1874-78. William H. Long.« 
1879. William E. Price. 



TREASURERS. 



1842-43. Simeon Simmons. 
1844. Grovener Vinton ff 
1844-45. Simeon Simmons. Jt 
1846-48. Franklin E. Dodge. 
1819-50. Josejih S. Bartholiimew. 

1851. William 11. Randall.^J 
Richard Sutton i||| 

1852. Samuel Graham. 

1853. Henry Morrow. 
1851-1^5. Sherman Moulthrop, 



1856. Charles Scott. 

1857. Horace H. Ramsdell. 

1858. Nelson S. Van Tuyl. 
1859-63. Charles Scott. 
1864. Napoleon B. Fay. 
1865-68. William S. Johnson. 
1869-70. Jacob W. White. 
1871-74. Sherman Moullhrop. 
1875-78. James W. Avcrill. 
1879. Thomas D. Fletcher. 



JUSTICES OP THE PEACE. 



1842. 


Isaac Van Tuyl (1 year). 


ISfiO. 




Richard Buell (2 years). 


ISOI. 




William Rice (3 years). 






Ezra H. Martin (4 years). 


1802. 


1843. 


Isaac Van Tuyl. 


1863. 


ISIl. 


John W.Johnson (f.t.).lt 






Elias Randall (v.).«»- 


1864. 


1845. 


Benoni Cla])p (f. t.). 






John W. Johnson (v.). 


1865. 


1846. 


Richard Buell. 




1847. 


Corydon E. Fay. 


1866. 


1848. 


Judah Butler. 




1849. 


Henry Merrow. 


1867. 


1850. 


Nahum N. Wilson. 


1868. 


1851. 


Corydon E. Fay. 


1869. 


1852. 


Daniel F. Bennett. 


1870. 


1853. 


Jose M. Riddle. 


1871. 


1854. 


Nahuin N. Wilson (f. t,). 


1872. 




Lebbeus D. Stanard (v.). 


1872- 


1855. 


Corydon E. Fay. 




1856. 


Clark White (f. t.). 
Orlando Johnson (v.). 


187.3- 


1S57. 


David Case. 


1875. 


1858. 


Nahum N. Wilson (f. t.). 


1876. 




William H. Randall (v.). 


1877. 


1859. 


R. P. Baker. 


1878. 


1800. 


Clark While (f. t.). 


1879. 



Jacob W. White (v.). 

Abram Cudncy (f t.). 

Harrison Lewis (v.). 

E/.ra Cleveland. 

Joseph B. Drudge (f t.) 

Aloii/o Dickinson (v.). 

David Long (f. t.). 

Harrison Lewis (v.). 

Clark White (f. t.). 

Daniel F. Bennett (v.). 

Isaac 0. Rogers (f. t.). 

Harrison Lewis (v.). 

David Case. 

Rodney Lyman. 

William 11. Randall. 

Daniel Morse. 

Clark White. 

Rodney Lyman (f. t.). 
-73. Thomas D. Fletcher 

and f. t). 
-74. Daniel F. Bennett 

and f. t.). 
, Philander B. Taylor. 
, Augustus Holden. 

William S. Coddington. 
, Daniel F. Bennett. 
. Theodore Johnson. 



HIGHWAY COMMISSIONERS. 



1842. Benoni Clapp. 
Crawford BarUley. 
Thomas Aplin. 

1843. Benoni Clapp. 
William Rico. 
Uenry Merrow. 



1844. Benoni Clapp. 
Crawford Barkley. 
Uzial Boutwell. 

1845. Benoni Clapp. 
Milton Johnson. 
John W. Johnson. 



f Resigned May 22, 1856, because of poor health. 



X A])pointcd May 22, 1856 
II Appointed Sept. 9, 1867. 
•^ Aiqiointed Oct. 7, 1874. 
W Appointed. 
Ijjl Appointed Deo. 5, 1851. 
*-^* Vacancy. 



2 Removed from the town. 
f Resigned Oct. 7, 1874. 
ff Resigned. 
?,J Resigned Dec. 5, 1851. 
ini Full term. 



TIIETFORD TOWNSHIP 



387 



1SJ6 



1817 



1S48, 
1849. 
1S50- 



1853, 
1854, 
1855. 
1851), 

1857. 
1858. 
1859 
1860. 
1861. 
1862. 
1863. 



Perry Krull. 
Jose M. Riddle. 
Charles M. Bouttcll. 
Perry KroU (3 years). 
Jose M. Riddle* (2 years). 
Milton Johnson (1 ycnr). 
Simeon Simmons. f 
Charles M. Bouttell. 
Benimi Clapp. 
-51. Franlilin E. Dodge. 
M. Juhn.=on (appointed). 
Charles M. Bouttcll (f.t.). 
Luther Scott (v.). 
Bcnoni Clapp. 
Joseph S. Bartholomew. 
Edmund Jones. 
David Long {f. t.). 
Joseph B. Drudge (v.). 
William S. Johnson. 
Joseph B. Drudge. 
Samuel Graham. 
"William S. Johnson. 
Henry Knickerbocker. J 
Alonzo llurd. 
Rttuben Johnson^ (f. t.). 



1863. Alunzo Kurd (v.). 

David Long. [I 
1861. Uzial BcMitwclI (f. t.). 

Sanford Stafford (v.). 
1SG5. Augu.'^tus Ilolden. 

1866. William II. Long. 

1867. Henry Schradcr. 
Joseph B. Drudge.^ 

1808. Chiirlcs M. Bouttcll (f. t.). 

Perry Kroll (v.). 

Wm. H Long (.appointed). 

Nathan D. Barlow " 
186'J. William H. Long (f. t.). 

Charles E. Rockwell (v.). 

1870. A. S. Munsell. 

1871. Thomas D. Fletcher. 

1872. William E. Price. 

1873. Ziba E. Sanborn. 

1874. Ezra S. Cleveland (f. t.). 
Perry Kroll (v.), 

1875-76. Nahum N. Wilson. 

1877. Stephen (iriswold. 

1878. William If. Underbill. 

1879. Nalhan F. Scolt. 



ASSESSORS. 



1842. Albert Castle. 
Nelson S. Van TujI. 

1843. (Juartus W. Clajip. 
Grovcner Vinton. 



1841-15. Quarlus W. Clapp. 

Ezra 11. Martin. 
1846. Qua;tus W. Cliipp. 
Uzial Boutwell. 



1842. 



1843. 
1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 

1849. 



1850. 
1850- 

1851. 
1852. 
185.3. 
1854. 
1855. 

1856. 
1857. 

1858. 

1859. 



Richard Buell. 
Isaac Van Tuyl. 
Nelson S. Van Tuyl. 
Isaac Van Tuyl. 
Paschal Richardson. 
Isaac Van Tuyl. 
John Taylor, Jr. 
Nel.son S. Van Tuyl. 
John Braliazon.** 
Daniel F. Bennctt.ft 
Elizur Andrewsjl (f. t.). 
Daniel F. Bennett (v.). 
Jay Buell.tt 
Nahum N. AVilson (f. t.). 
51. William L. Van Tuyl 

(v. and f. t.). 
Daniel F. Bennett.tt 
Richard Buell. 
John Brabazon. 
William L. Van Tuyl. 
Nahum N. "Wilson (f. t.). 
Alfred N. Baird (v.). 
Bradford Goodell. 
Joseph B. Drudge.** 
John Taylor.jt 
Daniel F. Bennett (f. t.). 
John Taylor (v.). 
Christian Rboades. 



SCHOOL INSPECTORS. 

1860. Jacob W. White. 

1861. Aaron Pearcc. 

1862. William H. Long (f. t.). 
1862-63. J. Brabazon (v. and f. t). 

1864. William H. Long (f.t.). 
Augustus llulden (v.). 
llarri.son Lewis. f"f" 

1865. John Walter. 

1866. C. PonoyerlJ: (f. t.). 
Newton A. Lord (v.). 

1867. George Aplin. 
D.anicl F. Bennett. JJ 

1868. Christian Hhoades. 
1S69. Jacol) W. White. 

1870. M'illiam II. Randall. 

1871. James 11. Jones. 

1872. Harrison Lewis. 

1873. James II. Jones.JJ 
Henry Lewis. JJ 
Charles E. Rockwell. ff 
Ziba E. Sanborn.ft 

1874. Philander B. Taylor (f. t.). 
1874-75. Jacob W. White (v. and 

f. t.). 

1875. Daniel T. Bennctt.ft 

1876. Abram H. Coddington. 

1877. James H. Jonos. 
1878-79. George Pierce. 



SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 
1875-76. Philander B. Taylor. ! 1878. Philander B. Taylor. 



1877. Abram II. Coddington. 



1879. Abram H. Coddington. 



• Removed from the town in 1847. 

f Appointed vice Riddle. 

J Removed from the town in 1863. 

I Resigned 1863. 

II Appointed rice Knickerbocker. 
% Elected Dec. 9, 1867, ii'cc Long. 

•» Did not qualify. 

■f-t- Appointed. tt Resigned. 

§§ Appointed Sept. 9, 1807, cite Penoyor. 



OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 



1842-43. Benoni Clapp. 

tirovener \'inton. 
1844. Elias Randall (died). 

Bcnoni t'Inpp. 

(i. W. Clapp (app'd). 
1815. Paschal Richardson. 

I'ziarl Boutwell. 
1816-47. Henry Knickerbocker. 

1846. David Newbegin. 

1847. Simeon Simmons. 

1848. Asa Parker. 
1S4S-5II. Charles M. Bouttcll. 

1849. Henry Knickerbocker. 
1S50. M' alter Knickerbocker. 

1851. No record. 

1852. Orson C. .lacolis. 
Isaac MouUhrop. 

1853. Simeon Simmons. 



1853. Henry Knickerbocker. 

1854. David Long. 
Nelson S. Van Tuyl. 

1855. Dclos I. Johnson. 
Richard Buell. 

1S56. William II. B.itlcr.|||l 
Henry Knickerbocker. 
W. W. Boughton (app'd). 

1857. Henry Drudgcjil 
Arminius Butlcr.l||| 
Perry Kroll (app'd). 

C. Y. Capron (app'd). 

1858. Moses II;iydcn.||ll 
Jonah Johnson. II II 

D. F. Bennett (app'd). 
.Tacob Shnfcr (app'd). 

1859. Henry Drudge. 
'Jacob Shafer. 



DRAIM COMJIISSI ONERS. 



1871-72. David Long. 
187.3-74. Clark White. 

1875. David Long. 

1876. Charles Ogdui. 



1876. Nahum N. Wilson.f 1[ 

1877. Philander B. Taylor (res.). 
1S7S. AVm. 0. Boughton (app'd). 
IS79. Nathan F. Scott. 



CONSTABLES. 

William W. Boughton, 1842-44, '47; Quartus W. Clapp, 1842, '44- 
17; I'zial Boutwcll, 1S12, '48-49, '51, '53, '56; Samuel Aplin, 
1S13, '4 1 ; Joseph S. Bartholomew, 1845; David Newbegin, 1846; 
William II. Randall, 1847, '56-57; William II. Butler, 1818, '63- 
65, '74-75; William P. Patterson, 1849-53; Shcrinan Moullhrop, 
18511; Myron C. Butler, 1851; Charles Scott, 1852; Silas H. 
Payne, 1853 ; Carlos P. Wilson, Isaac MouUhrop, 1854 ; Andrew 
C. lieckwith, 1S54-55; Judah Butler, 1851, '56, '611; J. B. Ken- 
dall, Joseph Bidwcll, 1855; John Rhoades, 1855-56, '66; J. L. 
Russell, Nathaniel McComb, Asa White, 1856; Horace Buell, 
1850, '58-00; Daniel Morse, 1857, '65; Randolph W. Willis, 
1S57-58, '05; Peter P. Angle, 1857; Jacob Anderson, C. A. Bell, 
1858; William 0. Boughton, 1859; Joseph B. Drudge, 1859-62; 
Casey Potior, 1859-63; Lulhcr Scott, 1860, '64; Leonard 0. 
Johnson, 1861-62; Orson C. Chapel, 1801 ; Elias Randall, 1862; 
Ezra S. Cleveland, 1863; Henry Drudge, 1863-64, '68-72, '77; 
Philo Dewey, 1864; Dennis Gilbert, 1805 ; Edmund D. Ilurd, B. 
Long, Sherman ScotI, 1806; Christian Rhoades, Parker Scott, 
1867; Clarence L. Case, 1867, '09-70; AVilliam H. Long, 1867, 
'69; Ephraim Back, Eber M'oolBt, Andrew Burch, 1868; Levi 
Darling, 1869-70; William Mead, 1870; John N. Wilson, 1870- 
71; Andrew Cole, 1871; Samuel C. Fuller, 1871-72; Sh.annon 
W. Scolt, 1871-72, '74, '77-79; John Tryon, 1872; Stephen 
Stonchousc, 1872-75; Henry Cimmerer, William M. Ellis, Jacob 
Jobson, Horace Scott, 1873; Daniel 0. Crandall, James Fuller, 
1.S74; Charles S. (iriswold, Enos A. Loner, 1875; George Buell, 
AVilliam E. Price, Albert Holden, 1870; Franklin Bennett, 1876, 
'78; Jacob Rhoa.lcs, 1877; William H. Fairinan, 1877-79; Nel- 
son Dakc, 1S7S; Myron L. Swartz, Frederick J. Wilbcr, 1879. 

At tlic meeting in the spring of 18-11, Tliom;is Aplin 
was elected as the first pound-master, and cattle, sheep, and 
swine were made free commoners. 

In 1850 this town was represented in the October meet- 
ing of the board of supervisors by Corydon E. Fay, who 
had been appointed as supervisor pro tern, during the ab- 
sence of the regular oflBcial. 

For a number of years after its organization the town 
was controlled by tlie Democrats, who had r|uite a large 
niiijority, though occasionally some popular Whig candi- 

llll Dill not qualify. 
1111 Appointed May 8, 1876. 



388 



HISTORY OF GKNESEH COUNTY, MlCIilUAN. 



date was elected to office. Upon the organizution of tlie 
llepublican party, in 1S51, and the disruption of the Dem- 
ocrats by tlie bolting of tlie Free-Soil faction, the Democ- 
racy immediately sank into a minority, and the llepubli- 
cans carried the day with scarcely a single exception from 
1855 to 1879, when, at the spring election, the National or 
Greenback ticket was chosen by a small majority. The 
first record of a general election now found in the clerk's 
office is that of 1852, when the vote for the office of gov- 
ernor was divided as follows : Eobert McClelland, Regular 
Democrat, received 40 votes ; Isaac P. Christiancy, Free- 
Soil Democrat, received 28 votes; Zachariah Chandler, 
Whig, received 15 votes. On the electoral ticket the vote 
was: Democratic, o9, Free-Soil, 28, Whig, 19. In the 
election of 1862 the comparative strength of the parlies 
was : Republican, 90. Democrat, 58. 

April 6, 1868, the vote of the town on the several con- 
stitutional amendments proposed was as follows: for the 
constitution, 76 ; against it, 99. For prohibition, 75 ; 
against it, 80. For biennial .sessions of the Legislature, 
143; for annual sessions, 13. For the proposed loan, 1 ; 
against it, 171. 

The first town meetings and elections were generally 
held at school-houses in different parts of the town until 
the hotel was built at the centre, when they were held 
there. In 1809 it was thought advisable to set about 
the work of building a town-house, and a resolution was 
passed at the town-meeting, April 5th, authorizing the 
purchase of the school-house at the centre and its removal 
to the site already secured for use as a town-house. For 
some reason the purchase was not concluded, and the mat- 
ter rested until April 5, 1875, when a tax of $500 was 
authorized by a vote of 111 for to 42 against, for the pur- 
pose of building a suitable house. In 1876 another step 
was taken by the appointment of Philander B. Taylor, 
Nahum N. Wilson, Sherman Moulthrop, Daniel F. Bennett, 
and Ithiel W. Wilbur as a building committee. They were 
authorized to choose a plan, let the contract, and expend a 
sum of $800, if necessary, in the erection of a suitable 
building. It was also ordered that the house be finished 
in time to be used at the general election of November, 
1876. It was completed within the time specified, and at 
a total cost of §569. It is a neat and convenient building, 
well calculated for its intended use, and stands a few rods 
south of the centre of the town. 

The first symptoms of village growth in this town made 
themselves manifest about the time that Corydon E. Fay 
built his tavern on the Saginaw road. Several other build- 
ings were erected there about that time, and quite a settle- 
ment sprang into being there. In addition to the Fay 
House, there were three stores kept by George Waist & 
Bro., Samuel Seamans, and Alanson Dickinson ; a school- 
house, a blacksmith-shop, a wagon-shop, and about lialf a 
dozen dwellings. Its village life was a short one of only 
four or five years, when it began to decline, and soon ceased 
to be of any importance. The Fay House was sold to 
^Villiam Green in 1855, and was kept by liim until the 
time of his death, some ten or twelve years ago, when it was 
discontinued as an inn. It is now occupied as a dwelling 
by his widow and son. 



At Thetford Centre, although no village grew up, a hotel 
— which did a flouri.-hing business for a number of years 
while the work of lumbering was being vigorously pursued 
in this region — was built there by Mrs. Jloulthrop and her 
son xVlbert about twenty years ago. Albert enlisted in the 
Union army, and never returned, though his fate has ever 
remained an uncertainty'. The liotel was continued by the 
mother, and became widely known as " Granny's Tavern," 
a name which it still retains, though it has not been kept 
as a tavern for nearly a half-score of years. 

While the Bucll and Root mills were running, a little 
settlement grew up in their neighborhood at the four cor- 
ners of sections 13, 14, 23, and 24. It contained a store 
kept by Rodney Lyman, who is still in business there, and 
is the present postmaster. Another store was built by W. 
W. Allen in 1878. At present the village contains about 
a dozen dwellings, a shjngle-mill, two stores, a school-house, 
and a blacksmith-shop. The real name of the settlement 
is East Thetford, which is the name of the post-office, but 
the name by which it is most commonl_y and generally 
known is '• Henpcck." It is said to have been given at an 
early day on account of the scolding propensities of some 
of the matrons of the homes at that place. It also once 
rejoiced in the appellation of " Dog- Town," because of the 
innumerable throng of canines that infested the region. 

Near the centre of section 36 is the village of Whitcs- 
burg, the principal settlement of the town. Its existence 
dates from the building of the Gordon & Cook saw-mill in 
1846. At that date the only buildings in that vicinity were 
the farm-houses of Daniel Morse, Rufus Reik, and William 
Smith. The mill employed some eight or ten men, and 
these generally put up rude houses or shanties in which to 
live. Other buildings were erected from time to time, and 
a better class of dwellings replaced the first ones, until at 
present the village contains a grist-mill, blacksmith-shop, 
wagon-shop, a store, a school-house, and fifteen or twenty 
dwellings. 

The .saw-mill and grist-mill have been heretofore de- 
scribed, and we will briefly mention the other business 
enterprises entered upon here. 

The first blacksmith-shop was built by Daniel Morse. 
It was the second one in the town, and in it Mr. Morse 
Worked at his trade for many years, until the time of his 
death, some five or six years ago. 

The first store was built by Abram Cudney in 1858-59, 
and was kept by him until the draft occurred, four or five 
years after, when he was lucky enough to be chosen to 
represent the town in the Union army, but, being reluctant 
to go there, chose rather to cross the frontier into Canada, 
where he remained until the Amnesty bill was passed by 
Congress, when he returned to this county and settled in 
the town of Flint. He was quite a " fiddler," and fitted up 
a hall over his store where dancing-parties were frequently 
held. By combining this fascinating pastime with the 
business of selling groceries and liquors he drove a very 
prosperous business. The building he erected is still in 
use for mercantile purposes. 

A village-plat, containing eight or ten acres, was sur- 
veyed and recorded by Carlos P. Wilson, a few years ago, 
and was named Wliitcsburg in honor of Clark White, one 



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o 
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siifr-i«Tivih, ,■' 





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TllETfOUD TOW^'S^IP. 



389 



of the most prominent men in the settlement. The open- 
ing of the Flint Uivor Railroad, in 1S72, and the establish- 
ing of a station at llogeisvillc, tended to check the growth 
of the village, and transferred considerable of its business to 
the new one at the station. 

The first post-office in Thetford was established at Tay- 
ville, about the year 1842, with Corydon E. Fay in the 
role of postmaster. It was called Thetford, and was kept 
in Fay's log house. At the time the Flint and Pere Mar- 
quette Railroad was built this office was removed to Mount 
Morris. The second post-office was established in 1855-51). 
It was called East Thetford, and was located at the resi- 
dence of N. N. Wilson, who was the postmaster. This 
office was on a route running from Pine Run to Lapeer. 
About the time the first office was removed to Mount 
Morris, this office was removed to, and its name changed 
to, Thetford Centre, and Sherman Mouhhrop was com- 
missioned as postmaster. The mail was then brought from 
Clio. In 1872 the office was removed to Henpeck, rechrist- 
cned as East Thetford, and Rodney Lyman made postmaster. 
In 18G1, or about that time, a third post-office was estab- 
lished, wliich was located at, and bore the name of. Whites- 
burg. Alan.'^on Dickinson was appointed as postmaster, 
and served until, in 1872, the office was removed to Rogers- 
ville. At present the East Thetford post office, Rodney 
Lyman, postmaster, is the only one in the town. 

The first physician who j)racliced liis profession while 
residing in this town was Dr. Warren A. Mesick, who es- 
tablished himself at Whitesburg in 1856-57, purchased forty 
acres of land, and succeeded in working up quite an exten- 
sive practice. His nearest professional rivals were at Pine 
Run and Flint. After two or three years had elapsed he 
removed to Wisconsin, and, in 1878, once more returned 
to this State and located at Pine Run, where he is now 
living. Drs. W. Guodell and Charles Spencer also engaged 
in the practice of medicine in this town for brief periods of 
time. At present the only physician in town is Dr. Abram 
II. Coddington, who resides in the west part of the town. 

The first school-hou.se in Thetford was the Fay school- 
liouse, which was built on the northwest corner of section 
31 in 1838. It was a frame building, sizj 20 by 24 feet, 
and was built by Isaac and Nelson S. Van Tuyl. At that 
time there were only two settlements in what are now the 
towns of Montrose, Vienna, and Thetford, which then was 
known as the town of Vienna. These were Pine Run and 
Fayvillc, and there was considerable strife between them 
regarding the location of a school-house, of which they 
began to i'eel the necessity, and which they thought they 
would be able to build and to sustain, by reason of the 
taxes on the land, which was nearly all taken up, but 
was mostly non-resident. At la.st it was decided to build 
two school-houses, and the town was accordingly divided 
into two districts. The first or northern district consisted 
of a four-mile strip running across the three townships, and 
the second or southern district, containing the remaining 
two-mile strip. In this southern district the Fay school- 
house was built. The first teacher in Thetford, Miss 
Calisia Hurd, of Pine Run, taught a school in this house 
during the summer of 1838. From time to time, as the 
growth of the town made necessary, new districts were 



formed. The second was in the Boutwell neighborhood, 
and the third in the Wilson neighborhood, in the east part 
of the town. In this last-named district Mark D. Seeley 
taught the first school, and Mary Hurd and T. T. Slafter 
wore other early teachers there. Mr. Grovener Vinton 
thinks that the first school taught in the town was kept in a 
private log house by Josiah W. Begole, but this is not pos- 
itively known to be the case. At the present time there 
arc ten whole districts and one fractional district in the 
town. All the school-houses are frame buildings, and ag- 
gregate a value of $6300. The town paid out fur school 
purpo.ses during the year ending September, 1878, the sum 
of S2270.49. 

The first settlers in the town had a serious task before 
them in opening up roads through the dense forest, and it 
was quite a long time after the first one came before there 
was much more than a bridle-path from one clearing to an- 
other. The Saginaw road along the west line of the town 
for a little more than a mile north of the southwest corner 
was the first road opened, and this was followed at difTurent 
times by a road running three miles cast from the Saginaw 
road on the south line of the town to Crawford Rarkley's, 
another leading from Pine Run past Boutwell's to the cen- 
tre, and another leading to the east line of the town in the 
Wilson neighborhood, where it joined the road through For- 
est to Otisville. These were all opened previous to 1840. 

During the four years following thatdark hour in ourcoun- 
try's history when the dark cloud of rebellion, which had 
so long been lowering along the horizon, suddenly swept up 
the political heavens and darted its fiery forked lightnings 
at the little band of devoted heroes who in Fort Sumter 
upheld their country's flag and maintained the national 
honor, this town never faltered in its earnest, energetic ef- 
forts to sustain the strength of the government and to 
stamp out the treason that had reared its hydra-head 
against it. Though fourteen years have rolled their weary 
lengths around since the close of that fearful struggle, the 
memory of those days is yet fresh in all our hearts, and it 
is not necessary to call special attention to the brave deeds 
and noble self-sacrifices of the boys in blue, so many of 
whom shed their life-blood for their country, and laid down 
to die on the blood-stained fields of battle, in the white 
wards of the hospital, under the canvas coverings of the 
field hospital, in the crowded dungeons of Libby and Belle 
Isle, or on the burning sands of the horrible prison-pens of 
Salisbury and Andersonville. These deeds shall live when 
the generations for whose benefit they were performed shall 
have gone to their graves, and their very memories have 
perished fiom the earth. They are immortal, and, so long 
as freedom, liberty, justice, and patriotism shall be cherished 
as princiiiles of government and shall be dear to every lover 
of truth and the right, so long will they endure, — the 
brightest star in the firmament of this world's history. Suf- 
fice it to say that Thetford furnished its full (|uota of men, 
and was well represented in the field. 

There is but one cemetery in this town, and that is on 
section 21, about forty rods south from Thetford Centre. 
In 1850 the town purchased one acre of ground of Joseph 
S. Bartholomew, to be used for burial purjwses, and subse- 
quently another acre was added thereto. It is owned by 



390 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tlio town, !ind is cared for Vjy a sexton, who is appointed an- 
nually for that purpose. It is pleasantly situated on a beau- 
tiful slope, and is capable of being made a very attractive 
ground. 

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. 
There are three church organizations in this town, the 
Adventists, Evangelical A.ssociation, and Protestant Slcth- 
odist, but only one which has erected a liouse of wor.-ihip. 
The first one formed was 

THE CIIURCtI OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION IN 
TUETFORD, 

which was organized by Rev. C. Deike, of Ohio, in the 
spring of ISGt!. There had been a class of this denomina- 
tion in existence some four or five years later, but this had 
gone down on account of the removals of many of its mem- 
bers. During the winter of 1865-6G, Rev. Mr. Deike 
had held a series of meetings at the houses of members of 
the denomination in this vicinity (the south part of the 
town), and having met with a considerable degree of success 
it was thought best to organize a church. For this purpo.?e 
a meeting was held at the house of Charles Brady, and the 
organization was eifected. 

The first members were George Geiger, Eltie Geiger, 
Matthew Pflentrer, Katharine Pflcntrer, Mrs. Katharine 
Stengel, Charles A. Font, Katharine Fent, Ciiarles Brady, 
and Anna Brady. Matthew Pflentrer was chosen clas.s- 
leader and steward. 

The meetings were held regularly at private houses until 
the church was built. This occurred in the spring of 
1872. At that time a site was donated by Matthew 
Pflentrer, consisting of one half-acre of ground in the 
northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 27 
and a building committee was appointed, composed of Rev. 
E. Wcis, George Geiger, and Charles Brady. Under their 
supervision the work progressed rapidly, and the edifice 
was completed by the 1st of June. Ou the first Sunday 
of that month it was dedicated by Rev. William Jost, of 
Cleveland, Ohio, and a remainder of debt amounting to 
$200 was liquidated by subscriptions. The church is a 
frame building, 36 by 40 feet in dimensions, capable of 
seating 2U0 persons, and cost about §1200. 

At about the time of the completion of the building the 
society became incorporated under the general statutes, by 
the election of Charles Brady, Matthew Pflentrer, and 
Charles A. Flint as a board of trustees. 

This church is one appointment on the Flint circuit, and 
the same pastors who have served this church have also 
served the churches at Flint, Richfield, and Oredon. 

The names of these pastors in the regular order of their 
service are Revs. C. Deike, John W. Fox, E. Weis, C. A. 

Raehm, Whitebread, John W. Hang, M. Speck, E. 

AVeis, C. Ude, C. A. Raehm, C. Blumm, F. Lump, and 
J. K. Portius. 

Under the preaching of Mr. Blumm a revival was ex- 
perienced, but otherwise the history of the church has 
been uneventful. The membership has fluctuated to .some 
extent, and at present is 17. John G. Miller, class-leader, 
and John G. Miller, Charles Brady, and Matthew Pflentrer, 
trustees, are the present oflicers. 



The Sabbath .school connected with this church was first 
organized in 1808, with Mathew Pflentrer as superin- 
tendent, and a membership of 15 or 20 scholars. ]\Ir. 
Pflentrer is still the superintendent, and the school now 
numbers about 30, including its oflicers and teachers. 

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS' CHURCH OP THETFORD 
CENTRE. 

This society grew out of a series of meetings held at 
Pine Run, by Elders John Corliss and E. B. Lane, in 
April, 1875, for the propagation of the doctrines of their 
peculiar sectarian belief As a result of these meetings, a 
sufiicient degree of interest was manifested to induce Elder 
R. J. Lawrence, in the winter of 1875-76, to deliver a 
course of lectures on the subject of the second coming of 
our Lord and Saviour, in the school-house at Thetford 
Centre. 

In the following summer he returned and organized a 
society with about 15 members. The organization was ef- 
fected at a meeting held at the house of H. C. Sweet, and 
Ziba Sanborn was chosen elder. 

In 1877, C. Rhoades was chosen elder, and Ziba Sanborn 
clerk. In 1878, H. C. Sweet was chosen elder. 

The pastors of the church have been Revs. K'"gj 

E. B. Lane, J. 0. Corliss, Wellman, and D. II. Law- 
son. 

Meetings have been regularly held at the school-house 
every Sabbath down to the present time. 

The present membership is ten. 

In the spring of 1878 a Sabbath-school was started and 
run through the year, with Ziba Sanborn as superintendent. 
In the spring of 1879 it was formally organized, with a 
membership of about 25 scholars, and the following officers: 
Superintendent, Mrs. Joseph Weatherwax ; Secretary and 
Librarian, Mrs. Ann E. Moulthrop. 

A library, embracing books, pamphlets, tracts, and papers, 
belongs to the church, and is used for members of church 
and school. 

A METUODIST EPISCOP.\L CHURCH 

was formed at Thetford Centre about the year 1867, 
by Rev. Mr. Birdsall, with about 30 members. Henry 
Baker was the class-leader, and Randolph Willis was the 
steward. It had but a brief existence of two years, and 
was then broken up. It belonged to Mount Morris circuit. 
A Sabbath-school was connected with it throughout its ex- 
istence. In the spring of 1879 a union Sabbath-school was 
organized at the centre, with a membership of about 40, of 
which Ziba Sanborn is the superintendent. 

Of the Whitcsbuig Church we can only say that it is of 
the Protestant Methodist denomination, repeated inquiries 
failing to elicit any satisfactory information regarding it. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CRAWFORD BARKLEY. 

The oldest pioneer now living in the town of Thetford, 
and the fifth settler in the township, is Deacon Crawford 
Barklcy. He was born in the town of Montgomery, 



THKTFORD TOWNSHIP. 



391 



Orange Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1813. His father, Jo.siah 
Barklcy, ovfticd a farm, which he sold in 1825, and then 
moved to Oakland Co., Mich., settling near what is now 
Pontiac, liuviiig from the government .six lot.s of land, part 
of whicii he still owns and occupies. Crawford, who was 
then thirteen years old, came with his father; and, like all 
sons of pioneers, was at once set to work helping to clear 
and improve the land. Arrived at his majority, he started 
out in life for himself; went in 1834 to Hillsdale County, 
and helped to build roads in the Bean Creek Valley. He 
assisted in building the first bridge across Bean Creek. 
With the means thus earned he, in 1836, bought of the gov- 
ernment the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of 
section 21 in Thetford. In the same year he bought of 
the government the east half of the southwest quarter of 
section 23 in the same town, and at once commenced to im- 
prove the same. Mr. Barkley says he shall always remem- 
ber his first night on his farm. His father and brother bad 
brought him from the old home to the firm, and they had 
put up a shelter for the night ; while cooking their supper 
the smell of meat attracted the wolves, who made the night 
hideous with their howling. The nest spring he put up a 
log house, and the following spring brought a wife irjtu the 
woods to cheer and make pleasant his now home. At that 
time there were no roads, and the nearest neighbor was a 
mile and a half away ; yet they were happy, and even now 
look back to those days as the happiest of their lives. The 
deer and other game were plent}', often coming within 
shooting distance of their home. Mr. Barkley joined the 
church soon after he came to Michigan. 

Years have passed, and still Mr. Barkley and his wife, a 
hale and hearty couple of nearly " threescore-and-ten," live 
on the old homestead. Beautiful farms are now to be seen 
where they once saw only the forest ; the howl of the wolf 
is no more to be heard, but the hum of improved farm- 
machinery instead, while beautiful homes, schools, and 
churches are to be seen on every side. And here tliey in- 
tend to pass the remainder of their days. They have been 
members of the Congregational Church nearly a halfcen- 
tury, and are known as sincere and devout Christians. In 
politics, Mr. Barkley is an ardent Republican, but has never 
sought office. He was married. May 10, 1837, to Mi.ss 
Sarah C. Haynes, who was born in Orange Co., N. Y., 
Aug. 10, 1811. She was the daughter of Nathan and 
Jane Haynes. There have been born to Mr. and 51 rs. 
Barkley five children, — Josiah N., born Jan. 25, 1839; 
Charles W., born Nov. 18, 1840; Robert Y., born Nov. 
22, 1842; Frances J., born Nov. 1, 1844; and Antoinette, 
born Jan. 25, 1847, died Aug. 10, 1860. 



FREDERICK S. TAYLOR 

was born in Conneaut, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. His father, 
David Taylor, married a Miss Jerusha Seekels; both were 
born in Ashfield, Mass. The death of his parents left him 
an orphan when he was but seven years old. He and the 
other heirs were defrauded out of the inheritance left them 
by their father, and from that time he had to earn his own 
livelihood. This he did by working for farmers and at the 



blacksmith trade with his brother. He went to school win- 
ters and acquired a good cuuimon-school education, suffi- 
cient to qualify him for any ordinary business. In 1§53 
he came to Tuscola Co., Mich., and had sixteen dollars only 
as his casli capital. He at once went to work, doing what- 
ever he could find to do. His motto was to icork, and not 
lie idle, no matter how low the wages. Three years after 
his arrival he purchased a farm of sixty acres fall new), and 
paid " cash down" for it. This he improved as he had 
time, when not working for others. Nov. 2, 1861, Mr. 
Taylor enlisted in Company A, 14lh Michigan Infantry, as 
a private, and served three years; he re-enlisted as a veteran 
in April, 1864, and served nine months longer, being pro- 
moted to sergeant. Ho took part in the battles of Stone 
River, siege of Corinth, Dallas, Kcncsaw ^Mountain, Chat- 
tahoochee River, Atlanta, Bentouvllle, and the skirmishes 
and marches of Sherman's campaign from Chattanooga to 
Atlanta, and from Atlanta to the sea. At the close of the 
war he took part in the grand review in Washington. He 
was mustered out July 18, 1865. During the war he 
bought sixty acres of land, making him a farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres. Sept. 9, 1806, he married Mrs. 
Jeunette Cook, daughter of Abijah and Minerva (Porter) 
Lee. After their marriage they went on to their farm, 
wliere they lived .six years. They then sold, and bought 
the beautiful farm they now own and occupy in Thetford 
and Genesee townships. This form contains ninety-three 
acres of land well improved, a view of which is given on 
another page of this history. There has been born to them 
one child, Leon A., born Jan. 15, 1875. 



N. N. WILSON. 



X 



Among the first settlers of Genesee County, few, if any, 
have done more for its advancement and improvement than 
Nahum N. Wilson. He was born Jan. 10, 1805, in New- 
port, N. H., where his parents resided until ho was ten 
years old, when they moved to Norwich, Vt., where Mr. 
Wilson passed his youthful years. Until he was nineteen, 
he worked on his flither's farm in the summer and went to 
school in the winter, making such good use of his opportu- 
nities that at that age he commenced to teach school. This 
he did for eight successive winters, part of the time in 
Vermont, the remainder in Lower Canada, where he had 
purclia.sed one hundred and forty acres of land. This farm 
of wild land he partly cleared, and built upon it a house 
and barn. But, not liking his situation, he sold, and in 
1834 emigrated to Genesee Co., Mich., which was then x 
" the Far West." He settled in what was then called 
Thread Village (now the city of Flint), and worked at the 
carpenter's trade. Mr. Wilson helped build the first 
bridge acro.ss Flint River, and the first dry-goods store, — 
known as the Elisha Beach store. He also helped to erect 
the Stage k Wright mill, which was the first on Flint 
River. In this mill Mr. Wilson fitted and hung the first 
saw ever run in the place, and sawed the first stock of 
boards turned out by the mill. In the spring of 1838 he 
moved into the town of Vienna, and worked on a farm for 
the ensuing year. After this he worked the Hotchkiss 



392 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



farm in Vienna, cither on sliaros or by paying the rent 
by chopping off and clearing land. Witli his first year's 
earnings lie bought of the government the east half of the 
northwest quarter of section 25, in the town of Thetford, 
•which he still owns. When the town of Tlictford was 
christened. Sir. Wilson gave it its present name, after a 
town in Vermont. 

In the spring of 18+3 he moved, with his wife and four 
children, into a small log shanty which he had built upon 
the twelve acres which he had previously cleared. Life on 
his own farm then commenced, — a life destined to be a 
laborious although an honorable one. In the fall of the 
same year he built a block-house on the site of his present 
commodious mansion. To the eighty acres first purchased 
he has added until he now owns sis hundred and fifty acres 
of land, two hundred and fifty of which are finely improved. 
He has also given liis sons over three hundred acres. 

In 1838, at the second town-mocting held in Vienna, he 
was elected supervisor, holding the office three years. After 
moving into Thetford he was elected town clerk, which po- 
sition he held several years. This shows the esteem and 
confidence of his townsmen, as Thetford has always been 
strongly Republican and Sir. Wilson is a Democrat, his 
first vote having been cast for Andrew Jackson. lie has 
been a justice of the peace for twelve years, and in that 
capacity, and as notary public, has done the most of the 
conveyancing for the country around him for many years. 
He was East Thetford's first postmaster, holding the office 
many years. In an early day Mr. Wilson did considerable 
surveying. He surveyed and subdivided a good share of 
the north half of the county. 

Mr. Wilson has been twice married. His first wife was 
Miss Phalle R. Slafter, who was born in Norwich, Vt., 
Jan. 1, 180G. They were married March 17, 1828, and 
their union was blessed with eight children, as follows: 
Mercy E., born July 2G, 1830 ; Carlos P., born March 9, 
1833 ; William H., born Aug. 8, 1839 ; Farwell A., born 
July 18, 1841; John N., born Nov. 19, 1843; Porsis A. 
born March 1, 1846; Samuel J., born Sept. 3, 1849; and 
Nahum T., born Feb. 22, 1852. Mrs. Wilson died Aug. 
13, 1863. Mr. Wilson remained a widower until Oct. 31, 
1867, when he married Miss Mary Woodward, who was 
born in Hartford, Vt., July 12, 1819. 

He has ever been distiuguLshed for his generosity and 
liberality towards those less fortunate than himself, and, 
while thus assisting the needy and unfortunate, — never 
turning the wanderer hungry from his door, — he has been 
prospered, proving the truth of the saying, that " the liberal 
soul shall be made fut." 

We close this brief sketch of Mr. Wilson's life by ap- 
pending the commendation of his neighbors and fellow- 
townsmen : " He is a man honorable and upright in all his 
dealing ; one against whom not a word is said ; one loved 
by his friends and esteemed by all who know him." 



CHARLES M. BOUTTELL 

was born in Oneida County, N. Y., on the Sth day of 
November, 1809. The death of his fiither, when he was ' 



tliirtecn years old, threw him upon his own resources, 
and was, no doubt, the me.ins of developing his character 
for self-reliance and good judgment in business matters, 
which has made him so successful in life. After his 
father's death he worked on a farm for throe years, then 
went on the Erie Canal as a driver. For five summers wc 
find him driving, — a life of hard.ship and privations, truly, 
but an exciting and fascinating one. Then for four years 
ho was a steeisman on the canal. But he was lookinir 
ahead to something better than boating, and in 1836 he 
came to Michigan and bought of the government eight 
eighty-acro lots, four in Shiawassee County, the others 
in Thetford-, Genesee Co. This took all his means, and he 
then drove team in Flint for two years, after which he again 
returned to his old business of boating, which he followed 
for four years and then quit it forever. In 1841 he came 
West and permanently located on his land, about thirty-five 
acres of which he had had cleared while he was boating. 
When he went upon his farm his residence was a small log 
house, which stood a little to the rear of where his barns 
now stand. He lived alone, but knowing he must eat, even 
in the wilds of the West, he came prepared, bringing with 
him a barrel of beans, twenty bushels of potatoes, and pork 
enough for ten men. His needy neighbors soon relieved 
him of his surplus supplies, and blessed the ignorance which 
brought them into their vicinity. At ditterent times Mr. 
Bouttell has owned over one thousand acres of land, and he 
now owns three hundred and sixty acres, two hundred and 
fifty acres of which are under good improvement. Politi- 
cally, he is a Democrat, but has never sought office. He 
has always taken great interest in educational matters, and 
has long been one of the school officers of his district. In 
1841, Sir. Bouttell led to the altar Sliss Harriet Payne. 
Their union was blessed with two children, Emma and 
Eleanor. Sirs. Bouttell died June 22, 1853. Jan. 1, 
1854, he married Sliss Jane Nixon. There have been born 
to them the following children: Castillo, born Nov. 10, 
1854 ; Lovias, born April 11, 1856 ; Slorris 0., born April 
10, 1858 ; Jerome 0., born June 28, 1860 ; Harriet, born 
Aug. 8, 1862; William II., born Jan. 11, 1865; Charles 
R., born Oct. 1, 1867 ; Wesley SI. and Leslie B. (twins), 
born Dec. 23, 1871 ; Laura J., born April 29, 1876; and 
Horace T., born Aug. 19, 1878. 



JACOB W. SHARICK, 
the subject of this sketch, born in Lancaster Co., Pa., July 
4, 1825, was one of thirteen children. His father and 
mother, Abraham and Fanny Sharick, were born in Lan- 
caster, Pa., and at the time of the birth of Jacob W. were 
living on a farm which had been in the family many years. 
When Sir. Sharick was nineteen, his father sold his farm 
in Pennsylvania and moved to Genesee Co , N. Y., where 
he bought a large farm. Jacob grew to manhood, working 
on the farm summers, and going to school winters. At the 
age of twenty-five Sir. Sharick left home and commenced 
life on his own account, his worldly po.ssessions consisting 
of a team of horses. After working land for other people 
for eleven years, he determined to have a farm of his own, 
and so came to Sliehigan, where land was cheap, and bought 



THETFOKD TOWNSHIP. 



393 



ono luindrod and twenty acres, it bcin;; part of section 29, 
in Thetford, Genesee Co. He now is owner of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of as fine land as can be found in the 
Slate, on which he has erected a fine house and n\inicrous 
outbuildings. A fine view of Mr. Sharick's farm-huuie is 
presented on another page of this work. In politics Mr. 
Sharick is, and has always been, an ardent llepublican. He 
believes that ail men should be free, and allowed all the 
rights of citizenship, without regard to race or color, wealth 
or station. In every relation of life Mr. Sharick holds that 



honesty is the best policy ; and it has ever been his motto 
to do as he would like to be done by. As a citizen and 
neighbor he is highly esteemed. On the 26th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1853, Mr. Sharick married Miss Elizabeth S.Smith, 
daughter of Christian and Mary Smith. She was born in 
Lancaster Co., Pa., Jan. 26, 1827. Their union has been 
blessed with two children, — John W.,born April 23, 1854, 
and Benjamin V., born Jan. 18, 1856. They have also 
an adopted daughter, Annie E., born Sept. 19, 1865. 





WILLIAM UllEKN. 



iVRS. WILLIAM UKEEN. 



WILLIAM GREEiV 

was born in the State of New York, Feb. 8, 1810. While 
yet a boy he came to Michigan, stopping in Oakland County, 
where he grew to manhood. He bad no one to care for him, 
and hence earned his support by working at anything he 
could get to do. His chances for an education were very 
limited, but what little book-knowledge he obtained, added 
to good judgment and an untiring energy, made him very 
successful. On the 4th day of February, 1836, he married 
Miss Abigail Hibbartl, daughter of John and lloxey (Bart- 
lett) Hibbard. She was born in Vermont, Jan. 31, 1812. 
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Green moved into tiie 
town of Lapeer, Lapeer Co., and bought a farm of new 
land, after paying for which they had just enough left to 
buy a cow. Mr. Green at once built a log house, and with 
his accustomed energy commenced to clear and improve 
his farm. Fifty acres had been cleared and an orchard set 
out when he sold, and bought an improved farm in the town 
of Bruce, same county. Here they lived fifteen years, being 
prospered and every year adding to their worldly goods. 
They then sold out and bought Mrs. Green's old home, in 
Oakland County, where they resided four years, when they 
sold, and purchased a farm in Birmingham, in the same 
county. Tlie latter they traded for a farm in Thetford, 
aii<l made a ]iermancnt .settlement, where Mrs. Gri'('n still 
resides. The licr.n lhe;i con>isted of one hundred i.crcs of 
5(1 



well-improved land, to which he made additions until thoy 
owned, at one time, three hundred acres. For many years 
Mr. Green kept a hotel in the house where his widow now 
lives, and was known far and near as a genial host and a 
man respected and esteemed for his honesty and integrity. 
He died Nov. 6, 18G7, mourned by a large circle of friends 
and acquaintances. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Green six children, — Henry, born Jan. 10, 1837 ; Alvard, 
born Jan. 11, 1830; Minerva, born Jan. 4, 1841 ; Marga- 
ret, born April 2, 184 t; Uoxey, born Dec. 14, 1846, died 
Dec. 10, 1847 ; and John, born Dec. 10, 1849. 



FRANKLIN E. DODGE. 

Among the early settlers of Thetford there are few, if 
any, who have seen so much of the world, or led a life so 
full of adventures and romance, as Franklin E. Dodge. He 
was born in the town of Colchester, New London Co., Conn., 
Jan. 29, 1821. The death of his father, when he was eight 
years old, left him to make his own living. He lived with 
his uncle until he was fifteen, when he started for the State 
of New York, working his way and earning money to buy 
the clothing he so much needed. For the next four yeai-s 
he wandered about, working .some of the time on a farm 
and one season as a driver on the canal. He then got the 
whaling fever, and went to New York with a mm wIid was 



394 



HISTOlir OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



liiriiij: wluilors ; but a couple of weeks in a sailors' boiird- 
iu-i-house irave hiui an idea of the life of a whaler, and he 
jpive the scheme up. But in ISoli he shipjxHl on the line-of- 
hatlle-sliip "Ohio."' which was I lien fitting out in Ho-ston for 
her first vojage, under the command of Commodore Hull, of 
the U. S. N. Mr. Dodsje hel[>ed ship her rigjring, guns, etc. 
Th'j' s;uletl fn.>ni Boston to Now York, and fn>m there on 
a three \ears' cruise to the >L>ditorranoan Sea. \'isited all 
the ports of that sea. and the ports of the principal coun- 
tries in Europe. Ho s;iw many of the crowmnl heads of 
the Old World, which only made him love still more the 
free •s>vernment of his native land. While in the jKjrt of 
Toulon he s;iw the French fripite which went afker the 
remains of the first Najioleon. The news of the Patriot 
war started his ship for home, where tlicv arrived in IStiO, 
ulV'r a voysije full of excitement and with the daily exjKVta- 
tion of war and i-arnage. He was paid oft" and discharired 
in Hikston, and then went to Avon, N. Y., to visit his 
uiolhcr. Here he remained some time, although he was 
Very uneasy and longed for the excitement and fi-eodom of 
a .sailor's life. The earnest protestations of his mother 
jirevaileil. and he workixl at whatever he could find to do 
until 1S43, when became toThetford and purchased of bis 
stepfather the forty acres on which bo now resides, and the 
forty acrv>s east of it. of the government. Mr. Podge bad but 
little means, and the next spring he retunied to New York 
and workcil tbrxnigh the suuinier ; then cjime back to his 
farm, and built a house and commenced to improve. In 1S45 
he went to a neighbor to buy some boots, and got not only 
his boots, but a wife, who prv>ved to be a true pioneer's help- 
meet. She never stow! back and s;iid " gvi," but w;is alwavs 
willing to put her own shoulder to the wheel also. Her 
maiden name was Miss Mary Skinner, and they were mar- 
riinl Oct. 12, 1S45. Miss Skinner w:is born MaR-h 18. 
lS"Jli. A few days alter their marriage they moved to 
their new home, Mrs. Podge driving the cow, while Mr. 
Dodge drove the oxen which hauletl all their goods in a 
wagvmlKix. — gi>ing five miles thivugb the woihIs. Thev 
lived some time in a shanty until a log bou.'se was erected. 
His first crop of wheat he hauled thixuigh the woods to 
Square ^Vilson's. who bad a b<i;in.l fliH>r ou which he i-ould 
thntsb it. At that time there were no ro;ids or }«tbs ; 
their going and coiuing were by biased trees Mr. Dodge had 
market!. Though they lived iu the woods, cut off frvui 
churches and their Christian associates, still, as Mr. Dodne 
very feelingly says, they felt that God was with them in 
the wilderness, ;is he had been with him in bis seafaring 
days, when he knew that his mother's pniyers were with 
biui. Mr. and Mrs. Podge have lH>th been members of the 
Methodist Episcvipal Chun-h for over thirty-sis years. Mr. 
IWge was a Pemoerat until lStJ4, since which time he has 
Wu an anient Republican. There baveKvn born to them 
nine children, as follows : Elizabeth, bi>rn March 2, IS-t" ; 
Byrvm Ejboni Jan. 12, lS4i»; Franklin A., born Sept. 
2;», 1850; Emma L.. Kiru Nov. 13, 1852: Ellen A.. Ixmi 
Dec. 21, 1854; Herbert W.. born Sept. 12, 1857; Lydia 
F.. bi>ru Dtv. 23, ISlU) ; Nelson E., born Maa-h 14, 1S(J5 ; 
and Mary E.. born Nov. 21, 18G7. 



GEORGE GEIGER, JIl. 

Of the foreigners who come to Americ:* to carve out for 
themselves homes and fortunes, there are none who are 
more gladly welcomed than the Germans. A frugal, indu.s- 
trious. and honest people, they btvome citizens of whom a 
country may well be proud, — citizens who, in days gone 
by, have supported our government with their money and 
their lives. 

J. Gcoi>;e Geiger. Jr.. was born in Glippingen (_Hanigo), 
NViirteniborg, Germany, Jan. 5. 1832. His fatlier, J. 
George Geiger, Sr., was also born in Wiirteiiiberg, and 
there resided until 185U. Ue was a farmer, and in that 
yejir he ^old bis ^midl farm lor over iwo huudai! dollars 
per acre, and wiih his wife and six cliiidien ^llip[>e<.l at 
Antwerp for Amcriu:!. After a voyage of thirty nine days, 
he lauded in New York City, whence be went to Erie 
Co., N. Y., where he eng-aged in farming. J. Geoi-ge, Jr., 
Worked iu Erie County at such employment as he could 
find to do, until he earned enough money to buy two 
eighty-acre lots of wild land in Theiford, Geucsee Co., Mich. 
The deeil was taken in bis l'athcr"s name, and in 1854 the 
family moved into it. After coming to Michigan, he 
worked iu Flint until 1857, when he went upou ouo of the 
eightv-acre lots, which bis father deotied to him. He hius 
since bought forty acres, and has now a fine tarm of one 
hundred aud twenty acres under good cultivation, — all of 
which is due to Mr. Geiger's good management and in- 
dustry, lie married Miss Henrietta lloppe, July 12, 1^57. 
iShe was boru iu the city of Horn, Germany, Jau. 17, 1839. 
She w;us the daughter of Gotfried and Sophie (^Althott") 
llopjK', who came from Germany about the s;ime time tis 
Mr. Geiger's lamily. There have beeu born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Geiger three children, as follows: Johu G., boru 
July 20, 1858; Fivderick, boru Feb. 25, 18lil ; aud Uer- 
man, born Aug. 25, 1869. 



WILLIAM n. LONG. 
Pavid Long was born in Greenwood, Perry Co., Pa., 
Dec. 21, 1815. His wife, Miss. Anu Scbaft'er. wtis boru iu 
^Vittenberg. Germany. Pee. 4, 1817. They were marrii-d 
iu Pennsylvania, aud so<.>n after went to Erie Co., N. Y., 
where he bought a small fiirm. This he sold, inteudiug to 
move West, but instead again bought and resided there three 
years longer, when he sold and ^^in 1851 ) came to Thetfoixl, 
purchtising the farm he now owus, which he has cleared 
and built upon. Mr. Long has had a family of eight 
children, six of whom are uow living, aud of whom William 
H. Ltuig, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest. He was 
born iu Lauesister, Erie Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 1 839. Mr. Long's 
chances for an education were meagre, being limited to the 
common si-bools, and after he was twelve years old he was 
only privileged to attend iu the winter. At the age of 
twelve he came to Michigan with his father, and from that 
time on bis >ervices were ri><|uired on the new farm during 
the summer. In the winter shingles, which were then tluir 
medium of eichauge, had to be made ; so he worketl at 
shingle-making at night that he might go to scbix)l during 
the day. In this w.iy he fitttnl himself for teaching, wliuh 
he commeutx-d iu I8ti0,and has followed during the winters 




RESlDENCt OF F. E.DODGE.THETFORD.MICH 



TIIKTFORD TOWNSHIP. 



305 



(with four exceptions) since that time, and with ninrked 
success. In 18G7 lie purchased part of the northeast 
quarter of section HG. To tliis, lii.s first hinded jiosscssion, 
he has since added, so that he has now a fine farm of sixty- 
seven acres, mostly cleared and improved. Mr. Long has 
taken an active interest in educational matters, liis knowl- 
edge of which has been made good u.se of by his fellow- 
townsmen, who elected him as school inspector and super- 
intendent for six years, and as one of the directors for ten 
years. Mr. Long is an ardent Republican ; he takes a deep 
interest in the politics of the country, and especially so in 
township matters. He has also served as clerk of the town 
four times. On the 20th day of June, ]S(i7, he was 
married to Miss Persis A. Wilson, daughter of Nahum 
N. and Phalle 11. (Slafter) Wilson. She was born in 
Thetford, March 1, 1846. Their family enibraced three 
children, as follows; Nahum W., born May 17, 1S70; 
Mary A., born Feb. 22, 1874, died Sept. 7, 1875; and 
Ralph D., born Sept. 17, 1876. 



DANIEL F. BENNETT. 

Among the earlier settlers of Thetford there are none 
wlio stand higher in the respect of the people, or who have 
done more to advance the growth and prosperity of the 
town, than Daniel F. Bennett, of whom we shall attempt a 
brief mention. He was born, March 31, 1821, in the town 
of Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., where he resided until 1837, 
when his father moved to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. Here he 
grew to manhood, working on his father's farm summers 
and going to the district schools winters. At the age of 
nineteen he commenced life for himself, teaching winters 
and farming summers. He bought a farm, which he owned 
until the fall of 1844, when he deeded it to his brother on 
condition that he should take care of his parents. He then 
set out for Michigan, his outfit being a team, wagon, and 
harness, and about ten dollars in money. In the spring of 
1845, Mr. Bennett bought, on a contract, the eighty-acre 
lot where he now resides. It was heavily timbered, and 
all new. He built a small frame house, doing the carpen- 
ter work himself, being a natural mechanic, and life iii the 
woods commenced. The forest soon disappeared, and to-day 
a well- improved I'arm of over two hundred acres is the re- 
sult of his industry and good management. In politics 
Mr. Bennett had been a Democrat until the fall of 1878, 
when he joined the National party. He has for nine years 
held the ofiice of supervisor, two years has been town clerk, 
ten years justice of the peace, and school inspector for 
twenty years. Has also been the candidate of his party 
for legislative honors Of his popularity and good stand- 
ing in his township nothing need be said. The fact that 
for thirty years he has been in .some office to which his 
fellow-townsmen have elected him speaks louder than words, 
and is a tribute of which any one may well feel proud. 
Mr. Bennett has been twice married, — first to Mi.ss Ursula 
Scott, in the spring of 1839. She died Nov. 18, 1868. 
They had five children, named as i'ollows: Sabra, Joanna, 
Frances, Franklin 1'., and Ernest. For his .second wile he 
married Mrs. Mary A. Pierce, Dec. 28, 186U. 



JACOB KURTZ. 

Among the sketches written for the county histories there 
arc none we like better to peruse than those which give the 
record and history of those who, when the tocsin of war 
sounded, sprang to the front and risked life and limb in the 
defense of the " Stars and Stripes." Such a man was Jacob 
Kurtz, the subject of this short narrative. His father, 
Jacob Kurtz, was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., on the 21.st 
of March, 1813. He adopted farming as his occupation 
and always followed it. His wife, Anna Leib, was born 
Feb. 17, 1818, in Pennsylvania. Jacob, Jr., was born in 
Erie Co., N. Y., July 7, 1843. His education was ob- 
tained at the district schools of his native town, where he 
resided until the breaking out of the Rebellion. Sept. 5, 
1862, then but nineteen years old, he enlisted as a private 
in Co. B, 116th New York Volunteer Infantry. He 
served three years, and was promoted successively to cor- 
poral and to sergeant. Mr. Kurtz was engaged in all the 
skirmishes and battles his regiment took part in, including 
Plain Store, siege of Port Hudson, Coxe's Plantation, Sabine 
Cross-Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River, Winchester, Fisher's 
Hill, and Cedar Creek. He was mustered out in June, 
1865. He came home from the war and again engaged in 
farming. In 1866, Mr. Kurtz bought a half-interest in a 
grocery-store in Buffalo, which proved a poor investment, 
and after fourteen months he sold out at a loss. He then 
purchased his grandfather's old home in Clarence, and 
worked it six years successfully. He then sold at quite an 
advance on what he paid, and thus got a fine start in life. He 
then came to Thetford and bought one hundred and thiriy- 
one acres of land, known as the Ed. Clapp farm, to which 
he has since added, so that it now contains two hundred and 
seventy acres, with splendid impiovenicnts. In politics Mr. 
Kurtz is a strong Republican. On the 27th day of No- 
vember, 1866, he was married to Miss Susannah Diller. 
She was born in Clarence, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 11, 1845, 
and is a daughter of Abram and Catherine (Drudge) Dil- 
ler. Abram Diller was born in Erie County, Jan. 25, 1815 ; 
Mrs. Diller in the same county, April 1, 1819. There have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz three children, — Frank- 
lin A., born Nov. 4, 1867 ; Edith A., born Dec. 31, 18(i9 ; 
and Charley, born April 14, 1872. Mr. Kurtz was wounded 
in the leg by a minie-bull at the battle of Cedar Creek, 
Oct. 19, 1864. 



HENRY DRUDGE 

was born in Erie Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1823. His father, 
Joseph Drudge, was a large and successful farmer, of whose 
large family Henry was the fourth. Henry lived on the 
farm, going to the district schools winters and fanning sum- 
mers. When he was nineteen his father died, leaving each 
of the chililn'ii a small farm. Henry worked his own, 
and also farmed for others on shares. In this way he got 
his start in lii'c. In 18.")7 he s<ild his land and moved to 
Thetford, where lie bought the farm he now owns. It 
was nearly new, but a few acres having been plowed. Hut 
the energy and good management of Mr. Drudge soon made 
the wilderness blo.ssoni as the ro.se. Now, at the age of 
liftysix, he is l.iving on as fine a farm as it is often the lot 



396 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



of man to see. In 1878 he commenced building a beauti- 
ful house, which stands near where the old one stood, — a 
house that is at once an ornament to the town and a source 
of pride and pleasure to Mr. Drudge and his family. A 
view of his home adorns a page of this work. In early 
days a Whig, upon the organization of the Republican 
party he joined its ranks. He has never sought office, but 
has served several years as deputy sheriff of the county. 



On the 15th day of February, 1844, he married Miss Mary 
C. Bills, daughter of Zelotia and Polly (Ellsworthj Bills. 
She was born in Eric Co., N. Y., April 28, 1827. The 
names and record of their three children are as follows : 
Harriet C, born Feb. 2, 1846; married to p]dwin A. Seeley, 
March 7, 1865 ; Sarah A., born Sept. 28, 1850 ; married 
to Geo. P. Seib, Feb. 10, 1873; Charles O., born Marcli 4, 
1864, and now living at home with his parents. 





AMASA CARRIER. 



MRS. AMASA CARRIER. 



AMASA CARRIER 

was born in Marlborough, Hartford Co., Conn., March 25, 
1792. His fether was a farmer, and with him he resided 
until he arrived at his majority, when he commenced life 
for himself He went to Canada, engaged as a peddler and 
teacher of singing-schools during winters, and working at 
farming summers. On the 25th day of November, 1818, 
he married Sophronia Ackley, who was born in Chatham, 
Middlesex Co., Conn., Aug. 16, 1792. Their marriage 
was blessed with the following children : Cornelia Jane, 
born Sept. 10, 1819; Stephen A., born June 20, 1822; 
George B., born Jan. 21, 1825; Olive S., born Aug. 3, 
1827: Joseph, born Nov. 23, 1830; and Emma C, born 
Aug 28, 1835. Mrs. Carrier died Nov. 4, 1847. Five 
years after his wife's death, Mr. Carrier again married, his 
bride being Mrs. Harriet S. Brainard, who was born in 
Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn., Nov. 8, 1792. She was 
the daughter of Thomas and Jerusha Selden. They were 
married Feb. 18, 1852. There have been no children by 
this marriage. After his first marriage, Mr. Carrier lived 
on the farm of his wife until 1842, when he moved to 
Colchester, Conn., where he built a house, his object in 
moving thither being to give his children the benefit of the 
fine schools located there. After a residence there of six 
years he returned to Marlborough, and went on to the farm 
formerly owned by his grandfather, — a property then owned 



by himself, and which is now owned by his son, Joseph Car- 
rier. The farm has been in the Carrier family more than 
a century. In 1836 he came to Thetford, Mich., and 
bought of the government three eighty-acre lots. In 1852 
he moved on to his farm, building upon the southwest 
quarter of section 28. Here he made his home until his 
death, which occurred Sept. 25, 1878. Mr. Carrier was 
an energetic, industrious man, and won the respect and es- 
teem of all who knew him. He was in early days a Whig, 
and when the Republican party was formed joined its ranks, 
and is a firm believer in its principles. He was for more 
than hair a century a member of the Congregational Church, 
which in his death lost one of its most ardent supporters. 
Mrs. Carrier has been a member of the same church for 
sixty-four years. 

JACOB W. WHITE. 

Among the self made men of Thetford township, there is 
none who can better claim this title than Jacob W. White, 
who was born in the city of Buffalo, N. Y., on the 25th day 
of August, 1836. He was left an orphan at the tender age 
of six yeare, with no relatives or friends to care for him. 
Three years later found him in Alden, a few miles from 
Buffalo. Here he resided with different families, working 
summers at whatever he could find to do, and winters 
working for his board and going to school, until he was 



THETFORD TOWNSHIP. 



397 



twenty years of age, wlicn he came West and settled in the 
town of Thetford. He at once cnfraged in teaching, alter- 
nated with laboring on a farm and making shingles. At 
the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1861, he enlisted in 
Company G, 1st Michigan Engineers, as a private. Mr. 
White was promoted through the grades of sergeant and 
orderly sergeant to the rank of lieutenant. He was in the 
battles of Mill Springs, Perryville, etc., and was mustered out 
of the service Oct. 31, 18(34. After the war he purchased 
a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, being part of sec- 
tions 15 and IG in Thetford, partially improved and now 
under good cultivation, with good house, barns, etc. Mr. 
White is an ardent Republican, and has always taken an 



active part in political matters. He has held some town- 
ship office the most of the time since his residence in the 
town ; has been three years clerk, two years treasurer, and 
eight years supervisor,- — filling the offices with credit, and 
considered by his fellow-townsmen one of the best super- 
visors the town ever had. In the fall of 1878 he was 
nominated by his party for the office of register of deeds, 
but was defeated by the combined efforts of the Democratic 
and Greenback parties. In 1862 he married Miss Louisa 
Scott. She died in January, 1870. To them was born 
one daughter, Winnie, born Feb. 21, 1865. On the 12th 
day of December, 1878, Mr. White was again married, the 
lady of his choice being Miss Laura Riddle, 



DAVISON. 



The township of Davison, designated by the United 
states survey as townsliip No. 7 north, of range No. 8 
east, is situated upon the east border of the county. It is 
bounded on the north, west, and south by the respective 
towns of Richfield, Burton, and Athis, in Genesee County, 
and east by Lapeer County. 

Its surface north of a line drawn diagonally from the 
northeast corner to the centre of the west border is com- 
paratively level. That portion lying south of the above- 
described line is rolling, with an altitude of perhaps forty- 
five feet above the former. 

Kearsley and Black Creeks are the principal water-courses. 
The former enters the township from the south, and, flow- 
ing in a general northwest course, leaves it on the west 
border of section 7. The latter takes its rise from Potter 
Lake, and, flowing thence north, describes, in its passage 
through a portion of Richfield township, the arc of a circle. 
It then enters Davison from the north border of .section 2, 
and continues in a southwesterly course until it eficcts a 
junction with the Kearsley, on section 7. 

Potter Lake, containing an area of about 150 acres, lies 
mainly within section 1 of this township, the remainder in 
Lapeer County. Hasler Lake, considerably larger in extent 
than the former, lies also across the line dividing the coun- 
ties of Genesee and Lapeer, though the greater portion is 
within section 36. 

Vast tamarack-swamps, comprising hundreds of acres, 
extend across sections 1, 12, 13, 14, 23, and 24, making 
an almost continuous water-way between the two lakes. 

The soil is of the same character as that of surrounding 
townships, — a sandy loam on the knolls and higher portions, 
a dark alluvium mixed with vegetable mould on the low- 
lands. 

A system of drainage has been inaugurated by many 
landowners within the past few years, by which the value 
of their hitherto tillable acres has been vastly enhanced 
and many other fields reclaimed and rendered productive 
which, but a few years since, were considered valueless. 

This was a timbered township originally, oak, beech, 
maple, and other varieties of deciduous trees predominating. 
Small groves of pine were found on portions of sections 
14, 27, and 33. 

The people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
stock-raising, wool-growing, and the cultivation of fruits, 
corn, potatoes, and the cereals being the specialties. The 
imports consist principally of live stock, wool, pork, and 
wheat. Although this is a new country, compared with some 
other portions of the county, many fine farms, residences, 
and commodious out-buildings already dot its landscape, 
giving evidence of tl)e enterprise and thrift of tlie pecrple 
who reside here, and that they are rapidly surrounding 
398 



I themselves with all the comforts, conveniences, and many of 
the luxuries of life. Its population at the taking of the 
kst census (1874) was 1294. 

LAND ENTRIES. 

The first to enter lands in this township was James Ilosie, 
from Essex Co., N. Y. His purchase was made Nov. 14, 
1835, and consisted of the northeast quarter and the east 
half of the northwest quarter of section 20, also the west 
half of the northwest quarter of section 21. Thomas L. 
L. Brent, of Virginia, entered the northeast quarter of 
section 18, March IG, 183G. Andrew J. Seelye, of Charles- 
ton, Saratoga Co., N. Y., purchased the northeast quarter 
and east half of the northwest half of section 33, a tract 
of 240 acres, in May, 18315. His brother, Alson Seelye, 
entered the west half of the last-mentioned quarter-section 
in July of the same year. The greater portion of tiie 
township was owned originally by speculators and others, 
who never became residents. The following list eomjiri.ses 
the names of all those who purchased from the geiioial 
government lands situated in Davison town.-hip : 

183G, section 1 : Robert J. S. Page, John Clark, Ira 
Potter, James H. Jerome, Samuel M. Spencer. 

183G, section 2: Francis G. Macy, Robert I. S. Page, 
Frederick G. Guenlher, Joseph M. Leon. 

183G, section 3: Francis G. Macy, Eiiward Fortune, 
Andrew J. Seelye, Cyrus Comstock, James Hadley, Charles 
W. Henderson, John McClellan. 

1836, section 4 : Edward Fortune, Walter Davenport, 
Isaiah Davenport, Martiu Paint, Cyrus Comstock. 

1836, section 5 : Thomas P. Sawyer, Jesse S. Church, 
Josiah Willard, Robert F. Stage, Walter Davenport, Isaiah 
Davenport, Enoch Jones. 

1836, section 6 : James C. Alexander, Peter A. Palmer, 
Jes.se S. Church, Jo.siah F. Willard, George W. Metcalf, 
Thomas Apliu, David Phelps. 

1836, section 7 : James 11. Titus, Oliver E. Maltby, 
Amon W. Langdon, Francis G. Macy, Robert H. Stone. 

1830, section 8: Oliver E. Maltby, Amon W. Langdon, 
Ramsey McHenry, B. B. Kerchevel, Mark Healey, F. 0. 
T. Smith, Francis G. Macy. 

1836, section 9 : Joseph Crandell, Francis G. Macy, 
Thomas Aldrich, James H. Jerome, Samuel M. Spencer, 
Daniel Eastwood, George W. Wilther (land-warrant). 

1836, section 10: William Odell, Thomas P. Sawyer, 
Numan C. Griswold. 

1836, section 11 : Francis G. Macy, Samuel J. Ashley, 
Numan C. Griswold, Thomas P. Sawyer, Walter Davenport, 
Isaiah Davenport, Ira Potter. 

1836, section 12: Samuel M. Spencer, James H. Jerome, 
Walter C. Weeks, Eli Ewell, Henry B. Ewell. 



DAVISON TOWNSHIP. 



399 



188G, section 13 : Cliarles Ilolton, Jolin Bownes, Eras- 
tus Siiort, Elislia (j. L-.ingwortliy, Levi Beeciior (laiid- 
waiTauts), Adell Bates;, Beiiajali Bicii, Henry C. Walker, 
Ansuii Rieii. 

183C, section 14 : Cliarles Holton, Thomas W. Allis, 
Levi True, Samuel M. Spencer, Harrison G. Conger, Ho. 
ratio Cuinniing-s. 

1830, section 15: John W. Youml', Jesse S. Church, 
Josiah F. Willaril, Abraham Lane, lliiklah Davison, Duty 
Cummins, Lewis Cummins. 

Section K!: school lands. 

183G, section 17: John McDonnell, Francis G. Macy. 

1830. section 18: Thomas L. L. Brent, Francis G. Macy, 
Robert R. Howell, Abraham V. Ayres, Robert I. S. I'age. 

1830, section 19: Francis G. Macy. 

1835, section 20 : James Ilosic, Francis G. Macy, Oliver 
E. Maltby, Amoii W. Langdon. 

1835, section 21 : James Hosie, Francis G. Macy, Ger- 
shoni M. Williams, Peter Desnoyers, John McDoiniell, 
James G. Crane. 

1830, .section 22: Gershom M. Williams, Peter Des- 
noyers, Francis G. Macy, John Taylor, Goodenough 
Townsend. 

1830, section 23: Goodenoujrh Townsend, KJward Covell, 
Joseph Gilman, Elislux S. Bobbins, Horatio Cumming.s. 

1851, section 24 : William Scott Irons, Levi Kctchum 
(land warrant), Milo N. Miller, Edwin Grtdlcy. 

1830, section 25: Eli Ewell, Martin W. Fairfield, John 
AV. Farrar, Dudley Glynn, Clark Sanford (land warrant). 

1830, section 20: Aaron B. Adams, Christopher Miller, 
Abel Seelye, David Hartwell (land-warrant). 

1830, section 27: Robert F. Stage, Douglas Houghton, 
Oliver E. Maltby, Anion W. Langdon, Francis G. Macy, 
Samuel Gilman, Thomas Martin, Hiram Audrus, Adams 
P. Woodford, Jonathan D. Bean. 

1830, section 28: Josiah Beers, Stephen D. Beers, Fran- 
cis G. Macy, Oliver E. Maltby, Amon W. Langdon. 

1830, section 29 : Oliver E. Maltby, Amon W. Lang- 
don, Francis G. Macy. 

1830, section 30: Oliver E. Maltby, Anion W. Lang- 
don, Nathan Bradley, Justin Sheldon, Thomas Durfee. 

1836, section 31 : Lucy Langdon, Francis G. Macy, 
Samuel March, Abalino Babcock. 

1830, .section .32: Francis G. Macy (entire section). 

1830, section 33 : Andrew J. Seelye, Maltby ana Lang- 
don, Francis G. Macy, Alson Seelye. 

1830, section 34 : Douglas Houghton, Amos H. Fisk, 
Maltby and Langdon, Francis G. Macy, Edmond Perry, 
Jr., Thomas Martin. 

18.30, section 35 : Elijah Canuer, Edmund Perry, Jr., 
John C. Miller, Jacob Miller, Christopher Miller, Ariel A. 
Woodwortli, Ebcnezer Ford, William Walker, Sarah Ann 
Miller, Mathew Walker, John Tharrett. 

1830, section 30: Isaac Adams, Lewis Cummins, Chas. 
Pi(|ucttc, Noah Ferris, William Walker (last two land- 
warrantsj, Daniel T. Hartwell. 

FIRST SETTLEMENT8. 

Andrew Jesse Seelye came from Charleston, Saratoga 
Co., N. v., ill the fall of 18.35, and pa.s.sed the following 



winter with his cousin, Seelcy Ilargcr, who then resided in 
Waterford, Oakland Co., Mich. In May, 1830, he pur- 
chased 240 acres, locating the same upon section 33, in 
this township. His brother Alson and sister Debby ar- 
rived in Oakland County a few weeks later, where they 
continued to reside until the spring of 1837. Previous to 
this time, however, the brothers — then young, unmarried 
men — vi.sitcd the land purchased by Andrew Jes.so, and in 
the fall of 1836 erected a small log house, cleared and 
sowed to wheat some two or three acres of land. Early in 
the spring of 1837 the brothers and sister began a perma- 
nent residence here, and the first, we believe, in the town- 
ship.* 

In September, 1837, the father, Abel Seelye, accom- 
panied by his wife, Abigail, and children, Abel, Jr.. Abner, 
Arsena, and Aaron S. J., came from Saratoga and settled 
near those of their family already here. Andrew J. Seelye 
commenced the erection of the first framed building in the 
township, a barn, in 1838, and died before its comiiletion, 
in the spring of 1839, his being the first death of an 
adult to occur in the settlement. He was buried upon the 
land purchased by him from the government, and there his 
remains still repose. Mi.ss Debby Seelye was married to 
Seth J. Wicker in June, 1842. They resided in Oakland 
County until 1848, when Sir. Wicker removed to Davi- 
son. In 1852 he erected the first hotel, the property now 
owned by his son, Seth J., and also sold the first goods in 
the .same building. He established an asliery, and received 
the appointment of postma.stcr upon the acces.sion of Frank- 
lin Pierce to the Presidency. He died at an early age, and 
his widow again married her cousin, Seelye Harger. She 
is again a widow, and still resides near the centre of a town- 
ship which was her home at a time when she had no other 
female associate. The other surviving members of this 
pioneer family are her brothers, Abel and Aaron S. J. Seelye, 
all residents of D.ivison. During the journey of Alson 
Seelye and his sister, which was accomplished by horse- 
team and wagon vi<i the usual route from Saratoga to Ni- 
agara, thence through Canada to Detroit, they met with a 
fearful experience near Canajoharic, N. Y., where they, with 
wagon and horses, fell through a canal bridge some fifteen 
feet in height. Alson was severely injured, but was ena- 
bled, after a slight detention, to proceed on his journey. 
The horses, strange to relate, received no injury whatever 
by their unceremonious manner of reaching the towing- 
path beneath. 

Christopher Miller, together with his sons, John C. and 
Jeremiah, came from Chautauqua Co., N. Y. They pur- 
chased of the general government lands situated ujion sec- 
tion 35, in September, 1830, and it is believed settled upon 

* It is stated tluit during liis life-time Christopher Miller clitiiiK-d 
to have been the lii^t settlor in the township. >Vo find that he, with 
his sons, purehascd lands situated upon section .15 in September, lUliG. 
If ho began a residence hero prior to March, 1837, then he was the 
first settlor. Hut Mrs. Debby llarger (formerly Miss Debby Seelye) 
still resides here. She is apparently iu tho possession of all her 
faculties, and is quite positive in the assurance that at the time of her 
settlement hero in the spring of lSu7, Mr. Miller's family had not yet 
come in. As the dist nice between the two families was but little more 
than one mile, it would seem that they would know of one another's 
presence at a period when families living ten miles distant were 
termed " neighb.)rs." 



400 



HISTOEY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



tliL'ir purchase in the summer of 1837. He erected the 
first framed house in the townsliip, in 1839, and the first 
school v/as tauglit in his vacated shanty at about the same 
time by MLss Sabrina Barnes. 

Ira Potter, a native of Vermont, accompanied by his wife, 
Clarissa, and children, Itobert E.,Ira W., James A., Mary 
E., and Francis, came from the city of Rochester, N. Y., 
and settled at Knapp's Mill, on Black River, distant twenty- 
two miles from Port Huron, Mich., in 1834. The father 
and sons were accustomed to all the duties pertaining to 
saw-mills, and were so engaged on Black River. In 1836 
the family removed to Flint, and shortly after to a mill on 
the Kearsley, in the present township of Genesee. While en- 
gaged here in the manufacture of lumber, in August, 1836, 
he purchased of the government the east one-half of section 
1, Davison township. 

In September, 1837, Mr. Potter, assisted by his son Ira 
W., Samuel Johnson, James Wood, and Roswell Petten- 
gill, started from the mill in Genesee with the purpose of 
opening a road to, and commencing an improvement upon. 
Ills new purcha.se in Davison, then Richfield. From the 
route known as the Irish road to the west bank of Potter 
Lake — a distance of four miles, nearly — a road was opened 
through the unbroken wilderness, and the party were three 
days in traversing the distance of some ten or twelve miles. 
They arrived upon the ground at midday, and before dark- 
ness set in had erected the walls of a substantial log house, 
12 by 14 feet inside, although Wood and Pettengill started 
on their return home about 3 o'clock p. M. 

Mr. Potter and famil}' finally took up their residence 
here in January, 1838, thus becoming the first settlers in 
the north half of the town.ship. He died Sept. 29, 1839, 
at the early age of forty-seven years. His widow survived 
until May, 1870, having attained the age of seventy-seven 
years. 

The surviving members of his family still own and oc- 
cupy the original purchase, have added many acres thereto, 
and at the present writing no family in this portion of 
3Iichigan are more comfortably and pleasantly situated. 

Ira T. Potter, son of Robert E., was born in October, 
1840, and is believed to have been the first male child born 
in the town.sliip, a daughter having been born to S. M. 
Fisk and wife a few months previously. 

Ira Potter's family did not suffer the wants and priva- 
tions so common to the lot of many pioneers, as he pur- 
chased in Detroit and brought in here with him sufficient 
flour and pork to last one year. Still for many years they 
were far from markets, Pontiac being the principal point, 
and but little money comparatively was received for farm 
products. Mr. Ira W. Potter recalls the fact that he very 
frequently made the journey to the latter city, hauling with 
an ox-team thirty bushels of wheat, for which he received 
five shillings per bushel, the journey occupying three days' 
time. All other early residents here can relate the same 
experience, and recall with great animation the terrible 
condition of early roads and the consequent struggle to ob- 
tain a few dollars in money at far-away markets. 

Among other settlers of this period (1838) were Ju.stin 
Iletny and William Sheldon, from Erie Co., N. Y., who 
located upon section 30; Abelino Babcock, from Oakland 



Co., Mich., who settled on section 31 ; Jacob Teachout, 
upon section 5 ; Harri.son G. Conger and Samuel Crandall, 
upon sections 11 and 14. 

Goodenough Townsend was born in Wheelock, Caledo- 
nia Co., Vt. His grandfather, Thomas Townsend, marched 
with Benedict Arnold to Quebec, and two grand-uncles 
served with the Continental army during the long and 
bitter struggle for national independence. During the year 
1832 the father of Goodenough, with his family, removed 
from Vermont to Monroe Co., N. Y. In 1836, Mr. G. 
Townsend visited various portions of Ohio, Indiana, and 
Michigan, in search of a tract upon which to make his 
future residence. He at last decided to locate in this 
township, and in September of the same year purchased 
120 acres situated upon section 22, and 40 acres upon sec- 
tion 23. He then engaged in the occupation of school- 
teaching, which he continued until the winter of 1838 and 
'39, when he erected a log house upon his purchase, mar- 
ried Miss Mary Ann Fisk, of Genesee township, and 
became a permanent resident of Davison thenceforth. 

Mr. Townsend immediately became identified with the 
public interests of Davison. He was largely instrumental 
in the passage of the act for the organization of the new 
town, and at the first election for township officers, held at 
his house, April 6, 1840, was elected supervisor. Again, 
in 1843, when Davison, with other townships on the east 
border of Genesee County, was detached from Lapeer and 
annexed to this county, he was prominently conspicuous in 
the consummation of the project. 

From the organization of the township until within a 
very recent period, he has served his townsmen in many 
other official capacities, as will be seen by reference to the 
list of township officers. During the Whig administration, 
— Taylor and Fillmore, — from 1849 to 1853, he was ap- 
pointed the first postmaster. The office was then known as 
Davison Centre. He established the first Sabbath-school in 
1842, and succeeded, by the aid of small contributions from 
his neighbors, in purchasing at the same time a Sabbath- 
school library of 100 volumes. Much more might be added 
concerning Mr. Townsend, of his individual worth, and the 
esteem in which he is held by his townsmen, as well as by 
a wide circle of acquaintances throughout the county ; but 
we suffice with the remark that he is still a hale, active, 
well-preserved gentleman, the possessor of a fine property, 
the broad acres of which were cleared of their primeval 
growth by his own strong arms, and that he bids fair to 
attend pioneer meetings many years hence. 

Calvin Cartwright, for many years supervisor of the 
township, and ever an active business man, came from 
Avon, Livingston Co., N. Y., and settled in Grand Blanc 
in 1830. In 1842 he removed to Davison, which town- 
ship has since been his place of residence. 

Prior to 1844 the following additional settlers were resi- 
dents : James A. Kline, Almeron Perry, William Phillips, 
Henry Hastings, Thomas Park, William Thomas, Clark 
Potter, Eleazer Thurston, Samuel Johnson, Abram Hotcli- 
kiss. Samuel J. Ashley, Abner Hotchkiss, Robert Knowles, 
John Austin, David Casler, John Casler, Daniel Dayton, 
Hart W. Cummins, Silas S. Kitchen, Iddo H. Carley, S. 
M. Fisk, Ira Cobb, Elias Bush, and Thomas 0. Townsend. 



DAVISON TOWNSHIP. 



401 



Among those settlers who purchased land of the govern- 
ment at quite an early perind, and not previously mentioned, 
were Daniel p]astwood, William Odell, Benajah Uieli, Wm. 
Seott Irons, Milo N. Miller, Edwin Gidley, Hiram Andrus, 
Adams P. Wondruflf, Jonathan D. Bean, Edmund Perry, 
Jr., Jacob Miller, Ebenezcr Ford, Matliew Walker, and 
John Tharrett. 

The following is a complete list of the resident tax- 
payers in 1844, showing also the sections upon which they 
resided, or upon which they were assessed for taxes : 



Ira W. Putter, I and 2. 
Robert E. Potter, 1 . 
Clark Potter, 1. 
Eleazer Thurston, 10. 
Samuel Jolinson, 11. 
Samuel J. Ashley, 11. 
Samuel Crandall, 11 and 14. 
Harrison G. Conger, II. 
Ahram Ilolchkiss, 15. 
Abnor Ilolchkiss, 15. 
Abel Scelye, 3, 15, and 26. 
Elias Bush, 22. 
Ooodenough Townsend, 22. 
Thomas 0. Townsend, 23. 
Christopher Miller, 26 and 35. 
John C. Miller, 26. 
Jeremiah Miller, 35. 
Ira Cobb, 25. 
S. M. Fisk, 34. 
Iddo II. Carley, 26 and 35. 
Silas S. Kitchen, 27. 



Hart W. Cummins, 36. 
Daniel Dayton, 36. 
Abelino Biibcock, 31. 
John Caslor, 29. 
David Caslor, 30. 
John Austin, 31 and 32. 
Henry Sheldon, 30. 
Robert Knowlcs, 33. 
AVilliani Thomas, 31. 
Thomas Parko, 6. 
Jacob Teacbout, 5. 
Henry Hastings, 6. 
William Pliillips, 5. 
Almeron Perry, 20. 
James A. Kline, 20. 
Calvin Cartwright, 20. 
Alson Seelye, 33. 
William Sheldon, 30. 

Churchill, 5. 

Davis,. 5. 



CIVIL HISTORY. 

Prior to 1840 the south half of thi.s township was at- 
tached to Atlas, and the north part to Richfield. During 
the session of the latter year, Goodcnough Townsend, with 
other residents, sent in their petition to the State Legisla- 
ture, praying for the organization of a separate township 
within the boundaries of the territory designated by the 
United States survey as township No. 7 north, of range 
No. 8 east, and also requested that the new township be 
named Middlefmry. Their petition as regarded the forma- 
tion of a new township was granted by the august body 
then in session. But as the people of a township in Shia- 
wassee County had already possessed themselves of this hon- 
ored and ancient ajipellation, and as it was designed that 
each township in the State should bear a dissimilar title, 
the Legislature saw fit to bestow the name of Davison, in 
honor of the Davison family, of Atlas. 

Section six of an act to organize certain townships reads 
as follows : 

" Be il enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
State of *Michigan, That all that portion of the county of Ii:i[>eer des- 
ignated ijy the l.'nited States survey as township number seven (7) 
iiortti, of lange number eiglit (S) east, be and the same is hereby set 
off anil organized into a separate township by the name of Davison, 
and tlie fir^t townshii)-meeling therein shall be hold at the iiouse of 
<Joodenough Townsend, in said townsliip." 

In accordance with ihc foregoing act, the inhabitants of 
the township who were qualified by law to vote assembled 
at the house of Ooodenough Townsend on the Cth day of 
April, 1840. Abel Secley* was cho.sen inoderator, Jacob 



» Spelled also Sceli/e. 



Teachout clerk, and Goodenough Townsend, Abelino Bab- 
cock, Justin Sheldon, llobert E. Potter inspectors of elec- 
tion. 

There were fourteen legal voters in the township, viz. : 
Goodenough Townsend, Justin Sheldon, Abel Seelye, Abel 
Seelye, Jr., Robert E. Potter, Ira W. Potter, Samuel Cran- 
dall, Harrison G. Conger, Christopher Miller, John C. Mil- 
ler, Abelino Babcock, Jacob Teachout, Alson Seelye, Aaron 
B. Adams, of whom all received an office or offices except 
Christopher Miller and Aaron B. Adams. 

The election resulted as follows : Goodenough Townsend, 
Supervisor ; Jacob Teachout, Town Clerk ; Justin Sheldon, 
Treasurer; Abel Secley, Jr., Collector; Jacob Teachout, 
Robert E. Potter, Alson Secley, Asses.sors ; Jacob Teach- 
out, Robert E. Potter, Goodenough Townsend, School In- 
spectors ; Justin Sheldon, Abel Seeley, Directors of the 
Poor ; Abelino Babcock, Goodenough Townsend, Harrison 
G. Conger, Highway Commissioners; Jacob Teachout, 
Goodenough Townsend, Abel Secley, Justin Sheldon, Jus- 
tices of the Peace ; Ira W. Potter, Abel Seeley, Jr., (Jon- 
stables ; Samuel Crandall, Pound-Master; Harrison G. 
Conger, Jacob Teachout, Justin Sheldon, John C. Miller, 
Abel Seeley, Jr., Overseers of Highways. 

" Viitrd, That Samuel Crandall's stable shall bo the pound of the 
town.«hip of Davison for the ensuing year. 

"That the collector of said township shall bo entitled to five jier 
centum on what he may collect, and one per centum on what ho may 
return to the Treasurer of I.apeer County. 

"That i?125 be raised for the expenses of tho township for the en- 
suing year, and for books and bo.\es, S15." 

At the annual township meeting in 1841 it was voted, 
" That no person or persons shall kill any Deer in the 
limits of this township between the 10th d;\y of January 
and the 10th day of July of each year, and all persons 
killing Deer contrary to this law shall forfeit the sum of 
five dollars for every Deer killed in said township, and such 
offenders may be prosecuted before any Justice in .said 
township or county." 

In 1842 it was voted that the nest annual township- 
election "should be held at the Town-House, on the south- 
east corner of section sixteen." At the ensuing meeting 
the clerk made the following entry : 

" Daviso.v, April .3, 1S43. 
" The electors of the township of Davison met on the southeiust 
corner of section si.\tcen agreeable to a vote of the previous township- 
meeting, and organized by clioosing Harrison <j. Conger clerk ; there 
not being a convenient place to hold said meeting ihc electors ad- 
journed to tho sliantee of (J. Townseml, and left Ira (.'(jbb, a consta- 
ble, on the spot. They then proceeded according to law, and elected 
township ofliccrs for the ensuing year." 

It seems that the proposed log town-hou.se had not yet 
been erected. An unseasonable snow-storm came on, and 
" town-meeting day" found the ground covered with snow 
to the depth of three feet. Ira Cobb was stationed on 
the corner with instructions to notify electors as they assem- 
bled where the polls were being held. But it is laughingly 
asserted by those who were present that Cobb deserted his 
post soon after the board adjourned lo Townsend's house, 
and by making a wide detour through the snow and woods 
retired unobserved to his shanty on section 25. 



51 



402 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Davison was annexed to Genesee County by an act of 
the Legislature, approved March 9, 1843. 

The first highway laid in the township was done by 
order of Paul G. Davison and Asa Farrar, highway com- 
missioners of the town of Atlas, and dated March 28, 1837, 
the route described as follows : " Commencing at the south- 
cast corner of section 31 in township 7 north, range 8 east, 
running north three miles, and ending at the corners of 
sections 17, 18, 19, and 20." 

The following is a list of the township officers from 1841 
to 1879 inclusive : 

1841. — Jacob Teachout, Supervisor; Goodenough Town- 
send, Town Clerk; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer; Abel Seeley, 
Collector ; Jacob Teachout, Robert E. Potter, Goodenough 
Townsend, School Inspectors ; Jacob Teachout, Ira W. 
Potter, Abel Seeley, Jr., Assessors ; Abel Seeley, S. M. 
Fisk, Poor-Masters; Abelino Babcock, Robert E. Potter, 
Goodenough Townsend, Highway Commissioners ; Samuel 
Crandail, Justice of the Peace for four years ; S. M. Fisk, 
Justice of the Peace for two years ; Abel Seeley, Jr., Abe- 
lino Babcock, Constables. 

1842. — Jacob Teachout, Supervisor ; Goodenough Towns- 
end, Town Clerk; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer; S. M. Fisk, 
Justin Sheldon, Daniel Dayton, Justices of the Peace; 
Abelino Babcock, Jacob Teachout, Ira W. Potter, High- 
way Commissioners; Goodenough Townsend, Jacob Teach- 
out, Robert E. Potter, School Inspectors; William Martin, 
Abel Seeley, Overseers of the Poor; A. Babcock, Benjamin 
S. Lockwood, Ira Cobb, Abel Seeley, Jr., Constables ; 
Samuel Crandail, Abel Seeley, Jr., Assistant Assessors. 

1843. — Daniel Dayton, Supervisor; Goodenough Town- 
send, Town Clerk ; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer ; Jacob Teach- 
out, Justice of the Peace ; Robert E. Potter, Calvin Cart- 
wright, Assistant Assessors ; Ira W. Potter, James Kline, 
Abel Seeley, Jr., Highway Commissioners; Robt. E. Potter, 
Jacob Teachout, luspectore of Schools; Abel Seeley, Dan- 
iel Dayton, Poor Overseers; Thomas Park, I. II. Carley, 
B. B. Knight, William Sheldon, Constables. 

1844. — Daniel Dayton, Supervisor ; Goodenough Town- 
send, Town Clerk ; Abel Seeley, Jr., Treasurer; Goodenough 
Townsend, Roht. E. Potter, Justices of the Peace ; Jacob 
Teachout, School Inspector ; Calvin Cartwright, Thomas 0. 
Townsend, Assistant Assessors; James A. Kline, Ira W. 
Potter, Abel Seeley, Jr., Highway Commissioners ; Daniel 
Dayton, Alson Seeley, Overseers of the Poor; Elias Bush, 
Thomas Park, Jeremiah Miller, B. B. Knight, Constables. 

1845. — Jacob Teachout, Supervisor ; Calvin Cartwright, 
Town Clerk ; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer ; Daniel Dayton, Jus- 
tice of the Peace; Eleazer Thurston, Hart W. Cummins, 
Elias Bush, Highway Commissioners; Hart W. Cummins, 
Abel Seeley, Jr., School Inspectors ; Elias Bush, Hart W. 
Cummins, William Streeter, Constables. 

1S4G. — Jacob Teachout, Supervisor ; C;dvin Cartwright, 
Town Clerk ; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer ; S. M. Fisk, Justice 
of the Peace; James A. Kline, Eleazer Thurston, Edmund 
Perry, Jr., Highway Commissioners; Thomas 0. Townsend, 
Eleazer Thurston, School Inspector ; Daniel Dayton, Abel 
Seeley, Overseers of the Poor ; Henry Hastings, H. H. 
Sheldon, Elias Rush, John Tharrett, Constables. 

1847. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; Calvin Cartwright, 



Town Clerk ; S. M. Fjsk, Trca.surcr ; Samuel J. Ashley, 
Justice of the Peace ; H. H. Sheldon, Ira W. Potter, 
Calvin Cartwright, Highway Commissioners ; Hart W. 
Cummins, Thomas 0. Townsend, School Inspectors; H. H. 
Sheldon, Henry Hastings, Jeremiah Miller, Russell East- 
wood, Constables; S. M. Crandail, John Caslor, Overseers 
of the Poor. 

1848. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; Calvin Cartwright, 
Town Clerk ; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer ; Calvin Cartwright, 
Justice of the Peace ; W. G. Merrill, School Inspector ; 
Nicholas Hosner, Highway Commissioner ; Daniel Dayton, 
Edmund Perry, Jr., Overseers of the Poor; H. H. Sheldon, 
H. Hastings, Lothrop Ford, Horace Bachelor, Constables. 

1849. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; Calvin Cartwright, 
Town Clerk; S. M. Fisk, Treasurer; W. G. Merrill, Jus- 
tice of the Peace; Ira W. Potter, Henry Ball, Highway 
Commissioners ; Henry Ball, School Inspector ; Nathaniel 
Cole, Elias Lacy, Alexander Caslor, Franklin Langdon, 
Constables ; Daniel Dayton, Edmund Perry, Overseers of 
the Poor. 

1850.— John Tharrett, Supervisor; W. G. Merrill, Town 
Clerk ; Calvin Cartwright, Treasurer ; Robert E. Potter, 
Job Conger, Justices of the Peace ; Edmund Perry, Joseph 
Hill, Overseers of the Poor; Nicholas Hosner, Highway 
Comiuissioner ; Elias Lacy, Alexander Caslor, Eleazer 
Thurston, William Thomas, Jr., Constables. 

1851. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; W. G. Merrill, Town 
Clerk ; Samuel J. Ashley, Treasurer ; David S. Hastings, 
Thomas O. Townsend, Samuel Robinson, Justices of the 
Peace ; Calvin Cartwright, Highway Commissioner ; Na- 
thaniel Cole, School Inspector ; Nathaniel Cob, Alexander 
Caslor, Miles F. Washburn, Russell Eastwood, Constables; 
Elias Bush, Edmund Perry, Jr., Poor Overseers. 

1852. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; W. G. Merrill, Town 
Clerk ; Walter J. Cole, Treasurer ; Goodenough Townsend, 
Henry Ball, David Hollenbeck, Justices of the Peace ; 
Abel Seelye, Jr., Highway Commissioner ; Daniel Dayton, 
School Inspector ; Elias Bush, David S. Hastings, Over- 
seers of the Poor ; Alexander Caslor, J. H. Carley, Ran- 
som Hill, Elias Bush, Constables. 

1853. — Robert E. Potter, Supervisor; William G. Mer- 
rill, Town Clerk ; Walter J. Cole, Treasurer ; Samuel J. 
Ashley, Edmund Perry, Jr., Justices of the Peace ; Wm. 
Jordon, School Inspector ; Ira W. Potter, Highway Com- 
missioner; Job Conger, Jeremiah Miller, Overseers of the 
Poor ; Alexander Caslor, Horace Bachelor, Miles F. Wash- 
burn, Silas Kitchen, Constables. 

1854. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; Thomas 0. Town- 
send, Township Clerk ; David Hollenbeck, Treasurer ; Wm. 
G. Merrill, School Inspector; Joseph Hill, Highway Com- 
missioner; Charles Rogers, Justice of the Peace; Hosea 
Hill, Jeiemlah Miller, Ovei-seers of the Poor; Calvin Wake- 
field, Elias Lacy, Elias Bush, Alexander Caslor, Constables. 

1855. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Thomas 0. 
Townsend, Township Clerk ; David Hollenbeck, Treasurer; 
Edmund Perry, Jr., Justice of the Peace; William Jor- 
don, School Inspector ; S. J. Wicker, Highway Commis- 
sioner ; C. Cartwright, Robert E. Doty, Overseers of the 
Poor ; Elias Bush, Elias Lacy, Silas S. Kitchen, Daniel 
Chamberlin, Constables. 



DAVISON TOWNSHIP. 



403 



1856.— Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Townsliip Clerk; Joseph Hill, Treasurer; 
Henry Ball, Justice of the Peace; Ira W. Potter, High- 
way Commissioner ; Hosea Hill, School Inspector ; Robert 
E. Potter, Calvin Cartwrigiit, Overseers of the Poor ; O. 
D. Watson, S. R. Hacket, Henry Haynes, R. Hill, Con- 
stables. 

1857. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Township Clerk ; Nathaniel Cole, Treasurer ; 
Thomas Dayton, Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of 
Highwaj's; George W. Goodenough, Robert K. Potter, 
Overseers of the Poor; William G. Merrill, Aaron J. S. 
Sceley, School Inspectors ; William Odell, Samuel R. 
Ilackett, Hiram Applebec, Silas S. Kitchen, Constables. 

1858. — John Tharrett, Supervisor; Goodenough Town- 
send, Town.ship Clerk ; Nathaniel Cole, Treasurer ; David 
Hollcubeck, Justice of the Peace ; Elijah A. Rockafellow, 
School Inspector; Lathrop JIoss, Highway Commis.sioner ; 
Calvin Cartwright, George W. Goodenough, Overseers of 
the Poor ; Goodenough Townsend, Calvin Cartwright, Jona- 
than Coomer, Harris Marsh, Constables. 

1859. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Township Clerk; Nathaniel Cole, Treasurer; 
John C. Rockafellow, Justice of the Peace ; Joseph Good- 
enough, School Inspector ; Robert I. Ray, Highway Com- 
missioner ; Abel Seelye, Jr., Joseph Hill, Directors of the 
Poor ; Leonard G. Wordcn, Harris Marsh, Daniel D. Stone, 
Hiram Applebee, Constables. 

1860. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Townsliip Clerk ; Joseph Goodenough, Trea.s- 
urer; Joseph Baxter, Highway Commissioner; Guy Hew- 
ett, Justice of the Peace; Hosea Hill, John C. Rocka- 
fellow, School In.spectors ; Oliver D. Watson, Daniel D. 
Stone, Leonard G. Worden, Charles H. Henderson, Con- 
stables. 

1861. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Township Clerk ; Aaron J. S. Seelye, Treasurer ; 
William McAllister, Justice of the Peace; Walter W. 
Worden, Highway Commissioner ; Elijah A. Rockafellow, 
School Inspector ; George A. Daly, Daniel D. Stone, John 
Hill, Levi H. Johnson, Constables. 

18C2. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Joseph East- 
man, Township Clerk ; Joseph Goodenough, Treasurer ; 
Goodenough Townsend, George W. Goodenough, Justices 
of the Peace ; Goodenough Townsend, School Inspector ; 
Robert E. Potter, Commissioner of Highways; Daniel D. 
Stone, Jacob Fenner, Justin Hcwett, Horace Kingman, 
Constables. 

1863. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor ; Joseph Eastman, 
Town Clerk ; A. J. S. Seelye, Treasurer ; Ira T. Potter, 
School Inspector ; Thomas Dayton, Justice of the Peace ; 
John C. Rockafellow, Commissioner of Highways ; Daniel 
D. Stone, Jacob Fenner, Robert E. Potter, Constables. 

1864. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Township Clerk ; Joseph Goodenough, Treas- 
urer ; Joseph Eastman, Justice of the Peace; L. G. Good- 
enough, School Inspector ; Abel Seelye, Highway Com- 
missioner ; Henry A. Black, Samuel R. Ilackett, Leonard 
G. Worden, Constables. 

1865. — Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Samuel A. Cur- 



rier, Township Clerk ; Sylvester Haynes, Treasurer ; Ira 
T. Potter, School Inspector ; Thomas Dayton, Commis- 
sioner of Highways; George W. Goodenough, Job Con- 
ger, Justices of the Peace; Levi H. Johnson, Rufus R. 
Worden, William N. Thompson, John Knapp, Constables. 

1866. — Joseph Eastman, Supervisor; Samuel A. Cur- 
rier, Township Clerk ; Lrifayctte ILahaway, Treasurer ; 
Lucian G. Goodenough, School Inspector; George R. 
Howe, Highway Commissioner ; John C. Rockafellow, 
Alexander Campbell, Justices of the Pe.ico ; Charles H. 
Henderson, Leonard G. Worden, Hiram Thomas, Alexan- 
der Lobban, Constables. 

1867. — -Calvin Cartwright, Supervisor; Goodenough 
Townsend, Township Clerk ; Lafayette Hathaway, Treas- 
urer; Ira T. Potter, School Inspector; Abel Seelye, High- 
way Commissioner; Thomas Dayton, Charles Rogers, Jus- 
tices of the Peace ; William U. Thompson, L. G. Worden, 
Lafayette Hathaway, Bryant R. Hill, Constables. 

1868. — Ira T. Potter, Supervisor; Goodenough Town- 
send, Township Clerk ; Lafayette Hathaway, Treasurer ; 
Alexander Campbell, George W. Griffin, Justices of the 
Peace; Lucian G. Goodenough, School Inspector; Hiram 
Applebee, Highway Commissioner ; Samuel A. Currier, 
James Campbell, Calvin Cartwright, Joseph Eastman, 
Constables. 

1869. — Ira T. Potter, Supervisor; Aruna B. Scott, 
Township Clerk; Lucian G. Goodenough, Treasurer; 
George W. Goodenough, Samuel R. Ilackett, Justices of 
the Peace ; William N. Monroe, School Inspector ; Horace 
Bachelor, Highway Commissioner; Charles Robinson, 
Rufus Worden, Goodenough Townsend, Hiram V. Mun- 
ger. Constables. 

1870. — Goodenough Townsend, Supervisor; Lucian G. 
Goodenough, Tre;isurer; A. B. Scott, Township Clerk ; 
Jacob S. Fenner, Justice of the Peace ; Lucian G. Good- 
enough, School Inspector; George W. Griffen, Highway 
Commissioner; John N. Welch, Constable. 

1371. — Goodenough Townsend, Supervisor; Seth J. 
Wicker, Treasurer ; L. S. McAllister, Clerk ; Thomas 
Dayton, Justice of the Peace; Wm. N. Munroe, School 
Inspector; L. G. Worden, Highway Commi.s.sioner ; John 
N. Welch, Otis Eastman, Rufus R. Worden, Philip Hill, 
Constables. 

1872. — John Campbell, Supervisor ; John F. Cartwright, 
Treasurer ; L. S. McAllister, Township Clerk ; Alexander 
Campbell, Justice of the Peace; Dwight Babcock, School 
Inspector ; Alexander Campbell, Highway Conimi&sioncr ; 
Lucian G. Goodenough, Drain Commissioner; Philip Hill, 
Marvin Cumiuings, Rufus R. Worden, Constables. 

1873. — John Campbell, Supervisor ; John F. Cartwright, 
Treasurer; L. S. McAllister, Township Clerk; George W. 
Goodenough, Justice of the Peace ; Lucian G. Goodenough, 
School Inspector; Morris E. Burton, Highway Commis- 
sioner; George W. Griffen, Rufus R. Worden, Henry A. 
Black, Jacob F. Fenner, Constables. 

1874. — John Campbell, Supervisor ; John F. Cartwright, 
Treasurer ; Lester S. McAllister, Township Clerk ; Jacob 
S. Fenner, Justice of the Peace; Wm. N. Munroe, School 
In.speetor ; Gilbert O. Torrey, Highway Commissioner; 
Alexander Campbell, Drain Commissioner ; Alexander Lob- 



404 



IlISTOllY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



ban, Robert Knowles, Stephen S. Moore, William U. 
Thompson, Constables. 

1875. — John Campbell, Supervisor ; Lester S. McAllis- 
ter, Township Clerk ; Seth J. Wieker, Trea.surer ; Albert E. 
Hurd, Justiee of the Peace; William N. Munroe, Sehool 
Inspector ; Alexander Lobban, School Superintendent ; 
Aaron J. S. Seelye, Highway Commis.sioner ; George H. 
Moss, Drain Commissioner ; Kufus R. Worden, William 
U. Thompson, Henry A. Black, Edward Venill, Consta- 
bles. 

187G. — John Campbell, Supervisor; William N. Mun- 
roe, Treasurer; Lester S. McAllister, Township Clerk; 
Alexander Campbell, Justice of the Peace ; William N. 
Muuroe, School Inspector; Alexander Lobban, School 
Superintendent; Gilbert 0. Turrey, Highway Commis- 
sioner; Calvin Wakefield, O.K. Hathaway, Goodenough 
Townsend, Wm. U. Thompson, Constables. 

1877. — John Campbell, Supervisor ; William N. Jlonroe, 
Treasurer; Albert E. Hurd, Township Clerk; Ilarnianus 
B. Foil, Justice of the Peace ; William N. Monroe, School 
Inspector; Gilbert 0. Torroy, Highway Commissioner; 
Henry S. Horrell, Jacob D. Carpenter, B. Foil, B. R. Hill, 
Constables. 

1878. — John Campbell, Supervisor; Seth J. Wicker, 
Treasurer ; Lester S. McAllister, Township Clerk ; Thomas 
Dayton, Hosea Hill, Justices of the Peace; Edward D. 
Black, School Superintendent ; Alexander Lobban, School 
In.spoctor; Gilbert 0. Torrey, Highway Commissioner; 
Alexander Campbell, Drain Commissioner ; Henry S. Hor- 
rell, Andrew Seeley, Frauk McDonald, Horace Raymond, 
Constables. 

1879. — John Campbell, Supervisor; Seth J. Wicker, 
Treasurer ; Sanford McTaggart, Township Clerk ; Abel 
Seelye, Justice of the Peace ; Henry A. Black, Justice of 
the Peace, to fill vacancy ; William N. Monroe, School In- 
.spoctor; Charles W. Seaton, School Superintendent; Philip 
]'. Hill, Highway Commissioner ; Henry S. Ilorrell, David 
Riegle, John F. McDonald, John C. Yewance, Constables. 

DAVISON STATION, 

a small village on the line of the Chicago and Lake 
Huron Railroad, is nine miles east of the city of Flint. 
It contains two churche.s, — Methodist Episcopal and Free- 
Will Baptist, — one hotel, post-office, district school-house, 
2 stores of general merchandise, 1 drug-store, 1 harness- 
store, 1 provision-store, a cheese-factory, steam saw-mill, 
grain-elevator, Masonic hall, 1 stave- and heading-factory, 
several small mechanical shops, and about 175 inhabitants. 
Its site includes portions of sections 3, 9, and 10, and its 
history dates back only to the completion of the railroad, 
in 1871. The first settler upon its site was Elcazer Thurs- 
ton, who located upon a portion of section 10 in 1842. 

JMessrs. Dunn & Darling established here the first saw- 
mill in the township, in 1871. Dr. L. W. Hanson, the 
first physician ; Damon Stewart, the first merchant and 
postmaster ; and Henry S. Rising, the first tavern-keeper, 
all began here in 1872. The cheese-factory was started 
by IMessrs. R. E. and I. W. Potter and Sanford McTaggart 
in 1873, and the flouring-mill by Blessrs. Clemens, Miles 
& Co. in 1873. A cheese-factory association, composed of 



Messrs. R. E. Potter, I. W. I'otter, Sanford McTaggart, 
D. S. Woolman, George Mann, Corbett Pratt, C. B. Up- 
degraff, George W. Gi-iflBn, Henry Mann, J. W. Good- 
enough, and Ira T. Potter, as members, was incorporated 
April 20, 1S7G. This factory is in successful operation, 
uses the milk from about 200 cows, and will manufacture 
G5,000 pounds of cheese annually. 

The Atlas and Davison Union Cheese-Manufacturing Com- 
pany was incorporated as a stock company Jan. 15, 1876, 
with the following members: Stephen Jordon, John Camp- 
bell, Jacob D. Carpenter, Charles Blackmcr, Henry Ball, 
Albert Armstrong, Adrian P. Gale, Alexander Jjobban, and 
George Leach. The factory is situated in the Ball neigh- 
borhood, and uses the milk from about 175 cows. 

MASONIC SOCIETIES. 
GOODRICH LODGE, NO. 236, F. AND A. M., 
commenced work under a dispensation, Oct. 11, 1867, at 
the village of Goodrich, in Atlas township. 

A charter was received from the Grand Lodge of Michi- 
gan, Jan. 10, 1808. The first ofiicers under the dispensa- 
tion were George C. Graham, W. JI. ; William II. Put- 
nam, S. W. ; Jesse Eeles, J. W. ; Ezra K. Parshall, Treas- 
urer; C. W. Pengra, Secretary; E. Darwin Parshall, S. D. ; 
J. II. Blodgett, J. D. ; Israel P. Whitmer, Tiler, who were 
all charter members. 

Charles W. Pengra was the first Master under the char- 
ter. Subsequent Masters have been as follows : Edward 
Couse, 18G9; William H. Putnam, 1870; Charles W. 
Pengra, 1871-72-73, and to June, 1874; Adrian P. Gale, 
from June, 1874, to June, 1876 ; John F. Cartwright, from 
June, 1876, to December, 1876; Adrian P. Gale, from 
December, 1876, to December, 1878. 

The present ofiicers are Adrian P. Gale, W. M. ; Ira T. 
Potter, S. W. ; Sanford McTaggart, J. W. ; Seth J. Wicker, 
Treasurer; Albert E. Hurd, Secretary; M. II. llutchins, 
S. D. ; E. A. Rockafellow, J. D. ; L. W. Hanson and L. 
S. McAllister, Stewards ; Asa Sowle, Tiler. 

The Lodge was moved from Goodrich to Davison Station, 
March 10, 187G. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The church edifices of the Methodist Episcopal and Free- 
Will Baptist societies are situated in the village of Davi- 
son Station. No data have been obtained concerning the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, although oificial members were 
earnestly requested to furnish the same. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF DAVISON 
was organized about twenty years ago, at the Ilerrick school- 
house. There were present at that time the following 
ministers : Rev. C. B. Mills, Rev. Almon Jones, and Rev. 
C. P. Goodrich. 

For many years meetings were held in the Herrick school- 
house. But finally this small school-house became too small 
to accommodate the growing congregations, and a commo- 
dious edifice was erected two miles away, at Davison Station. 
The church is built in Gothic style, and is elegant and 
tasteful in design. It will seat comfortably 275 persons. 
The property, including sheds, fencing, etc., is worth S3000. 
The church was finished and occupied in the year 1872. 



DAVISON TOWNSHIP. 



405 



The society lias been blessed witli the labors of many 
excellent and talented ministers. Rev. Almon Jones was 
the founder of the church, and did most efficient service 
for many years on a very small salary. Rev. C. P. Good- 
rich here thundered with his usual vitror for the cause of 
God. Rev. S. A. Williams and Rev. C. II. Nichols occu- 
pied terms of service. Rev. S. A. Currier, one of the 
fathers of the denomination in this State, has written a 
history of good in many years of hard toil at various times 
in the life of this church. He had much to do with the 
securing the present advantageous location of the church 
property, and the erection of the church building. Rev. 
S. Bathrick, Rev. F. P. Augir, and Rev. C. B. Mills have 
also added character to the pulpit ministrations, and are em- 
balmed in the memory of the people. Rev. E. M. Covey is now 
pastor of the church, and has been .since the spring of 1878. 

The society is in a prosperous condition. There have 
been nearly 40 additions during the past year, and it now 
numbers 100 members. A good parsonage, begun in 1879, 
is nearly finished ; and in it the society have added a prop- 
erty worth SI 000 to their other possessions. 

A successful Sabbath-school is carried on, with Brother 
Tenney as superintendent, numbering about 100 scholars. 

The foregoing was kindly furnislied by the pastor. 

CEMETERY. 
THE PINE-GROVE BURYING-GROrND CORPORATION 

was incorporated Jan. 29, 1S53. John Tharrctt, Thomas 
Dajton, Abner Seclye, and Jeremiah Miller were named 
as the first officers. Their grounds include ly^^ acres. 

SCHOOLS. 
The first school was taught by Miss Sabrina Barnes 
about 1839-40, in the shanty formerly occupied by Chris- 



topher Miller as a dwelling-house. Although school dis- 
tricts were laid out and schools taught in different portions 
of the township previously, it was not until about 1845 
that schools, school boards, and districts were regularly 
organized and conducted. 

Miss Catharine Hoyle was granted a certificate to teach 
in District No. 2, in May, 1845. The teachers licensed in 
1846 were John Tharrctt, Caroline Cady, Anna Tucker, 
and Catharine Winship. In 184S, Catharine Gorton, 
Catharine Stow, Emelinc Walker, Mary Jane Center, and 
Catharine Winship received certificates; and Deborah 
Roberts, Arceny Seelye, Guliclme Fitch, Deborah Crandall, 
and Henry Barnes, in 1849. 

Data showing the number of districts, number of scholars 
attending schools, and the cost of sustaining the same at 
that period, have not been preserved. 

The following statistics are taken from the annual report 
of the board of school inspectors for the year ending Sept. 
2, 1878: 

Whole districts, 7 ; fractional districts, 2. Children of 
school-age in the township, 394 ; attending school during 
the year, 374 ; non-residents attending school, 32. Frame 
school-hou.ses, 7 ; log school-houses, 2. Seating capacity 
of school-houses, 428. Value of school property, S5190. 
Male teachers employed during year, 4 ; female teachers, 
13. Months taught by males, 22 ; by females, 50. Paid 
male teachers, S752 ; female teachers, S718; total, S1470. 

Receipts. — From moneys on hand Sept. 3, 1877, 2-mill 
tax, primary school fund, tuition of non-resident scholars, 
district taxes, and from all other sources, S2310.24. 

Expenditures. — Teachers' wages, 8147l( ; building re- 
pairs, $84.44 ; bonded indebtedness, $45. G3 ; all other pur- 
poses, 8388.95; on hand, Sept. 2, 1878, 8327.22; total, 
$2310.24. 



I 



RICHFIELD. 



This town lies on the cast border of the county, on the 
second tier of townsliips from the north, and is known in 
the records of the United States survey as township 8 
north, range S east. It is centrally distant from Flint 
about ten and a quarter miles, and is bounded by Forest on 
the north, Oregon, Lapeer Co., on the east, Davison on the 
south, and Genesee on the west. Its superficial area is 
22,439^1^ acres. The surface is slightly rolling, being 
roughest in the northeast part and along the course of Flint 
River. The original forest of this town was in most parts 
a variety of all kinds of hard-wood timber, but along the 
course of the river was a belt of pine of an average width 
of about one and a half miles, and along llasler's and Briar 
Creek similar growths were found. This pine, covering 
about one-third of the town, was to some extent inter- 
spersed with other timber, and was of good quality and 
size. The soil of the pine lands is lighter than that of the 
rest of the town, which varies from a sort of marl to a black 
gravelly or sandy loam, fertile and easily tilled. The best 
part of the town for agricultural purposes lies in the south- 
west half, but all is productive, and well repays the toil of 
the husbandman with remunerative crops. 

Unlike many townships in Michigan, there are none of 
those small lakes, so common in this State, within the 
borders of Richfield. The principal water-courses are the 
Flint River and Black Creek. Flint River enters the town 
near the northeast corner of section 12, and runs in a some- 
what toi-tuous but generally westerly course, passing through 
portions of sections 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 18, 
passing into the town of Genesee near the southwest corner 
of section 7. lis course in this town is about twelve miles 
in length, and its current rather sluggi.sh. At two points 
it has been dammed to make a water-power, but neither 
dam is now used. Black Creek, which is the outlet of 
Potter Lake, enters the town near the centre of the east 
line of section 36, runs westerly about a mile and three- 
quarters, turns sharply to the south, and passes into Davi- 
son. Hasler's Creek is the outlet of a lake of the same 
name lying in the town of Elba, Lapeer Co., and runs 
northerly along the east border of the town through sec- 
tion 13, and in a northwest course across section 12 till it 
reaches the Flint River, and unites its waters with those of 
the larger stream. Briar Creek, Beldcn Creek, and four 
other small streams are tributaries to Flint River. The 
two first named unite with it in the eastern part of section 
18, the former flowing from the north, and the latter from 
the south. The Flint River branch of the Flint and Pore 
Marquette Railroad cuts across the northwest corner of the 
town on .section 6, and has a station there called Rogers'. 
This company has about five-eighths of a mile of track in 
the town. 
406 



Many traces still remain to testify of the presence here 
of the aborigines, — those nomadic wanderers who have 
now so nearly disappeared from this country which was 
once one of their favorite hunting-grounds. Numerous 
trails led in various directions through the town, the 
principal ones being the Saginaw trail near the Irish road, 
and one from the vicinity of Ncpessing joining the Saginaw 
trail near the river. The Indians had a sort of village near 
Ncpessing Lake, in Lapeer County, and in this town had a 
camping-place on the south bank of Flint River, in section 
11. Near this place they cultivated some corn on a sort of 
opening, which gave to the locality the name of " the In- 
dian garden." On sections 20 and 21 and in other local- 
ities in the town they had " sugar-bushes," where they 
tapped the maple-trees and in their rude way manufactured 
an inferior kind of maple-sugar. Among these traces of 
former inhabitants of this section of our country none pos- 
sess a greater interest to the antiquary or the historian than 
the mysterious mounds that here and there lie scattered 
about throughout the State. In the pinery, on section 25, 
is a large mound, evidently formed by the work of human 
hands, as is proved by the mixed condition of the soil com- 
posing it. Its diameter is some twelve or fourteen feet, and 
its elevation above the surrounding surface about five feet. 
A smaller mound on the bank of Black Creek, in section 
35, was opened and a skull and some other bones taken out. 
Upon these mounds large forest-trees were growing at the 
time of the first settlement, indicating that they bad then 
reached an age of at least a hundred years since the mounds 
were piled up. 

THE SETTLEMENT 

of this town was not begun until the spring of 1836, 
though a little of the land had been taken up by specula- 
tors late in the month of December, 1835. In the year 
1836 nearly all the land in the town was bought from the 
government and several settlements begun in difierent parts. 
The names of the original purchasers of these lands are 
contained in the following list. Those printed in italics 
became actual residents of the town at an earlier or later 
date. We first give the names of those who purchased 
land on more than one section. The residence of the pur- 
chaser at the time of purchase is given in each case whore 
it is known. The list is as follows, viz. : 

James Seymour, of Monroe Co., N. Y., March 1, 1836, 
466 acres on .section 1, and 62 acres on section 10 ; total, 
52S acres. 

Elon Farnsworth, Dclos Davis, and Rufus Brown, Jr., 
of Wayne Co., Mich., June 9, 1S36, 163 acres on section 
1 , 5S2 acres on section 2, 1334 acres on sections 3 and 4 
(ihe entire sections) ; total, 2079 acres. 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



407 



Orsimu8 Bassett, of Gencscc Co., N. Y., Aug. 26, 1836, 
160 acres on section 23 ; November 12th, 80 acres on sec- 
tion 6; and November 21st, SO acres on section 7; total, 
320 acres. 

Thomas R. Roby, of Monroe Co., N. Y., March 1, 1830, 
104 acres on section 7, and 320 acres on section 17 ; total, 
484 acres. 

Rufus Brown, Jr., and Delos Davis, of Wayne Co., 
Mich., June 3, 1830, 160 acres on section 7, and 480 acres 
on section S ; total, 640 acres. 

Robert J. S. Page, of this county, Aug. 24, 1836, 80 
acres on section 35 ; September 13th, 80 acres on section 7 ; 
total, 160 acres. 

William Draper, of Poutiac, Oakland Co., Mich., Dec. 
21, 1835, 151 acres on section 17, 98 acres on section 18; 
December 28th, 57 acres on section 18; Feb. 20, 1836, 
145 acres on section 17 ; June 2d, IGO acres on section 8; 
total, 611 acres. 

John Todd, of Flint, Dec. 28, 1835,50 acres on .section 
9, and 40 acres on section 10 ; total, 90 acres. 

Thomas L. L. Brent, of Virginia, March 16, 1836, 197 
acres on section 9, 62 acres on section 10, 552 acres on 
section 11, 213 acres on section 12, 240 acres on section 
13, 320 acres on section 14, 320 acres on section 15, 260 
acres on section 18, 242 acres on section 19, 160 acres on 
section 20, and 240 acres on section 30 ; total, 2806 acres. 

Lewis Godard, of Wayne Co., Mich., Feb. 9, 1836, GO 
acres on section 2, 100 acres on section 10, 80 acres on 
section 11, 152 acres on section 12 ; March IGtii, 104 acres 
on section 9 ; total, 496 acres. 

Sylvanus P. Jermain, of Albany Co., N. Y., April 7, 
1836, 102 acres on section 9, and 86 acres on section 12 ; 
total, 188 acres. 

Lot Clark and Stephen Warren, of the State of New 
York, Feb. 22, 1836, 51 acres on section 18; March 1st, 
151 acres on section 12, and 60 acres on section 18; total, 
262 acres. 

Frederick B. Guenther, of New York City, Aug. 27, 
1836, 160 acres on section 13, 80 acres on section 14, 80 
acres on section 22, 160 acres on section 24, 160 acres on 
.section 27, 80 acres on section 35, and 160 acres on section 
36 ; total, 880 acres. 

Joseph M. Leon, of New York City, Aug. 27, 1830, 
240 acres on section 13, 160 acres on section 24, 240 acres 
on section 25, 80 acres on section 26, 160 acres on section 
34, and 240 acres on section 36 ; total, 1120 acres. 

David Piffard, of Livingston Co., N. Y., July 6, 1836, 
160 acres on section 14, 240 acres on section 22, 160 acres 
on section 27, and 160 acres on section 35; tcjtal, 720 
acres. 

Rial Irish, of Oakland Co., Mich., March 1, 1836, 80 
acres on section 19, 160 acres on section 20; June 14th, 
40 acres on section 19 ; total, 280 acres. 

Ebcnczer Larncd, of New Loudon, Conn., June 4, 1836, 
80 acres on section 20, and 80 acres on section 21 ; total, 
160 acres. 

George Oliver, of this county. May 7, 1836, 40 acres on 
.section 21 ; May 20th, 40 acres on the same section ; Jan. 
17, 1837, 78 acres on .section 30; total, 158 acres. 

.Julin NewlOM, Jr., of tlii.-i county, Aug. 26, 1836, 320 



acres on section 23, and 320 acres on section 24 ; total, 
640 acres. 

David L. BclJcn, of Hartford Co., Conn., July 1, 1836, 
640 acres on section 28, 360 acres on section 29, 560 acres 
on section 32, and 400 acres on section 33 ; total, 1960 
acres. 

Thomas Hosmer, of Oakland Co., Mich., April 2, 1836, 
40 acres on section 20, and 160 acres on section 29 ; 
total, 200 acres. 

Luman Brownson, of Oakland Co., Mich., June 11, 1836, 
40 acres on section 29, and 160 acres on section 30 ; total, 
200 acres. 

George A. Shoemaker, of Ontario Co., N. Y., June 14, 
1836, SO acres on section 31, and SO acres on section 32 ; 
total, 160 acres. 

The other entries are classified by sections : 

Section 1 : Origen D. Richardson, of Oakland Co., Mich., 
Feb. 16, 1836, 9 acres. 

Section 5: Charles B. Hubbell and Joseph Thompson, 
of Fairfield Co., Conn., May 21, 1836, the entire section, — 
6S0 acres. 

Section 6 : Abraham Ilogan, of Wayne Co., Mich., Sept. 
20, 1836, 40 acres; Ephraim W. Knight, of this county, 
Nov. 10 and 12, 1836, 158 acres; Emery Church, of Gen- 
esee Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1836, 80 acres; Hiram Wright, 
of this county, Nov. 12, 1836, 91 acres; Thomas Warren, 
of Genesee Co., N. Y., 226 acres ; Andreiv Cook, of this 
county, July 12, 1843, 40 acres. 

Section 7 : Henry Dwight, of Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 

11, 1836,7 acres; Ramsey McHenry, B. B. Kercheval, 
Mark Healey, and F. O. J. Smith, May 24, 1836, 160 
acres. 

Section 9 : Apollos Smith, of Rutland Co., Vt., June 
17, 1836, 160 acres. 

Section 10: Albert J. Smith, of this county, Feb. 1, 
1836, 110 acres; Morgan L. Schermerlioru, of Cuyahoga 
Co., 0., April 16, 1836, 160 acres; Ogdcn Clark, of thi.s 
county, Sept. 30, 1836, 80 acres. 

Section 14: James Adams, of Monroe Co., N. Y., July 
5, 1836, 80 acres. 

Section 15 : Francis L. Tibbetts, of Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
May 7, 1836, 40 acres ; Asa Davis, of Genesee Co., N. Y., 
June 28, 1836, 40 acres ; Ira Donelson and Mary Donelson, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., July 5, 1836, 240 acres. 

Section 18: Edwin Rose, of Wayne Co., Mich., March 
1,1836, 106 acres. 

Section 19: William Dickinson, of Monroe Co., N. Y., 
June 18, 1836, 160 acres; Thomas Reynolds, of Oakland 
Co., Mich., July 9, 1836, 80 acres; Isaac Voorhces, of 
same county, July 12, 1836, 40 acres. 

Section 20: Orsanius Coolci/, of Oakland Co., Mich, April 
25, 1836, 40 acres; David Johnson, of the .same county, 
May 30, 1836, 160 acres. 

Section 21 : Hiram Dodge, of Lenawee Co., Mich., May 

12, 1836, SO acres; Harvey Dodge, of Oakland Co., Mich., 
same date, 40 acres ; Benjamin Iluger, of the United States 
Army, June 4, 1836, 40 acres; William Durkee, of Mon- 
roe Co., N. Y., same date, 160 acre*; William Taylor, of 
the same county, June IS, 1836, 160 acres. 

Section 22 : Levi Reyuokh, of this county, May 6, 1830, 



408 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



40 acres ; Thomas Clark, of Lenawee Co., Mich., June 28, 
1836, 200 acres; Jeremiah C. Thomas, of this county, 
July 2, 1836, 80 acres. 

Section 23 ; E. Cash and H. Wright, of Genesee Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 26, 1836, 160 acres. 

Section 25 : Willard Tucker, of this county, August 26, 
1836, 80 acres; Jeremy Chambers, of the same county, 
and same date, 80 acres. 

Section 20 : Jacob Snapp, of this county, Aug. 26, 1836, 
80 acres ; Tiiomas Cooley, same county and date, 320 acres ; 
Thomas J. GUktt, of Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 26, 1836, 
80 acres ; James Greer, of this county, same date, 80 acres. 

Section 27 : Levi Newton, of Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 

26, 1836, 320 acres. 

Section 29 : Gt-orge B. Diirkee, of Monroe Co., N. Y. 
June 18, 1836, 80 acres. 

Section 30: Lyman Curtis, of Wayne Co., Mich., June 
20, 1836, 78 acres ; Jacob Teachout, same county and 
date, 80 acres. 

Section 31 : David S. Crandall, of Genesee Co., N. Y., 
Juno 14, 1836, 80 acres; Edwin Taylor, of Monroe Co., 
N. Y., June 18, 1830, 158 acres; M. Langley, of Wayne 
Co., N. Y., June 20, 1836, 80 acres ; Samuel Bassett, of 
Oakland Co., Mich., June 21, 1830, 155 acres; David 
Brown, of this county, July 5, 1836, 80 acres. 

Section 33 : Henry Mead, of Oakland Co., Mich., July 
11, 1836, 160 acres; John Rcttan, same county and date, 
80 acres. 

Section 34: Nelson G. Parmelee. of Ontario Co., N. Y., 
July 11, 1836, 160 acres; Henry and Van Rensselaer 
Hawkins, of Genesee Co., N. Y., same date, 320 acres. 

Section 35 : Charles Wright, of this county, Aug. 24, 
1836, ICO acres; Daniel Lo Roy, of Oakland Co., Midi., 
same date, 160 acres. 

Section 36: James Davis, of Oakland Co., Mich., Aug. 

27, 1836, 80 acres; Arthur Davis, same county and date, 
160 acres. 

From this list we see that the first entry of land in this 
town was made by William Draper on tlie 21st of Decem- 
ber, 1835, and that with a single exception — that of An- 
drew Cook on section 6 — all the land was taken up within 
thirteen months afterwards, — certainly a very expeditious 
s;ile. Among the most extensive purchasers of land was 
Thomas L. L. Brent, who came here from Virginia with 
considerable money, and made large purchases of land in 
different parts of the county. He lived in the western 
part of the county, and, in explanation of his buying so 
much land, told his neighbors (for all the settlers were 
neighbors in those days) that he and his wife had a little 
money that they did not want to use, and they thought 
they would put it into land " to keep the Itnid out of the 
hands of the d — d speculators '" It is said that after 
holding some of this land for several years, and meantime 
paying considerable taxes upon it, he was finally forced to 
sell it for just what he paid the government for it. 

As a matter of course the foregoing list does not embrace 
any of the land on section 16, which, being school-land, 
was held for some time, and sold to settlers at a higher rate 
than the government price. 

The first settlement in the town was made in the early 



spring of the year 1836. There was at that time a man 
livin<r at Pontiac whose name was Rial Irish, and who for 
some reason — probably to secure a larger farm — decided to 
settle in this then unbroken wilderness. So, getting to- 
gether his family and household goods, he struck out for 
his new home, following the Saginaw road north until he 
reached Stony Run, in the town of Groveland. There he 
branched off from the main road and followed an old dis- 
used Indian trail that led north very nearly along the sec- 
tion line one mile east of range 7. Traveling along this 
trail, cutting his way through the underbrush and traveling 
slowly because of the many obstructions to be removed, he 
at latt reached his land on sections 19 and 20 of the pres- 
ent town of Richfield, some time "in March. He was ac- 
companied in his pilgrimage by his wife and three small 
children and his younger brother Raphael. The road they 
thus made was some twenty miles long, and formed a route 
by which many other settlers came into this region. It has 
always been, and is now, known as " the Irish road." 

Mr. Irish came here with the intention of following the 
occupation of a farmer, and immediately went at work and 
built a log shanty on section 19, about eighty rods south of 
the northeast corner of the section, and near the bank of a 
small creek. Upon the completion of this habitation, the 
work of clearing was begun, and two acres of spring wheat 
were sown in a rude manner among the stumps and logs. 
This was the first wheat sown in the town, and was har- 
vested by George Oliver, who cradled it, and Pheroras 
Clark, who raked and bound it. 

A short time after his settlement here he found that 
there was considerable excellent pine in the town, some of 
it on his land, and he conceived the project of building a 
saw-mill to convert it into lumber. The work of building 
this mill was not begun until the spring of 1837. He then 
began work by digging a race from a point .some one hun- 
dred rods up Belden Brook, from the section corner to the 
site selected for the mill, about fifty rods farther down the 
stream. At the head of this race a dam was built across 
the brook. It was made by driving crotched sticks into 
the bed of the stream, from each of which a long basswood 
polo was laid, with one end buried in the bottom of the 
brouk. On these transverse poles were laid, and then the 
whole structure was covered with brush, leaves, and dirt to 
form a dam. After the dam and race were completed, and 
the frame to the mill had been raised, he decided to leave the 
town, and sold out to a man by the name of Church, who 
soon afterwards sold it to David L. Belden for §7000. Mr. 
Belden liad come here as the agent for a colony of Connecti- 
cut people, and had entered a large amount of land for them. 
This land he mortgaged to secure the payment of the $7000, 
which was to be paid in lumber in annual installments. The 
obligation was held by a man named Darrow, who lived in 
Pontiac. Mr. Belden employed Church to complete the 
mill, which was done so that it began operations in the 
spring of 1839. Owing to his inexperience and the ex- 
tremely moderate price at which lumber had to be sold, 
Mr. Belden was unsuccessful, and, being unable to meet 
his payments, was forced to turn out a tract of land in pay- 
ment of his matured obligations. This operation was re- 
peated from time to time until not only the lands owned by 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



409 



him, but also those owned by the colony, had been swal- 
lowed up. Ho then gave up and removed to Chautauqua 
Co., N. Y. Of the colony, only one beside Belden ever 
came here. That one was Joiin Judd, who came at the 
same time with Belden, and who is now living at Corunna, 
Shiawassee Co., Mich. 

llial Irish and Church both returned to Pontiac when 
they sold out here. 

Following closely upon the heels of the firet settler came 
George Oliver, with his wife, three sons, and one daughter. 
He had been a resident of this State for several years, and 
was the first white man married in Flint. His wife's name 
was Kcziah Tobcy. Before coming to Richfield he was 
a resident of the town of Genesee, where he owned an in- 
terest in the saw-mill near the mouth of Kearsley Creek, 
known as the Harger or Peanson mill. He built a small 
hou.se on section 21, about one hundred rods south of the 
centre of the town. It was a small log house roofed with 
elm-bark. He, that spring, cleared a small piece of ground 
and planted a few potatoes. During the seven or eight 
years of his residence here, his principal occupations were 
shingle-making and acting as guide to new-comers who were 
looking for land. He also cleared some land and farmed it 
to a limited extent. While living on this place a daughter 
was born to them, which was the first birth of a white 
child ia the town. Mr. Oliver removed to East Saginaw in 
1843— 4-t, where he had purchased some land within the 
present city limits, and where he engaged in working the 
liighways under contract, and in fitting his land for cultiva- 
tion. He became quite wealthy, through the rise in value 
of his Saginaw property, and returned to this county, set- 
tling at Clio, where he died some four or five years ago. 

Mr. Oliver was accompanied to this town by a man named 
Samuel Johnson, who worked for him a while and then 
went off to some other locality. He came with Oliver more 
for company's sake than with an idea of settling in Ilich- 
field. His possessions consisted of a horse and wagon, — 
both rather dilapidated and showing the effects of age and 
hard usage, — a boy, a [lig. and a tame bear. For convenience 
in transportation the pig was put into the wagon, the bear 
(which was not full grown) was carried in his arms, and the 
boy trudged along on foot. The journey was not totally 
devoid of incident, for the road was rough and the wagon 
was jolted and bounced about, much to the discomfort of 
its porcine occupant, who vented his displeasure in discon- 
solate grunts and heart-rending squeals. The bear, too, rest- 
less because of the tiresome journey, gave tokens of his 
displeasure by various uneasy movements and struggles to 
free himself from the enfolding arms of his master. At 
last the wagon, in passing over a larger log than usual, re- 
ceived such a shock that the board on which the pig's weight 
rested was broken, and the pig fell to the ground iti such a 
manner as to break his neck. And then, while Johnson 
was engaged in the twofold task of holding the bear and try- 
ing to a-wist the pig. Bruin took it into his head to test the 
sharpness of his teeth, and .sank them into the flesh of his 
owner, who was thereby so greatly exasperated that he 
seized the offender by the legs and attempted to repeat pig- 
gie's fate by striking the bear against a tree. In the strug- 
gle that ensued the bear made his escape, and Joliiisoii and 
52 



the boy were left to pursue their journey with the carcass 
of the defunct pig. 

Thomas Clark was the third settler. He was a native of 
llutland Co., Vt., and removed from that place with his 
parents to Saratoga Co., N. Y., where he subsequently mar- 
ried Mi.ss Rebecca Wing, and with her removed to the town 
of Butternuts, in Otsego County, in that State. He after- 
wards removed to the town of Lorraine, in Jefferson County, 
and four years later to the town of Lyme, in the same county, 
where he lived fourteen years, the first seven of them on 
Grenadier Island. From the town of Lyme he came to 
Michigan in the spring of 183G, starting for his new location 
in the then far West on the 4th day of May. The company, 
consisting of Mr. Clark, his wife, Rebecca, two sons, and 
two daughters, embarked on a schooner, and, sailing the 
length of Lake Ontario, disembarked at the mouth of Ni- 
agara River, and continued the journey with their own con- 
veyance, traveling by way of Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, 
Adrian, and Clinton to a small settlement near the latter 
place, known by the euphonious appellation of Slab City. 
Here the family remained until the month of August. In 
the mean time Mr. Clark went to Detroit to get from the 
land-ofiice the plat of a township in the southern part of 
the Slate, where he was intending to settle. That depart- 
ment of the office was closed at the time of his arrival, and 
he had to wait until the next day before he could obtain 
the desired plat. While he was waiting he met a man 
named Asa Davis (of whom we shall speak hereafter), who 
had come there to locate some land. Entering into conver- 
sation with him, he questioned him about the land in this 
part of the State, and was well ple;iscd with the description 
given of it. Davis offered for $7 to give him the descrip- 
tion of two hundred acres of what he considered as good 
land as there was in the township. The offer was accepted, 
the description given, and, trusting to the honesty as well as 
the judgment of his new acquaintance, Mr. Clark entered 
the west half of the northeast quarter, the east half of the 
northwest quarter, and the southwest quarter of the north- 
west quarter of section 22, and decided to make Genesee 
County his future home. In August he brought his fiimily, 
and they, the third family in the town, became the first per- 
manent residents. Their house was constructed of logs. Two 
apartments were built eighteen feet square, with a space of 
about eight feet between them. Basswood poles of the 
proper length were split, hollowed into troughs, and made 
into a roof that covered both apartments and converted the 
space between into a sort of hall. A puncheon floor, also 
made of basswood, was laid down, and the family began 
living in their new domicile, having the satisfaction of know- 
ing that they were living in the best house in town. The 
work of moving was performed with a team of horses, and 
several trips had to be made to got the goods, ncarl}' all of 
which had been shipped by way of the lakes from Sackett's 
Ilai-bor to Detroit, and had to be brought here by team 
from the latter place. The work of moving necessarily 
occupied considerable time. On the last trip the horses 
were traded for a yoke of oxen. During the time which 
had thus elapsed between the arrival of the family and the 
setting in of winter the two oldest .sons, I'heroras and Sulli- 
van, hud cleared about one and a half acres of ground, and 



410 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY", iMICIIIGAN. 



sowed it to wheat. This was the first winter wheat sown in 
Itichfield. Pheroras liad brought some apple-seeds with 
liim from the East, and tliese he sowed that fall and from 
them raised a few apple-trees, which lie set out as soon as 
they had attained a suitable size. This was certainly the 
first orchard set out in llichfield, and, witli the possible ex- 
ception of a few trees brought in by llial Irish, were the 
first apple-trees brought into town. Some of these trees 
may still be seen on Mr. Clark's farm, where they are still 
furnishing their supply of fruit in its season. 

Late in the fall it became evident that there was not a 
possibility of getting enough fodder to keep both of the 
oxen through the winter, so the one that was in the best 
condition was killed and packed in the beef-barrel to help 
furnish sustenance for the family. Early in the spring 
another ox was purchased of George Oliver, but this was 
quite weakly and was killed by the wolves, leaving both of 
the settlers without a team. All of the plowing and drag- 
ging done for Clark and Oliver that spring was done with 
the one ox, for which a single yoke was made. In the early 
part of the following summer the stock of provisions began 
to run low, and it was found that no flour could be obtained 
nearer than Detroit, so a cart was improvised from the hind 
wheels of the wagon, to which a box and a pair of shafts 
were attached, and to this the ox was hitched and the 
journey made. It occupied about a week's time, and two 
barrels of flour, one for himself and one for Oliver, were 
procured and brought home. This ox was very much 
afraid of Indians, many of whom it saw in Detroit, and 
this circumstance caused it to present a very spirited ap- 
pearance, which attracted the attention of the numerous 
cartmen, who fre(iuently bantered Mr. Clark for a trade. 

Thomas Clark remained an honored citizen of the town 
to the time of his death, July 10, 1SG4, and departed this 
life at tlie age of eighty-six years, mourned bj' a wide circle 
of friends and acquaintances. His wife died Nov. 7, 1855, 
aged eighty-four years. Of his children, five are dead, 
three — Pheroras, Otis, and Mrs. Elizabeth Warren — are 
still living in Eichfield, Sullivan is a resident of the State 
of Kansas, Asa W. of New York, and Mrs. Thurza Pixley 
of Illinois. Pheroras married Harriet A., a daughter of 
Jo-seph French, and is now living on a portion of the old 
homestead. To him we are indebted for valuable assistance 
in the work of compiling this history. 

A little later in the fall of 1836, Orsimus Cooley came 
from the town of Farmington, in Oakland County, and 
commenced a clearing near the southwest corner of section 
20 , on the east side of the Irish road. As soon as he had 
cleared a small piece and built a log shanty he returned to 
Farmington, and in January, 1837, brought his family, 
consisting of a wife and five children, to their new home. 
His father was among the earliest settlers in Farmington. 
They were originally from Massachusetts ; and Orsimus, 
with his family, followed his father to this State, in 1830, 
living in Farmington until the time of his removal to this 
town. Mr. Cooley is still a resident of the town in which 
he has spent the years of his manhood, and, bowing beneath 
the weight of years, is calmly waiting the summons of the 
Master to go from hence to join the partner of his earthly 
joys, who departed this life on the 2Gth of December, 1872, 



at the age of seventy-one years. During the early years of 
the settlement, Jlr. Cooley was a famous guide through the 
wilderness for many parties of land-lookers, and was as 
familiar then with the trails and blazed paths as he now is 
with the well-worked highways that traverse the town. 
One of his adventures is deemed worthy of record here, 
because of its unusual nature. 

Some time in the summer season of 1840 or 1841 there 
was a " raising" in the town of Genesee, to which all the 
settlers far and near were invited, and as such occasions — 
furnishing as they did fine opportunities for social converse 
and learning the news of the different localities — were 
eagerly looked forward to by the settlers, Mr. Cooley and 
two companions started out quite early in the day to attend 
it. He told his two companions to start out in a certain 
direction, while he would bear off in another towards a 
favorite runway of the decrs, with the expectation of get- 
ting a sliot at one on his way. As he noared the runway 
he entered a dense swamp, and while passing through came 
into a sort of opening through the branches, and looking 
along this opening saw outlined against the sky a dark 
figure, which he immediately made out to be a bear. The 
animal was quite a long distance away, but taking a careful 
aim he fired, and evidently with success, for the bear gave 
a spasmodic leap upwards and fell with a crash into the 
underbrush. "With the care which liad become almost a 
second nature to the woodman, he hastily reloaded his rifle 
and then turned to go forward and witness the result of his 
shot. But just as he turned and cast his eyes towards the 
spot where the bear had fallen, the branches were suddenly 
agitated, and a second bear came into view. Though this 
bear did not present a favorable position for a fatal shot, 
Mr. Cooley blazed away, and was again successful in causing 
the animal to fall from his perch into the underbrush, where 
he thrashed about with loud cries of pain and rage. Again 
the wary liunter reloaded, and was greatly astonished when 
a third bear presented itself at the opening. Once more 
he fired with fatal accuracy, and added another carcass to 
the pile of game. He then reloaded for the third time, 
and cautiously approached the spot where the bears had 
appeared. He found that a large tree had been overturned 
by the wind, and in falling had struck across a log, which 
caused one end of it to tilt upwards into the air. Up this 
tree-trunk the bears had walked, and it was while it was 
looking about for a path that the first one was shot. When 
he arrived at the scene two of the bears were dead and the 
third nearly so. Mr. Cooley was soon joined by his com- 
panions, who were attracted by the rapid firing, and with 
their help skinned the bears. One of them was an old one, 
who had given the settlers considerable trouble and had 
been shot at several times. One ball was found which Cooley 
was confident had been fired from his rifle two or three 
years before, and which had passed through the bear's body 
and lodged against the skin on the opposite side. The 
other two bears were younger ones, but full grown. 

The next ftimily to arrive in town was the Teachout 
family. William Teachout was the head of the family, 
which consisted of his wife, three sons, and seven daugh- 
ters. The eldest son, Jacob, — in whose name the land was 
entered, — became quite a prominent man in the town. 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 




411 



The family were New Yorkers, and came here in the spring 
of 1837, following? the Oliver road from the mouth of 
Kearsley Creek to their land on section 30. On their farm, 
in the season of 1838, was erected the first frame barn in 
Richfield. Mrs. Temperance Tucker and Jlrs. James 
Woods are the only children of William Tcaehout now 
living in this town. 

Thomas J. Gillett was probably the next settler. lie 
stayed here a few years, and then removed elsewhere. 

In the spring of 1839, Elias Van Schaick and family 
left their home in the town of Lyme (now Cape Vincent), 
Jefferson Co., N. Y., with the intention of going to the 
State of Illinois to settle on the fertile prairie lands regard- 
ing which such favorable reports were rife in the East. They 
traveled with their own conveyance to Buflalo, where one 
of the horses was taken sick, and they were compelled to 
take boat up the lake. They took passage for Tohdu in a 
boat that was just leaving for Detroit, the mistake being the 
result of the unscrupulous representations of a " runner," 
whose zeal was largely in excess of his veracity. U[ion his 
arrival in Detroit, his horee still being too sick to undertake 
the tedious journey to Chicago, he resolved to hunt up the 
Clarks, with whom he was intimately acquainted, and visit 
them a few days before going on farther west. In this way 
he came to Richfield, and, being plea.scd with some of the 
lieavily-timbered land he saw, finally decided to go no far- 
ther, but to settle here instead. lie then bought of Robert 
J. S. Page, of Flint, the east half of the northeast quar- 
ter of section 35, and there founded his home. During 
his long residence in this town he has added to his landed 
possessions another SO-acre lot on section 2(5. The work of 
clearing this land of its heavy growth of forest has been 
done mainly by his unaided efforts, though his wife — a true 
pioneer woman — often assisted him in this laborious ta.sk. 
They are both still living on their homestead, well advanced 
in years, and enjoy the confidence and afiection of their 
neighbors. Mr. Van Schaick has for some time suffered 
the great affliction of the loss of his sight, and it is a beau- 
tiful and touching sight to see the little children, with 
whom he is a great favorite, eagerly discussing who shall 
have the honor and pleasure of leading "grandpa" along 
the way as they go to school. Old age and childhood ; help- 
less man and helpful children ; how pleasant the .spectacle ! 

A few weeks later than Mr. Van Schaick, Jeremiah K. 
Stanard came and settled on a fractional part of the north- 
west quarter of section C. The farm contained 1 14 acres. 
Mr. Stanard formerly lived in Genesee Co., N. Y.. in the 
town of Stafford (now Pavilion). While living there he 
married Dorothy Davis, of Java (now in Wyoming County), 
and with her came to Flint in the month of October, 1S35. 
The city of Flint was then in its infancy, and coulJ boast 
of only three or four dwellings. Stanard was a carpenter 
and joiner, and worked at his trade in Flint for a while, and 
akso took up 80 acres of land in the town of Flint. In the 
spring of 1830 he exchanged this with William Van .Slyke 
for the land he owned in this town. During his residence 
here Mr. Stanard was repeatedly called upon to serve his 
town in a public capacity. In I8()2 he changed his resi- 
dence to the town of Oregon, in Lapoor County, where he 
is now living. 



In June of this year (1839), Argalus H. Matthews eame 

and made a settlement on the east half of the northeast 
quarter of section G. He was a native of the town of 
New Haven, Addison Co., Vt. , and lived for five years in 
Orleans and Niagara Counties in the State of New York 
before coming to Miciiigan. In January, 1837, he was 
married to Mi.ss Rebecca C. Sullivan, in the town of Ala- 
bama, Genesee Co., and in the following September came to 
Michigan and took Rufus Stevens' saw-mill, on the Thread 
River, to run by the 1000 feet for a terra of six months. 
lie then took a chopping job on Swariz Creek, where he 
worked till the month of November, 1838, when he went 
into Chauncy Payne & Co.'s hydraulic saw-mill, and worked 
there until he had earned money enough to purchase 80 
acres of land, a cow, and provisions enough to last till after 
harvest, when he moved on to his land in Richfield, having 
to cut his own road from the jn'esent village of Whitesburg. 
To that point a road had been opened by a man named 
James Roach, who was .sent there by Cook & Gordon, and 
was engaged in making shingles for them. In the work of 
building his log house he was assisted by J. 11. Stanard 
and Alanson Webster. All of the logs had to be carried 
together and laid up by hand, as neither of them had a 
team. 

During the summer a few potatoes were raised, and an 
acre and a half of wheat was sown that fall. During the 
harvest, Mr. Matthews worked for Benjamin Pearson at 
the Coldwater settlement, and received in payment 8} 
bushels of wheat, his wages being 1 bushel and 1 peck per 
day. Pearson paid him 1 bushel in flour, and the other 7i 
bushels were taken to the Thread mill to be ground. 

Some of the difficulties to be overcome by the pioneer 
are shown by what Mr. Matthews had to go through with 
to get this small quantity of wheat prepared for use. He 
had no team or wagon, and, to get them, had to work one 
day for the wagon and two and one-half days for the oxen. 
Then it took him one day to get the oxen, go after the 
wagon, and get to his home ready for a start to the mill. 
All the next day was spent in getting to the uiill with his 
grist, and then he found that he could not get it ground 
under two or three weeks. So home he returned and took 
his Wi-igon and oxen to their respective owners. Three 
weeks later the performance had to be repeated to get the 
flour home. Each night that he remained in I'lint he had 
to pay one dollar for his entertainment, so that when he 
finally cast up accounts, he found that he had given thliteen 
diij/s tcoik and lico dollars in money to get seven and one- 
half bnslicls of loheat ground into Jlour. 

In 1848, Mr. Jlatthews bought the Cook & Gordon saw- 
mill at Whitesburg, and operated it about five and a half 
years. In the summer of 1855 he erected the tavern at 
the southeast corner of section G, which was the first pub- 
lic-house opened in the town, and kept it seven 3'cars, when 
it was rented to other parties, and, in 18G5, was sold to 
Robert D. B. Alexander. It was afterwards sold to a Mr. 
Rush, and is now owned and occupied by James P. Wheeler. 
Jlrs. Matthews died April 22, 18G3, and Sept. 27, 1865, 
Mr. Jlatlhews married Mi-s. Almiia S. Miller (formerly 
Kelch), and is now living with her in the pleasant home 
recently built on the southwest comer of section 5. Mr. 



412 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



Matthews also built and opened a store at the corners in the 
year 1867. 

Among those who settled in the town at an early day 
was Asa Davis, who, in addition to his merits as a pioneer 
and an agriculturist, had the honor of being one of the first 
ministers of the gospel who preached in this section. He 
was a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
A native of the State of New York, he removed to and 
lived at Shorcham, Addison Co., Vt., till the fall of 1830, 
when he decided to remove to Michigan. He had married 
Miss Rebecca Bingham while living in Vermont, and was 
accompanied to this State by her and their three children. 
They first lived in Southfield, Oakland Co., where 3Ir. 
Davis worked out by the day. In the spring of 1832 he 
moved to Pontiac, and afterwards returned to Southfield, 
where his wife died in January, 1835. He remarried, his 
second wife being Miss Martha A. Warren, and moved to 
Clark's Mills, on Kearsloy Creek, in the present town of 
Genesee, where he worked for Ogden Clark in cutting and 
handling logs and lumber. In February, 1839, he settled 
on the land he had taken up in Richfield nearly three years 
before. It is said that he made the first shingle used in the 
town, though this seems doubtful, since George Oliver, who 
was a shinglc-makcr, moved in nearly three years earlier 
than Davis. Mr. Davis lived in this town till 18G3, when 
he moved to Genesee, and in 1865 to Forest, in the south 
part of which latter town he lived till his death, which oc- 
curred Jan. 28, 1877, at the age of seventy-three years. 
His widow survives him, and lives on the homestead. Of his 
children, Mrs. Rebecca Amidon and Mrs. Elva Pettitt live 
in Richfield ; William P., Almon, Asa, and Mrs. Sarah A. 
Coe, in Forest; and Mrs. Julia Goodell in Saginaw County. 

Many others settled in the town at an early day, and de- 
serve a place among the pioneers. While we have not the 
material or the space for extended biographies of them, we 
give the names of as many as we have been able to learn. 
They are as follows : William Draper, E. B. Witherbee, 
Isaac and Phineas J. Tucker, Zebulon Dickinson, Andrew 
Chappcll, John Van Buskiik, Joseph French, Frederick 
Olds, Francis Davis, Amherst W. Matthews, Alanson 
Munger, Jephtha Stimpson, Nathaniel Hart, Joseph 5Ior- 
ford, William Throop, John, Sr., John, Jr., and Leander 
L. Hill, Garrett Zufelt, Stephen Cady, Caleb Lankton, 
Henry F. Shepard, Nelson Warren, Samuel Elmore, Thomas 
Dibble, William JIunger, Noah Hull, William W., Cyrus, 
and Isaac L. Matthews, Laban and Alvah Rogers, and An- 
drew Cook. 

As showing the namss of some of the early citizens of 
this town we give the following list of resident tas-payers, 
as shown by the tax-roll of 184i : 



Names. Sections. 

Nelson Annis IS 

James Amy 15 

Natlianiel Blackmer, Jr 17 and IS 

Asahel Brj'an 

Jonas Bellinger 31 

An.lrew Cook fi, 19, 20, and 29 

Oisimus Coolcy 20 and 30 

Alexander Churchill 31 

Lyman Curtis 31 

Hiram Curtis 29 

Andrew C. Chappull 13 and 14 

Stephen Cady 28 

liiley Carpenter 27 

Phcroras Clark 22 



Acres. 


Tai. 


•10 


$0.80 


SO 


2.16 


90 


3.36 




60 


SO 


2.10 


360 


14.40 


80 


2.95 


80 


3.73 


80 


2.40 


40 


87 


160 


5.99 


80 


l.fiO 


so 


1.60 


SO 


2.42 



Names. ScctioD<). 

Thomas Clark 22 

Aaron ("Vos^man 15 

Nathaniel Curtrcl 

Zebulon Dickinson 29 

Francis Davis 36 

Asa Davis 10, 14, and 15.. 

(ieorj^e Dibble 

David I>ickiDson 21 

David (jiardtier 

Jeffrey ti.irdner 

Clark Gardner 

JefiVey W. Giirdner 

Thomas J. Gillctl 26 

Stephen R. Gates 15 

Noah Hull IS and 32 

S. W. Harrington 8, 17, and IS.. 

Williiuu Hoyle, Jr 24 

^Villiam Iloyle, l?r 21 and 34 

Thomas Jenkins..... 33 

Samuel Johnson 36 

Albert and Egbert King 19 

Abel Kidder 19 

Benjamin S. LockwooJ 

Argnlus H. Maltliews 6 

Alanson Mungei" 7 

.Toseph iVIoiford 2S 

William Munger 28 

George Oliver 21 and 22 

Frederick Olds 13 

Linus Parker 20 

William J. Phillips 32 and 33 

Morrison PowelsoD 23 

Alva Powelson 

David Parker 21 

Stephen S. Roberts 

Daniel K. Robert." 24 

Erastus Roberts 24 

Levi Reynold.-' 6 

.Jeremiah R. Stanard 6 

AVilliam Scott 31 

Jesse Smith 34 , 

Henry F. Shepard 21 

William Sluper 

Eli Skinner 2S 

Dnniel B. Skinner 2S 

Phineas J. Tucker 29, 30, and 32.. 

Isaac Tucker 30 

AVilliam Throop 30 

William Teaohout...'. 30 

Timolhv B. Tucker 32 

Willis Tucker 30 

John Van Buskirk 19 

Elias Viin Schaick 35 

Asa X.Warren 11 

Garrett Zufelt 20 



Acies. 
120 
80 

160 
239 
ICO 

80 "' 



SO 

40 
180 
52.S 

80 
2S0 

80 

1 

120 

SO 

"so" ' 

80 

SO 
160 

774 

411 

40 
200 
328 

40 

SO 
160 

88.34 

70 

SO 
160 

42J 

40 

40 
240 
120 
1611 
120 

SO 

4U 
120 

SO 

40 
160 



Tax 

$6.50 
2.03 
1.14 
6.32 
5.71 
4.43 

67 
1.60 

29 

2.? 

23 

23 
3.26 

95 
.3.98 
J9..30 
1.60 
7.73 
1.60 

21 
2.77 
1.95 

13 
3.38 
2.25 
2.36 
3.43 
4.98 
1.86 
1.49 
3.19 
8.2f$ 

57 
1.32 

23 
1.60 
3.33 
2.87 
1.62 
1.82 
5.15 
1.60 

91 

80 

80 
9.11 
4.88 
4.05 
7.44 
2.43 

96 
2.63 
2.52 
1.26 
7.24 



Total tax $214.21 

The following is a summary of the schedule of taxes for 
the town of Richfield that year: 



Stale and county tax $321.41 

Rejected taxes 6.19 

School district, of district 

No. 2, per judgment in 

favor of Anna Tucker, 

costs and interest 10.20 

Highway tax 142.56 

Township poor tax 60.00 

Township tax 121. SI 

Library tax 23.00 



Total $685.17 



Resident taxes 

Noo-rcsident taxes 



$214.21 
470.96 



Total $685.17 



William Draper and E. B. Witherbee, from Pontiac, 
purchased considerable land in this town, and in the fall 
of 1 836 had come on with a gang of laborers and improved 
the Irish road, so that it was for those times an excellent 
road. In the spring of 1837 they were busily at work 
building a dam across the Flint River on section 17, a few 
rods east of the Irish road, and in putting up a large saw- 
mill. The mill was completed, and commenced running in 
the spring of 1838. It was the largest and best mill ever 
built in the town, and was in operation for nearly a score 
of years. Tlie Jam is still to be seen across the course of 
the river, but the flood-gates having long since disappeared 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



413 



it only frets and worries, instead of obstructing, the current. 
Neither Draper nor Witherbee remained resident of the town 
for any great length of (iiue. 

The second saw-mill was the Belden mill, heretofore de- 
scribed, and the third mill was built in 1852-53, a little 
above the Draper mill, by Higgins & Blackmer. After 
running for some time as a lumber-mill it was eventually 
transformed into a shingle-mill. A fourth mill was built 
by Maxfield & Goodrich, in 1855, on Flint River, a mile 
north of the centre of the town. It was the first steam 
saw-mill in the town. It was fitted up with one upright 
saw, one butting-saw, one shingle-saw, and one lath-maehinc, 
and had a capacity of about 5000 feet per day. This mill 
was sold, some ten or twelve years later, to John Clemens, 
who removed it to Richfield Centre and operated it as a 
shingle-mill. Some time after it was changed into a grist- 
mill (the first and only one ever in the town), and finally 
the engine was sold and taken to Davison's Station, and the 
frame was converted into a barn. This completes the list 
of mills that have existed in this town. 

The first bridge across Flint River in this town was built 
at the crossing of the Irish road, iu 1848. It was once 
carried away by logs striking it at a time when the water 
was unusually high, and has been rebuilt two or three times. 
The second bridge was built on the State road, north of 
the centre, and the third and last one on the road crossing 
the river on section 12. 

The first ccuple married in Richfield were R. E. Potter 
and Abigail Clark. They were married on the 5th of Jan- 
uary, 1840, at the residence of the bride's father, Thomas 
Clark. The ceremony was performed by Nathaniel Smith, 
Esq., of the town of Forest, then a part of this town. 
The company present on the happy occasion consisted of 
the families of the parties, George Oliver and wife, and 
Elias Van Schaick and wife. Mrs. Potter died Aug. 19, 
1845, leaving three children, the oldest of whom was the 
first white male child born iu the town. Mr. Potter is still 
living on his farm, now in the town of Davison. The sec- 
ond marriage was that of Caleb Lankton and Maria Teach- 
out, which took place about two years later. This couple 
are still living in the adjoining town of Genesee. 

The first death was that of Sarah, daughter of Thomas 
and Rebecca Clark, a young lady of twenty-two years, who 
died Sept. 25, 1837, of tubercular consumption. She was 
buried on her father's farm, but was afterwards taken up and 
removed to the White Church burying-ground, in the south- 
west part of the town. 

Almost the first thought in the minds of the settlers after 
they had provided for the clamorous wants of the physical 
nature was to provide educational facilities for their chil- 
dren. The first school-house was built in 1838, in the .south- 
west part of the town. The labor and expense of building 
were furnished by voluntary contribution. Phincas J. 
Tucker furnished the lumber ; Isaac Tucker, who was a 
carpenter, framed it and superintended its erection ; Oreimus 
Cooley furnished the shingles, nails, glass, putty, etc. ; and 
others assisted in the work of building. The first teachers 
now remembered as having taught in tlii.s house were Miss 
Hannah Tucker and a Miss Hart. 

The second school-house was built on the school scctiun, 



in 1839, and was also erected through voluntary contribu- 
tions. It stood a little west of the southeast corner of the 
section, on the site now occui)ied by Turner's barn. Miss 
Elizabeth Clark taught the first school kept in it. 

The third .school-house was built in 1843. On section 6 
there were four families, each living near one corner of the 
section, and to accommodate them all the school-house was 
built in a small clearing near the centre of the section. 
From each settlement a path led to it. In this house a 
daughter of Stephen Cady kept the first school. In this 
building Eider Freeman, of Flint, used to preach occasion- 
ally, and in the summer-time the rude seats would be filled 
by a goodly company of men, women, and children, all lis- 
tening to the sermon, but also energetically waving branches 
covered with leaves to defend themselves from the attacks 
of the swarms of gnats, mosquitoes, and flies, that did not 
recognize the Sabbath as a day of rest, but recklessly pur- 
sued their usual vocations. Even the minister was forced 
to wave his leafy wand to protect himself from these tor- 
mentors, who were no respecters of persons and had no 
reverence for the priestly garb. 

The first blacksmith in town was Ambrose Eckler, who 
had a shop on the east half of the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 23. He afterwards moved it to the southeast corner 
of section 26. 

The first physician that settled in this town was Dr. 
John Deniing. He located at Richfield Centre about 1858. 
He remained but a short time, and was succeeded by Dr. 
Thomas Ilutehins, who remained a couple of years. Fol- 
lowing these have been Dr. Wm. Rogers, Dr. Merchant, 
Dr. Begel, and Dr. Henry Smith, the present physician at 
the centre. 

The first post-ofiBce was established in the early part of 
Harrison's administration, and was located on section 30, 
at the house of the postmaster, Phineas J. Tucker. It was 
called Richfield, and was kept at private houses for a num- 
ber of years. The postmasters, as nearly as they can now 
be traced, have been Henry F. Shepard, Otis Clark, Wil- 
lard Tucker, Elisha Kinsman, E. AV. Rising, Leander L. 
Hill, Willoughby Matthews, Levi McCarn, F. B. Lowell, 
and J. 11. G. Turner, the present incumbent. During Hill's 
term of ofiiee it was kept at his store, and since that time 
has been kept at the centre. In 1872 the name was 
changed to Richfield Centre. 

VILLAGES. 

The first symptoms of village growth manifested them- 
selves in this town at the time when V. Maxfield and E. R. 
Goodrich built their saw-mill, in 1855, near the place where 
the State road crosses the river. The mill furnished em- 
ployment for eight or ten men, and the.sc wanted places on 
which to build houses lor their families. A tract of land 
containing about eighty acres was accordingly set apart for a 
village site, and was surveyed into lots by Julian Bi.shop, the 
county surveyor. Several lots were sold to mill hands and 
others, and a number of rude dwellings were built. A 
draughtsman living in Detroit was cn)ploycd to make an 
outline map of the plat, but before he completed his task he 
removed to the city of Buffalo, and as a consequence the 
plat was never put on record. It was intended to call the 



4U 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



villao-e Richfield, but this name has never come into general 
use, the common appellation given to the settlement being 
" Maxfield's." 

" Captain" Maxfield built a tavern there in the summer 
of 1857, which remained in use as a public-house for about 
twelve years. It has been since that time and is now used 
a.s a residence by Mr. Maxfield. 

Anson Withey built a store on the west side of the street 
in the winter of 1857-58. The building is now occupied 
as a dwelling by Charles Burnett. Another store was built 
at this settlement by John Seeley some years later. A 
couple of years after it passed into the hands of Bradshaw 
& Co., of Detroit, and was kept by John Simpson. Two 
years after it was destroyed by fire. 

Lyman Calkins put up a blacksmith-shop in 18G2-63, 
which was afterwards removed to the centre. 

At present the only business carried on at this point is 
that of coopering, by William Amy. The village now con- 
tains about a dozen dwellings, and boasts about forty inhabi- 
taiit,s. 

RICHFIELD CENTRE 

is a small hamlet at the centre of the town, which has grown 
up there without any special reason, except the gregarious 
habit of the human mind, that induces human beings to 
congregate together for purposes of social intercourse and 
business convenience. Its growth has been very slow and 
gradual, extending over a period of some twenty or twenty- 
five years. 

The first building erected here after the farmers' residences 
in the vicinity was a blacksmith-shop, built by a man named 
Hosmer, who was the .second blacksmith in the town. He 
soon after went to the southwest part of the town and built 
a shop there, in which he continued his business. On the 
site thus left vacant E. W. Rising put up a framed shop, 
which was occupied by George Boyer. This is the same 
shop now used by Richard Cottrell. 

About the same time Merritt Blacknicr and Leander L. 
Hill built a store on the southeast of the four corners, and 
opened the first regular store kept in Richfield. They had 
previously kept a small stock of goods in a part of Hill's 
house. This store was afterwards moved to the southwest 
corner, and froni_therc to its present location, on the north- 
west corner, where it is now occupied as a store and post- 
ofEce by J. R. G. Turner. 

The wagon-shop was started by its present proprietor, 
Mr. Fellows, in 1807. In 1866-07 the school-house and 
town-house were also built. In 1877 a eider-mill was built 
by Orlando Grove and Julius Kinsman, and in 1878 F. E. 
Stoddard built his present store on the first site of the 
Blackmer & Hill store. At the present time (1879) the 
^Methodist Episcopals are building a chuixh a little east of 
the four corners. 

The village now contains about 20 dwellings, and has a 
population of about 85. 

ROGERSVILLE. 

Two brothers, Laban and Alvah Rogers, settled on the 
west line of the town, in section 6, the first named in 1846 
and the last in 1848. From them the little settlenieut that 
has grown up about the railroad received its name. 



When the railroad was built and commenced running, in 
the fall of 1872, the post-office, which had been located at 
Whitesburg, was transferred to the station, and S. J. Rogers 
was appointed as postmaster. Albert Van Brunt is the 
present postmaster, and was commissioned in the spring of 
1879. 

The railroad company did not feel willing to go to the 
expense of putting up buildings for a station, although 
they were willing to stop their trains at this place for the 
accommodation of the public. So some of the citizens got 
together and contributed the amount of $1000 to be used 
in the construction of a depot, which was built in the spring 
of 1874. Those who contributed towards the erection of 
this building were R. D., S. J., and C. W. Rogers, and 
Peter Recce. 

In 1875 the hotel was built by R. D. Rogers, its present 
owner and occupant ; a blacksmith-shop was built by Richard 
Cottrell ; the cheese-factory was built by Peter Recce and 
C. W. Rogers, at a cost of $1470 ; and the store was built 
by S. J. Rogers. The cheese-factory was run for three 
seasons, but has since that time been idle. It is expected 
it will again commence operations in the season of 1880. 
The store was sold to its present occupant, Albert Van 
Brunt, in the spring of the present year (1879). 

In 1877 a giain-elevator storehouse was built near the 
depot by R. D., S. J., and C. W. Rogers, at a cost of 
$2200. They make a business of buying grain and pro- 
duce, and in the season of 1878 bought and shipped about 
2000 bushels of wheat, besides large quantities of other 
grains and produce. 

In addition to the buildings already mentioned Rogers- 
ville boasts half a dozen dwellings. 

POLITICAL AND CIVIL HISTORY. 

At the time of settlement the town of Richfield was a 
part of Lapeer County, and embraced within its limits the 
present towns of Forest and Richfield and the north half 
of Davison. It was set off from Lapeer and attached to 
Genesee County in 1843. Its first separate existence as a 
town was effected in the session of the Legislature in the 
winter of 1836-37, and the first town-meeting was held on 
the first Monday in April following. Of this meeting, and 
of all the proceedings of the town from that time down to 
the year 1857, we have only the knowledge afforded by 
tradition, for the records, which should be carefully treas- 
ured, have disappeared through the shameful carelessness of 
those whose duty it was to see that they were preserved. 

The first town-meeting occurred at the time when work 
on the Draper & Witherbee saw-mill was being pushed with 
vigor, and, for the convenience of the most of the widely 
scattered population, was held in a small shanty, which had 
been erected for temporary shelter while the mill w;is being 
built. Less than a dozen voters were present, and there 
was more trouble to find candidates for the several offices 
than to find offices for all the candidates, as is generally the 
case at this time. According to the best evidence now ob- 
tainable, the following were the officers chosen : Supervisor, 
William Draper ; Town Clerk, E. B. Witherbee ; Collector, 
George Oliver; Justices of the Peace, Orsimus Cooley, 
Thomas Clark, George Oliver, and Nathaniel Smith ; As- 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



415 



sessors and School Inspectors 


, George Oliver and Thomas 


1857. 


Stephen L. Blodgctt. 


1808. 


David S. Woolman (v.). 


Clark ; Commissioners of Hi 


ghways, George Oliver, Wil- 
Clark; Constable, William 


1858. 


Samuel C. Murdock (f. t.). 


1869. 


Ephraim Allen (f. t.). 


Ham 


Draper, and Thomas 




William J. Phillips (1. v.). 
.\. II. Matthews (s. v.). 


1870. 


William J. Phillips (v.). 
Alonzo A. Drake (f. t.). 


Rett 


an. 




1859. 


Amherst W. Matthews. 




Silas Hart (v.). 


The following is the most 


perfect list of officers of the 


1860. 


Otis Clark. 


1871. 


William W. Moore (f. t.). 


town that we have been able to obtain, and covers the years 


1861. 


William J. Phillips (f. t.). 




Walter J. Cole (v.). 


from 1887 to 1S79 inclusive 






Augustus Holdcn (v.). 


1872. 


William Amy (f. t.). 








1862. 


Alonzo A. Drake (f. t.). 
Augustus Holdcn (v.). 


1873. 


Amherst W. Matthews (v.). 
Pheroras Clark (f. t.). 




CIVIL LIST OF IlICnFIELD. 
















1863. 


Richard Garlock (f. t.). 




Amherst W.Matthews (v.). 




SrpERVlSOIiS. 




Elias Van Schaick (v.). 


1874. 


David Richards. 


1837. 


William Draper. 


1857. Jacob King. 


1864. 


Clark M. Lucas. 


1875. 


Daniel B. Skinner. 


1838-)2. No record. 


1858. Andrew Cook. 


1865. 


William J. Phillips. 


1876. 


William AV. Moore. 


1843- 


44. Fbinea£ J. Tucker. 


1859. Frederick Old.s. 


1866. 


Alonzo A. Drake (f. t.). 


1877. 


George Garrett (f. t.). 


]8Ja-4". William Mungcr. 


1860. Phcrorae Clark. 




Amherst W. Matthews (v.). 




William J. Phillips (v.). 


1848- 


50. Josiaii King. 


1801-64. Frederick Olds. 


1867. 


Cyrus A. Matthews (f. t.). 


1878. 


David Richards. 


1831. 


Pberoras Clark. 


1805-72. George E. Taylor. 




Frederick Olds (v.). 


1879. 


Jacob Shafer. 


1852. 


Josiah King. 


1873-74. Simeon R. Billings. 


1868. 


A. W. Matthews (f. t.). 






1853. 


Jacob King. 


1875. Edwin G. Clark. 










1854. 


Elinba Kinsman. 


1876. Simeon R. Billings. 




COMMISSIONERS 


OF nicnnAYS. 


1855- 


-56. William Mungcr. 


1877-79. William W. Moore. 


1837. 


(Jeorge Oliver. 


1850. 


Albert King. 




TOnX CI.KRKS. 




William Draper, 


1851. 


Augustus Holden, 


1837. 


E. B. Witberbec. 


1859. Jacob King. 




Thomas Clark. 




Frederick Olds. 


1838- 


39. No record. 


I860. Lorenzo Latimer. 


1838. 


George Oliver. 


1852. 


Frederick Olds. 


1840- 


41. Caleb Lankton. 


1861. Jacob King. 




Jacob Tcachout. 




Augustus Holden. 


1842. 


A. G. Pratt. 


1862. Homer Cathcart. 




Orsimus Cooley. 


1853. 


No record. 


1843. 


Henry F. Shepard. 


1863. Amherst W. Matthews. 




Vandorus Smith. 


1854. 


E. W. Rising. 


1844. 


William Mungcr. 


1864. Henry G. Cook. 


1839. 


R. E. Potter. 




Jacob King. 


1845. 


Caleb Lankton. 


1865. David W. Hiller. 




Phincas J. Tucker. 


1855. 


No record. 


1846-47. Elifha Ilinsm.in. 


1866. Edwin G. Clark. 




George Oliver. 


1856. 


Lorenzo Latimer. 


lS4S-4a. John Hill, Jr. 


1867. Alonzo A. Drake. 


1840. 


Joseph Morford. 


1857. 


Francis Davis. 


1S50. 


Merritt lilackmer. 


1868-71. Edwin G. Clark. 




Natlianiel Smith. 


1858. 


Frederick Olds. 


1851- 


52. Henry F. Shepard. 


1872. Frederick E. Stoddard. 




George Oliver. 


1859. 


Franklin Cooley. 


1853. 


William Mungcr. 


1873. William H.Srailh. 


1841. 


Joseph Morford. 


1860. 


F'rancis Davis. 


1854. 


Henry F. Shepard. 


1874-75. Frcilcrick E. Stoddard. 




George Oliver. 


1801. 


Samuel Clemens. 


1855. 


Sullivan Clark. 


1876. Alonzo A. Drake. 




Nathaniel .Smith. 


1862. 


Franklin Cooley. 


1856. 


Leander L. Hill. 


1877-78. Frederick E. Stoddard. 


1842. 


Stephen Cady. 


1863. 


Argalus H. Matthews. 


1857- 


58. William Jlungcr. 


1879. George N. Porter. 




Joseph French. 


1864. 


William Odell. 








1S4.3. 


Ahmson Munger. 


1865. 


Oscar Clcmons (f. t.). 




TOWN Tit 


EASLKERS. 




Stephen Cady. 




William J. Phillips (v.). 


1837- 


39. Geo. Oliver (collector). 


1863. Hart N. Lucas. 




William Throop. 


1866. 


Amherst W. Matthews. 


1840- 


41. Thomas Clark. 


1804. Amherst W. Matthews. 


1844- 


Alanson Munger. 


1807. 


M'illiam J. Phillips (f. t.). 


1842- 


47. Pberora.s Clark. 


1805. Argalus 11. Matlhews. 




Pheroras Clark. 




William Odell (v.). 


1848- 


50. Jacob Tcaebout. 


I860. Samuel demons. 




Zebulon Dickinson. 


1808. 


Amherst W. Matthews. 


1851. 


Josiah King. 


1867-68. Albert A. Elmore. 


1845. 


Andrew Cook. 


1869. 


Albert A. Elmore (f. t.). 


1852- 


54. William J. Phillips. 


1S09. John H. Elmore. 




AVilliam J. Phillips. 




James Roberts (v.). 


1855. 


Argalus H. Matthews. 


1S70. Heman Thompson. 




Garrett Zufelt. 


1870. 


David Caldwell (f. t.). 


1856. 


David L. Cleveland. 


1871. AVilliam Alungcr. 


1846. 


Alanson Munger. 




Wheeler C. Althouse (v.). 


1857. 


Lorenzo Latimer. 


1872. Pheror.TS Clark. 




Andrew Cook. 


1871. 


Sereno G. Lucas. 


1858. 


Albert King. 


1873-74. Edwin G. Clark. 




William Hoylc, Jr. 


1872. 


Francis Davis {f. t.). 


1859. 


Pheroras Clark. 


1875. John H. Elmore. 


1847. 


Frederick Olds. 




John W. Moore (v.). 


1860. 


AVilliain Mungcr. 


1876-77. Julius G. Kinsman. 




William J. Phillips. 


1873. 


David Osborn. 


18CI. 


Argalus H. Matthews. 


1878. Enos Parker. 




Argalus H. Matthews. 


1874. 


David Dickinson. 


1862. 


Daniel B. Skinner. 


1879. Franklin Cooley. 


1848. 


Jeremiah R. Stanard. 
AViUiam J. Phillips. 


1875. 
1S76. 


David Osborn. 
Frederick Olds. 




JrSTlCES OF 


THE PEACE. 














1849. 


No record. 


1877. 


Oscar Clcmons. 


18.37. 


Nathaniel Smith. 
Orsimus Cooley. 
(Jeorge Oliver. 
Thomas Clark. 


1847. Alanson Mungcr (f. t.). 
John Hill, Jr. (v.). 
John A. French (v.).^ 

1848. Francis Davis (f. t.). 


1850. 


Frederick Olds. 
J. R. Stanard. 

ASSE! 


1878- 
sons. 


79. Francis Davis. 


1838. 


George Oliver. 


Frederick Olds (v.). 










1839. 


Jeremiah R. Stanard. 


1849. William J. Phillips. 


1837. 


George Oliver. 
Thomas Clark. 


1840. 


M'illiam Tcachout. 
Elias Van Schaick. 


1840. 


Orsiinus Cooley. 


1850. C. Clack. 










1841. 


Nathaniel Smith. 


1851. Clark White (f. t.). 










1842. 


George Oliver. 


George Corwin (v.). 


No record for any other yt 


ars tl 


luu these is now to be 


1843. 


Jcre'h R. Stanard (f. t.).» 


1852. Samuel M. Elmore. 


found. 








Asahel Bryan (v.).f 


1853. AVillinm J. Phillij.s (f. t.). 










1844. 


Willi Mungcr (f. t.). 


Jacob King (v.). 




OVERSEERS 


F THE 


POOR. 




Leander L. Hill (v.). 


1854. Zelura Dibble. 


18.18. 


David L. BelJen. 


1857- 


58. Andrew Cook. 


1845. 


Caleb Lankton. 


1855. No record. 


1840. 


Amos Bcgel. 




John Van Buskirk. 


1846. 


E. Bobert.s (f. t.). 


1856. Jacob King (f. t.). 


1843. 


Stei)hen Cad v. 


1859. 


Garrett Zufelt. 




William Throop (v.). 


Jacob Tcachout (v.). 


No record other than the » 


bove i 




Sj, 


ull term. ■}■ Vac.Tncy, J EIc 


;tcd at special election May 29lh. 


s now obtainable. 



416 



HISTORY OP GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 





SCUOOL I.VSPECTORS. 


1837 


Tliom.as Clark. 


1854 


Augustus Holden. 




George Oliver. 




William J. Phillijis. 


1838. 


Thomas Clark. 


1855 


Lorenzo Latimer. 




Uaviil L. Bclden. 




William J. Phillips. 


1839- 


-40. No record. 


1856. 


Otis Clark. 


1841. 


George Oliver. 




Leander L. Hill. 




Asuhel Br,Tan. 


1857. 


Augustus Holden. 


1842. 


Thomas Clark. 


1?58. 


Otis Clark. 




Joseph French. 


1S59. 


Elisha Kinsman. 


1843. 


William Throop. 


1860. 


George E. Taylor. 




William Rlunger. 


1861. 


Jerome Putnam. 


1844. 


Leander I,. Hill. 


1862. 


George E. Taylor. 




William Throop. 


1863. 


Elisha Kinsman. 


1845. 


Leander L. Hill. 


1864. 


Solomon I. Beach. 




William Munger. 


1865. 


Edwin G. Clark. 


1S46. 


No record. 


1860. 


George E. Taylor (f. t.) 


1847. 


Daniel B. Skinner. 


1866- 


67. John H. Elmore (v.) 




William Munger. 


1868. 


David S. Woolman. 


1848. 


Leander L. Hill. 


1869. 


Nelson U. Smith. 




John Hill, Jr. 


1870. 


David S. Woolman. 


1849. 


Augustus Holden. 


1871. 


Nelson H. Smith. 




John Hill, Jr. 


1872. 


George E. Taylor (f. t.) 


1850. 


Augustus Holden. 




Edwin G. Clark (v.). 




Pheroras Clark. 


1873. 


David W. Hi Her. 


1851. 


Augustus Holden. 


1873- 


74. Joseph F. Billings. 




F. B. Higgins. 


1875- 


77. James Roberts. 


1852- 


53. John H. Elmore. 


1S7S. 


David S. Woolman. 




Augustus Holden. 


1879. 


Joseph F. Billings. 



SCHOOL SUPEniNTENDENTS. 

1875-77. Joseph F. Billings. I 1878-79. George Garnett. 

DRAIN COMJUSSIOSEHS. 



1872-73. Frederick Olds. 
1874. Joseph Coltrell. 
1875-76. David S. Woolman. 



1877. Jacob Shaffer. 
1878-79. John Good. 



CONSTABLES. 

The names of only a few of these officers are known 
previous to the year 1857. Those known arc as follows: 

Zelum Dibble, 1848; Argalus H. Matthews, 1843-68; Asa Davis, 
1847-57; Daniel B. Skinner, 1847; John Boyd, lSIS-50; Lean- 
der L. Hill, John Chadborn, 1849; Seymour Hill, 1850-58; 
Henry F. Shepard, 1857-59; Heman Thompson, 1857-58 ; Sam- 
uel Elmore, 1857; Amherst W. Matthews, 1858-64; Pro.-eo!t F. 
Wilkins, Myron Benjamin, 1859; Joseph Cottrell, 1859-62, '72- 
*73 ; Ransom D. Rogers, Augustus Holden, James Stoddard, 
1860; Edson Hayes, Oscar demons, 1861; Albert A. Elmore, 
1861-62; William Amy, James Rising, 1862; Joseph Kinsman, 
William H. Davis, Rensselaer Hallock, 1S63; Bcnjauiin Britt.'n, 

1863, "eo, '71; Samuel S. demons, 1864; Melvin Woolman, 

1864, '66; William Odell, 1864, '67, '68, '71; William C. Dronn, 
Elhanan Maxfield, 1805; Levi McCarn, 1865-67; William Hart, 

1865, '74; Frank Crittenden, 1866-68; Willard W. demons, 
1867, '68, '72, '75, '76; Lafayette Matthews, 1869; Williiim H. 
Smith, 1869-71; Enos Parker, 1869, '73; Hiram E. Woolman, 
David S. Center, 1870; Monroe Caldwell, 1871, '74; David W. 
Hillcr, 1872, '73; John Cottrell, 1872; Frederick E. Stoddard, 
1873 ; Peter J. Randall, 1874 ; Henry J. Simons, 1874-76 ; Jacob 
M. Schnitzer, James Hancock, 1875; Almon Skinner, 1876; Wil- 
liam 11. Martin, 1876-78; Charles Root, 1877, '78; George A. 
Smith, 1877-79; Chaunoey Fuller, 1877, '78; Dewitt Zacharias, 
Jacob Grove, Amasa S. Turner, 1879. 

In its political bias the town was originally quite evenly 
divided between the Whig and Democratic parties, with the 
odds a little in favor of the latter, but when the town of 
Forest was organized it took from this town not only six 
miles square of its territory, but also a largo share of its 
Democratic voters, leaving the Whigs in the ascendency. 



From that time till the Republican partj' was organized, in 
1854, the Whigs generally carried the day, though occa- 
sionally a popular Democratic candidate would be elected. 
The majorities, however, were small in either case. The 
Free-Soil movement and the opposition to the extension of 
the abominable and inhuman system of American slavery 
found a fertile soil in the hearts of the liberty-loving people 
of Michigan, and nowhere more so than in Richfield ; and 
when the repeal of the Missouri Compromise showed be- 
yond a doubt the tendency of the Democratic party to 
become the active champion of tlie South and its peculiar 
institutions, these people were ready to unite with any body 
of citizens to oppose them. Thus the formation of the 
Republican party was hailed by them with delight, and 
they united with it to become among its most earnest and 
zealous members. From that time to the present the 
Republicans have maintained control of the town. The 
National-Grcenback-Labor-Reform party first cast a separate 
vote at the fall election in 1878. The vote on the State 
ticket then stood about as follows : Republican, 150 ; Na- 
tional, 145 ; Democrat, 41 ; Prohibitionist, 4, — showing 
an opposition majority of 40 votes. In the election of last 
spring (1879) the Nationals coalesced with the Democrats, 
and probably thus lost their distinctive organization, the 
town giving a Republican majority of about 25 votes. 

This town has been honored in the person of some of its 
citizens by their being called to perforin the duties of offices 
of trust and responsibility outside of the town. Among 
these are George E. Taylor, elected register of deeds of 
Genesee County, and Hon. Simeon R. Billings, elected 
county surveyor, and also senator in the State Legislature. 

The town held its meetings at the school-house at the 
centre for many years. In the winter or spring of 186(5 
this school-house was destroyed by fire, and the board of 
town officers, according to the previous adjournment, met, 
as the record says, "on the site where the Centre school- 
house had stood, and adjourned to Lyman Calkins' black- 
smith-shop." At that meeting it was decided to build a 
town-house. Five hundred dollars were voted for the pur- 
pose, and E. W. Rising, Frederick Olds, and Argalus H. 
Matthews were appointed a building committee, with full 
power to purchase a site, draw a plan, and erect a building 
to be finished by the 1st of October of that year. The com- 
mittee bought a quarter acre of ground on section 15, just 
north of the school-lot, of John W. Moore, paying him $40 
for it, and then commenced the building. The amount of 
money voted was found to be insufficient, and the building 
was not completed until the following year, when $400 
more was voted to fiiii.sh the building and fence the lot. 
The total cost was nearly §1000. 

The three school districts already mentioned have now 
grown to twelve in number. Eight of them are whole 
districts, the other four fractional. The school-houses of 
all these twelve districts are in this town. They are all 
frame buildings, and aggregate a value of $6600. During 
the year ending Sept. 30, 1878, the sum of S2252.2G was 
expended in Richfield for the support of schools. 

The following statistics regarding the town at the present 
time are taken from the State census of 1874 : 

Pupulation. — Males under five years, 85 ; from five to 



RICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



417 



ten years, 71 ; from ten to twenty-one years, 174; from 
twenty-line to forty-five years, 220 ; from forty-five to 
seventy-five years, 132; from seventy-five to ninety years, 
2. Females under five years, 109 ; from five to ten years, 
89 ; from ten to eijrhteen years, 122 ; from eighteen to 
forty yeare, 201 ; from forty to seventy-five years, 151 ; 
over seventy-five years, 2. Total males, 684 ; total females, 
667. Totiil population, 1.351. Of their condition in life, 
we are told that 710 are single, 595 are married, and 46 
were widowed or divorced. 

The area of taxable land is put down at 22,862.25 acres, 
of which 9633i acres are improved. This percentage of 
improved land is now considerably increased. The Flint 
River Railroad track and buildings occupy 71 acres. There 
are 241 farms in the town, averaging nearly 95 acres 
each. 

In the (|uantity of its products for the year 1873, Rich- 
field ranked third in the county in corn and butter, and 
seventh in wheat and other grains. The following table 
shows the aggregate products for that yciir: Bushels of 
wheat, 29,140 ; bushels of corn, 27,065 ; bushels of other 
grains, 41,03.3 ; bushels of potatoes, 10,372; tons of hay, 
1580 ; pounds of wool, 13,752 ; pounds of pork, 42,225 ; 
pounds of cheese, 120; pounds of butter, 72,295; pounds 
of diied fruit, 40 ; pounds of maple-sugar, 1650 ; barrels 
of cider, 1 94. 

The number of acres of orcharding is 414, which pro- 
duced 15,941 bushels of apples in 1872, and 6800 bushels 
in 1S73. 

The stock kept was reported as follows : Horses, 465 ; 
mules, 2; work-oxen, 105; milch-cows, 640; other neat- 
cattle, 786; swine, 610; sheep, 2640. 

The valuation of the town, according to the assessment 
of the present year (1879), is as follows: Real estate, 
8641,995; personal property, $98,265; total, $740,260. 

This is supposed to be the actual market value of the 
property, as the assessment was made in accordance with 
the late decision of the courts, which made that the only 
legal manner of a-sscssing. 

A lii.story of Richfield would be quite incomplete if it 
did not mention something that occurred in the first lialf 
decade of its existence which was of such a novel nature 
as to make it peculiarly interesting. At the time spoken 
of George Oliver and Joseph Morford were members of 
the board of highway commis.sioners, and were the active 
members of the board. For work done on the highways, 
they, being a majority, often issued orders on the town 
trea.surer without going through the needless formality of 
calling a meeting of the full board to audit accounts. Prob- 
ably it was not deemed necessary to be so exceedingly 
formal in the tran.saction of business at that early day, for 
so anxious were they to be accommodating that when they 
happened to be absent when an account was prcsent^'d. Mis. 
Morford would (to accomniodatej write out an order for 
the requisite amount, and sign her husband's and Oliver's 
names thereto. At last these orders began to appear in 
such numbers that an investigation was had, and the modus 
operandi as above described discovered. And this was not 
all, for it was found that considerable <|uaiitities of goods 
had been purcha.sed at Lapeer i"'J paid I'or in " Cummis- 
53 



sioners' orders," and Morford, being in need of a yoke of 
cattle and not having the money to buy them, had resorted 
to the same method to secure them. A Mr. Hart, of La- 
peer, held large quantities of these unauthorized obligations, 
and, they being repudiated by the town, he brought a num- 
ber of suits against the town to compel their payment. On 
the trial the manner in which they were issued wa.s brought 
out and their worthlessness shown. What a pity that the 
peculiar talents of these officers are not now available to 
further the schemes of the Nationals I They issued the 
first " fiat money" u.sed in Richfield, and could properly 
claim the paternity of the organization that believes in the 
power of making something out of nothing. 

The war record of this town is not materially different 
from that of other towns throughout the county. Special 
township-meetings were held on the 23d of February and 
1st of September, 1864, and Jan. 3, 1865, also a meeting 
of the town board, March 14, 1865 ; and at these meetings 
discussions were had as to the best method of filling the 
quota of the town under the several calls for troops. The 
plan finally adopted was to is.sue bonds of the town to raise 
a sufficient sum to pay each volunteer credited to the town 
the sum of one hundred dollars in addition to all other 
bounties he might receive. Bonds amounting to about 
§2700 were issued, and paid when they came to maturity. 

The quotas of troops were thus speedily filled, and Rich- 
field did her duty towards the government in its time of 
trial. Many of her brave sons went' forth in defense of 
their country, and of these several lost their lives in tlie 
service. These martyrs of liberty left behind them a 
heritage of glory that belongs alike to us all. Wherever 
the name of the American soldier is spoken it is recog- 
nized as synonymous with the bravery, heroism, self-.sacri- 
fice, and devotion of the patriot. Let us, therefore, cher- 
ish the memories of these men, write their names not 
alone upon the monumental marble, but upon the more 
enduring tablets of memory, and engross their achievements 
in the recesses of grateful hearts as well as upon the pages 
of history. Among those who thus testified to their disin- 
terested love of country we mention the following who 
were residents of Richfield, and of whom she should be 
proud : Warren Davis, Silas E. Van Schaick, John Judd, 
John Kinsman, Daniel Boyer, Delien Hill, Edwin Belden, 
Dexter Gary, Seth Williams, Charles Lucas, Morris Miller, 
and Joseph Thomas. 

Peace to their ashes ! Honor to their memories ! 

RELIGIOUS. 

As was generally the ca.sc in this Western country, the 
Methodists were the finst denomination to enter this field 
of religious labor, and they commenced preaching in this 
town as early as 1839 or 1840. The first preachers came 
oti a kind of missionary labor, but after a class was formed 
it became an appointment on Flint circuit, and was regu- 
larly served by the ministers on that circuit. 

The cla-ss was organized with but a few members, among 
them being Asa and Martha Davis, Nelson and Elizabeth 
Warren, Joseph and Julia Morford. A.sa Davis was the 
first class-leader. From this small beginning has grown 



418 



HISTORY OF GENESEE (X)UXTY. MICHIGAN. 



THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUBCH OF RICHFIELD 
CEXTBK. 

For neaHj a score of j«ars this ehoreh remained oon- 
neeted trith Flint circtut. In lS5d-59 it was transferred 
to Genesee eireuit. In lSt>4— 65 it was connected with 
Forest i^now Otisville) circuit, and in 1S73 it was attached 
to Davisoa circuit, as at present. 

During the early years of its existence, iho cin.'uit being 
a large one, the (Quarterly meetiugs wei« held at widely- 
separated points, and the older members can remember the 
long rides taken on sleds or wagons, drawn by oxen, 
through the dense forests and over the execrable ivnds, to 
attend quarterly meetings at Flushing or Flint. 

For the first few years the meetings were generally held 
at prirate houses, then at the Centre school-house, and sinc« 
the completion of the town-hall the meetiugs have been 
held in that. No steps were taken towards the erection of 
a church edifice until January of the present year, when 
a meeting was held at the house of Pheroras Clark, and 
the society incorporated by electing the following K>ard 
of trustees: Frederick Olds, Pheroras Clark, William 
Brown, Albert Powelson, Albert A. Elmore, Truman Dr;ike, 
Nathan Koot, Melrin Woolman. and Couck. Fred- 
erick Olds. Melvin Woolman, and Truman Drake were 
chosen to act .-ts a building committee. 

A site, containing threT.M]uarteis of an acre, was purdiased 
of F. E. Stoddard for the sum of §75. and work was begun 
■on the church earlr in the spring. At present (^August, 
1ST9) the frame is up. but the house is not fiubhed. The 
die of the building is 35 by 55 feet, and it is estimated to 
cost $2000 when finished. The laying of the comer-stone 
was made the occasion of quite a od<dbration. which was 
panicipated in by a large number of people. It occurred 
ou the 24th of June, 1S79, and at II o'clock a.>i. the 
stone was laid in place by the pnesidii^ elder, Ber. A. F. 
Bournes, assisted by George Gamett. The exercises con- 
sisted of addresses by Kevs. A. G. Blood, of Otisville : E. 
D. Daniels, of Detroit ; C. Mendenhall, of Richfield Cen- 
tre : O. Sanbi>m. of Linden : W. C. Way, of HMly : H. 
S. White, of Port Huron ; and T. J. Joslin. of Flint, and 
singing by the cboir. In the earity of the stone the fol- 
lowing articles were placed, vii. : 

A tin-box, dimensions 10 inches long and 5 inches wide 
and deep, inclosing copies of the Discipline of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal ChtiTch, y^afkmal Repi'sitory. Setc Ybri 
Chn'sfMH Atlrviiiff, JUicki^vm Christiuii Adtoattf, An- 
nual Reports of Missionary and Freemen's Aid Societies, 
Minutes of Detroit Annual Conference v^lS7S>- Report of 
Chutvh Extension Society, Report of Committee on Rerision 
of Hymu-Book, Catalogue of Albion CoBese, names of the 
officers of Methi>dtst Episcv>pal Church of Richfield, and a 
portrait of Mrs. Copp. the pastor's wile. 

The parsonage belonging to the circuit is kvated at Da- 
vison's Station, and has recently been C(.>mpleted at a cost 
of about $S50. 

The first preachers, whose names are now remembered, 

were Revs. Steele, Francis Bangs, Jennings, Alfred 

Allen, WilUam Mothersill, Cowles, and Reed. 

Their meetings were generally held on week-day evenings, 
at ihc loi: schoi4-hvuse at the centre, or at the " red-side" 



school-house in the southwest part of the town. Tlie list of 
pastors herewith given b somewhat incomplete, part of it 
having been obtained only through the recollection of some 
of the members. We name them as follows : ReT. S. P. 
Lee. 1S51 ; Thomas Wakelin. 1S55 ; E. C. Wright, 1S59; 
R. Johnson, 1S60 ; L. S. Tedman. 1S63 ; N. W. Pierce, 
1S66-67 : A. Gee, 1S68 ; L. S. Tedman. 1S69-71 ; W. 
J. Clack, 1S72; L. S. Tedman. 1873-75; W. M. Camp- 
bell. 1S76; James Balk, 1S77; R. Copp, 1S7S; E. B. 
Daniels, the present pastor, commencing in July. 1S79. 

The membership of the church has never been very large, 
probably not exceeding 30 at any time, and at present b 
about 25. The board of trustees remains as first chosen ; 
Pheroras Clark is the present class-leader ; Frederick Olds 
and Melvin Woolman are the stewards ; and Goodenough 
Towusend is the recording steward of the circuit. 

The first protracted meeting in Richfield was held by 
Elder Cowles, in the winto' of 1S44— 45, at the house of 
Mr. Pheroras Clark. There was no place of meeting large 
en<iugh to accommodate the congregation that assembled, so 
Mr. Clark had the partitions in his house taken down, thus 
making the whole ground-floor into one large room, and 
there the meetings were h^d. continuing for a period of 
about three weeks, and resulting in the conTOsion of quite 
a large number of people. 

From an early period there has been a Sabbath-sehoo) 
conth?cted with this church. Part of the time it has been 
a union school, but in the spring of the present year it was 
organixed as a Methodist school, with the fijlowing officers : 
Superintendent, Truman Drake : Assistant Superintendent, 
Melvin Woi>lman ; Secretary. Melviu Woolman ; Treasurer, 
Henry Chapman ; Librarian, Charies Woohnau. 

The Protestant Methodists next put in an appearance, and 
otOTuixed a class at Matthews" Comers as eariy as the year 
IS-tS. Lyman Blodgett was the first class-leader, and after" 
flourishing a few years the dass was broken up. In 1 S5S-59 
it was revived under the same leadership, receiving the name 
of 

THE COTTAGE CLASS OF RICHTIKLD, 

the name being daived from the school-house in which the 
meetings were held. 

It was then an appointment on Marathon circuit. Blod- 
gett remained dass-kader until a revival occurred in the 
winter <rf 1S59-60. adding a good many members to the 
dass. when he was succeeded by Cyrus A. Matthews. 

Commencing with S members, it has increased to 23, 
which is the present number. 

Considering the fact that the denominatioa has built two 
disrchs in other parts of the town, it b not to be -won- 
dered at that this das has iK>t yet undertook to b<uld a 
boose of worship. 

The present officers are Wallace W. Moore, CTass-kader ; 
Peny Van Wormer, Steward ; Cyrtis A. Matthews, Orcnit 
Steward. 

There has been a summer Sabbath-sehool at the c«t»«»s 
for twelve or fifteen years, of which Richard Gariock was 
the first superintendent. At present the school numbers, 
induding officers and teachers, about 50. and is officered as 
follows: W. W. Moore, Superintendent; Newton Urch, 
Treaisuier ; Syh'autts Muuger. Librarian. 



RICnFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



419 



FIttST PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH OP RICHFIELD. 

The second class of the Protestant Methodist donomina- 
tion was that known as the Cook class, and was onr.inizod 
at the Cook school-house, bv 0. II. P. Green, Au^'. ;•. 1S51. 
The class then numbered about 20 members. Anion;; them 
were Andrew and Irena Cook. Ji>siah and M. Kinir, John 
and Rosy Hibbard, William Kinsman and wife, John Ilib- 
bard, Jr., and wife. Zebulon Dickinson and wife. William 
Throop and wife, Nathaniel Blackmor and wife, and Givrge 
Williams and wife. Josiah King was the fitst class-leader, 
and George Williams the first steward. 

For about fitWn years the meetings were held at the 
Cook sehool-house, but at the expiration of that time the 
society considered itself strong enough to warnuit it in 
undertaking to build a eluireh. In the winter previous 
(18G5-G6) a protracted meeting had been held by the pas- 
tor, Rev. A. C. Fuller, and had resulted in the convei-sion 
of some seventy persons, a large share of whom naturally 
unitetl with this class. 

The first day's circulation of the subscription paper 
secured the sum of SllJOO, Mrs. Ircna Cook heading the 
list with a subscription of §300. The desired anioutil was 
very quickly secured, Mre. Cook donating an acre of ground 
near the northwest corner of section 20 for a site, and work 
on the church w;is immediately begun in .\pril, IStiti. 
The building was finished in the following December, and 
was dedicated early in January, 1867, by Rev. Mr. Mahan, 
president of Adrian College. Its size is 30 by 50 feet, and 
cost, including furnishing, the sum of $24lJS. It was built 
by John W. Moore, under the supervision of a building 
committee consisting of John Hibbard, Jr., Sereno G. 
Luc;»s, David Parker, Edwin Tanner, William Jennings, 
David W. Ililler, and Mr. Glover. 

The society was incorporated at a meeting held at the 
church. May IG, 1S(J7. John Hibbard, Jr., presided, D. 
W. Ililler acted as secretary, and John Hibbard, Jr., D. W. 
Hiller, and Sereno G. Lucas were elected trustees. 

The present membership is 80, and the present ofiScers 
are Jared Hiles, Class-leader; J. P. Ililler, Steward; D. W. 
Hiller, H. C. Hill, Edwin Tanner, Trustees. 

This church, which is commonly called the •' Brown 
Church," from the color with which the building is painted, 
has always been an appointment on Flint circuit, and has 
been served by the following pastors: Revs. 0. II. P. 

Green, 0. Earls, Charles Maun, 0. H. P. Green, 

Hobson, Thomas Plackett, C. D. Covil, J. A. Nichols, 
Thomiis Howland, G. M. Lyon, Amos Bradshaw, John 
Selby, H. W. Hicks, A. C. Fuller, C. S. Green, F. Traver, 
D. Whiteley, Robert Mulholland, 8. Riley, A. C. Fuller, 
R. C. Myers, William Pope, C. D. Covil, and H. F. Wright, 
who is the present pastor. 

There were quite extensive revivals of religion under the 
preaching of Revs. Nichols, Fuller, and Wright, (he num- 
ber of converts being reported respectively at 100, 70, and 
90. 

Of the Sabbath-school Andrew Cook was .superintendent 
for .several years, and w;»s probably the first one. At ])res- 
cnt the school numbers about GO members. D. W. Hiller 
J8 the superintendent, and William Jennings, Jr., is the 
secretary and treasurer. 



RIVER CHAPEL. 

This org!\nization resulted fri.)m the labors of a local 
preacher of the Protestant Methodist denomination named 
Jefterson Teller, who resided at Richfield Centre. Being 
quite a good singer, as well as an exhorter, ho was (|uit« 
successful in a series of meetings he held at the Miles 
school-house, one mile north and one mile east of Richfield 
Centre. Quite a revival followed his labors there, and a 
class of 15 members was formed. Their names were Wil- 
liam and Mary Amy, Oscar and Sabra Clemons, Joseph 
and tVvilla Weber, Peter and Betsey All, .\verv and Susan 
Miller, Esther Miles, Loretta Miller, L. A. Harter, Judson 
Miller, and Mrs. N, Ma.xwell. William Amy was appointed 
class-leader aiul Oscar ('lemons steward. 

This was also an appointment on Flint circuit, and the 
siMue piistors — commencing with Rev. Robert Mulholland — 
that jireached at the Brown Church have also proaelied here. 

The meetings were held in the Miles sehool-hon.se until 
the 1st of January, 1870, when the sehool-house was closed 
against religious meetings, and steps were then taken to 
build a house of woi-ship. A meeting was held at the 
house of Samuel Miles in February, at which nu'cting the 
society incorporated by electing Oscar Clemons, Geoi'ge 
Cottrell, and Samuel Miles trustees. 

A church site of one-half acre, on the northwest corner 
of section 14, Wiis purchased of Asa Miller for S50, a 
building committee, consisting of D. W. Hiller, Samuel 
Miles, George Cottrell, Oscar Clemons, and Frank Ililler, 
was appointed, and on the 1 1th of March work was actively 
begun. The church, which is a frame building 28 by 40 
feet in size, was finished in June, and cost about SIOOO. 
It was dedicated June 29, 1870, by Rev. G. B. McElroy, 
of Adrian College. His text was, " It is more blessed to 
give than to receive." 

The church at present numbers 25 members. Oscar 
Clemons is the eliiss-leader and Ransom Withey the steward. 

William Amey was superintendent of the Sabbath-school, 
which wjxs orpuiized about the time the church was. R. H. 
Cottrell is the jn-esent superiutendent, and the school num- 
bers about oti scholars. 

FIRST FREE-WILL BAPTIST CIIUllCU OF RICHFIELD. 

This society was organized by Rev. Almon Jones, in the 
Cook school-house, some time in 1851-52. It then num- 
bered about 15 members. Alvah Rogers was the first 
deacon. 

The meetings were held at the school-house until the 
Union or White Church was built. Then the meetings 
were held there, the members of this society owning a 
considerable share of its stock. For the present year no 
preaching has been done here by this denomination. 

Revs. Almon Jones, Cephas Goodrich, Samuel Currier, 
F. P. Angir, C. B. Mills, and G. B, McElroy have served 
as pastors of this church. 

ST. Joseph's church in ricufield. 

This belongs to the Roman Catholic denomination, and 
is in the Detroit diocese. 

The church at Flint had several members living in the 
southeast part of Richfield, most of whom were Germans 



420 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



and understood the English language quite imperfectly. 
The priest at Flint not being able to preach in German, 
meetings were held at the houses of some of these mem- 
bers, and Father John Busche, of Lapeer, came and 
preached to them in their native tongue. 

In the spring of 1871 a church was organized by Father 
Quinn, with about 25 communicants, and steps were taken 
to build a church. Mrs. Magdalen Conrad donated li 
acres of land for a church site and burial-ground, and a 
church 20 by 40 feet in size was erected at a cost of about 
§1000. Among those who contributed to this object 
were B. Conrad, Joseph Schmidt, Jacob Hannel, Ludwig 
Snoor, Jacob Donner, Alexander Collins, and Thomas 
Cain. 

The first trustees were B. Conrad, Joseph Schmidt, and 
Thomas F. Hogan. The present ones are Ludwig Snoor, 
Jacob Hannel, and George Straffel. 

The church has always been connected with the Flint or 
Lapeer churches, and has consequently never had a resident 
pastor. 

At present the church numbers about 40 members. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OP RICHFIELD. 

For nearly twenty-five years prior to the organizing of 
this society ministers of the Christian denomination had 
preached in the " red-side" .school-house, in the southwest 
part of Richfield, to accommodate those members of the 
Davison's Station Church who lived in that neighborhood. 
After the building of the union church the meetings were 
held there. 

March 8, 1873, a meeting was held for the purpose of 
forming a church society, and afltr consultation William 
Muuger, Daniel B. Skinner, William J. Piiillips, Jacob 
Siiafer, and Benjamin Bidleman were appointed to draw 
up articles of association to present at an adjourned meet- 
ing. March 22d they reported, and an organization was 
effected with the following members : Daniel B., Catharine, 
A. A., Doretta A., and E. A. Skinner, Jacob and Catharine 
Shaffer, Fernando, Harriet, and Anna Dewey, William J. 
and Nancy M. Phillips, W. W. and Fanny Throop. 

The following is a copy of a portion of the articles of 
association reported, viz. : 

'^Article 1. We. whose names are hereunto annexed, do hereby 
agree by the help of the Lord to walk together as a church of Christ, 
faithfully maintaining its ordinances, biking the Bible for our only 
rule of faith, the New Testament for our guide in practice, church 
order, and discipline, making Christian character the only test of 
fellowship. 

** And icherena, Good men honestly differ in opinion, and every one 
must give account of himself to God, therelore, 

'' lietoh-ed. That we extend to each individual the God-given right 
to 'search the Scriptures' and understand for themselves, and in all 
matters of opinion we will not censure each other but exercise charity, 
and in all things strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds 
of peace, and no one can rightfully be subjected to trial or exclusion 
but from want of Christian character." 

From the time of its organization the church has always 
been at peace with all the world, and perfect harmony has 
always prevailed among its members. The circle of mem- 
bership, now enlarged to 38, luis not yet been broken by 
the visit of the angel of death. 

The pastors of this church have been two in number. 



Rev. S. Snyder, who organized it, remained in the pastoral 
charge for a little more than four years, and was — Oct. 14, 
1877 — succeeded by Rev. Cyrus Meudenhall, who still re- 
tains that relation to the church. 

The society has never built a church, but owns, through 
its members, about one-third of the union church, where 
the meetings are held, this being the only society now occu- 
pying it for purposes of religious worship. 

The first officers of the church were as follows : William 
J. Phillips, Chairman ; A. A. Skinner, Secretary ; Fer- 
nando Dewey, Treasurer ; Daniel B. Skinner and Jacob 
Shafer, Deacons ; all of the above named, Trustees. The 
present officers are the same, with the exception of George 
Cotharin, Treasurer. 

RICHFIELD UNION LYCEUM BUILDING SOCIETY. 

Pursuant to a notice properly given, the citizens met at 
the school-house in District No. 1, on the 9th of February, 
1867, for the purpose of organizing a society to build a 
church opposite the Union burying-ground, to be used on 
funeral occasions and for purposes of religious worship. 
Rev. Samuel Currier was chosen chairman and Daniel B. 
Skinner secretary. A committee of five was appointed 
to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of 
the society, and the meeting then adjourned. 

Before the time for the adjourned meeting it was de- 
cided to organize under the provisions of chapter Ixi. of 
the Revised Statutes; and under a warrant issued by A. 
A. Drake, E.sq., justice of the peace, a meeting was called, 
and held at the White school-house. William J. Phillips 
presided, and William Munger acted as secretary. Resolu- 
tions, adopting the name above given and declaring the 
purpose of the organization, were adopted. It was resolved 
to issue shares of S5 each to the amount of §2000, and 
expend that sum in building the edifice. The following 
officers were also chosen at that meeting: President, Orsi- 
mus Cooley ; Secretary, William J. Phillips; Treasurer, 
Daniel B. Skinner ; Trustees, John Van Buskirk, David 
Dickinson, Henry G. Cook, and Norman Treadwell ; Build- 
ing Committee, John Van Buskirk, William Munger, R. 
C. Lombard, Orsimus Cooley, and Daniel B. Skinner. 

The plan presented by Charles Rose, of Genesee, was 
approved, and the building was erected by him. Work was 
begun as early as practicable that spring, and the building 
was completed in the fall. In the latter part of November, 
or the early part of December, it was dedicated by Rev. C. 
Dearing, of Romeo. Its total cost was about S3000, all of 
which was paid or pledged before the dedication. 

The annual meeting for the election of officers and the 
transaction of business is held at six o'clock P M. of the first 
Monday in February in each year. 

The present board of officers is composed as follows : 
President, John Van Buskirk ; Secretary, William Muuger; 
Treasurer, Daniel B. Skinner ; Trustees, David Dickinson, 
H. G. Conger, James Cooley, Edwin Fuller. 

RICHFIELD UNION BURYING-GROUND SOCIETY. 

The inhabitants of the town formerly buried their dead 
in different parts of the town in private or family grounds, 
but this practice was fouud unsatisfactory, and in 1840 it 



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EICHFIELD TOWNSHIP. 



421 



was decided to have a public ground where all could bury 
and where the resting-places of the dead could be more 
conveniently cared for than when they were so widely scat- 
tered. In view of this object, Orsiuius Cooley, Pliiueas J. 
Tucker, Isaac Tucker, William Teachout, and Lyman Curtis 
purchased half an acre of ground of P. J. Tucker for $10, 
cleared it, and, inclosing it with a rail-fence, opened it to 
the public. At subsequent times additions have been made, 
until the ground now contains I2 acres. An association 
was formed a number of years ago to take control of the 
ground, and is still in existence, although the record of its 
organization is lost. Its present officers are William Mun- 
ger, President ; Simeon R. Billings, Secretary ; William J. 
Phillips, Treasurer. 

There is another burying-ground on the north side of the 
river, on the north line of section 8, wliich contains a little 
more than an acre of ground, and was purchased of Myron 
Benjamin, in the spring of 1857, for the sum of $5. The 
purchase was authorized by a meeting of the citizens, which 
elected Argalus H. Matthews, Thomas J. Stimpson, and 
Ralph Slinipson trustees to obtain and hold the title. 
They are still acting in tlie .same capacity. 

The ground was cleared under contract by Bradford 
0. Carpenter for 502.25. 

The first burial was that of Isaac L. Matthews, in the 
fall of 1858. 

SOCIETIES. 

The only society in Richfield representing the many fra- 
ternities is a Lodge of Good Templars known as 

ELEANOR LODGE, NO. 93, I. O. G. T. 

It was the outgrowth of an interest in the work of tem- 
perance reform aroused at a lecture given by John R. Clark 
at the town-hall on the evening of the 5th of April, 1879, 
and was given its name in honor of the wife of the speaker. 
It was formally instituted at F. E. Stoddard's hall, on the 
12th of April, by A. J. Kellogg, of Otisville, District 
Deputy, with 29 charter members. 

The membership has increased to 33, and regular meet- 
ings are held every Saturday evening at Stoddart's Hall. 

The first officers, who are also the present ones, are as 
follows: W. C. T., William H. Smith; R. H. S., W. F. 
Amy ; L. H. S., Miss Mattie Fuller ; W. V. T., Mrs. Har- 
riet A. Clark ; W. Sec, Merritt Hutcliins ; W. A. Sec, 
Alonzo A. Dibble ; W. F. Sec, Miss Flora Miles ; W. Treas., 
William H. Coe ; W. Chap., Henry Chapman; W. M., 
George Lawrence; W. D. M., Miss Fanny Grove; W. I. 
G., Miss Susie Kornung; W. O. G., George Kilbreth ; P. 
W. C. T., W. H. Chapman ; L. D., Merritt Hutchins. 

In closing this sketch the historian desires to return his 
most hearty thanks to those kind and con.siderate friends 
who have so generously assisted him in his labors, and have 
thus enabled him to make a much more complete and satis- 
factory sketch than he could have possibly done had they 
all been as disobliging and discourteous as was one man who 
brus((uely rcfu.scd to listen for a moment or give the least 
information, though the historian had, upon the recom- 
mendation of many citizens, walked four miles through the 
hot sun and du.sty roads to see him. To him we owe no 
thanks; to tlie others, many and iicarty ones. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



SIMEON R. BILLINGS 

was born in the township of Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
March 17, 1835, the fifth of a family of six children. His 
father. Col. Laurence Billings, was born in the township 
of Smyrna, Chenango Co., N. Y., March 21, 1801. He 
was a farmer, and .soon after his marriage to Miss Roxana 
Roxford he emigrated to what was then the wilds of West- 
ern New York, Orleans County. He bought one hundred 
and sixty acres of the Holland Purchase. It was all new, 
but Mr. BilUings' industry soon made the "wilderness blos- 
som as a rose," and a fine farm is the result of his labor. 
Upon it he still resides at the age of seventy-eight years. 
In early life he took a great interest in military affairs, and 
was at one time colonel of a militia regiment. On the old 
homestead Simeon grew to manhood, receiving an academic 
education ; after which his summoi's were passed ou his 
father's farm, the winters in teaching in New York and 
Michigan. After his first marriage he purchased a farm 
in the town of Kimball, Orleans Co., in which he resided 
until 1807, when he sold and moved to Richfield, Genesee 
Co., Mich., buying what is known as the Cook farm. On 
this farm he has built a fine house and barn, and made 
many improvements, which have placed it in the front rank 
of fine farms of Genesee County; in 1871 it took the first 
premium, awarded by the Agricultural Society for the Lest 
farm in the county. 

Mr. Billings has always been a Republican, and has taken 
an active interest in political matters. In Orleans County 
he held township offices. Since coming to Michigan he has 
been three terms supervisor of liis township, and has three 
times been elected and served as county surveyor. In 
1875 the people of his representative district, recognizing 
his abilities and his fidelity, elected him to represent them 
in the State Legislature, which place he filled with such 
acceptance that they re-elected him in 1877. In 1879 he 
was again placed before the people by his friends, — this 
time as a candidate for the State senatorship, to which po- 
sition he was elected by a large majority. In both houses 
he served as chairman of the committee on State affiiirs, and 
was highly complimented by the President of the Senate. 
The Lansing RepnlMcaii, in speaking of the leading sen- 
ators, says : "Mr. Billings is rapid and impetuous, rather 
sarcastic, an uncompromising foe to all class or special legis- 
lation ; his only defect being an indistinct utterance, which 
was more than counterbalanced by his sterling honesty." 
By his fellow citizens he is looked upon as one of Genesee's 
enterprising and representative men. 

Mr. Billings married for his first wife Miss Carrie E. 
Gray, who was born at Carlton, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 8, 
1839 ; died April 24, 1808. She was a daughter of Everett 
and Elizabeth ( McCauley) Gray. Resultant of their union 
were two children, viz., Bertha H., born Aug. 2, 1803, 
and Willie G., born March 24, 18(!C. For his second wife 
he married Miss Nancy R. A.shley, born in Genesee Co., 
Mich., Feb. 2, 1842, and daughter of Samuel J. and Helen 
(Wylic) Asliley, There has been born to them one child, 
Carrie E., born May 3, 1874. 



4SS 



HETORT OF GENESEE COr>"TT, MICHIGAN. 





FR£I>ERICK OIJ>& 



XKS. FSXPERICK OLI>& 



FREDERICK OLPS. 
Fiedemk OMs «^ bora id the K^vn of Randolpb. Wind- 
sor (V^ Yt., Sq*. 3s ISOS. While he ««$ stiU a babe h^ 
&th«r HOTed to G««i«!iee CVv, X. Y.. and booght ninetj 
Mice of new land on the Tovunda Cre^ flats in the tovn 
of Alexander. He vas drafted in the var «f 1S13, and 
was in several enaa«?fa»ents. in one of which he reteired a 
wvtond in the les:. After the war be retnnied to hk htm, 
whi^ he pwtly improred. Aftwwaids he w*s ensas^ in 
the h<>(el bttsine&s, but $nb$et|aeiii!T sold ht$ hotel and 
wrked at the <vioper"s tnde. In 1S36 be came to Mi«ju- 
gan and settled in the town of Uatoo, Braneh CVx, where 
he i«^ded until his death, in 1^46. Fiedeiiek Kwd with 
his &ther nntil after hts wania^, wh^i he started oat in 
fife ior hiittself. He worked at the coofer's tnde in Mid- 
dleban:. in Staflord. and in Warsaw, We next find lum in 
CattariogBS Co., N. Y.. where he bonght a piew of new 
land, whieh be parthr ekated. Tlus land he sold, and in 
lSo6 be eame to Midugan to find a hoaw where hnd was 
dieap^ In Mar of that j«ar he arrired in Mamiwab Coantr. 
where he worked at hk trade. He next took a job on what 
WK eaUed the Shelbj and Dettvtit RaibraaML Tlus proved 
a &i]ni«, and Mr. Olds ket all his eamio^ In Pebraarr, 
1S3S, he niored to Braneh Coontj. g!Nng with an ois-tenM, 
and being tra da](^ co the ivad. He bo«|^t thirtr mrb of 
wild hnd in Union township, b«ih npoa it a ^lantj, and 
eleaied abo«t tea acres. In 1S41 be sold; and with an ox- 
teaoa aored hki &wUy into what was then the town of 



RiekfioJd. Lapeer -Co., where he hoo^t e«:htT-fiT>f acres, 
part of the southeast qoaiter of s«etioa 15. Thf land we 
new, not a stick harii^ been cnt. nere were then but two 
ho«ees between his place and FCnt,and not a honseins^t 
for sereral jeats ajfter be cane. TUs &a Mr. Oluk has 
iniprored and boih upon ; and he«e, nnder his own tine and 
fig-tree, he qnietij posses the deciinii^ renis of hb fife, 
reqweted and c ct wc d bj his ne^Ubots and friends as an 
upright eitiaen and a trae Otrstian. In poBties Mr. OUs 
is a Repabfican of the stalwart kind, it never having been 
a qnestion to which pnrtj he beloved or on whidi side of 
a pofitical qn^tion he stood. Has been jnstice of the peace 
inanv vearsk. overseer and eoMKisaoner of h^wajs over 
twenty jeais, drain cowHksioner three years, and Ric^ 
field's war supervisor, koldi^ the ktter «Cee ibr sei«n 
years. He was active in sen£ng soUfets to d» field, and 
deserves maA of the ere«£t for saving the town fioa the 
dtafk. He has been a aKMber of the MechodBst l^ptseofiid 
Clintek for fbnj-two jearsL Ote the 4tk daj of Noveadber, 
1S::>S, he anrried Miss Sally Hill, daw^ter of Jolin KB. 
She wks bora in Blo««fieM, Ontario (k, $. T., Jaat 13. 
1S0&. nei« have been bom to theaa tihe feUowiag eUl- 
dien : Mortimer M., bora Aw;. ^ ISS^,— he Married Miss 
Franc^ Potter, who we bora I>m^ :ia, 1S33; Annada C^ 
bora SqA. 30, 1SS3, married Nathaa Root, wlw was bora 
Jan. 16, 18:23 ; Althea Y., bora Mardt 9, IS42, died Feb. 
T, 1$^^ married Saunel Clemens; Wilhar &, bora April 
a©, 1S50, died May 21, 1S5T. 



F O E E S T. 



Township 9 north, of rauge S east, was formerly a jvirt 
of the towu of Kiohfield. and lvIons;^xl to L;>[Hvr County. 
It was set off fn.nu that ivuuty, erveted iuto a sojvarate 
towu, uuder the name of Forest, and attached to Genesee 
County by the Leiiislature of 1842—43, the latter aet hav- 
ing tvceivtxl the apprvval of the g\>vernor 5IaR'h 9, 1S43. 
and gvnug iuto effeet ou the 31st day of the same month. 
The reasons for this change of wniuty relations were prin- 
ci{vdly business ci>nTeuienoe and ease of communiejition, 
the main business of the people centring at Flint, and the 
river forming their prinoii^l meaus of commuuic:»tion and 
for the transportation of their produce aud mauulactures. 
All the towns of range S now belonging to Genesee County 
p;irticip;>ted in this change. 

The new town embraced a territory nearly six miles square 
and cimtaiued an area of 23,027.40 acres, 1016 acres of 
which wore rateil as swamp-lands. 

The territory thus named forms the northeast comer town 
of the county, is centrally distant fnnu Flint (the county- 
seat"^ thirteen aud one half miles, and is bounded on the 
north by Millington, Tuscola Co., east by the town of 
Marathon, Lapeer Co., south by Richfield, and west by 
Thetford. Its lands were originally heavily timWred, and 
generally with pine of fine nualily and large size, intermin- 
gled with oak, maple, beech, ash, elm, butternut, and many 
other varieties of timber in limited quantity. Owing to 
the fact of the existence of this pine tiuiK-r. the land was 
largely taken up by spe<-ulators, or by those who held 
them till lumber was worth a price which would warrant 
them in cutting the timber. 

The following list cvimprises the names of all persons enter- 
ing land of the government, together with the section on 
which they located, the number of acres entered, and the 
dates of entry. Thivse whose names are printeil in italics 
actually settled in Forest, though not always at the time 
when the lands were entered. Where the residence of 
these parties is kuowu it is also given. The list is as 
follows : 

William M;ixwell, of Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 20, 
1S37, 304 acres on section 1, and 137 acres on section 2, 

Benjamin F. Partridge, Sept. 30, 1S52, 156 acivson sec- 
tion 1 ; October 14th, 160 acres on section 1, 137 acres on 
section 2, 400 acres on section 12, 160 acres on section 13 ; 
October 15th, 80 acres on section 14 ; IXwmber 1st, 40 
acres on section 12, 120 acres on swtion 14 ; Jan. 22, 1S53, 
80 acres on section 13 ; total, 1333 acres. 

John Hayes, of Cleveland, Ohio, June 23, 1851, 320 
acres on section 9, 160 acres on seetion 15 ; June 26th, 320 
acres on section 10, 160 acres on section 15 ; July 3d, 40 
acres on section 28, 80 .leres on section 33; July 12th, 40 
acres ou section 2iS ; September 29tb, 320 acres ou secliuu 2, 



160 acres on section 3, 160 acres on s<>ction 10; CVtoU'r 
13th, 320 acres on section 14; total, 2080 acres. 

Francis W. Otis, Cleveland, Ohio, .\ug. 22, 1851, 160 
acres on section 10 ; September 1st, 433 acres on section 3, 
5il4 acres i^the entire section") ou section 4; total, 1187 
acre*. 

Lyman Croid, of this county, Jan. 9, 1854, 40 acres on 
section 22 ; February 10th, 80 acres on sivtion 5, 40 acn>» 
on section 23; total, 160 acres. 

i/onitr Ili'pkins, of this ct>nnty, June 13, 1854. 40 
acres on section 5; Feb. 6, 1855, 30 acres on sivtion 6; 
total, 70 acres. 

jriV/i"<rm Van Sfyck. of this county. Feb. 3, 1844, 40 
acres on section IS ; Nov. 16, 1854, 80 acres on seetion 5 ; 
total, 120 acres. 

Jity Bnrll, of this ctninty. Oct. 21. 1850, SO acres on 
section 7 ; Nov. 10, 1851, 40 acres ou seetion 18; June 
30, 1852, 40 acres on section 7 ; total, 160 acres. 

John ir, DiHK.dt/, of this county, Sept. 15, 1851, 40 
acres on section IS; Pec. 28, 1853. and May 8 and 23, 
1854, 141 acres on section 7 ; total, 181 acres. 

Ephraim S. Johnson, of New York City, Aug. 26, 1S36, 
240 acres on section 8, 320 acn-s on section 9, 160 acres on 
section 21 ; totjd, 720 acres. 

Horace Loomis, of this county, Aug. 26, 18^56, 320 acres 
on section S, 320 acres on seetion 17 ; total, (540 acres. 

Tliervni B. Smith, of Kutlaud Co., Vt., Nov. 14, 1836, 
80 acres ou section 29, 160 acres ou section 32 ; November 
23d, 160 acres on section 15, 160 acres ou section 31 ; total, 
560 acres. 

Henry and Van Rensselaer Hawkins, of Genesee Co., 
N. Y,. April 17, 1837, 160 acres on section 17 ; -April 22d, 
80 acres on section 21, 160 acres on section 22 ; total, 400 
acres. 

L. G. Gonlon and John Ciwk, of Wayne Co., Mich., 
Aug. 25, 1836, 98 acres on section 19, 518 acres on sec- 
tion 30, 263 acres on seetion 31 ; total, 879 acres. 

Stephfn Be^fl of ^ikland Co., Mich., July 25, 1837, 
80 acres ou section 21, 80 acres on section 28; total, 160 
acres. 

Orin Skut,* of this county, Feb. 20, 1837, 240 acres ou 
section 22, 80 acres on section 26, SO acres ou section 35 ; 
totiU, 400 acres, 

John Miller, of Wayne Co.. Mich.. Manh 10, 1837, 
160 acres on section 27 ; July 7, 1851, 40 acres on sectiou 
13 ; total, 200 acres. 

William Moreland, Washtenaw Co., Mich., Feb. 17, 1837, 
160 acres on section 25, 120 acres on section 27 ; total, 280 
acres. 



• I'nibabl; tt9usll,v S|..M,..I .s-.ii.K 



423 



424 



FOKEST TOWNSHIP. 



Cornelius W. Fairbanks, Wayne Co., N. Y., Feb. 20, 
1837, 80 acres on section 26, 80 acres on section 35 ; total, 
160 acres. 

Vaiuhrits Smith, of Oakland Co., Mich., Nov. 14, 1836, 
80 acres on section 27, 80 acres on section 33, 80 acres on 
section 34 ; total, 240 acres. 

Artcmas Thayer, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., April 15, 
1837, 80 acres on section 28, 160 acres on section 32 ; 
total, 240 acres. 

Isaac L. Smith, Oakland Co., Mich., April 19, 1837, 
160 acres on section 28, 160 acres on section 33; total, 
320 acres. 

Robert McCarty, of Trumbull Co., 0., Dec. 1, 1836, 
80 acres on section 32, 160 acres on section 36 ; total, 
240 acres. 

Jonathan Shearer, of Wayne Co., Mich., March 10, 
1837, 160 acres on section 35, 80 acres on section 36; 
total, 240 acres. 

The foregoing persons entered land on more than one 
section. The following comprises the rest of the entries 
classified by sections : 

Section 5 : Nov. 19, 1853, John Schlosser, of this 
county, 40 acres ; Feb. 3, 1854, Ira Davenport of Steuben 
Co., N. Y., 80 acres; Nov. 30, 1854, Isaac Turner, of this 
county, 139 acres, and December 11th, the same person, 
40 acres; June 13, 1854, Mary Hopkins, of this county, 
95 acres. 

Section 6: June 11, 1852, David Wilcox, 160 acres; 
June 13, 1854, Edmund Hopkins, Geauga Co., 0., 40 
acres; Dec. 12, 1854, Manson P. Perry, of this county, 
56 acres. On this section there were 370 acres of swamp- 
land. 

Section 7 : March 18, 1837, Ebenezer Rush, of Wash- 
tenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres; Feb. 9, 1852, George Shan- 
non, of this county, 40 acres ; July 14, 1853, J. W. Water- 
man, of Detroit, 208 acres. There were 80 acres of swamp- 
land on this section. 

Section 8 : March 18, 1837, William Wilbur, of Medina 
Co., 0., 40 acres. In this section were 40 acres of swamp- 
land. 

Section 11 : Nov. 13, 1837, Horace Perry, of this county, 
80 acres ; Jan. 9, 1839, Harvey Perkins, of Oakland Co., 
Mich., 80 acres; Sept. 29, 1851, Martin Myers, 160 acres; 
Oct. 13, 1851, Joseph Dupras, 160 acres; Thornton F. 
Brodhead, 160 acres. 

Section 12 : Sept. 20, 1853, Edgar Sheldon, of Yates 
Co., N. Y., 120 acres. This section had 80 acres of swamp- 
land. 

Section 13 : Sept. 15, 1838, Daniel M. Baker, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 80 acres; July 7, 1851, Samuel Brevout,* 
160 acres; Feb. 6, 1854, Lorenzo D. Morse, of Oakland 
Co., Mich., 40 acres; Nov. 28, 1854, Edmund Perry, of 
this county, 80 acres. 

Section 14: Dec. 23, 1839, Mattheiv McCormich, 
of Washtenaw Co., Mich., 40 acres; July 7, 1839, Elijah 
Look, 80 acres. 

Section 15 : March 27, 1837, Sally Nash, of Washtenaw 
Co., Mich., 160 acres. 

* Probably intended for lireriturt. 



Section 17: Dec. 8, 1853, Henry Pettingill, of this 
county, 160 acres. 

Section 18 : Dec. 9, 1844, Nelson Vulenfine, of Lapeer 
Co, Mich., 40 acres; Aug. 21, 1845, Wi/lium Henry Di- 
mond, of this county, 40 acres; May 22, 1850, WeUinytoii 
Ferguson, of this county, 40 acres; Nov. 21, 1851, Lydia 
Cone, 40 acres; March 1, 1852, Elizabeth M. Beagle, of 
this county, 40 acres; April 8, 1852, John Darling, of 
this county, 93 acres ; Oct. 5, 1852, Ransom G. Root, t>{ 
this county, 40 acres, and Dec. 2, 1854, the same party 40 
acres. On this section there were 126 acres of swamp-land. 

Section 19 : Nov. 9, 1836, Edward Davidson, of Living- 
ston Co., Mich., 80 acres ; Henry Hiester, of the same 
county, 160 acres; July 19, 1837, the latter entered 40 
acres; Oct. 5, 1841, and Jan. 11, 1843, Newell Orr, of 
Oakland Co., Mich., 95 acres; Nov. 3, 1851, James Haw- 
ley, of Orleans Co., N. Y., 40 acres ; March 2, 1852, Wil- 
liam N. Stanard, 40 acres ; June 28, 1852, John Jobson, 40 
acres; Aug. 8 and Sept. 19, 1853, George Moore, SO acres. 

Section 20 : Aug. 26, 1836, George C. Loomis, of Addi- 
son Co., Vt., 320 acres; April 15, 1837, Levi Townsend, 
of Washtenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres ; John Taylor, of Por- 
tage Co., Ohio, 80 acres ; Aug. 21, 1849, John Taylor, Jr., 
of this county, 40 acres; Feb. 21, 1853, Horace Buell, 40 
acres; March 10, 1854, Isaiah Merriman and Richard A. 
Gassier, of this county, 40 acres. This section had 40 
acres of swamp-land in its limits. 

Section 21 : July 25, 1837, Amos Begel, of Oakland Co., 
Mich., 40 acres; August 30th, Jas. C. Wells, of Allegany 
Co., N. Y., 80 acres; October IGth, Michael Koan, of this 
county, 80 acres; April 6, 1852, Jas. Robertson, 40 acres. 
On this section there were 80 acres of swamp-land. 

Section 22 : April 22, 1837, Benjamin Dutton, Jr., of 
Genesee Co., N. Y., 80 acres ; September 26th, Peter Sel- 
lers, of this county, 80 acres, and Jan. 26, 1838, the same 
party, 40 acres. 

Section 23: Feb. 20, 1837, Daniel Cammings and 
William Davidson, of Wa.shtenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres ; 
March 10th, Asa J. Groeudycke,! of Monroe Co., N. Y., 
40 acres ; June 24th, James Davis, of Oakland Co., Mich., 
40 acres; Jan. 7, 1853, John Britteu (2d), 80 acres; Feb- 
ruary 2d, Abraham Bicksler,J 40 acres ; July 10, 1854, 
Samuel Lapham, of this county, 40 acres ; December 27th, 
Thom;is Becksmith, of this county, 120 acres; Jan. 2, 
1855, Albert Haioley, of this county, 40 acres. This sec- 
tion contained 120 acres of swamp-land. 

Section 24: Feb. 28, 1837, John Craicford, of Wash- 
tenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres ; Robert Henderson, same 
county, 80 acres; March 2Stli, George W. Williams and 
James Frazer, same county, IGO acres; September 22d, 
James Crawford, same county, 2()0 acres ; Dec. 25, 1852, 
Daniel D. Dewey, 80 acres. On this section there were 48 
acres of swamp-land. 

Section 25: Oct. 17, 1836, Julius B. Hart, of Lapeer 
Co., Mich., 160 acres; Feb. 17, 1837, Shadrach Dunb.ir, 
Washtenaw Co., Mich., 160 acres; April 17th, Joseph 
Pendrigh, of Oakland Co., Mich., 80 acres; June 3, 1839, 
John Nixon, of Washtenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres. 



I Grovcndycke. 



} Bixicr. 



FOREST TOWNSHIl', 



425 



Section 26: Feb. 17, 1837, John Minzy, of Washtenaw 
Co., Mich., 240 acres; February 20tli, Cliarlcs Skut,* of 
Wayne Co., N. Y., 80 acres; March 27th, Grove Spencer, 
of Washtenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres; Jan. 31, 1853, Stephen 
AVooJruff, 40 acres, and February 11th, the same party, 
40 acres. 

Section 27 : Feb. 20, 1837, Jonathan Slcut,* of Wayne 
Co., N. Y., 80 acres; March 20th, Jabin W. Elliott, same 
county, 80 acres; April 28th, Alden Coburii, of Upper 
Canada, 40 acres; Au;.;ust 4tli, Horace B. Harrison, of 
New York State, 80 acres. 

Section 28: Nov. 14, 1836, Gtrllon M. Smilh, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 80 acres ; Nov. 17, 1851 , Ann Elijah-f Bid- 
die, 80 acres; June 17, 1840, Jenny McCorniicIc, Lapeer 
Co., Mich., 40 acres. There were 40 acres of swamp-land 
on tills section. 

Section 29: Nov. 10, 1836, Isaac Parshall, of Living- 
ston Co., Mich., 80 acres; Samuel W. Burt, same county, 
80 acres ; April 17, 1837, Peter F. Le Boy, of this county, 
400 acres. 

Section 30 : Aug. 24, 1830, William G. Stone, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 160 acres. 

Section 31 : Nov. 9, 1836, George Luther, of Living- 
ston Co., Jlich., SO acres; November 24th, Burnett Scott, 
of Oakland Co., Mich., 110 acres ; November 26th, William 
Morgan, of Livingston Co., N. Y., 80 acres. 

Section 32: Sept. 28, 1836, William J. Bingham, of 
Addison Co., Vt., 160 acres; November 15th, Harrison G. 
Conger, of Lapeer Co., Mich., 80 acres. 

Section 33: Nov. 14, 183G, Wilfiam It. ,S'/)uV/t, of Oak- 
land Co., Mich., 80 acres; November 24th, Lorcn Coy, of 
this county, 160 acres; April 15, 1837, Calvin Townson, 
of Washtenaw Co., Mich., 80 acres. 

Section 34: Nov. 24, 1836, Thomas S. Clark, of Huron 
Co., 0., 80 acres ; Josiah A. Gales, of Franklin Co., Mass., 
80 acres; Jan. 23, 1837, Gilman McAllaster, of Washte- 
naw Co., Mich., 160 acres; Jacob Hathaway, of Seneca 
Co., N. Y., 160 acres; March 20th, Zerial Waterman, of 
Detroit, 80 acres. 

Section 35: Jan. 23, 1837, John S. Kidder, of Hills- 
boro' Co., N. H., 160 acres ; February 11th, Levi Reynolds, 
of this county, 40 acres; February 20th, Lewis Seeley, of 
this county, 40 acres ; William Lamb, of Wayne Co., N. Y., 
80 acres. 

Section 36: March 1, 1836, James Seymour, of Mon- 
roe Co., N. Y., 240 acres; Jan. 18, 1837, Jared Beards- 
ley, Jr., of Cayuga Co., N. Y., 160 acres. 

From this it will be seen that James Seymour entered 
the first land in this town, March 1, 1836, on section 36. 
Henry Hiester was the first actual settler who entered land, 
his being recorded Nov. 9, 1836, while the next, the 
Smiths', was not taken up until the 14th of tliat month. 
The latest entry seems to have been that made by Horace 
Hopkins, on section 6, dated Feb. 6, 1855. 

Probably about three-quarters of this land was covered 
with pine timber. It stood in its natural state for several 
years, but is now pretty well used up. 

The soil is varied in its composition, being composed of 



* Schutt. 



54 



f Kliza. 



sandy, gravelly, and cla3'ey loam, distributed very irregu- 
larly. It is all underlaid by a heavy claj' subsoil of great 
depth, and is fertile, and, were it not for the pinc-.stumps, 
which arc still numerous, is easily worked. It is well 
suited for the cultivation of general crops, and is excellent 
for wheat. 

According to the report contained in the State census of 
1874, the amount of crops produced in 1873 was as follows : 
of wheat, 10,206 bushels; of corn, 23,169 bushels; of all 
other grains, 16,916 bushels; of potatoes, 5074 bushels; 
of hay, 090 tons ; of wool, 2235 pounds ; of pork, 4995 
pounds; of butter, 32,620 pounds; of dried fruits, 153 
pounds ; of cider, 8 barrels ; and of maple-sugar, 800 
pounds. Taking into consideration the area of improved 
lands as compared with the other towns of the county. Forest 
takes high rank in the quMiility of its productions. 

The census iuither informs us that the town has 22,942 
acres of taxable lands, of which 4442 acres are improved 
and 90 acres are used by the railroad as right of way and 
for depot grounds. One hundred and seventy-eight acres 
were at that time devoted to orchards, and furnished a pro- 
duct, in 1872, of 2287 bushels, and in 1873 of 1958 
bu.shels of apples. 

The stock then kept was classified as follows : horses, 
230; mules, 6 ; work-oxen, 106; milch cows, 321 ; other 
cattle, 351 ; swine, 403 ; sheep, 790. 

The .surface of the land is usually lightly rolling in its 
nature, though in some parts it becomes a little more un- 
even, and rises in low hills. In the south part of the town 
lies what is known as Comjiton Hill, which is the point 
rising highest above the surrounding surface. Probably 
the most elevated part of the town is the northern portion. 
Commencing with the lakes, near Otisville, a strip of terri- 
tory made up of alternating knolls and mar.shes runs in 
each direction, reaching nearly across the town from north 
to south. 

There are quite a number of small lakes scattered about 
the town. At Otisville a cluster of them, seven in number, 
lies south and cast of the village. It is supposed that origi- 
nally these were all united in one body of water, but that 
the changes in the streams, the decreased rainfall caused by 
the clearing up of the forests, and the accumulation of de- 
cayed vegetation, have lowered the surface of the water, and 
built bars and marshes that now separate them one from 
another. Two others of these lakes are found one and a 
half miles west of Otisville, one on section 20, and one on 
section 29. Another, known as Crawford's Lake, is located 
in the south part of section 24. Near the northeast corner 
a small portion of Otter Lake extends into this town. 
These lakes are all of the same general character, having an 
average depth of some thirty or forty feet, and a sandy or 
muddy bottom. The shores in some places are bold, and 
iu others more or less marshy. These lakes were formerly 
abundantly supplied with fish of various kinds, and, though 
somewhat depicted by unseasonable and unsportsmanlike 
fi.shing, still furnish a fine field for sport to the lover of the 
piscatorial art. 

The principal stream of the town is the outlet of Otter 
Lake, which flows across the town diagonally, in a south- 
west course, entering Thetford near the west quarter line of 



426 



IllSTOKY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



section ?>1, ;inJ is a tributary of Flint River. Its sliores 
were originally covered along its wliole course with a heavy 
growth of buttcrnut-trccs, which fact gave it the name of 
Butternut Creek, a name which it still bears. It receives 
the waters of a few tributary streams, the largest one being 
the outlet of the Otisville lakes. 

The present population of the town is undoubtedly some- 
what greater than it was in 1874, when the ceusus showed 
that it was 1805. Of this number, 732 were males, and 
033 were females. In classes arranged according to age, 
the statistics were as follows: under five years of age, 113 
males and 95 females ; from five to ten years, 100 males and 
115 females; from ten to twenty-one years, 1G5 males, and 
from ten to eighteen years, 101 females; from twenty-one 
to forty-five years, 262 males, and from eighteen to forty 
years, 229 females ; from forty-five to seventy-five years, 
90 males, and from forty to seventy-five years, 89 females ; 
from seventy-five to ninety years, 2 males and 4 females. 
Of the.se, 787 were single, 548 married, and 30 widowed 

or divorced. 

SETTLEMENT. 

Until the year 1837 no white person resided in the town 
of Forest. The foot of the Indian brave, or the white 
trapper and hunter and an occasional trader, had alone 
trod the mazes of its dense forests. The winds of heaven 
had swept the towering pines and struck from their yield- 
ing branches that soft, sweet, weird music, like the sound 
of distant waters washing on pebbly shores ; the tempests 
had run their powerful and destructive course, swaying the 
monarehs of the woods, twisting off weak limbs, and occa- 
sionally overthrowing the body of some less deeply rooted 
tree, leaving its prostrate trunk prone upon the earth, to 
tell of its fallen glory, and testify of the tempest's power. 
The animals of the forest had roamed its fastnesses in pur- 
suit of their prey, or lain securely in their hidden lairs al- 
most entirely unmolested by the hand of civilized man. But 
all this was to be changed. The mighty forest must fall 
before the sturdy strokes of the pioneer's axe, and be re- 
placed by verdant meadows, fertile fields, and fruitful 
orchards ; the wild and virgin soil must be broken up and 
made to yield of its strength to produce the food of man ; 
the wild beasts must feel the power and learn the strength 
of that decree which made man ruler over all living tjiings. 
And now the first step in this revolution was to be made, 
the first experiment of the hardships of pioneer life to be 
undergone, in order that these good results might be brought 
about. 

The first settler iu this town was Henry Ileister, who 
came here from Livingston Co., Mich., early in the spring 
of 1837, bringing with him his family, consisting of his 
wife and three children. He was, as his name indicates, de- 
scended from a Dutch family, and is believed to have come 
to this State from some of the counties in Southern Pennsyl- 
vania. In person he was tall and of large frame, but, from 
some inherent weakness of his constitution, was rather sickly, 
and incapacitated for the proper performance of the almost 
herculean tasks necessarily falling to the lot of the pioneer. 
Selecting as his future home the southwest quarter of section 
19, he erected a small log house, some 18 by 24 feet, on the 
bank of Butternut Creek, near the southeast corner of his 



land. Here he remained for a few years, and then, having 
an opportunity to excliange his farm for one much better 
improved in the town of Genesee, he sold out his interests 
licre and moved there, remaining a resident of the town till 
the time of his death, which occurred many years ago. 
While living in this town he liad a son born, whose birth 
was among the earliest in the township. Indeed, it was 
sometimes claimed that his was the first birth among the 
settlers. Apropos of this, it is related that on one occasion 
Mrs. Hcister, in conversing with a physician somewhat 
noted for his rather rough manner of speech, referred to the 
fact that " George was the first while child born in Forest." 
Now, George's complexion was a little dark, and this fact 
caused the doctor, who was quite a joker, to retort, " timl 
not so very il — d ichilc cither." For about two months the 
Ileisters were the only white residents of the town. Then 
the Smith family came. 

While we would not dare to venture upon the work of 
giving even the most cursory history of the Smith family 
in its numerous branches and multitude of persons, and 
while that is not necessary for the purposes involved in this 
work, still it will not be entirely out of place to mention a 
few facts relating to the genealogy of this, the second fam- 
ily settling in this town. The head of this family was 
Nathaniel Smith, who was the fifth child and youngest son 
of William Smith, who was the third son of Nathaniel 
Smith, Sr., a native of Sufiield, Conn,, born in 1751, who 
settled in Vermont, near Pawlet, when about twenty-five 
yeai-s of age. This branch of the Smith family is descended 
from the Rev. Henry Smith, one of the Puritan settlers of 
Connecticut, who is supposed to have landed iu this country 
in 1G39, and was the first settled minister of the church at 
Wethersfield, Conn. William Smith married Mary John- 
son at New Marlboro', Mass., settled first at Rupert, and 
afterwards — about 1784 — at Orwell, Vt. His son Nathan- 
iel was married to his cousin, Sarah Royse, and continued 
to live at Orwell for a time. From there they removed to 
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Some years later, having become 
somewhat involved by business disasters, he determined to 
move his family to Michigan, hoping in that new and unde- 
veloped country to retrieve his fortunes, build up a home, 
and secure a competency for his family. His first settle- 
ment in this State was made in the town of Troy, Oakland 
Co., where he lived for several years. In the summer of 
1837 he came to this town, and with his sons — Vandorus, 
William K., and Carlton M. — entered lands on the adjoin- 
ing four corners of sections 27, 28, 33, and 34, which 
locality received and still retains the name of Smith Hill, 
though it is but slightly elevated above the surrouuding 
surface. 

In June, 5Ir. Smith, with his wife, one son, and one 
daughter, lefl their home in Troy and came to Forest, by 
way of Flint and the Stanley settlement, and followed the 
road made by Mr. Ilicster until they reached his cabin. 
The fiimily remained there two days, while the men were 
selecting a route for a road to reach their land, and then 
the march was resumed. Mr. Smith went ahead with his 
axe, cutting off all the young saplings that stood in the 
way, his son-in law, W^alter Johnson, drove the team, and 
his son, William R., drove the cows they had brought with 



FOllEST TOWNSHIP. 



427 



them. Tlie road wound about through the woods in a 
very eccentric manner, in order to avoid the large trees and 
the largest log.?, and the wagon pitched, rolled, and tumbled 
about, a.s it passed along the rudo thoroughrarc, in a manner 
that sometimes grew aluio.'t alarming. The journey of four 
miles occupied the whole of one day, and at its close the 
party — having built a fire, cooked and eaten their supper — 
unhitched the cattle and turned them out to graze, .strctolied 
themselves out to sleep, wearied and worn b}' the toils and 
exertions of the day. Work was at once begun on a log 
house, which was soon ready for occupancy. It was built 
of unhewn logs, had a floor made of pine logs split, edged, 
and hewn to some degree of smoothness on the upper side, 
and a roof of elm-bark. The three men did the work alone, 
with the exception of putting on a few of the top logs, in 
which they were assisted by a wandering Indian who hap- 
pened along and volunteered his services. There was but 
one window, and in this was placed a sash that had been 
provided for the purpose before leaving I'ontiac. The 
building completed, Johnson and William Smith returned 
to their homes in Oakland County, leaving Mr. Smith to 
devote himself to the task of clearing and cultivating his 
land. This house .served the family as a place of residence 
for about five years, — having the bark roof replaced by a 
shake roof in the interval, — and was then exchanged for a 
larger and more pretentious log house. 

In the fall of that same year, Vandorus, William R., 
and Carlton J!. Smith, with their respective families, came 
from Oakland County, and settled on the lands they had 
taken up; and in February following (1838), Walter 
Johnson and his family came and settled near the town-line, 
in section 34, on 40 acres of land he had puichased of his 
father-in-law. To protect himself against the claims of his 
p]astern creditors, all the lands belonging to Nathaniel 
Smith had been entered in the name of his son Vandorus. 
The new-comers at once erected log dwellings, and quite a 
settlement sprang up at Smith Hill, there being four houses 
within a stone's throw of each other at the corners. 

The Smiths seem to have been endowed by nature with a 
roving disposition, and, as will be seen, this was in some way 
communicated to the son-in-law as well. Nathaniel Smith 
was a man of a religious turn of mind, steady and indus- 
trious habits, and upright, straightforward, irreproachable 
character. His religious principles caused him to affiliate 
himself with the Baptist denomination, but there being no 
church of that denomination here he united with the Prot- 
estant Methodist class (of which his last wife was a mem- 
ber) some time before his death. About nine years after 
his settling here he sold out to his son Vandorus and went 
to Indiana, intending to settle there, but, on account of 
there being so much sickness there, remained only a few 
weeks before he returned to Michigan and settled in the 
town of Highland, Oakland Co. Early in the winter of 
1847-48 he returned to this town, and lived at SniilJi 
Hill. In Jlay of that year his wife died. His second 
wife was a Mrs. Fuller, and his third wife (who survives 
him) was a Mrs. Liiaucb. He died Feb. 1, 18G1, at the 
age of .seventy-two years. Of his family of four sons and 
four dauglitei-s, but one — Henry — is now living in Forest. 

Vandorus Smith was born in 1813. Alter living in 



this town about eight years he removed to the State of 
New York, and settled near Lockport, where his wife's 
relatives lived. In 1848 he came again to Forest, and, 
remaining about five years, once more returned to Lockport. 
In 1807 he settled at Flint, in 187G he removed to Clayton, 
and in 1879 returned to Flint, where he now resides. He 
had five children, only two of whom lived to maturity. One 
of these, a son named Horace, went to the Lake Superior 
mining regions, was employed on a railroad there, and w;w 
killed by falling between the cars. The other child, a 
daughter, Mrs. Jeanette Adams, is now living in Clayton. 

William R. Smith partook less of the movable nature 
than the rest of the family, because his second wife, Sarah 
Begel, was opposed to a migratory life. With the excep- 
tion of one year .spent at Royal Oak, Oakland Co., about 
the year 1840, he remained a resident of this town until 
his death, Nov. 29, 1866. He married Patience Johnson, 
of Oakland County, and they had one child at the time of 
their settlement in this town. While living in Ri)yal Oak 
his wife died, and, returning here, he married Sarah, a 
daughter of Stephen Begel, by whom he had three children, 
only two of them living to maturity. His son by his first 
wife was named Charles. He enlisted in the Union army 
during the Rebellion, and died, of disease, in the service. 
His children by his second wife were Calvin and ]\rartha. 
The former is dead. The latter married William II. Begel, 
and lives in this town a mile south of Otisville. William 
R. Smith was a man respected and beloved bj' his neigh- 
bors and friends. They placed the utmost confidence in his 
strict integrity of character, and it was never betrayed. 
As an instance illustrative of this we cite the following 
incident : He was treasurer of the town for several years. 
Being rather illiterate, — school privileges not being as abun- 
dant in his youth as at the present day, — he was in a meas-- 
urc dependent upon others to get his accounts into proper 
shape for settlement with the town board. On one such occa- 
sion the officers had got the accounts made out to tlieir sat- 
isfaction, when he refused to accept it as correct, saying, "/ 
hdvc licciifi/ doUnrs here llnil does not helong to me. It must 
belong to the totcii." The accounts were gone over repeatedly, 
but the error was not discovered. Still be persisted in his 
a.sscrtion that the money was not his, that it belonged to 
the town, and insisted on its being so reported, which was 
finally done. He was a religious man, conscientious and 
consistent in his walk and conversation, and belonged to the 
Protestant Methodist Church. He also, at one time, was a 
member of the Christian Church. 

Carlton M. Smith remained a resident of Forest about 
six months, and then returned to Oakland County, settling 
in Royal Oak. Two years later he returned to this town, 
remained a year, and again returned to Royal Oak, where 
he lived until about fifteen years ago, when he removed to 
the town of Clayton, where now resides. 

Walter Johnson married Caroline, daughter of Nathaniel 
Smith, while the family was living in Oakland County, 
and removed to this town as before stated. The history of 
his life shows him to have been of a very restless, uneasy 
disposition, and few, if any, have ever changed their place 
of residence so IVeiiuently as did ho. He lived in Forest 
.some six or seven years, and then removed to Indiana. 



428 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



A year and a lialf later ho loft that State and settled in 
Iliiihlaiid, Oakland Co. Lived there one year and then 
returned to Forest. In 1852 he again moved to Indiana ; 
from there to Wi.seonsin, near Milwaukee; and from there 
to Beaver Island, near Grand Traverse. Some time after, 
he returned to Forest and lived in Otisville three or four 
years. During tliis time his wife died, and he went again 
to Indiana, and from there to Beaver Island. After a year's 
absence he again appeared in Otisville, and lived there till 
his death, which occurred in November, 1870. He en- 
joyed the distinction of having cast the first Whig vote in 
the township now known as Forest, at that time a part of 
the town of Richfield. It was at the Presidential election 
of 1840. The election was held two days, one at Richfield 
Centre and one at Otisville (as the places are now known), 
and Mr. Johnson cast his ballot for "old Tippecanoe" on 
the last day. All the other residents of the township at that 
time (some twelve in number) were Democrats, and depos- 
ited their votes for " Little Van," who consequently had a 
large majority in this town. Mr. Johnson's first child was 
a daughter, named Electa J., who was born about the 
month of August, 1838, and was the first white child 
born in the town. From the somewhat roving life led by 
her parents, she may be said in a manner to have grown 
up on the road. She married a man named Van Wert, 
who is supposed to have perished in an accident on a rail- 
road, and subsequently joined her fortunes with and as- 
sumed the name of Mr. Flavlus Smith. She is at present 
living in Detroit. 

Next after the Smith family came the Begcl family, from 
the town of Howard, Steuben Co., N. Y. The head of the 
family was Stephen Begel, a native of Rensselaer Co., N. Y. 
At the time of his removal to this State, he had recently 
married for his second wife a widow lady, Mrs. Phoebe 
Beach. By his first wife he had nine children, and Mrs. 
Beach had four, so that the united family numbered thir- 
teen children. They loft Howard in two wagons, one drawn 
by two yokes of oxen and the other by a span of horses. 
They also brought two cows with them. One of his chil- 
dren, his eldest son, Amos, was married and brought a wife 
and one son with him. The route they traveled was by 
way of Buffalo, tlirough Canada to Detroit, where they 
crossed the river and first set foot on the soil of the State 
they had selected for their future homes. Leaving Detroit 
they traveled twenty miles to Birmingham, where Ira 
Begel, a nephew of Stephen, was living. The family 
stopped there while Stephen and Amos came on, selected 
their locations, returned to the land-office, and entered 
their land, which consisted of 200 acres, on sections 21 and 
28, near the present site of the village of Otisville. They 
then made preparations for getting settled on the land they 
had selected. It was decided that only part of the family 
should go on at first, and Stephen, Amos, Luther, Sarah, and 
Ann Bogcl were chosen to make the journey. Uriah Beach, 
Stephen's step-son, and two hired men, Lorenzo Begel 
and one familiarly known as " Old Charley," but whose 
name is not now remembered, completed the party. They 
followed the route ojiened by Iliestor and Smith until they 
reached Iliester's house. From that place they had to cut 
their own road, and found it a tedious and exhausting job. 



They arrived at their destination at the close of the day, on 
the 7th of August, 1837. Turning the cattle into the 
woods to graze and browse, they pitched a canvas tent they 
had brought with them, and, after cooking and eating their 
suppers, resigned themselves to sleep, forgetting in secret 
slumber the thousand worries and the wearying tasks of the 
day. In the morning the bells of the cattle were not hoard, 
and a hasty search failed to find any trace of them. Lu- 
ther was sent back along the road they had traveled to see 
if their tracks could be discovered in the mud whore, in 
coming, they had crossed a swampy place, but was unsuc- 
cessful in finding any signs. While in a quandary regard- 
ing the proper thing to do next, the party were surprised 
at receiving a morning call from Nathaniel Smith and his 
daughter Mercy, then a girl of eleven years. Mr. Smith 
had heard the sound of cow-bells in the woods, and, expect- 
ing Mr. Begel's people about that time, had come through 
the woods to see if his neighbors had arrived. From his 
report it was certain that the cattle had gone south, and 
search was instituted in that direction, as without them the 
work of building could progress but slowly. It was two 
weeks before the cattle were recovered. They went south 
to the Flint River, and followed the course of that stream 
till they were found about four miles from Flint by some 
men who were drawing a load to the mill of Draper & 
Withcrbee, in Genesee. They unhitched their own oxen, 
yoked the estrays to the load, and drove them to the mill. 
Mr. Witherbee had heard of Begel's loss and sent him word 
where his cattle could be found. After the cattle were re- 
covered the work of building progressed more rapidly. It 
was, however, nearly a month later before the hou.se was 
ready for occupancy, and even then it had no floor. The 
door was made from a pine board purchased in Flint for 
that purpose. The house, which was the third erected in 
Forest and the first one in Otisville, stood on the north side 
of the outlet of the lakes, a few rods west of the State road. 
The log house afterwards built by Mr. Begel on the same 
site is still standing on the lot owned by William Simmons, 
and was u.sed as a dwelling until the fall of 1878. While 
the first log house was building the family remained in 
camp (about one half-mile south of Otisville), which, con- 
sidering the warmth of the season, was not very disagreea- 
ble. They were not molested by wild beasts, though sev- 
eral times some of them were heard prowling about the 
camp, and one, approaching closely in a thicket, was fired 
upon, and vanished with a terrifying shriek, leaving the 
pioneers in doubt as to its nature and power to do them 
harm. 

As soon as the house was ready the rest of the family 
were sent for and came on, following the same route passed 
over by the others. Work on the clearing was then pushed 
forward with all possible vigor, to get some ground ready 
for crops. During the fall Amos built a log house on his 
land on section 21, and moved his family there from the 
somewhat crowded house of his father, where twenty per- 
sons had been domiciled during the time that had thus 
elapsed. 

Stephen Begel was a plain, unpretending, practical farmer, 
and devoted his life to the pursuit of that industry. Of 
the lands he entered he cleared about one-third (a little more 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



429 



than 50 acres). Ilis habits were frugal and industrious and 
he was of a religious turn of mind. Ho enjoyed the re- 
spcet and fricnd.ship of all who knew him, and his death, 
which occurred Feb. 11, 1852, caused heartfelt sorrow in 
the breasts of his numerous friends and acquaintances. 
His family consisted of fourteen children, six sons and 
eight daughters. Nine of them are still living. They are 
Luther and John R. Begol and Mrs. Nancy Clapp, of For- 
est ; Almon Begel, of Pine Run ; Mrs. Eliza Valentine, of 
Mount Morris; Mrs. Phoebe Richmond, of North Branch, 
Lapeer Co. ; Leonard Begcl, of Jackson ; Calvin Begel, 
living in Indiana ; and Mrs. Clarissa Conipton, living in 
Minnesota. 

From the fact that Stephen Begel's family, at the time 
of his settlement here, comprised among its members five 
marriageable daughters, it may be inferred that, as other 
settlers began to make homes in this locality, Mr. Begel's 
family came to be very popular and influential, especially 
among the young men. It is stated that soon after his 
first house was finished he built another small building clo.se 
by, which was used as a kitchen. Overhead in this build- 
ing he stowed away a lot of pine staves he had worked out 
for the purpose of making some sap-buckets, thinking they 
would get thoroughly seasoned there before he wanted to use 
them. Now the girls (so difiercnt from the girls of today) 
thought that this isolated building was a much nicer place 
in which to entertain their beaux than the log house where 
the rest of the family were sitting, and used frequently, nay, 
almost invariably, to retire thither with them. The woods 
at this period were full of bears and wolves, and it required 
a good stock of courage on the part of the " sighing swains" 
to enable them to tempt the terrors and dangers of the for- 
est, even in the laudable endeavor to win the affections of the 
bright-eyed beauties who had captured their hearts. So to 
fortify their sometimes failing courage, to protect themselves 
from the dangers of the forest, and to light them along the 
dark and gloomy way, tiiey often carried torches. It did 
not take them very long to discover Mr. Begel's stock of 
b-taves, nor to learn by experience their utility as torches. 
It is said the old gentleman remonstrated strongly against 
this misapplication of the fruits of his toil ; but his most 
earnest remonstrances failed cither to save his staves or to 
frighten away the beaux. 

Amos Begel died in this town Nov. 28, 1864, aged sixty 
years. His first wife, Pha?be, died June 20, 1855 ; his 
second wife, Mary, June IG, 1850 ; and his third wife still 
survives him, residing in this town, as does one of his daugh- 
tei-s, Mrs. Dolly Graham. 

Late in the fall of 18:50, Matthew McCormick, an Irish 
emigrant, who had for some lime been living in Washtenaw 
County, took up his residence in Forest, locating his first 
hou.se, which was the third in the vicinity of Otisville, on 
the northeast quarter of the northwest (|uarter of .section 
28, about 40 rods west of the present residence of Mrs. C. 
E. Osborne. He was .accompanied by his mother (Mrs. 
Jenny McCormick) and his wife. Their first child was a 
son, John H., and he was the .second white child and the 
first male white child hoin In Forest. He was born in 1840, 
removed with his parents, and a few years since again took 
up his residence in Forest, at Otisville, where he is now 



living, engaged in the milling business. The McCormicks 
remained here about six years, and then removed to Flint. 
After living in several different places they finally settled in 
Davison, where Matthew is still living. His mother died 
in Grovelaiid, Oakland Co., about 1S5G. 

The next settler was Stephen J. Seeley, who, with his 
wife and five sons, settled in this town in July, 1841. A 
daughter, wife of II. G. Conger, remained in Genesee. 
They came from Gallatin Co., Ky., in the fall of 183(5, and 
lived in Pontiae until February, 1838, when they moved to 
the town of Genesee, and settled on Kcar.slcy Creek, where 
two of the sons, Chaunccy W. and Judson, lijid purchased 
an interest in a lumber-mill. From that place they came 
to Forest, and engaged in the business of agriculture. 

Stephen J. Seeley was a man of fair education, good nat- 
ural abilities, and had acquired a considerable knowledge of 
the law from a somewhat extensive course of reading. He 
was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 184C, and 
served in that capacity nearly a score of years, doing most 
of the legal business of the town during that time. lie 
also served as clerk of the town for several years, besides 
holding other town offices. His wife died on the 19th of 
January, ISGO, and he survived her a little more than two 
years, — till the 18th of IMay, 1871, — when he, too, crossed 
the bounds of time and entered the eternity that lies be- 
yond. His age was eighty-three years. Of his children 
three are still living in Forest. They are Chauncey W.,* 
Judson, and Norris Seeley, and arc all engaged in farming. 
Chauncey W., who married Mary A. Dickinson, of Rich- 
field, in 1844, lives on the homestead, where he has re- 
cently erected a fine brick dwelling. Another son, Alanson 
A., was killed in a saw-mill in February, 18(50. His cloth- 
ing got caught and drew him into the machinery. He lived 
about two hours after the accident occurred. 

The next settler was John Nixon, who located on section 
25, and about the same time Harvey Perkins, of Oakland 
County, attempted to settle on SO acres of land he had 
located on .section 11. He came by way of the Territorial 
road through Lapeer to Marathon, and from there cut a 
road some four or five miles through the woods to his land. 
He had cut some timber and got the body of a log aibin 
rolled up, but for some reason gave up his project and re- 
turned to his former home. 

John Crawford was the next settler. He was of Scotch- 
Irish extraction, being a native of County Antrim, Ireland. 
In 1827 he married Jane McCullough, and in 1830, with 
her and two children, emigrated to this country. On the 
voyage, when near Quebec, the youngest child, Mary, a 
babe of four months, died, and was buried at Quebec. Mr. 
Crawfind came up the river and settled in Oswegatchie, St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., where he engaged in farming. IJeing 
dissatisfied with hi.» progress there, and thinking he should 
be able to better himself by coming West, he, in 183:5^ 
brought his family to Ypsilanti, and hired a farm of Mr. 
Gibbs, in the town of Pittsfield, which he worked on shares 
for scveial years. In 1837 he entered the west half of the 
southwest (juarter of section 24 in this town, and in April, 

* Since this bictory wus prepared Chnuneoy W. Scelcy h«» prwsed 
rioin life, llin death wiis very sudden, heiiig eaused l)y disease of Ihe 
heiirt, mid o'eiiricd iit lii« h"me i» Ki>re»l, on llie lolii uf August, 187'J. 



430 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



1842, moved his family to it, and began the work of clear- 
ing. At this time his family consisted of eight sons and 
two daughters. Mr. Crawford continued to reside on that 
place until about eighteen years ago. After clearing about 
20 acres of it, he bought a 40-acre lot on section 25, and 
cleared 30 acres of that. In 18G1 he exchanged with his 
brother David for the farm on section 22, where he now re- 
sides. His wife is also .still living, and they are enjoying 
on their pleasant farm, in their good old age, the comforts 
so well earned by the privations and toil of their younger 
days. The family of ten children are all living, and are 
residents of this town with the exception of William, who 
resides at Alpena, in this State. 

pjamcs Crawford, John's father, came to this town in 
1844, from Pittsfield, Washtenaw Co., where he had lived 
for about three years after coming to this country. His 
family consisted of his wife, two sons, and one daughter. 
They settled on section 24. James died there about the 
year 1858, and his wife about a year later. Of his chil- 
dren, William, and Mrs. Betty, wife of William Davidson, 
are still residents of this town, and David lives in Flint. 
William has been quite prominent in town matters, and has 
served a good many terms as clerk of the town, besides 
holding other town offices. 

Jeremiah Olds came from Wayne Co., N. Y., in 1844, 
and purchased a new farm on section 35. 

William II. Dimond, from Canada, .settled on section 18 
in 1845, and has there made himself a nice, comfortable 
home. 

John II. Fry, also from Canada, settled on a new form 
on section 7 a few years later. He still lives on the place 
which ho has cleared and improved, enjoying the reward 
for his toil and privations. 

John Darling settled, in 1852, on section IS, coming to 
this town from Jlacomb Co., Mich. 

Quartus W. Clapp, now a resident of this town, first 
settled in Thetford, in 1840, on section 20. He was from 
Genesee Co., N. Y. 

During the first years of the settlement the pioneers 
were called upon to do and suffer to a degree that would 
astonish the citizen of to-day were the same lot awarded 
him. The heavy timber had to be felled and burned before 
any crops could be raised, and it often occurred that the 
stock of provisions ran low, and had to be eked out with 
wild fruits and herbs until more could be brought from the 
distant market. And not only was the market distant, but 
often almost beyond reach because of the horrible condition 
of the roads, which storms and heavy loads had made prac- 
tically impassable. Sometimes in going to mill, a distance 
of twenty to fifty miles, from three days to a week's time 
would be taken up in the journey. On one occasion Mat- 
thew McCormick and Amos Begel started early in the 
morning with Stephen Begel's wagon, drawn by two yokes 
of oxen, and loaded with ton bushels of wheat. The 
ground was frozen sufficiently to form a crust, but when the 
w;igon would reach a raud-holo this would break, and 
down into the mud would go the wiiecls. Then the bags 
would have to be taken out, and the wheels pried uji till the 
slough was passed, when the bags would be reloaded and 
the wagon proceed till another mishap would causf the same 



proceeding to be gone through with again. In this way 
the journey progres.sed through the day, and the foiling 
shades of night found them still onlij about four miles from 

IlolllC. 

During times of scarcity it would often happen that the 
only food to be had would be pounded corn (or samp) and 
potatoes, sometimes only potatoes and salt, and once in a 
great while potatoes without salt. The finest of the pounded 
corn-meal would be sifted out and made into '"johnny- 
cake," and the coarser part was boiled into a sort of mu.sh 
and eaten in milk. Many incidents connected with such 
experiences are vividly remembered by those who partici- 
pated in the events, but the present generation can never 
i'ully appreciate the disadvantages under which their fathers 
labored before the railroads and telegraphs, postal facilities 
and improved roads, brought the frontier and the centres of 
trade into such near contact. 

The settlers, too, had to contend with many enemies. 
Wolves, bears, wildcats, hawks, snakes, and mice were some 
of their foes, and none of them to be ignored or despised. 
JIany losses of stock occurred, especially among sheep, cows, 
and calves. On one occasion a large bear entered the clear- 
ing of Mr. John Crawford, and going to the pig-pen, where 
were a sow and a litter of young pigs, took the former and 
started for the woods. In spite of the struggles of the pig 
and the fierce and continued attack of two dogs, the bear 
succeeded in escaping into the forest with his prey. Even 
down to within a very few years occasionally a wolf or bear 
would be seen, but they have not for a number of years 
been here in sufficient numbers to do any particular damage. 

For the space of fifteen years after the first .settler entered 
the town its growth in population was slow, and the only 
business carried on was farming, except in the wintertime, 
when the farmers would cut a few logs, a lot of stave-bolts, 
or a quantity of shingles, and run them into market, gener- 
ally selling them at Flint, but sometimes at Saginaw. As 
has been said, a large part of the land, especially that consti- 
tuting the best pine land, had been taken up by speculators, 
and yet this was not done to any great extent until about 
1845-50, when the trade in Michigan pine lumber began 
its growth, and persons having capital to invest began to 
purchase these lands as offering fine chances for nioney- 
makin"-. A reference to the list of entries will show who 

o 

these persons were. 

In the spring of 1851, John Hayes, of Cleveland, Ohio, 
entered 80 acres of land on section 28, which now forms the 
southeast part of the settled portion of the village of Otis- 
ville. He had selected this land because it adjoined the 
lakes and furnished an eligible site for a lumber-mill. One 
James McGinnis was associated with Hayes in the enter- 
prise, but is not believed to have been pecuniarily interested. 
They commenced to build a large saw-mill in June, 1851, 
and completed it in October. They cut considerable Inni- 
ber that winter and spring. This mill, the first one in the 
town, stood opposite the present grist-mill, just south of the 
outlets of the lakes. It was run by steam-power, the engine 
and machinery being placed in position and put in operation 
under the supervision of John P. Hamilton, who was em- 
jiloyed to come here for that purpose. The capacity of this 
mill was then about 10,000 feet per day. 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



431 



The following year the mill became the property of 
Francis W. Otis, of Cleveland, and was operated under the 
management of Lyman Crowl, and shortly after the capacity 
of the mill was enlarged to an average of 25,000 feet per 
day. This mill, then owned by Wm. A. Otis & Bros., 
was burned about the 1st of July, 18G;5, was rebuilt by 
them, and again commenced operations in the spring of 
1864. 

The decade succeeding ISGO witnessed the erection of 
numerous saw-mills in different parts of the town, and at 
one time, about ten or twelve years ago, nearly or <(uite a 
dozen mills were in operation in Fore!>t. We have not the 
facts at hand for a full, detailed sketch of these mills, but 
mention some of them in the order of their erection, as 
nearly as may be. 

The Seeley mill was built by Alanson A. Secley on the 
Seeley farm, and was operated several years. 

Tlie Crawford mill was built on the south shore of Craw- 
ford Lake, by Jame.s and William Crawford, in 1862. Its 
capacity wjis about 8000 feat per day, and it also cut some 
shingles. It was operated by II. Wolf, and afterwards by 
George Freeman. 

In 1864, Ira S. Bcgcl built a saw-mill on the east side 
of the bridge between the lakes, oi)posite the present site 
of the Lake House. It was afterwards sold to Mr. Grif- 
fith. 

McCrary & Ivory, in 1865, built a mill in the south part 
of section 28, and operated it about three years. It was a 
portable mill, having a capacity fir cutting 25,000 feet per 
day. 

In the same year David Ilinkle built a mill on section 17, 
which was subsequently moved to section 'J. It was also a 
portable mill, and had facilities for cutting about 8000 feet 
per day. 

During this same year Mr. Griffith built a frame mill on 
lands of E. F. Weeks, on section 29. It had a capacity of 
15,000 feet per day, and a year after it was built passed 
into the hands of Mr. Weeks. It was run about four years 
in all. 

In 1806, William and Farwell Wilson erected a mill on 
section 17, with a capacity for cutting 10,000 feet per day. 
It was operated about three years. 

The same year JIcLanc Brothers, of Pine Hun, built a 
mill on section 5. Its capacity was about 8000 feet per 
day. In 18G7 it was sold to J. W. Begole, of Flint, was 
operated by him about two years, and then burned. It was 
rebuilt and run as a shingle-mill for about one year. 

In 1867 a Mr. Hughes, of Jlount Morris, put up a mill 
near the northwest corner of section 24. Its capacity was 
about 15,000 feet par day. A couple of years later it 
burned, and was rebuilt and used another .season. 

Ira S. Begel also built a mill that same season (1867). 
It stood just on the lake-shore, a little southeast from the 
Lake House. It was burned two or three years later. 

Most of these mills were used for a brief term of years, 
until the pine timber conveniently near them was used uj), 
and Were then dismantled, and the machinery moved farther 
north into the pineries. There were also several shingle- 
mills in the town at different (inies. But the oidy mill 
now in operation is the succes.sorof the first one built, now 



known as the Hunton mill. In 186G this mill wiis owned 
by Otis & Crocker, to whom it had been transferred by 
AVilliam A. Otis & Bros. Up to that time it had not cut 
probably to exceed 5,000,000 feet of lumber. It was then 
sold to AVceks, Ilunton & Co. (the firm being composed of 
E. F. Weck.s, Wellington Hunton, George E. Hunton, and 
Albert K. Hunton). The Otises had purchased altogether 
about 5000 acres of land in this town, and sold to their 
successors 4200 acres on which the pine had not been 
touched. The new firm operated the mill one season at 
the old place, and then removed it to Butternut Creek, on 
section 16, where they built a dam across the creek and 
made a large pond in which to float their logs to the mill. 
In February. 1872, the mill was destroyed by fire. It was 
immediately rebuilt, and its cajiacity increased by the addi- 
tion of more machinery, and it began work in May of that 
yeai-. The cost of rebuilding was about §26,000. In 
May, 1873, Mr. Weeks and Wellington Ilunton sold ilieir 
interests to the other partners, who continued the business 
under the name of Hunton Bros., until November, 1875, 
when A. K. Hunton became sole proprietor, and has since 
that time so continued. The mill now has a capacity for 
cutting 70,000 feet of lumber, 50,000 .shingles, and 15,000 
lath daily. lis annual product will average about 6,000,000 
feet of lumber, 4,000,000 shingles, and about 1,500,000 of 
lath. The machinery usid consi.sls of two circulai-saws, 
two shingle-machines, and one lath-mill, and the number of 
hands cmjiloycd is 53. The engine is rated at eighty-five 
lujrse-powcr. 

The pine timber of this town is now nearly all cut. The 
Otter Lake Saw-mill Company have cleared about 1000 acres 
in this town, and have their last lot of logs in the lake now. 
Jlr. Hunton will next winter finish cutting the pine on the 
balance of his land, and then the lumbering for Forest will 
be ended. 

The burning of charcoal for market is also one of the 
branches of business carried on in this town. J. W. Begole 
and George Cummings have four pits or kilns in operation, — 
two of them near Otter Lake, and two a mile southwest, be- 
side the track of the railroad. 

Among the earlier births in this town, aside from those 
already mentioned, were George, son of Henry Ileister ; 
George, son of Amos Begel; and Hugh, son of Daniel 
Cummings. 

The first death was that of Jlrs. Daniel Cummings, which 
occurred soon after her coming here, jirobably about Christ- 
mas of the year 1844. The second death was that of Syl- 
vester Decker, a young man who died of consumption, in 
the spring of 1848. 

According to the best evidence now to be obtained, the 
first wedding in Forest was that of Nelson Valentine and 
Eliza Begel. The second wedding was that of William 
K. Smith and MissSarati Begel, daughter of Stephen Begel. 
Mr. Smith's wife died while they were living at Koyal 
Oak, and after his return here he had paid his addresses 
to Miss Begel with matrimonial intent. Upon the occa- 
sion of iheir wedding he had made a party at his house 
and invited ail the young folks in the vicinity. About a 
dii/.cn had assembled, for the population of the town was 
then very meagre, and were having a merry time, when 



432 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



some one proposed to have a marriage ceremony to enliven 
the occasion. To this all agreed, and Mr. Smith and the 
blushing Sarah took their places, and Nathaniel Smith, 
being the olaest man present, performed the ceremony 
amidst great enthusiasm. The actors in the scene had all 
been chosen with reference to the event, for Nathaniel was 
a justice of the peace, and the company were astonished 
when, after the joke had been fully enjoyed, they were told 
that they had witnessed a bona fide marriage. It proved 
a iiappy one, and both parties lived many years to multiply 
their mutual pleasures and divide their mutual woes. 

The first school-house was built about the year 1845, 
and stood on the west side of the State road, near the 
northeast corner of sectiou 33. It was a small frame 
building, and was known as the Smith school-house. Wil- 
liam R. Smith was the first teacher. In order to obtain 
their proportion of the school-money it was necessary to 
have a school taught for a certain length of time, and Mr. 
Smith, though not an educated man, was the only one 
willing to undertake the task. Anna Johnson, of Mount 
Morris ; Caroline Stanley and Jane Devinuey, of Genesee ; 
Melissa Scott, of Thotford ; and Ruth Bagel and Esther 
Crowell, of Forest, were among the earliest teachers. 

The first frame house in town was erected on his farm by 
W. II. Smith soon after his second marriage, and is yet stand- 
ing, though not occupied as a dwelling for some time past. 

The first blacksmith shop was the one attached to the 
saw-mill of John Hays. James SIcGinnis was the first 
blacksmith who worked in it while the mill was building, 
and a man named Stanley also worked there some. After 
Mr. Crowl was made the agent here, Charles E. Kingsbury 
occupied the shop, and may be said to be the first resident 
blacksmith. 

The first wheat sown in Forest was in the fall of 1837, 
when Henry Hiester, Nathaniel Smith. Stephen Begel, and 
Amos Begel each sowed a small piece. Hiester's contained 
about two acres. 

The Flint River Railroad was built in the summer of 
1872, — work iu this town being commenced in April, — 
and the first regular trains began running about the 15th 
of August. The first agent of the company had charge 
of all the stations on the line, and used to go with the 
train, which stopped at each station long enough to enable 
him to sell tickets, bill freight, and transact the basiness 
connected therewith. His name was T. J. Slafter. The 
agents at Otisville have been T. J. Slafter, W. L. Laing, 
A. F. Blake, F. E. Palmer, and Gilbert R. Chandler, who 
has held the position since September, 1874. 

The town was erected in 1843, in accordance with the 
wishes of its people. In the petition 'no name had been 
mentioned, and the representative sent to have some name 
selected. The name of Paris was presented by Nathaniel 
Smith, was agreed to, and was forwarded to the Legisla- 
ture ; but, upon examination, it was found that this name 
had already been used ; so a facetious member of the House 
said, "As it is all woods, and nobody lives there, I think 
we had better call it Forest," and Forest it was called. 

The first town-meeting, was held at the house of Stephen 
Begel, on the first Monday in April, 1843, and it is said 
there were only 13 voters present. From the fact that the 



records of the town previous to 1801 were so carelessly 
kept that they were, practically, not kept at all, we are left 
very much to imagination to supply points in the civil his- 
tory which recollection leaves unsupplied. So it is that we 
have no record of this first meeting. So far as can be 
ascertained, the following officers were chosen, y'n. : Super- 
visor, Nathaniel Smith ; Town Clerk, Chauncey W. Sceley ; 
Treasurer, Wm. 11. Smith ; Justices of the Peace, John 
Crawford, Nathaniel Smith, William R. Smith, Amos 
Begel; Commissioners of Highways, John Crawford, Na- 
thaniel Smith, Amos Begel; Overseers of the Poor, Amos 
Begel, Nathaniel Smith. 

The following list of officers of the town is necessarily 
very imperfect previous to 1801, but is the best wc have 
been able to make from the data at hand: 



CIVIL LIST OF FOREST. 

SUl'ERVlSOnS. 

■45. Nathaniel Smith. 
John Crawforil. 
49. George AV. Piper. 



1S43- 
1846. 
1847- 
1850- 
1855- 
1857- 
1859. 
1S60. 
1861. 
1862- 



54. John Crawford. 
56, William II. DimonJ. 
58. Lyman Crowl. 
John Crawford. 
John P. Hamilton. 
Charles F. Morse. 
64. George Kced. 



1864. Palvin F. Kellogg (apj.'d). 

1865. Garrett S. Swayze. 
1866-68. George Reed. 
1869. Abel C. Smith. 
1870-74. George Reed. 
1875-76. Matt. T. McCormick. 

1877. George Reed. 

1878. Nathaniel Crawford. 

1879. Abel C. Smith. 



TOWN CLERKfS. 



1843. Chauncey W. Sceley. 

1844. John Taylor. 
1845-46. William Crawford. 
1847-48. Stephen J. Seeley. 
1849-54. William Crawford. 
1855-56. Lyman Crowl. 
1857-60. John P. Hamilton. 

1861. Abel C. Smith. 

1862. Philander B. Taylor. 

1863. E. C. Freeman. 



1864. Anthony D. Burnell. 

1865. Robert B. Shaw. 
18il6-6!l. William H. Begel. 
1870-71. Oscar F. Swift. 
1872-74. William H. Begel. 
1875-76. John W. Nicholson. 

1877. Ozias C. Swift. 

1878. John S. Elwell. 

1879. Allison W. Whipple. 



184.3- 
1845- 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851- 
1855. 
1856- 
1858 

1843; 

1850, 
1853, 
1854, 
1855, 
1858 

1860, 



TOWN TiiE.vsnitKns. 
14. AVilliam R. Smith. 1860-61. Garrett S. Swayze. 

1862-64. Ira S. Sanders. 
1865-G6. Anthony I). Burnell. 
1867-08. Abel C. Smith. 
1869-70. Stephen P. Lee. 
1871-74. James W. Averill. 
1875-76. Ashcr Look. 
1877. Abel C. Smith. 
1878-79. Levi Metz. 



47. Lnn^on Webster. 

William R. Smith. 

William Davison. 

William R. Smith. 
54. Chauncey \V. Sceley. 

William R. Smith. 
-57. Lanson Webster. 
-59. Norris 0. Seelcy. 



186 1, 
1862 



HIOinVAV 

-44. John Crawford. 
Nathaniel Smith. 
Amos Begel. 
William Davison. 
Quai'tus AV. Clapp. 
Amos Bcgcl. 
John R. Kegel. 
David Crawford. 
William Van Slyck. 
Amos Begol. 
John R. Begel. 
Richard A. Gossler. 
William Crawford. 
William Van Slyck. 
Enoch B. Woodman. 
Ransom G. Root. 
John Crawford. 
Levi G. Alexander. 
Wcstel Mudgc. 



COMMISSIONKllS. 

1863. John Crawford (f. t.). 

Lanson AVebster (v.). 

Uriah Beach (appM, died). 
1863-64. AVilliam Van Slyck. 

Salvin F. Kellogg (v.). 

1865. David Crawford. 

1866. Christian E. Osborne. 

1867. AVilliam A'an Slyck. 

1868. William Crawford. 

1869. Thomas Branch. 

1870. AVilliam II. Begel. 

1871. AVilliam Crawford. 

1872. AVilliam Van Slyck. 

1873. AVilliam H. Begel. 

1874. AVilliam Crawford. 
1875-76. Alfred M, Benedict. 
1877. Henry AA'arren. 
1878-79. AVillard P. Ranncy. 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



433 



jrSTlCES OP THE PEACE. 



lS4:i. 



1844. 
1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
18al. 

1852. 

1853. 
1834. 
1855. 



1856. 
1857. 
185S- 
l.Sfil. 
1862. 

1863. 



1843 
1861, 



1862. 
1863, 



1S64. 



I.S65. 
1866. 



1867. 



Amo.s Begfl (I year). 
NathaniL'l Suiitli (2 years). 
Win. R. Smith (.'? years). 
Juhn Crawford (4 years). 
Amos Begol. 
Nathaniel Smith. 
Stepllen J. Seclcy. 
Samuel Shufelt. 
William Davison. 
Amos Begel, 
George W. Piper, 
Stephen J. Seclcy (f. t.). 
Wm. 11. Dimond (v.). 
Wm. H. Dimond (f. t.). 
Wm. Davison (v.). 
No record. 
Samuel Lapham. 
Stephen J. Seeley ff. t.). 
Amoa Begel (3 years). 
E. B. Woodman (2 years). 
Wm. Van Slyck. 
Lyman Crowl. 
60. No record. 
George Reed, 
lliram S. Griswold (f. t.). 
Christian E. Osborne (v.). 
Mark D. Seeley. 

SCHOOL 

■60. No record. 
Mark D. Seeley (f. t.). 
Christian E. Osborne (v.). 
Hiram S. Griswold. 
Mark D. Seeley. 
John Hamill (appt'd). 
N. Crawford (appt'd). 
J. W. Lane (f. t.). 
L. N. Begel (v.). 
William II. Begel.* 
Stephen P. Lee. 
J. W. Lane.t 
William U. Begel (f. t.). 



1864. Salvin F. Kellogg (f. t.). 
Levi G. Alexander (I. v.). 
.lohn Crawford («. v.). 

1865. Garrett S. Swayie. 

1866. Wm. Van Slyck. 

1867. Wm. Davison. 

1868. John Crawford (f. t.). 
Salvin F. Kellogg (v.). 

1869. Nathaniel Crawford. 

1870. Wm. Van Slyck. 

1871. George W. .Mcrriam (f. t.). 
Joseph J. Seymour (v.). 

1872. Eleazer S. Swayzo. 

1873. Fred. G. Shepard (f. t.). 
Nathaniel Crawford (v.). 
Samuel U. Crowl (v.). 

1874. Ale.\ander MoCluo (f. t.). 
Eugene Ostrandcr (v.). 

1875. John S. Elwell (f. t.). 
Nathaniel Crawford (l.v.). 
Salvin F. Kellogg (s. v.). 

1876. Nathaniel Crawford (f. t.). 
Daniel AV. Allen (v.). 

1877. Wm. E. Harris. 

1878. Farmon E. Judson, 

1879. Christian E. Osborne. 



INSPKCTORS. 

1867. Leander Osborne (v.). 

1868. George W. Merriam (f. t.). 
Leander Osborne (v.). 

1869. Samuel P. Lee. 

1870. William H. Begel (f. t.). 
1870-71. Samuel P. Lee (v., f.t.). 

1872. Leander Osborne (f. t.). 
Samuel Davison (v.). 

1873. Thomas W. Averill (f. t.). 
Leander Osborne (v.). 

1874. Samuel II. Crowl. 
1875-78. John Gowdy. 
1879. James B. Jones. 



SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 

1875. John B. Laing. I 1877. William II. Begel. 

1876. Thomas W. Averill. | 1878-79. John B. Laing. 

DRAIN COMMISSIONERS. 



1871. William 11. Begel. 
1872- 73. No record. 

1874. William H. Begel. 

1875. Christian £. Osborne. 



1876. Alfred M. Benedict. 

1877. Andrew Ferris. 
1878-79. No record. 



1843. -Amos Begel. 



OVERSEERS OF THE POOR. 

I 1843. Nathaniel Smith. 



ASSESSORS. 



1865. Lanson Webster. 
William Crawford. 



1866. William Van Slyck. 
John Hamill. 



CONSTAIlLKS.t 

Isaiah Kitchen, lSfil-62 ; Chas. Kingsbury, 1.S61 ; Htirace H. Ranney, 
IHfil-KI: Myron H. Butts, 1861-02: Garrett S. Swayze, 1862; 
Mattlicw ]).ivi.M<n. Andrew Moore, 1863; William Bawling, l."*!):!- 
64; Stephen L. Begel, 1801-68-71; JclTerscm WakcficM, 1.S04; 
William II. Clark, Joseph Heath, John Branch, IS65; John S. 
Decker, 1805-72; Frederick Smith, Mclvin Bccbo, Nathan F. 

» Resigned April 3, 1866. 

t Appointed, rirc Begel, April 9, 1866. 

X No record previous to 1861. 

55 



Olmstead (appt'd), 1866; Alva B. Powelson, 1866-68 ; William 
II. Wilson. 1807; Willard Ranney, 1867-69; Thomas Branch, 
1807-70; Theron Woodruff, 1808: Peter McCluo, 1808-69 ; O.xear 
F. Swift. Charles P. Slack, 1809: Samuel Fuller, ISTO: Abram 
D. Van Gordon, 1S70-79 : James Williams, 1870-75 : Henry Hurd, 
1871; Edward Salisbury, Daniel Stockwell, 1872; Charles Olds, 
1872-73; Frank Branch, Noble IngcU, 1873 ; John T. Alexander, 
1873-76: Jesse Warren, Charles Amy, 1874: .leremiah Osborne, 
1S74-78-79; William Sanford, 1874-76-78; Andrew J. Whaling, 
1875; William W. Burnett, 1875-76; Ozias C. Swift, 1876-77; 
George Webster, Horace Warren, 1877; Robert Becmer, 1877- 
78; William J. Gillett, 1878; Edgar B. Olds, George Uiseock, 
1879. 

In the early years the questions of partisanship did not 
enter to any great extent into the politics of the town. At 
the town -meetings, which were usually held at the house 
of Stephen Begel until the school-house was built, the 
questions considered were those of the fitness of the can- 
didates for the difl'erent office.s, and a union ticket was 
usually formed, which was elected by a unanimous vote, or 
at least without serious opposition. At the general elections 
party lines were more strictly drawn. The town was first 
strongly Democratic, but was afterwards controlled by the 
Free-Soilers, and lastly by the Republicans, who are still 
in the ascendant, and have a majority of about 80 votes. 

Previous to the active commencement of the lumbering 
business the town had but few roads. Paths through the 
woods, following the easiest and most direct route from one 
settlement to another, were the commonest thoroughfares 
opened previous to 1855. In that year the State Legisla- 
ture authorized the laying out of a State road, passing 
through this town from north to south. The act was ap- 
proved Feb. 13, 1855, and the survey was made in that 
year under the supervision of Enos Goodrich and Town- 
send North, commissioners appointed by Governor Kings- 
ley S. Bingham for the purpose of carrying into effect the 
provisions of the act. The survey-bill was filed in the 
town clerk's office, Nov. 20, 1855, and describes the road 
as running north nearly on the section lines, commencing 
at the south corner between sections 33 and 3-t, and leaving 
the town a few rods west of the corner between sections 3 
and 4. 

Two years later, in 1857, a large number of highways 
were laid out by the town commissioners, the surveys being 
made by Julian Bishop, of Grand Blanc. 

The first post-oflSce, and the only one ever established in 
Forest, was brought into existence in the spring or early 
summer of 1855. The people felt the need of better mail 
facilities, and had been petitioning for the appointment of 
different persons, among them Amos Begel, Ira S. Begol, 
and Lyman Crowl, but for some reason the petitions were 
ineffective to accomplish the purpose. At last, through the 
influence of ex-Governor Fenton, E. S. Williams, and Rus- 
sell Bishop, an office was created with John Crawford as 
postmaster. This office was then at his residence on section 
24, and remained there till 1859, when it was removed to 
Oti.sville, and Robert D. Shaw appointed deputy-postmaster 
to take charge of it. He was afterwards postmaster, and 
has been succeeded by George Reed, Ellis S. Swayze, Asher 
Look, and John W. Nicholson, the present incumbent. The 
office was called " Forest" until about 1861, when the name 
was changed to Otisville. It was at first on route No. 



434 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



13,074, running from Lapeer to Pine Run, the mail being 
carried once a week each way by Luther Scott, of Thet- 
ford. It is now supplied with two mails a day by way of 
the Flint River division of the Flint and Pere Marquette 
Railroad. 

Previous to 1858-59 the medical business of this town 
was principally done by two non-resident physicians. They 
were Dr. Congdon, of Marathon, Lapeer Co., and Dr. La- 
mond, of Flint. Lamond was first in the field, but Congdon, 
who commenced practicing about 1856, rather took the lead 
after that time. Among the other physicians were Drs. 
Drake and Willett, of Flint ; Orr and Goodell, of Genesee ; 
and Lathrop, of Pine Run, who was the leading physician 
for several years. The first resident physician was Dr. 
Griswold, who owned a farm about two miles east of Otis- 
ville, and began practicing medicine here about twenty 
years ago. He lived here a number of years, and then re- 
moved to Grand Blanc. Next, some four or five years 
later. Dr. Rich came and stayed a year or two. Then, in 
1863, Dr. Luke N. Begel came, and remained for a period 
of ten years, being very successful, and receiving the confi- 
dence as well as the custom of his patients. Since 1874 
lie has been located at Pine Run. After Begel came Drs. 
Bardwell, Hanson, Henderson, two Rogerses, A. W. Nichol- 
son, J. B. Laing, and E. D. Lewis, the three last named 
being still in business at Otisville. 

On Tuesday, May 15, 1855, tliis town was visited by a 
mighty hurricane, one of those resistless tempests whose 
power, derived from some — to us — mysterious source, is so 
painfully manifest. It was late in the afternoon of an 
almost preternaturally beautiful, clear day that a dark cloud 
appeared, seeming to form in the clear sky, and the wind 
blew with an ever-increasing force. Torrents of rain began 
to fall as the storm gathered strength and fury and began 
moving eastward at a comparatively slow rate of speed. 
The diameter of the whirlwind was apparently about 40 
rods, but the great force was spent within a space of 20 
rods along the line its axis passed over. Its course lay 
along the north line of sections 28, 27, 26, and 25, and 
then leaving this town it entered Marathon, and passed 
nearly half-way across the town before its force was spent. 
During its duration, which was but a few minutes at any 
given point, the air was filled with boards, rails, limbs of 
trees, and all kinds of movable things that were situated 
in its path. Poultry, especially, suffered greatly from its 
rude transportation. Within the .spiace of 20 rods of the 
central part of the tornado the trees were mowed down like 
grass before the scythe of a strong-armed mower, and piled 
this way and that in the most inextricable confusion. Out- 
side of this, for ten rods on either side, the trees less deeply 
rooted than their companions were overthrown, but the 
more sturdy ones withstood the tempest, though many 
limbs were twisted and torn from them. The Crawford 
school-house, on the northeast corner of section 2G, was 
completely demolished. The roof and some of the top logs 
of the house of Daniel Cummings was torn oif, much to the 
amazement of Mr. Cummings, who was within the building, 
but escaped injury. Some of these logs were thrown to a 
great distance, one of them being found fully 40 rods south 
of the hou.se. The roof of Mr. John Crawford's barn was 



half toi-n off, and portions of it carried a mile and a half 
east. When the storm passed over Crawford's Lake the 
water was caught up by the wind and a waterspout formed 
by it. From this fact a rumor spread over the surrounding 
country that the lake had been entirely emptied, and people 
came the next day from some distance, bringing baskets in 
which to carry away the fish they expected to find floun- 
dering in the mud. They were, however, disappointed, for 
at the time of their arrival the lake had resumed its nor- 
mal appearance, and presented no trace of its recent violent 
agitation. 

During the war of the Rebellion, Forest did its full share 
to sustain the government in its struggle for existence, and 
by men and money upheld the administration until the 
sword of Lee was surrendered beneath the historical apple- 
tree of Appomattox. A special town-meeting was held 
Feb. 20, 18G4, at which it was voted to issue bonds of the 
town to the amount necessary to pay $100 each to every 
volunteer accredited to this town, till the quota under the 
pending calls was filled, or a draft took place. A second 
special meeting was held on the 18th of August following, 
and the bounty was raised to $300, to be paid to each 
volunteer credited to the town on any call as long as the 
war should last. 

THE VILLAGE OF OTISVILLE 

had no existence until the building of the Hayes saw-mill 
brought to this place the necessary force of men to run the 
mill, and to cut the timber and get the logs to the mill. 
At that time there were three houses within the present 
incorporation, viz. : Stephen Begel's, Amos Begel's, and 
Matthew McCormick's. The mill was built in 1851, and 
Hayes built a hou.se for his own occupancy on the site of 
Mrs. Freeman's present residence. The mill company also 
built a boarding-house and a store, and several of the mill 
hands built small houses for themselves. This store was 
the first one kept in the township. It stood a little south 
of Hayes' house. The boarding-house was near the present 
site of Robert Alexander's house. About the same time 
Ira S. Begel built a house, the one now owned by James 
Moshier. 

In 1852 a change was made in the management of the 
mill, and Lyman Growl was placed in charge of J.he busi- 
ness. He then built a house on the southwest corner, 
where the road coming from the west intersected the State 
road, and George Reed built the first hotel in town — the 
American House — on the opposite or northwest corner. The 
corner room of this building he fitted up for a store, and 
rented it to Robert B. Shaw, who put a stock of goods in 
it and kept store there for a while, and then sold out to E. 
C. Freeman. In 1859, Ira S. Sanders built a store on the 
north end of the public square, and occupied it for a few 
years. Then Ira S. and John B. Begel, in 1860-61, built 
a store about two rods east of the present post-office. Ira 
was considerable of a surveyor, and resurveyed the east-and- 
west road through the village. He then found that the 
line of the road ran a couple of rods farther north than 
had been sujipo.scd, and thus a strip of ground on the south 
part of Main Street, and north of Crowl's line, was found 
to still belong to the Begels. On to the east end of this strip 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



435 



they moved their store, where it still stands, having been 
afterwards sold to Mr. E. C. Freeman. 

During this time a number of dwelling-houses had been 
erected by new-comers, and the village had attained a con- 
siderable size. A foundry, devoted to plow and custom- 
work, and employing four or five hands, liad been built by 
Salvin F. Kellogg and R. W. Woodruff, on the north side 
of the outlet of the lakes. AVoodruff sold out to Kellogg 
in 1859. A room had been built as an addition to the 
saw-mill and fitted with one run of stone, bolts, etc., neces- 
sary for a grist-mill, and had done considerable grinding. 
In IStiO, Otis & Crocker built the present grist-mill, which 
was fitted witii two run of stone and corresponding ma- 
chinery. This mill is now owned by John II. iMcCormick. 

June 6, 1863, William F. Otis and T. D. Crocker made 
a village plat, and placed it on record in the register's office 
at Flint. Dr. Rogers recorded an addition Sept. 3, 18G0, 
Ira. S. Bcgel and Robert B. Shaw another one Aug. 5, 
1SG7, Freeman and Crowl another March 1!), 18G8, and 
Mr. Beecher another June 22, 1872. 

In 1864, Ira S. Begel built a saw-mill, and in 1807 
another one, both of which are mentioned el.-^ewhere. In 
the latter year he also built a hotel, which has always been 
known as the Lake House, and of which he was the host 
for a time. In 18GS he enlarged this hotel. He also built 
a store on (he corner where the post-office now stands, whieh, 
together with the drug-store of Ellis S. Swayze, standing 
just east of it, was destroyed by fire. On its site the pres- 
ent Hunton Block was built by Hunton Bros., in 1875. 

The foundry was traded by Mr. Kellogg to M. S. Pres- 
cott, in 1875, and was by him converted into a furniture- 
factory. It was then sold to Silas Patten, who made broom- 
handles there until a year ago, since which time it has been 
used for storage purposes. 

A steam saw-mill and sash-and-blind factory were also 
built by George Reed, near the depot, and run by him for 
a time, but are now dismantled and idle. 

School district No. 5, which is the largest district in the 
town, includes the village of Otisvillc, and was formed in 
its present .shape about twenty-five or thirty years ago. 
The school-house then used stood about one-half mile south 
of Otisville, on the State road. The present school-house, 
which is a commodious, convenient, and well-proportioned 
frame building, was erected in 1867, on land reserved for 
the purpose by Dr. Rogers when his plat was laid out the 
year before, and at that time the school was divided into a 
primary and a grammar department, with William H. 
Begel as principal. Since that time the primary depart- 
ment has been supplemented by an intermediate department. 
The cost of the building was about 84000. The principals 
in charge of the school, succeeding Mr. Begel, have been 
Mr. Van Vleet, Jefferson Lewis, A. D. Metz, William L. 
Laing, and Wm. II. Begel, who has now nearly finished 
liis third year of continuous service. 

The present number of .scholars enrolled is 130, and the 
average attendance about 100. A branch primary school 
is kept at llunton's mill for the accomuiodation of the 
smaller children in that part of the district. Though 
claiming no special merit, this school claims to average 
well with similar ones in the State, and points willi jiride 



and satisfaction to the list of teachers who have gone out 
from among its pupils. 

The present statistics of the village show about as follows: 
There are ten stores, including one drug and two general 
stores, and the usual variety of the different branches of 
trade. There are seven or eight mechanics' shops of the 
usual kinds. In the line of manufactories there are two es- 
tablishments. The first is the stave-factory of Silas Fatten, 
which is run under the supervision of Joseph Myles. It 
was first built by J. W. Hinman, in 1872, on section 32, 
two and a quarter miles southwest of its present location. 
In 1874, having been sold to Messrs. Norris & Hiiikle, it 
was moved to its present location ; it was then manufac- 
turing sawed staves and headings. In October, 1875, it 
was sold to Silas Patten, who then introduced the manu- 
facture of cut staves. Since 1878 the manufacturing of 
broom-handles has also been carried on. The mill uses a 
twenty-five-horse-power engine, employs fifteen hands for 
about four or five months in the year, and turns off an 
annual product of about 87000 in value. The second es- 
tablishment mentioned is the grist-mill of John N. McCor- 
mick, which has two runs of stones operated by steam-power, 
and does considerable flouring in addition to its esten.sive 
run of custom grinding. There are also two hotels in 
Otisville, — the American House, recently rebuilt, and run- 
ning under the management of Branch Brothers (Thomas 
and Frank Branch), and the Lake House, which is kept 
as a temperance hotel by Eugene Ostrander. There is one 
church belonging to the Methodist Episcopal denomination ; 
also the fine school-building already spoken of, the depot 
of the Flint River Railroad, and about 75 dwelling-house.s, 
some of them quite large and tasty modern houses, and all 
indicative of a thrifty, jirogressive spirit on the part of the 
inhabitants. The population is about 375. 

The village was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, 
approved by Governor Charles M. Crosswell on the 21st 
day of March, 1877. The territory included in the cor- 
poration limits is one mile square, and is distributed on 
four different sections, — on sections 21 and 28 three-eighths 
each, and on sections 22 and 27 one-eighth each. 

The charter limited the powers of taxation for general 
purposes to one per cent, per annum of the assessed valua- 
tion of all the taxable property in the corporation. 

The first election was designated to be held on tlie first 
Monday of May, 1877, at the public hall in said village. 
This was understood to mean the hall at the Lake House; 
but when the election came to be held the board gave a 
Itbeial construction to the act, and the election was held at 
the office of John S. Elwell, Esq. As a step preparatory 
to the election, George Reed, Matthew T. McCormick, and 
Christian E. 0.sbornc were appointed as a board of registra- 
tion, and met on the Saturday preceding the election for 
the purpose of registering the voters. 

At the election officers were chosen, whose names and 
also those of their successors down to the present time will 
be found in the following list of 

OFFICERS OF OTISVILLE VILLAGE. 



I'UKSIDBSTS. 

1877, George Kee.l ; 1878, Salvin F. Kcllog 
McCoriniek. 



1879, John 11. 



436 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



CLEKKS. 

1877, Anthony D. Burnell; 1878-70, Frank C. Trowbridge. 

TREASirnKns. 
IS77-7S, Albert K. llunfon ; 1879, F. W. Nicholson. 

TRUSTEES. 

1877, George E. Hunton, John II. MeCormick, Christian E. Os- 
borne, Ozias C. Swift, Salvin F. Kellogg, Eugene O.-tnvniler ; 1878, 
John W. Nicholson, Allen B. Clark, Charles Moon, Silas Patten (v.); 
1S7'J, Robert B. D. Alexander, John B. Laing, Silas Patten. 

STREKT COMMISSIONEnS. 

1877, II. 0. Cheney; 1878-79, Edgar Rawling. 

ASSKSSORS. 

1S77, Allen B. Clark; 1878, Anthony D. Burnell; 1879, John S. 
Elwcll. 

MARSHALS. 

1877, Abram D. Van Gordon ; 1878-79, John S. Decker. 

rOSSTABLF.S. 

1877, Alexander A. Dingmnn; 1S78, Charles Wesley ; 1879, Wil- 
liam tjOtt. 

The village has been greatly improved in many respects 
since this act of incorporation went into effect. Throngh- 
out the thickly-settled part fine, broad plank walks have 
been built, which very greatly facilitates and adds to the 
pleasure of traveling the streets. A basement in the Craw- 
ford Block has been fitted up for a " lock-up," and in it 
refractory violators of the laws of the commonwealth are 
sometimes restrained from the enjoyment of their personal 
liberty. A small hand fire-engine has been provided as a 
protection against fires, and the work of building reservoirs 
to store water for use at such times is now about to be 
undertaken. The village rents a room in the Hunton Block, 
and there the trustees meet, on the first Monday evening in 
each month, to transact the business connected with the 
management of the affairs of the corporation. 

A volunteer fire department was organized Nov. 6, 1878, 
with the following members : P. W. Nicholson, J. Ostrander, 
A. M. Smith, Eugene Alexander, John E. Smith, E. R. 
Freeman, M. L. Eckler, M. A. Bentley, "William Gott. 
The trustees of the village then placed the management of 
this department in the hands of a chief-engineer, and ap- 
pointed Charles Moon to fill that position. The other 
oflBcers were chosen as follows : Foreman, William Gott ; 
First Assistant Foreman, Eugene Alexander ; Second As- 
sistant Foreman, J. Ostrander; Engineers, F. W. Nichol- 
son, A. M.Smith; Secretary, F. W.Nicholson; Treasurer, 
E. L. Freeman. The company now numbers twenty mem- 
bers. 

The charter elections are held on the first Monday in 
March in each year. 

The village also boasts one paper, The OtisviUe Obser- 
ver, published monthly, by Rev. A. G. Blood. It is a 
small folio, devoted to home news, and forms an excellent 
medium for advertising the wares of the business men of 
the town. It was started in October, 1878, and is a very 
readable publication. 

THE SOCIETIES OF FOREST. 

The first society organized in this town, of which we 
have any account, was 



OTISVItLE LODGE, I. O. G. T. 

It was instituted on the 14th day of August, 1876, by 
Charles P. Russell, with twenty-eight charter members. 
There had been a lecture at the church the evening before, 
and the preliminary steps were then taken to organize the 
Lodge. The following officers were chosen at the organiza- 
tion, viz. : W. C. T., John S. Elwell ; W. V. t!, Mrs. 
Amanda M. Burnell; W. Sec, Joseph Myles ; W. F. S., 
A. J. Kellogg; W. Treas., Charles Moon; W. Chap., 
William Birdsall; W. M., John S. Decker; P. W. C. T., 
Charles Hanchett ; W. I. G., Mary E. Lansfield ; W. O. 
G., Sylvester Fuller; R. H. S., Mrs. Irvilla Myles; L. U. 
S., Elsie Cheney; W. A. S., Susan Reed; W. D. M., 
Mrs. Mary Vj. Hanchett ; L. D., A. J. Kellogg ; Trustees, 
H. 0. Cheney, C. H. Hanchett, Charles Moon. 

The Lodge hired a room above Freeman's store, and fitted 
it up for their use at an expense of about $75 for furniture 
and regalia. After holding their meetings there for a year 
or two they rented, and moved to, a hall owned by John 
11. Fuller. A few months later they removed one and 
three-fourths miles west of OtisviUe, to a hall furnished by 
William H. Butler, where the meetings are now held. 

Commencing with 28 members, the list was rapidly en- 
larged until within a year they numbered 100. Since then 
the membership has grown smaller, but is now again on 
the gain, and is at present 30. The lodge has been more 
than usually successful in promoting temperance work, and 
points to the reformation that in certain ca.sos has been 
worked by the strong influence, the pure principles, and 
the effective teachings of the order. 

The present oflBcers are as follows : W. C. T., George 
Webster; W. V. T., Mrs. Lucia Webster; W. Sec, 
Charles Weeks ; W. F. S., William H. Butler ; W. Treas., 
Mary Begel ; W. Chap., Mrs. Mary J. Butler; W. M., 
E. Begel ; W. I. G , Charles Branch ; W. 0. G., Harley 
Butler ; P. W. C. T., Joseph Gillett ; R. H. S., Margaret 
Butler ; L. H. S., Jennie Butler ; W. A. S., Mrs. Ange- 
line Gillett. 

The red-ribbon movement was first inaugurated here by 
Charles Johnson, of Flint, in the spring of 1877. He 
delivered an address on that phase of the temperance re- 
form at the Methodist church, and organized a club with 
about 100 members. He was followed by other speakers, 
and the interest of the movement was well sustained for a 
few months, when it began to decline. In November, Mrs. 
Gertrude Barnes, of Detroit, came and aroused the enthu- 
siasm of the temperance community by an able, eloquent, 
and effective address, which infused new life into the move- 
ment. She came twice afterwards, at intervals of about 
one month, and by her efforts succeeded in increasing the 
membership of the club to 211. The club at that lime 
held weekly meetings at the church. After a while the 
meetings were held semi-monthly, then monthly, and at last 
were discontinued entirely. 

Another Lodge of Good Templars was organized in the 
Dimond neighborhood, which was called 

EUREKA LODGE, I. O. G. T. 

It was instituted by Mr. Andrews, of Flint, in the early 
part of November, 1877, with 20 charter members. There 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



437 



had been several temperance meetings held at the Dimond 
school-house, which were addressed by Stephen Griffin, 
and to his eflbrts the success of the attempt was mainly 
due. The organization was eflected at the house of D. 
Moody, and the following officers were chosen and installed : 
W. C. T., Stephen Griffin ; W. V. T., Anna McClellan ; 
W. Sec, Bird Root; W. F. S., Louisa Dimond ; W.Treas., 
John Bodine ; W. Chap., Perry Dimond; W. M., Morris 
Bidwell ; W. I. G., Clarence Wakefield ; W. 0. G., Henry 
Dimond ; P. W. C. T., Denman Moody ; W. A. S., George 
Rohrer ; W. D. M., Laura Daniels ; L. D., Josej)h Bidwell. 
The Lodge meets every Saturday evening in a hall rented 
of Morris Bidwell. It has been fairly prosperous, having 
reached a membership of 30 in 1877-78, and is now in a 
prosperous condition, with a membership of 25. The 
present officers are as follows : W. C. T., Perry Dimond ; 
W. V. T., William Rohrer ; W. Sec, Byron Houser ; W. 
F. S., Stephen Griffin ; W. Treas., Joseph Bidwell ; W. 
Chap., J. Bodine ; W. M., Charles Upper ; W. I. G., C. 
Kennedy ; W. 0. G., Robert Harris ; P. W. C. T., Mor- 
ris Bidwell ; R. H. S., Miss p]lla Hiscock ; W. A. Sec., C. 
Williams; W. D. M., Mrs. A. Lee; L. D., William Rohrer. 

EAGLE LODGE, NO. 320, I. 0. O. P., 
was instituted at a meeting held in a hall over Beemer's 
blacksmith-shop, on the 17th of October, 1878, by E. H. 
Thompson, G. M. of the State. The number of charter 
members was 5. 

The Lodge has been prosperous, having increased its niem- 
bership to 23, and has expended about $200 in fitting up 
its lodge-room and purchasing regalia. It meets every 
Saturday evening. 

The fir.st officers — and they are also the present ones — 
were as follows : N. G., Charles E. Kingsbury ; V. G., Wil- 
liam E.Clark; Sec, A, J. Kellogg; Treas., Allison W. 
Whipple; I. G., N. T. Wilson; O. G., Samuel Wilson; 
Con., D. W. Allen ; Warden, Joliii Bodine. 

BRYANT LODGE, NO. 1334, KNIGHTS OP HONOR, 

was instituted by Edward Newkirk, of Bay City, Jan. 13, 
1879, with 22 charter members, and the following officers, 
viz. : 

D., J. B. Laing ; V. D., John S. Elwell ; A. D., T. W. 
Averill ; Rep., A. W. Nicholson ; F. R., F. W. Nicholson ; 
Treas., Joseph Myles ; Cliap., Charles Moon; Guide, Wil- 
lard P. llanney ; Guardian, William Gott; Sent., Robert 
Beemer ; P. D., Frank C. Trowbridge ; Trustees, Charles 
E. Kingsbury, John S. Elwell, Silas Patten. 

The present membership is 23, and the Lodge meets 
regularly on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each 
month in Odd Fellows' Hall. 

KELIGIOUS. 

The first religious meetings in Forest were held at the 
houses of Nathaniel Smith and Henry Heister. The people 
of the vicinity would assemble at one or the other place on 
nearly every Sabbath, and employ an hour or two in prayer 
and praise to God, and in exhortation to one another to 
continue on in the true path to hapiiine.ss in this world and 
in eternity. Whenever any one happened to be present 



who could preach, a sermon was had from them, and the 
othcre considered these occasions — though, perhaps, the 
preacher was rough and uncouth, and his discourse more 
earnest than elegant — rare spiritual treats, and enjoyed 
them with a gusto unknown, to a great extent, in our more 
modern religious assemblages. As soon as the Smith 
school-house was erected the meetings were held there with 
more or less regularity. The.se meetings were not in any 
sense denominational. Christians of all shades of religious 
belief joined together in perfect harmony to worship the 
one Lord, who is the head of all Christian churches. 

About the year 1848, one Orlando Johnson, a minister 
of the Protestant Methodist denomination, organized a class 
of that Church at the Webster school-house, at Weeks' 
Corners. This was the first church organized in the town. 
It grew out of a protracted meeting held by Mr. Johnson, 
and was quite large. It maintained an existence for a 
period of about twenty years, and then died out. 

A couple of years later than the Protestant Methodists 
came the Christian denomination, and through the effisrts 
of Mrs. Dolly Richards, one of its ministers formed a church 
at Weeks' Corners, with a small membership, which was 
rapidly increased, and in a short time reached about forty 
in number. This church maintained its organization until 
about the year 1870, and held meetings at the Weeks' and 
Butler's school-houses during the time. Among the min- 
isters who served the cliurch were Revs. George Osborne, 
Mr. FifielJ, Mr. Cupoland (olored), Mr. Mclntyre, Mr. 
Jennings, L. I. Wicker, Mr. Dodge, and Mr. Warner. 

The Methodist Episeopals next came into the field, and 
organized a class at Otisville in 1853. A history of this 
church, which follows this sketch, kindly prepared for the 
work by Rev. A. G. Blood, its present pastor, gives in de- 
tail the matters connected with this church. 

The Free Methodists organized a class of about a dozen 
members at the Dimond schnol-hou.-ic in 1866. A year or 
two later a small class was lijrnied at the Weeks' Corners 
school-house. Both appointments are on the Richfield 
circuit, and are kept np, though the north cla.ss has changed 
its place of meeting to the school-house just over the town- 
line in Millington. At a revival, resulting from a protracted 
meeting held in the Weeks' school-house during the winter 
of 1876-77, several persons were converted and joined the 
class, which now numbers about a dozen persons. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP OTISVILLE. 

There may have been preacliing by Methodist Episcopal 
clergymen at an earlier date, but the records begin with 
the proceedings of the First Quarterly Conference of Mara- 
thon mission, held at Marathon, Nov. 26, 1853. Rev. 
George Smith, Presiding Elder; Rev. Charles Haynes, 
Preacher in charge ; David Burritt and John Coley, Class- 
Leaders, were present. Richard A. Go.ssler, William W. 
Brown, John Coley, James McDowell, and Lafayette War- 
ren were appointed stewards. Abram Herrington, David 
Burritt, and John Coley were appointed a missionary com- 
mittee. The preacher's .salary was as follows : (|uarterage, 
$264; table expenses, $100; traveling expenses, $15; 
presiding elder's claim, $12; total, $31)1. A missionary 
appropriation was received, amounting to $50, and the 



438 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



balance was apportioned among the different appointments, 
one-lialf on either side of Flint River. Of the appoint- 
ments of tlie mission, classes had been formed at Marathon, 
Millville, Gray's school-house, Moore's school-house. Steam- 
mill in Forest (Otisville), and North Branch, and among 
the other preaching places mentioned were Lathrop's, War- 
ren's, Railroad, Le Valley's, and Brownson's Lake. Of 
these several classes, that at Marathon had a membership 
of 13 ; that at Millville, 9 ; Gray's school-house, 9 ; Moore's 
school-house, 11 ; North Branch, 6 ; and Steam-mill, Forest, 
6. The names of those forming this latter class, from which 
the Otisville Church has sprung, were as follows : Richard 
A. Gossler, class-leader ; Elizabeth Gossler, Brother Her- 
rington. Sister Herrington, John Herrington, and Sister 
Woodman. About this time Nathaniel Crawford was chosen 
as steward. 

The appointment belonged to Marathon mission until the 
Detroit Annual Conference was organized, when it became 
an appointment on the Marathon circuit, Flint district. In 
1858 it was a part of Forest circuit, and the name was 
changed in 1872 to Otisville circuit, as it is now desig- 
nated, and includes, at present, appointments at East Forest, 
Marathon, and Otter Lake. 

The pa.stors who have had charge of the mission and 
circuits to which this class has belonged have been as fol- 
lows, the date given being that of their appointment by the 
Annual Conference in the fall of each year: 1853, Rev. 
Charles Haynes; 185-1, Rev. William Sly; 1855, Rev. 
George Chipman and Rev. Isaac Ilallenbeck ; 185G, Rev. 
Henry Carlton ; 1857, Rev. Jesse Kilpatrick ; 1858, Rev. 
E. C. Wright; 1859, Rev. R. Johnson ; 1860, Rev. Wil- 
liam Downing and Rev. Mr. Eldredge ; 1861-62, Rev. L. 
S. Tedmnn and Rev. Mr. West (asst. 1861); 1863, Rev. 
E. B. Prindle; 1864-G5, Rev. S. P. Lee; 1866-67, Rev. 
N. W. Pierce; 1868, Rev. A. Gee; 1869-71, Rev. L. S. 
Tedman ; 1872, Rev. W. J. Clack ; 1873-74, Rev. D. B. 
Millar; 1875-76, Rev. S. L. Ramsdell ; 1877-78, Rev. 
A. G. Blood. 

The list of local preachers and exhorters includes the 
names of John Hamilton, John Branch, Salvin F. Kel- 
logg, and William Birdsall, who have at different times 
served the church and employed their talents for the fur- 
therance of the interests of the Master's kingdom. Among 
those who have held position as ofEcial members of the 
church we find the following names recorded : Richard A. 
Gossler, Nathaniel Crawford, Amos Ranney, Isaac Heming- 
way, Ira S. Sanders, Lyman Crowl, John Goudy, E. C. 
Freeman, George Merriam, John H. McCorniick, Silas 
Patten, Abel C. Smith, and Henry G. Cook. 

A parsonage was purchased in 1856 for $150, which was 
improved in 18G2, and sold in 1871, when the present site 
was secured and the present parsonage built thereon. 

The subject of building a church was broached in 1865, 
but no steps towards its erection were taken until the year 
following, when, at the second Quarterly Conference of that 
year, S. P. Lee, Joseph Burlingame, Frederick Olds, F. E. 
Dodge, Emory How, William W. Brown, Anthony D. Bur- 
nell, and Robert B. Shaw were elected as a board of trus- 
tees, and they let the job of building the church to Benjamin 
Moses, for the sum of $3600. The building of the edifice 



progressed through this and the two years following, and 
the dedication was held in September, 1869, Rev. J. S. 
Smart being present, and, we infer, preaching the discourse 
upon that occasion. The debt upon the society a^regated 
$1438, and they held notes and subscriptions estimated at 
a net value of $800, with which to meet the.se demands. 
In 1872 this debt still remained at about $1000, and there 
was also a debt upon the parsonage of $368, which was in 
the form of a mortgage held by E. C. Freeman. In 1874 
the pastor, Jlr. Millar, endeavored to raise the load of in- 
debtedness under which the church had so long labored, 
but, on account of an unfortunate dissension that manifested 
itself, the effort was but partially successful. In 1876 the 
clouds of financial distress which had so long loomed dark 
and threatening in the sky, seemed about to culminate in 
a devastating storm. The reported debt on the church had 
risen to $1500, and that on the parsonage to $600, and to 
meet this the oflBcers of the society had but $200 or $300 
in notes. The Quarterly Conference voted to let the par- 
sonage go on the mortgage, a nd instructed Joseph Myles to 
make out the necessary papers, reserving the use of it till 
September, 1878. In the spring of 1878 a compromise 
was effected with the creditors, and, through the efforts of 
the pastor. Rev. A. G. Blood, subscription notes were ob- 
tained sufficient to cancel the obligations of the church. 
Then an excursion was planned from Otter Lake to Bay 
City, which took place Aug. 13, 1878, and met with al- 
most perfect success. It netted to the church the sum of 
$628, which, with the addition of $50, sufficed to pay off 
the entire indebtedness of the society, and left it to breathe 
the atmosphere of freedom from debt for the first time in a 
series of long, weary, worrisome years. On Sabbath, August 
18th, a praise-meeting was held at the church and thanks- 
giving rendered to the Good Father fur this gracious 
deliverance of his people. 

The seed sown on Marathon mission and its successors 
during the past quarter of a century, watered by the dews 
of Divine grace, has in its processes of development pro- 
duced North Branch, Mayville, Millington, Davison, and 
Otisville circuits, has sent forth several heralds of the cross 
to spread the glad news of salvation, has prepared many 
good souls for an eternity with the spirits of just men made 
perfect, and still has a large corps of earnest workers achiev- 
ing new victories for the cross of Christ. 

At the present time this church numbers 65 members, 
reports the value of church at $1500, and parsonage at 
$800, and has the following officers : Cla.ss-Leader, Amos 
Ratmey ; Local Preacher, John Branch ; Stewards, Amos 
Ranney, Silas Patten, Allen B. Clark ; Trustees, F. E. 
Dodge, William Hallenbeck, Amos Ranney, Nathaniel 
Crawford, Silas Patten, C. H Osborne, John Owens, Allen 
B. Clark. 

The records mention two Sabbath-schools as being con- 
nected with this circuit in 1855, but whether one of them 
was located here or not is uncertain. In- 1856, however, 
mention is made of a school in " Forest-ville." At present 
there are two schools located in this town, the one at Hen- 
derson's, or East Forest, having a membership of about 75 
scholars. The school at Otisville has a membership of 
about 120, including 16 officers and teachers, and an aver- 



FOREST TOWNSHIP. 



439 



age uttendnnce of about 80 scholars. It has a library of 
upwards of 300 volumes. The present officers are Rev. 
A. G. Blood, Suporiiitendent ; Miss J. E. McCormiek, As- 
sistiiiit Superintendcut ; Joseph Myles, Secretary ; Mrs. 
Su.saii Merriaui, treasurer ; Frank W. Nicholson, Librarian ; 
and Mrs. Irviihi Myles, Organist. 

CEMETERY. 

There is but one cemetery in Forest. It is owned by the 
town, and a sexton is appointed at each town-meeting to 



take charge of it for the next year. It lies on the west 
side of the State road as originally surveyed, about a quarter 
of a mile south of Otisville, and contains between one and 
two acres. Its location is on an easterly slope, and over- 
looks the village. The first burial in this ground was that 
of Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Smith. Silvester Decker and 
two children, one of them William 11. Smith's and the 
other Vandorus Smith's, had been previously buried near 
Smith's Hill. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 





CHAUNCEY W. SEELEY. 



MRS. CHAUNCEY W. .SEELEY. 



CHAUNCEY W. SEELEY. 

One of the first settlers in Forest town.ship was Chauncey 
W. Sceley, who was born in the town of Rutland, Meigs 
Co., Ohio, May 5, 1816. His father, Stephen J. Seeley, was 
born in Baliston, Saratoga Co., N. Y., April 3, 1788, where 
lie grow to manhood. His parents wore wealthy, and he 
received what was then considered a fine education. After 
his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kent he emigrated to Rut- 
land, Ohio, where he bought from the government a new 
farm. After four years spent in clearing and improving 
his farm he sold out and went to Southern Indiana, where 
he resided six years. He then emigrated to Kentucky, 
where he lived utitil IS'M), when he accompanied his sons 
Judson and Chauncey W. to Michigan, where he resided 
until his death, which occurred May 18, 1871. 

Mr. Seeley was a man of marked ability, which was 
made good u.sc of by his fellow-townsmen in Forest, who 
kept him in office most of the time. He was a justice of 
llie peace over twenty years, and for many years was town 



clerk. As above stated, Chauncey W. and his brother came 
to Michigan in 1S3G. They stopped at I'ontiac and rented 
a saw-mill, which they ran one year, doing a good and pro.s- 
perous bu.sincss. After the exjjiralion of their lease they 
bought an interest in the I'ierson ife Harder sawmill, lo- 
cated on the Kearsley, three miles from Flint. This invest- 
ment proved unfortunate, and the year 1811 found them 
out of business and almost penniless. Mr. Seeley then 
came to Forest and bought the east half of the northwest 
(juarter of section 32. It was new, as was the whole town- 
.ship at that time. He at once put up a shanty and com- 
menced to clear his land. The same year he built a log 
house and moved his father's family into it. Mr. Sceley 
was a large, powerful man, one who could turn his hand to 
almost any kind of labor, a man of great industry and a 
good manager, hence his success in life. The eighty acres of 
new land — his first purchase — he has increased to two hun- 
dred acres of as fine land as can be found in the township, 
upon which is located a large and commodious brick house, 



440 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



recently finished. Mr. Seeley's schooling was limited to 
less than two years at a district school, yet he made good 
use of it, as is proven by liis successful business life. In 
au early day he was a Democrat, but joined the Republican 
party when it was first formed, aud has since been one of 
its strongest supporters. He was elected town-clerk at the 
first town-meeting, and held the office two years ; was town- 
treasurer for four years, and was elected justice of the peace, 
but would not qualify. Sept. 28, 1845, he married Miss 
Mary Ann Dickin.son, who was born March 31, 1822. She 



is a daughter of Zebulon and Esther Dickinson. Mrs. 
Seeley has proved to be a true pioneer wife, — one who 
has made the most of her surroundings, — always ready to 
do her part and bear her share of life's burdens. To them 
have been born six children, all of whom are now living. 
Their names are as follows : Deniza Ann, born Nov. 2, 
1846; Cassandra E., born May 29, 1848; Mary Jane, 
born Dec. 4, 1851 ; Mark D., born Nov. 4, 1853 ; Ange- 
line F., born Feb. 8, 1856 ; and Charley P., born Sept. 
30, 1858. 



MONTROSE. 



The township of Montrose, wliic-li is situated in tlio tionli- 
wcstern corner of Genesee County, was formed from Vienna, 
as Pewonijrowiuk, in 1847. It is designated by tlie United 
States survey as township No. 9 north, of range No. 5 east. 
Its boundaries are Saginaw County, on the nnrtii and west, 
and the respective townships of Vienna and Flushing, iu Gen- 
esee County, on the east and soutli. The surAice is varied, 
and cut by the valleys and ravines formed by the Flint Eiver 
and its tributaries. This was a pine town.ship originally, 
and during the first years of the white man's occupancy, — 
in fact, until within a very recent period, — the inhabitants 
were chieHy engaged in the vaiious occupations incident to 
a lumbering region. For this reason, added to the fact 
that it was the latest settled district in the county, Mon- 
trose of to-day wears a general aspect of roughness or new- 
ness in strong contrast to the major portion of the county. 

The present inhabitants are principally employed in the 
pursuits of agriculture. The soil, though in many places 
light and sandy, produces favorably, and with intelligent 
culture, time only is needed to bring the products of this 
up to the average of other townships in the county. Its 
principal water-course, the Flint River, enters the town near 
the centre of the south border, and, flowing in a general 
northerly direction, passes through the central part and 
leaves the township just west of the centre of the north 
border. Brent's Kun enters from the southeast corner, 
and, flowing in a northwest course, discharges its surplus 
waters into the Flint on section 15. Pine Run, another 
tributary of the Flint River, in flowing to the northwest 
crosses the extreme northeast corner of the township. Coal 
— and rock similar to the Flushing sandstone — crops out in 
the bed of the Flint on section 28. 

A portion of the I'ewonigowink reservation of the Sagi- 
naw Chijijxwas* extended into this township, including 
the whole of section 4, the west half of section 3, the east 
half of section 5, the north half of section 9, the northeast 
quarter of section 8, and the northwest (juartcr of section 10. 

The grounds of the Flint River A''allcy Agricultural So- 
ciety are situated upon section 4, west side of the river. 
This association numbere among its members those who re- 
side in the adjoining counties of Saginaw and Shiawassee, 
and will not be further mentioned as a township institution. 

The present population is computed at 1200. 

FIR.ST SETTLEMENT. 

Seymour W. Ensign, the first settler in this township, 
came from Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., in the spring of 
1S:?2, and first halted in Grand Blanc. He SPas accom- 
panied by his wife and sons, Seymour W., Jr., and George 



' For particiiliirn concerning these Tndian?, sec general liislory. 

56 



G. After assisting Alden Tupper in brick-making until 
the fall of the same year, he removed to Saginaw County, 
and remained a pioneer of that county for a period of ten 
years. In the spring of 1842 he visited this portion of 
the county, and purchased from Thomas L. L. Brent the 
southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 22. 
Returning to Saginaw he soon completed his arrangements 
for removal to his new home, which was accomplished by 
taking his teams and family to Flint via the Saginaw turn- 
pike, thence to Brent's farm in Flushing. At the same 
time another party employed by hitn transported a large 
share of the household goods, etc., by means of canoes and 
the Flint River. The large canoes were lashed together, a 
deck laid across them, the cargo placed thereon, and the 
whole towed by hand up the river, a distance of fifty miles. 
During the first year he with his family resided upon the 
Brent farm, in Flushing, in the moan time erecting a small 
frame house upon his purchase in this township. In the 
spring of 1843 he became the first actual white resident in 
the township. During the .same sea.son, however, he re- 
ceived as neighbors George Wilcox, who came from Canada 
and settled upon the east half of the southwest quarter 
of section 23, and Richard Travis, from Oxford, Oakland 
Co., Mich., who settled upon the east half of the south- 
east quarter of the last-mentioned section. The assessment 
roll of Vienna town.ship shows that the onlj' tax-paying res- 
idents ill this township in 1844 were Messrs. Ensign, Wil- 
cox, and Travis. Mr. Travis was a man whoso health un- 
fitted him for the herculean task of hewing out a home 
here in the wilderness, and, after a residence of but two or 
three years' duration, he returned with his family to Oak- 
land County. 

Mr. Wilcox continued here until his death, which oc- 
curred about 1852, and he was followed by the pioneer of 
them all, Seymour W. Knsign, who died Aug. 21, 1854, 
aged fifty-three j'cars. 

The next settler — the most prominent man in the town- 
ship during his lifetime — was John Farquharson, who came 
from Scotland about 1830. After a residence of seven 
years in Albany, N. Y., and its vicinity, he settled in Sagi- 
naw Co., Mich., near the mouth of Flint River, in 1837. 
In 1842 he purcha.sed lands situated upon section 4, on the 
Indian reservation, and in 1845 he, together with his .son, 
John R. Farquharson, became residents of the township. 
Upon the organization of the township of Pewonigowink, 
in 1847, he was the first supervisor elected, and for eight 
years in succession did his twelve Democratic hench- 
men march up to the polls, re-elect him, and then march 
back again. lie was in fact the governor of the State of 
IMontrose, and one can imagine with what trepidation Tru- 
man Ilorrick, the first Whig in the township, came to the 

441 



442 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



polls and tremblingly deposited liis lone ballot in opposition. 
To Mr. Favquliarson is also ascribed the credit or discredit 
of chan;;i!)g the original Chippewa appellation Pewonigo- 
wink to the Scottish one of Montrose. He reasoned that 
the latter would sound better in the ears of his friends in 
Scotland than the euphonious terra plucked from the Chip- 
pewa dialect. John R. Farquharson, his son, who, during 
the early years, served as township clerk and in various 
other official capacities, still resides here. 

Charles Hartshorn and Amos M. AVoodrufF also settled 
in 1845. 

John McKenzic came from Aberdeen, Scotland, and set- 
tled in Spaulding town.sliip, Saginaw Co., in 1838. He 
remained there until March, 1847, when, having purchased 
lands situated upon the Reservation in this township, he 
also became a resident of Pewoiiigowink. The remaining 
settlers of this period are shown by the following list, which 
comprises the names of all who were assessed as resident 
tax-payers in 1847, together with the sections upon which 
they resided and paid taxes : 



Seymour W. Ensign, 22. 
Ricbnril Travis, 2X. 
George Wilco.x, 2.3. 
John Farquharson, 4. 
.John R. Farquharson, 4. 
Charles Hartshorn, 24. 
Eilward Johnson, 25. 
John McKenzie. 9. 



.Toscpli Mnylu'W, 27. 
John Smith, 34. 
Asahcl Townspnd, 25. 
William Wilcu.v, 23. 
EKiott Young, 23: 
Archibald Morse (personal). 
Seymour Vf. Ensign, Jr. 
(pcrscinal). 



John Berry, the present township-clerk and postmaster, 
came from Aberdeensliiro, Scotland, and settled here in 
1854. George McKenzie, from the same shire, also settled 
upon his present premises the same year. He has since 
occupied a prominent position in his township. 

In later years a considerable number of Scotch families 
of sterling worth have made Montrose their home. 

Owing to the lumbering interests and the fact of its being 
one of the interior districts, far removed from the usual 
avenues of trade and travel, the increase of population, until 
within very recent years, has been slow, yet steadfa.st. The 
voters ill 1850 numbered less than 50, and were as follows: 



Aiken, Eilward. 
Allteo, Howard, 
liliss, M. M. 
Brewer, James R. 
Berry, John. 
Burtis, Francis. 
Barnard, W. S. 
Crane, Benjamin. 
Chase, William. 
Deal, William. 
Daly, William. 
Duell, Franklin. 
Ensign, Seymour W. 
Ensign, Ephraim W. 
Francisco, John H. 
Farquharson, John R. 
Gillman, Dudley. 
JIulburd, William. 
Hartshorn, Charles. 
Ide, Mason. 
Levitt, Edward L. 
Larkin, Homer. 
Luke, Christojiher. 
McKenzie, John. 



McKenzie, George. 
Mead, George M. 
Nichols, William. 
Nelson, Samuel. 
Ober, Harry. 
Obcr, Francis. 
Potty, Willard. 
Paul, George. 
Patterson, Charles K, 
Slade, Orrin L, 
Sommcrs, Ephraim. 
Stuftlebeam, Michael. 
Trumbull, E. W. 
Tompkins, Edward. 
Thompson, William. 
Tibbetts, Charles F. 
Waterman, Benjamin F. 
Wood, Nathan. 
Wells, Levi. 
We.'tJver, E. A. 
Wilcox, William. 
Way, Hiram. 
Way, Altrani. 



LAND ENTRIES. 

The first entry for public lands in this township was 
made in December, 1835, by Daniel PifFord, from Living- 
ston Co., N. Y. His purchase consisted of lands lying 
along the Flint River, and included portions of sections 9, 
10, 15, 21, 27, 28, and 34. 

The names of all others who purchased from the general 
government arc shown in the following list, and the year in 
which the first purcha.se was made upon each section. 

1836, section 1 : A. D. Fraser, Alexander MoArthur, 
J. Davison, A. Teneyck, John J. Chanaud, Frederick 
Buell, Solomon John.son, Charles Patterson, William New- 
ton, Charles K. Patterson. 

1837, section 2: Mortimer AVadharas, Herman Camp, 
Samuel Patrick, Russell S. I'arker, David Parks, Edmund 
Tompkins, Charles Johnson. 

1830, section 3 : Ira S. Seeley, John E. Seeley, Her- 
man Camp. 

1854, section 5 : Elisha Leacli, Whitney Worden. 

1830, section G : D. Houghton, J. A. Wells, Henry 
G. Huljbard, Ira Davenport, Elisha Leach, Whitney Wor- 
den. 

1854, Section 7 : Edwin Crane, Rolla Glover, George 
H. Rapp. 

1830, section 8: David Pifford, Elisha Leach, Rolla 
Glover. 

1825, section 9: David PifFord, Edwin Rose, Thomas 
L. L. Brent. 

1835, section 10 : David PiflFord, Edwin Ro.se, Thomas 
L. L. Brent, Looniis Thayer. 

1836, section 11 : Loomis Thayer, Ralph C. Markham, 
Mortimer Wadhams, Hiram Hunt, James R. Brewer, 
Palmer Nichol.*, Benjamin Crane. 

1836, section 12 : Ralph C. Markham, David Cum- 
mings, Edward J. Jenks, William Pingra, Lamson V. Car- 
penter, Benjamin F. Waterman. 

1853, section 13: George M. Dewey, George Foote, 
John Cross, John Welch, Jacob Duell. 

1836, section 14: Thomas L. L. Brent, Henry Warner, 
John Cooper, Dudley Gillman, Oscar Adams. 

1835, section 15: David Pifford, Edwin Rose, Jonathan 
Kearsley, Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1857, section 17 : Samuel Smith, Moses Wisner, Moses 
P. Hutchins, Peter Hoose. 

1854, section 18: James Carter, Aaron Beebe, Ephraim 
Sommers. 

1854, section 19 : Harvey Miller, Zenas Goulding, Jacob 
L. Miller. 

1842, section 20 : State of Michigan, Moses P. Hutchins. 

1835, section 21 : David Pifford, Thomas L. L. Brent, 
Aaron D. P. Sackett. 

1836, section 22 : Harvey Stringham, Thomas L. L. 
Brent. 

1836, section 23: Thomas L. L. Brent. 

1836, section 24: Thomas L, L. Brent. 

1836, section 25 : Archibald Dison. 

1836, section 26 : James Wadsworth, Nicholas C. Hay- 
ward, Edward S. Blakeslce. 

1835, section 27 : David Pifford, Henry H. Brown, 
Thomas L. L. Brent, James Wadsworth. 



MONTllOSE TOWNSHIP. 



443 



1835, section 28: David Piffoid, Henry H. Le Roy, 
Tiiomas L. L. Brent, Archibald Dixon, Mary Palmer. 

1842, section 2!) ; State of Michigan, George M. Dewey, 
Moses P. Ilutchins. 

1842, section 30: State of Michigan, Isaac IIowcll, 
Mason Ide. 

1842, section 31 : State of Michigan, Mason Ide, Wil- 
liam Golden, Ilobert H. Mysick. 

183G, section 32 : Archibald Dixon, State of Michigan, 
Moses P. Hutch in.s. 

1836, section 33 : Thomas L. L. Bient, John Doran, 
Anson Rogers, David Pifford, Archibald Dixon. 

1835, section 34 : David PifFord, Henry H. Bnjwn, 
Thomas L. L. Brent. 

183t), section 35 : David PifFord. 

1836, section 36 : David PifFord, Archibald Dixon, Mar- 
tha Bowns, Benjamin Jones. 

LANDS ON THE RESERVATION. 

1842, section 4 : John Farquharson, Archibald Morse, 
John R. Farquharson. 

1854, section 8 : John Farquharson. 

1847, section 9 : John McKenzie, John R. Farquharson, 
Charles Hartshorn, John Farquharson. 

FIRST ROADS. 

The route of the first highway contemplated was sur- 
veyed by Xahum N. Wilson, of Vienna, by order of Hum- 
phrey McLean and Grovencr Vinton, highway commission- 
ers of Vienna township, Sept. 11, 1838, but it was never 
opened. 

The next, being the road which led from Pine Run to 
the Ensign settlement, was surveyed by Wilson, and de- 
scribed as follows : 

" Commencing at section corners 22, 23, 20, and 27 in 
township nine, north of range six east ; thence running 
west four miles and forty-eight links to town post L, in 
town.ship nine, north of range five east ; thence to town 
post V in said town.ship ; thence running south forty-eight 
links to town post L in said township ; thence running 
west two miles and one hundred and sixty rods, teruiiriating 
at quarter post from L to V at 3, according to the U. S. A. 
survey. The whole distance being six miles, one hundred 
and sixty rods, and forty-eight links. 

*' ViKNNA, .Tunc G, 1S12." 

The Flushing and Saginaw State road was laid April 
19, 1849, by Ogden Clark and James Seymour, State 
commissioners. 

SOME OP THE FIRST EVENTS. 

Seymour W. Ensign erected the first framed dwelling in 
1842, and raised the first crop of wheat in 1843. The 
first marriage was that of Benjamin II. Morse to Mary J. 
Ensign. In 1845 was born the first white child, — Amanda 
J. Ensign. Sarah, a child of a few years, and the daugh- 
ter of George Wilcox, was the Hi-st to depart this life in 
the township. William II. Reed kept the first tavern, in 
1866 and 1867. In the same building Thomas W. Pettee, 
from Flushing, establislu'd the first .store in October, 1867. 
I'rcvious to this time Mr. Baldwiu had sold some groceries 



at his mill for the convenience of those employed by him. 
Charles Cooper built the first saw-mill for James Sisco.* 
It was situated on Woodruff's Creek, and was completed 
about 1849. 

A few months later Russell Wells erected a saw-mill on 
Brent's Run. J. M. Soutter established his store in 1872. 
A small steam-tug and a schooner were built near Streeter's, 
in 1869. In 1874, Seth P. Ames, a native of Massachu- 
setts and relative of Oakes Ames, began the construction 
of a schooner of 90 tons burden near the residence of 
George McKenzie, Esq. She was completed and launched 
in JIarch, 1879, and as the "Seth P. Ames" is, with the 
other vessels mentioned, now plying the waters in Bay City, 
Saginaw, and vicinity. Mr. Ames died three daj's .subse- 
quent to the launching of his vessel. 

CIVIL UISTORY. 

The first legislative action looking towards the formation 
of the now township was during the session of 1845-46, 
and read as follows : 

".Section 3. That township nuinbur nine north, of range nuinl)cr 
five cast, now forming a part of the township of Vienna, in the 
county of ticnesec, be, and the same is Iieroby, set olT from saitt town- 
ship of Vienna and organized into a sep.arate township by tlio name 
of Pcwonagowinli, and the first township meeting therein sliall be 
lield at the house of James Farquhison,f in said townsliip. 

"Approved March 25th, 1S4C." 

An amendment to this act, j'et approved the same day, 
viz., March 25, 1846, was as follows: 

" Anil the first township meeting therein shall be licld at llie luuise 
of (ieorge Wilcox in said township, on the first Tuesday in May, 

IS-IC." 

It appears from the township records, however, that the 
first town.ship meeting was not held until April, 1847. 
The proceedings at this first election were as follows : 

" At a meeting of the electors of the township of Pewonagowink, 
held at the house of (Jcorge Wilcox, April 5th, 1847, for the purpose 
of electing the first board of township officers, the meeting organized 
by those present choosing John Kar<iuharson, Moderator: John 
McKenzie, Clerk; licnjamin II. Morse an J Asahel Townsend, Inspec- 
tors of Election. The meeting was then adjourned to the school- 
house in district No. 3, where the election was continued until 3 
o'clock r.M. The polls were then closed, the votes canvassed, and tlic 
following persons declared elected : John Farquharson, Su))ervisor; 
John 11. Farquharson, Town Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer; 
George Wilcox, Charles Hartshorn, Benjamin II. Morse, Asahel 
Townsend, Justices of the Peace; Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., Archi- 
bald Morse, Assessors; John Farquharson, Benjamin H. Morse, 
Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., Highway Commissioners; George Wilcox, 
School Inspector; Benjamin 11. Morse, John McKenzie, Directors of 
the Poor; William Wilco.\, Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., Constables; 
Charles Hartshorn, John McKenzie, Ovorscors of Highways." 

By an act of the State Legislature, approved Jan. 15, 
1848, the name of the town.ship was changed to iMontrose. 

The following comjirises full lists of township ufticcrs 
from 1848 to 1879, inclusive: 

IS 18. — John Farquharson, Supervisor ; John R. Farqu- 
hiirson. Town Clerk ; Asahel Townsend, Justice of the 
Peace ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; Asahel Townsend, 



•.Sisco was a colored roan, and married a daughter of Mayhcw's, 
the Frenchman, 
f Farquharson. 



444 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



School Inspector ; Benjamin H. ]\Iorse, Cliailes Hartshorn, 
Directors of the Poor; Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., Higliway 
Commissioner; John Ij. llamer, Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., 
Constables. 

1849. — John Farquharson, Supervisor; John R. Farqu- 
harsou, Town Cleric ; Benjamin H. Morse, Justice of the 
Peace; John McKcnzic, Treasurer ; Seymour W. Ensign, 
Jr., School Inspector ; Charles Hartshorn, Benjamin H. 
Morse, Poor- Masters ; Benjamin H. Morse, Highway Com- 
missioner ; Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., Constable. 

185U. — John Farquharson, Supervisor; John R. Farqu- 
harson, Town Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Rus.sell 
Wells, Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., Justices of the Peace; 
Russell Wells, School Inspector ; Russell Wells, John 
McKenzie, Directors of the Poor; John Farquharson, 
Archibald Morse, Highway Commissioners; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Sr., Benjamin Decker, Constables. 

1851. — John Farquharson, Supervisor; George Wilcox, 
Town Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; George Wilcox, 
Stanton S. Latham, John McKenzie, Justices of the Peace; 
Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., School Inspector ; Russell Wells, 
Jolm R. Farquharson, Poor-Masters; John B. Hamer, 
John McKenzie, Assessors ; William Wilcox, Highway 
Commissioner ; Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., John B. Hamer, 
Con.stablcs. 

1852. — John Farquharson, Supervisor ; John II. Farqu- 
liarson, Town Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; Samuel 
Smith, Elijah Wiggins, Justices of the Peace ; Elijah 
Wiggins, School Inspector ; John McKenzie, Stanton S. 
Latham, Poor-Masters; John SIcKenzie, Martin Swartz, 
Assessors; Elijah Wiggins, John Smith, Highway Commis- 
sioners ; Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., Constable. 

1853. — John Farquharson, Supervisor; John R. Farqu- 
harson, Town Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Reuben 
Smith, Charles Hartshorn, Martin Swartz, Justices of the 
Peace; Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., Martin Swartz, School 
Inspectors; Jlartin Swartz, John McKenzie, Assessors; 
John Smith and John McKenzie, Poor-Masters; John 
Farquharson, Martin Swartz, Highway Commissioners ; 
Seymour W. Ensign, Sr., Calvin Wright, Constables. 

1854. — John Farquharson, Supervisor; John R. Farqu- 
harson, Town Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; Reuben 
Smith, E. C. Paine, Justices of the Peace; Andrew Smith, 
School Inspector ; John McKenzie, John Smith, Poor- 
Masters; E. C. Paine, Highway Commissioner; Seymour 
W. Ensign, Sr., Constable. 

1855.— A. Pottengill, Supervisor; P. F. Le Roy, Town 
Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; William Streeter, Jus- 
tice of the Peace ; Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., George Foltz, 
Highway Commissioners ; Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., Andrew 
JMiller, School Inspectors; Jesse Mizner, Nathan Wood, J. 
D. Stufflebcam, Constables ; B. II. Morse, R. L. Smitii, Poor- 
Masters. 

1856.— M. W. Smith, Supervisor; S. W. Ensign, Town 
Clerk ; John McKenzie, Trea.surer ; William Nichols, Jus- 
tice of the Peace; George Foltz, Samuel Smith, Highway 
Commissioners; George Farrand, Orrin Slade, School In- 
spectors; Jolin McKenzie, Archibald Morse, Poor-Masters; 
Mason Ide, Nathan Wood, James B. Brewer, Francis Ober, 
Constables. 



1857. — William Hulburd, Supervisor; S. W. Ensign, 
Town Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Orrin L. Slade, 
Benjamin F. Waterman, Justices of the Peace ; William 
Streeter, Highway Commissioner; Reuben L. Smith, School 
Inspector; John Francisco, Francis Ober, James R. Brewer, 
Jacob L. Miller, Constables; Charles Hartshorn, Nathan 
Wood, Poor-Masters. 

1858. — William Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Town Clerk; M. M. Bliss, Treasurer; Harvey 
Miller, William Stufflebcam, Highway Commissioners ; 
Reuben L. Smith, ^Villiam Hulburd, Justices of the Peace ; 
John Crawford, School Inspector; William Nichols, Har- 
vey Miller, Poor-Masters; John 0. Stufflebcam, John 
Crawford, Nathan Wood, John Francisco, Constables. 

1859. — William Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Town Clerk; M. M. Bliss, Treasurer; William 
Hulburd, Levi Wells, Poor-Masters; Orrin L. Slade, Geo. 
McKenzie, School In.spcctors ; Orrin L. Slade, Ciiarlcs K. 
Patterson, Highway Commissioners; William Hulburd, 
George McKenzie, Justices of the Peace ; Nathan Wood, 
Wm. Nichols, Wm. Deal, Jacob L. Miller, Constables. 

18G0. — Wm. Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. En- 
sign, Town Clerk ; M. M. Bliss, Treasurer ; Chas. K. Pat- 
terson, Reuben L. Smith, Justices of the Peace; Chas. K. 
Patterson, Highway Commissioner ; George McKenzie, 
School Inspector; Jacob L. Miller, Ephraim Ensign, Ben- 
jamin F. Waterman, Nathan Wood, Constables. 

18G1. — Wm. Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. En- 
sign, Town Clerk; M. M. Bliss, Treasurer; Wm. Hul- 
burd, Highway Commissioner; Reuben L. Smith, School 
Inspector; M. N. Bliss, Justice of the Peace; Edward L. 
Levitt, Ephraim Ensign, Benjamin F. Waterman, Ephraim 
Summers. Constables. 

1862. — Wm. Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. En- 
sign, Town Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; Morris M. 
Bliss, Highway Commissioner; George McKenzie, School 
Inspector; Reuben L. Smith, Justice of the Peace; John 
H. Francisco, Joseph Wilson, James Shanks, Mason Ide, 
Constables. 

18G3. — William Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Town Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Wil- 
liam Hulburd, Seymour W. Ensign, Justices of the 
Peace; Benjamin F. Waterman, Ephraim Sommers, High- 
way Commissioners; Reuben L. Smith, School Inspector; 
John H. Francisco, EInathan Becbe, Ebenezcr Baldwin; 
John A. Stufflebcam, Constables. 

1864. — William Hulburd, Supervisor; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Townsliip Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; 
Charles K. Patterson, Justice of the Peace ; Wm. Hulburd, 
Highway Commissioner ; Hiram Wetherell, to same, to fill 
vacancy ; George McKenzie, School Inspector ; John 0. 
Stufflebcam, John E. Wells, Benjamin F. Waterman, Eben- 
ezer Baldwin, Constables. 

1865. — 31. W. Smitli, Supervisor; John Berry, Town- 
ship Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Morris M. Bliss, 
Highway Commissioner ; W. H. Smith, Justice of the 
Peace ; M. W. Smith, School Inspector ; James Herring- 
ton, Walter Larkins, Nelson Wilcox, John Francisco, Con- 
stable.?. 

1S6G.— M. W. Smitli, Supervisor: John Berry, Town- 



MONTROSE TOWNSHIP. 



445 



ship Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; George W. C. 
Suiitli, Justice of the Peace; George SIcKcnzie, Highway 
Commissioner; Orrir) L. Shido, School Inspector; James 
Shanks, Walter Larkins, William Oilman, John 0. Stuffle- 
beam. Constables. 

18G7. — Menzo W. Smith, Supervisor; John Berrj', 
Township Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; J. H. 
Strecter, Orrin L. Slade, Justices of the Peace; John R. 
Farquharson, Highway Commissioner; M. W. Smith, 
School Inspector ; Walter Larkins, James Shanks, Sey- 
mour W. Ensign, Constables. 

18G8. — Wm. Ilulburd, Supervisor: John Berry, Town- 
ship Clerk ; John McKenzie, Treasurer ; William Wicr, 
Justice of the I'eaco ; Orrin L. Slade, George McKenzie, 
Sch.ool Inspectors; George Parmelee, Highway ConiniLs- 
sioner ; James Shanks, Samuel Parks, James Merwin, Wra. 
Anderson, Constable. 

1869.— Hiram Wetherell, Supervisor; George W. C- 
Smith, Township Clerk; John McKenzie, Treasurer; Henry 
Herring, Justice of the Peace; William Corwin, William 
Dorwood, Highway Commissioners; T. AV. Pettee, School 
Inspector ; Walter Larkins, John Francisco, James Pollock, 
Edward L. Levitt, Constables. 

1870. — Hiram Wethcroll, Supervisor; John McKenzie, 
Treasurer ; Jolin Berry, Town Clerk ; Thomas W. Pettee, 
Justice of the Peace ; George McKenzie, School Inspector ; 
Edward Eckles, Highway Commissioner; James Shanks, 
Constable. 

1871. — George McKenzie, Supervisor ; John McKenzie, 
Treasurer ; John Berry, Town Clerk ; Hiram Wetherell, 
AVilliam Strecter, Ju.stices of the Peace; Seymour W. En- 
sign, School Inspector; Morris M. Bliss, Highway Com- 
missioner ; George Miller, James Shanks, Crandall Love- 
less, Constables. 

1872. — George McKenzie, Supervisor; Hiram Weth- 
erell, Treasurer; Simeon L. Moon, Clerk; Seymour W. 
Ensign, Orrin L. Slade, Justices of the Peace ; George 
Millard, School Inspector; George Patterson, Highway 
Commissioner. 

1873.- — George McKenzie, Supervisor; Stephen M. 
Kent, Treasurer; John Berry, Clerk; John Dunham, 
Justice of the Peace; William R. Guff', School Inspector; 
John McKenzie, Highway Commissioner; William Strecter, 
Drain Commissioner; James Shanks, Hiram Horning, 
Horace Gillett, Con.stables. 

1874. — George McKenzie, Supervisor; Rufus Swartz, 
Treasurer ; John Berry, Clerk ; William Hulburd, Justice 
of the Peace; Simeon L. Moon, William Hulburd, School 
Inspectors; M. M. Bliss, Highway Commissioner; James 
Shanks, Benjamin F. Waterman, Calvin Stafford, Oscar 
Gallup, Constables. 

1875. — George McKenzie, Supervisor; Rufus Swartz, 
Trea-surer; John Berry, Clerk; Orrin L. Slade, Justice of 
the Peace; Lewis P. Compton, School Superintendent; 
Simeon L. Moon, School In.spector ; John McKenzie, High- 
way Commissioner; James Shanks, Charles L. Slade, Miles 
I'redmore, Constables. 

187G. — George McKenzie, Supervisor; Rufus Swartz, 
Treasurer; John Berry, Clerk ; Nathan W. Marble. Jus- 
tice of the Peace; Abraham Horning, School In.spector; 



Thomas W. Pettee, School Superintendent; M. M. Bliss, 
Highway Commissioner; Nicliols D. Vanarnam, Drain 
Commissioner ; Charles M. Slade, James A. Shanks, Elijah 
Joslin, Calvin Stafford, Constables. 

1877. — George McKenzie, Supervisor; William Dor- 
ward, Treasurer ; John Berry, Clerk; John Dunham, Jus- 
tice of the Peace; Allen Richardson, School Inspector; 
Simeon L. Moon, School Superintendent ; James Mackcy, 
Highway Commissioner; James Shanks, Willard Johnson, 
George Patterson, George Phillips, Constables ; Walter 
Larkins, Drain Commissioner. 

1878. — John ]NL Spear, Supervisor ; William Dorward, 
Treasurer ; John Berry, Clerk ; William Hulburd, Justice 
of the Peace; Nathan W. Marble, School In.spector; M. 
M. Bliss, Highway Commissioner; James Shanks, James 
R. Brewer, Solomon Powell, John E. Sharp, Constables ; 
John W. Barber, Superintendent of Schools; Louis Feller, 
Drain Commissioner. 

1870. — John M. Spear, Supervisor; William Clements, 
Treasurer ; John Berry, Clerk ; Orrin L. Slade, Justice of 
the Peace ; Seymour W. Ensign, School Inspector ; John E. 
Taylor, School Superintendent; James Huggins, Highway 
Commissioner; John Wier, N. P. Vanamon, James P. 
Quick, James Shanks, Constables. 

Should errors be found in the spelling of names in the 
foregoing list it may be attributed to the illegible manner 
in which the records have been kept. 

POST-OFFICE. 

The Montrose post-ofifice was first established in 1854, 
William Strecter, postmaster. He was succeeded by Sey- 
mour W. Ensign, under Buchanan's administration, and 
William Hulburd, under Lincoln's. Juhn Berry, the 
present incumbent, has occupied the office since 18G6. 
Mail received weekly. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The boundaries of the first school district were established 
by Russell G. Hurd, George T. Bingham, and Daniel N. 
Montague, of Vienna, in the spring of 1845, and the dis- 
trict included sections 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, and 
36, or the exact southeast quarter of the township. The 
first school-meeting was held at the hou.se of George Wil- 
cox, April 11, 1845, and was then adjourned to the house 
of Amos M. Woodruff. An organization was effected by 
electing William Wilcox, Moderator, Amos M. Woodruff, 
Director, Richard Travis, As.se.ssor. At this meeting it was 
voted to raise §80 to build a school-house, and the site of 
the same to be one-half acre, .situated on the northwest 
corner of the cast one-half of the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 26, or nearly opposite the present residence of 11. Swartz. 
It was further voted to have the school opened the fourth 
Monday in June, 1845. The school-hou.se, a log structure, 
was duly completed, and a school opened at the appointed 
time by Mrs. Barnes, the wife of Albert Barnes, a Mor- 
mon. They were young people, and lived in the school- 
house. Seymour W. Ensign taught in the same house in 
1850. Among other early teachers were Jane Pcttengill, 
who taught the first school in district No. 2 in 1854, Jane 
Ewing, Olive M. Dodge, Eliza J. Cobb, Lydia Balentiuc, 
and Louisa Wright. 



4iC 



HISTORY OF GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. 



The number of children of school age residing in the 
township in 185G were in district No. 1, 25 ; in district 
No. 2, 19; in district No. 3, 14; in fractional district 
No. 1, 10; in fractional district No. 2, 17; total, 85. The 
amount of primary-school money to be apportioned for the 
same period was §12.62. 

The following is a summary of the township school 
report for the year ending Sept. 2, 1878 : Whole districts, 
7 ; fractional districts, 1 ; children of school age in the 
township, 352 ; children attending school during the year, 
295; frame school houses, 8 ; seating capacity of school- 
houses, 418 ; value of school property, $3300. Male teach- 
ei-s employed during the year, .2 ; female teachers, 11. 
Mouths taught by males, 7 ; by females, 45. Paid male 
teachers, $185.04 ; paid female teachers, $772.15 ; total, 
§957.19. 

Receipts. — From moneys on hand, Sept. 3, 1877, two- 
mill tax, primary-school fund, tuition of non-resident schol- 
ars, district taxes for all purposes, and raised from all other 
sources, $2016.54. 

Expemlltures. — Paid teachers, $957.19 ; building and re- 
pairs, bonded indebtedness, and all other purposes, $811.94 ; 
amount on hand, Sept. 2,1878, $247.41 ; total, $2016.54. 

The township po.ssesses no buildings dedicated to religious 
worship. Meetings of various denominations are held in 
the school-houses. Albert Barnes, the Mormon, preached 
the first sermon in George Wilcox's house in 1845. Rev. 
Mr. Bradley, a Methodist divine, was also an early preacher. 

The Montrose Cemetery was laid out Nov. 14, 1859. It 
is situated in the central part of the township, and contains 
three acres. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



SEYMOUR W. ENSIGN, Sr. 

There can be but one first settler in a township, and 
around his name there will always cling pleasant and cher- 
ished memories. Pleasant, to think he was the first to break 
in on the solitudes of the forest. Strange, why he should 
leave the settlements, and go alone into the wilderness to 
start a new town. Perhap.s, what will in time be a great 
city ! It may be only a rural township, yet the pioneers 
all testify to the fact that their first years in the new homes 
were happy ones ; that each stroke of the axe, with its 
answering echoes, spoke to them of cleared farms and beau- 
tiful homes. Such a man was Seymour W. Ensign, Sr. 

He was born in the town of Stafford, Genesee Co., N. Y., 
June 22, 1801. There he grew to manhood, working at 
his trade, — that of a miller. Mr. Ensign married Miss 
Tamma Husted, and their union was blessed with eight 
children. In 1838 he emigrated with his family to Sagi- 
naw Co., Mich., where he rented a farm. At that time his 
means were very limited, having only money enough to take 
his family to Saginaw. By working rented farms he was 
enabled to get. a small start, and in 1842 bought of the 



Brent estate forty acres on section 22, in Montrose town- 
ship. At that time there was not a person living in the 
township ; there were no roads nor clearings. Mr. Ensign 
tied two canoes together and built a platform upon them, 
on which the family, goods, and stores were piled. This 
primitive vessel he towed up Flint River, to what was 
called the Floodwood farm. Here the floodwood prevented 
further advance, and they waited ten days for the river to 
be cleared, when they went on to the Brent farm, just 
beyond the town of Montrose, where they resided one year. 
Their stock had to be driven by the way of Flint, as there 
was no way of going direct to Montrose. During the fol- 
lowing winter Seymour W. Ensign and his brother George 
built a shanty on the forty acres in Jlontrose, and spent the 
winter months in cutting down trees for the cattle to browse 
upon, to keep them from starving. In the spring of 1843 
a small house was constructed, and the family moved into 
it. Thus Montrose saw its first white family. Mr. Ensign 
at once commenced to improve, and at his death his small 
farm was under a good state of cultivation. He died Au2. 
21. 1854, highly esteemed and beloved by his fellow-towns- 
men. 

Seymour W. Ensign, Jr., was born in Stafford, Genesee 
Co., N. Y., Nov. 5, 1826. Up to the time he was sixteen 
he had never been to school, but after coming to Michigan 
he worked for Thomas L. L. Brent, who taught school in 
his own house ; for his services Mr. Brent gave him four 
hours' schooling daily. After that he attended school 
three winters ; he then taught school three winters, work- 
ing on the farm summers. In 1850 he bought on contract 
the balance of the eighty-acre lot from which his father's 
forty was taken, and paid for it by teaching and lumbering. 
He now owns the old homestead, working in all eighty acres 
of well-improved land, with good house, barns, etc. In 
politics Mr. Ensign is a Republican, and has been many 
times elected to the different offices in the gift of his town- 
ship. Was town clerk ten years, commissioner of high- 
ways six years, and justice of the peace two years. Sept. 
20, 1864, he was drafted, and was assigned to Company I, 
15th Michigan Infantry. He joined Sherman's army at 
Beaufort, S. C. ; in January, 1865, was at the battle of 
Bentonville, although his corps did not become actively en- 
gaged. He took part in the grand review in AVashington, 
at the close of the war, — a scene long to be remembered by 
him. lie was discharged May 30, 1865. 

He was married to Miss Hannah Vernon, July 4, 1851. 
She was born June 22, 1851, and was the daughter of 
Joseph and Sarah (Vernon) Garside. Their family em- 
braced the following-named children : Anastasia A., born 
March 14, 1852, died Aug. 11, 1856; Eugene H., born. 
Aug. 18, 1853; Clarence S. W., born Aug. 2, 1855, died 
Jan. 26, 1873 ; Isabella E., born April 2, 1858 ; Ida S., 
born March 2, 1861; Alice E., born Sept. 25, 1862; and 
Cora L., born July 8, 1867. Mr. Ensign's sister Amanda 
was the first white child born in the town of Montrose. 
His sister Mary's marriage to Benjamin H. Morse was the 
first marriage in the town. 



